Fort Lauderdale Reef Fishing Charters
Fort Lauderdale Reef Fishing Charters
Best Reef Fishing Charters in Fort Lauderdale
Best Reef Fishing Charters in Fort Lauderdale
Reef Fishing in Fort Lauderdale
Reef Fishing in Fort Lauderdale
Apart from being known for its proximity to the rich waters of the Gulf Stream, Fort Lauderdale is equally famous for its numerous coral reefs, artificial reefs, and shipwrecks. No wonder the reef fishing Fort Lauderdale offers is at the top of the list for many avid anglers visiting the area. These waters are a true heaven for numerous species, including a variety of Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack, Kingfish, Tilefish, Triggerfish, Grunt, Porgy, Bonito, and so much more.
What type of trip is right for me?
In addition to full day and half day trips (and anything in between), if you want to focus on particular species/fishing techniques, check out the following trips:
Deep Dropping Trips
These trips will take you exploring reefs and wrecks in pursuit of Amberjack, Cobia, Grouper, Mutton Snapper, and more. You'll be deep dropping in waters 700–1,100 feet deep and the bycatch can include Tuna and Mahi Mahi. Please note that catch and release is not likely on these trips.
Night Snapper Trips
Night trips usually last 4–5 hours and involve anchoring over reefs and wrecks, and chumming for various Snapper. Yellowtail Snapper is considered to be the hardest fighter and their prime season is summer and fall. Mutton and Mangrove Snapper are the best during their spawning seasons in May, July, and August. Lane and Vermilion Snapper are also a possibility.
In addition to Snapper, you could also be reeling in Grouper, Grunts, Porgies, Jacks, and more. Night fishing is also perfect for targeting various Shark (Blacktip, Bull, Lemon, and Hammerhead) in waters 50–120 feet using heavy stand up tackle.
Drift Fishing Trips
Drifting over reefs and wrecks aboard a "drift" party boat is one of the most popular and economical ways to go reef fishing in Fort Lauderdale. These trips are usually done 1–2 miles offshore in 70–150 feet of water. You'll be using live baits (ballyhoo, sardines, squid) to target all those Snapper, Grouper, Porgy, Triggerfish, Grunt, and more.
How to Prepare
When exploring these bountiful reefs, you'll just need to bring your food, drinks, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Fort Lauderdale charters will take care of everything else – from fishing licenses to top-notch tackle and even fish cleaning.
Book a trip with a licensed local charter and get ready for some exciting bottom fishing, drifting, and trolling for the most delicious reef species. Reef fishing doesn't get better than this!
Fort Lauderdale
4.4
/
5
Based on 26,558 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
What anglers said about Reef Fishing in Fort Lauderdale
What anglers said about Reef Fishing in Fort Lauderdale
Watch the weather and pick a guide the meets your realtor expectations. Have fun.
4.7
/
5
Watch the weather and pick a guide the meets your realtor expectations. Have fun.
Michael C.
Jacksonville, FL
Get a private charter who is willing to take you to his private hot spots.
4.7
/
5
Get a private charter who is willing to take you to his private hot spots.
Richard B.
Fort Rucker, Alabama
Great first time fishing in Ft Lauderdale. Weather and waves were perfect. Caught more this trip than any charter I have ever taken
5.0
/
5
Great first time fishing in Ft Lauderdale. Weather and waves were perfect. Caught more this trip than any charter I have ever taken
Christopher G.
Madison, CT
My only problem fishing in fort Lauderdale this may was the sea grass was so abundant out in the ocean other than that had a great time
4.0
/
5
My only problem fishing in fort Lauderdale this may was the sea grass was so abundant out in the ocean other than that had a great time
Ronald S.
Cincinnati, OH
May seems to be a slow season, however, we still caught lots of fish and had a great time.
5.0
/
5
May seems to be a slow season, however, we still caught lots of fish and had a great time.
Sophie P.
Stow, OH
To book with this company and use Mike as a captain. He was informative and sooo helpful!! We were very impressed and still are!
5.0
/
5
To book with this company and use Mike as a captain. He was informative and sooo helpful!! We were very impressed and still are!
Emilee H.
Kalamazoo, MI
Make sure your prepared for weather. It can come up on ya in a moments notice. EVEN if the sun is shining when ya wake up!! Best advice I have!!
5.0
/
5
Make sure your prepared for weather. It can come up on ya in a moments notice. EVEN if the sun is shining when ya wake up!! Best advice I have!!
Chris L.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
If you're going with kids bring drinks and snacks. Hats, sunscreen, and a positive attitude with those around you go a long way.
5.0
/
5
If you're going with kids bring drinks and snacks. Hats, sunscreen, and a positive attitude with those around you go a long way.
Cliff P.
Tampa, Florida
Speak to your guide about how the fishing is going at that particular time of the year. Some months are better than others
5.0
/
5
Speak to your guide about how the fishing is going at that particular time of the year. Some months are better than others
Bobby P.
Tampa, Florida
Use this charter. Hands down, well worth the price. If youโre serious about fishing, look no further.
5.0
/
5
Use this charter. Hands down, well worth the price. If youโre serious about fishing, look no further.
Edward D.
Hockessin, DE
Excellent trip..the viewing going in and out of the harbor are unbelievable seeing the expensive yachts and mansions.
5.0
/
5
Excellent trip..the viewing going in and out of the harbor are unbelievable seeing the expensive yachts and mansions.
Lee I.
Crosby, MN
If you're not from the area, expect it to be real warm and multiple patterns happening at the same time.
5.0
/
5
If you're not from the area, expect it to be real warm and multiple patterns happening at the same time.
Chad W.
Murfreesboro, TN
Being from the north, I truly needed to get some Florida guidance. Go out with a guide.
5.0
/
5
Being from the north, I truly needed to get some Florida guidance. Go out with a guide.
Larry O.
Delray Beach, FL
No need to go to the keys thereโs plenty of fish Without going miles and miles offshore
5.0
/
5
No need to go to the keys thereโs plenty of fish Without going miles and miles offshore
Owen L.
Hialeah, Florida
Captain Matt was awesome and very much aware of what was needed to catch fish on our outing. 100% would recommend him for your fishing adventure!!!
5.0
/
5
Captain Matt was awesome and very much aware of what was needed to catch fish on our outing. 100% would recommend him for your fishing adventure!!!
Brian P.
Martinsburg, West Virginia
I booked this trip for my husband for Father's Day. Along with a friend. They had a good time. The Captain and crew were great. Unfortunately they came home with no fish. One person caught a Grouper and my husband caught a Trigger Fish. The Captain felt bad and even stayed out a little longer but nature said No.. This also was the night fishing trip. I will definitely book again.
5.0
/
5
I booked this trip for my husband for Father's Day. Along with a friend. They had a good time. The Captain and crew were great. Unfortunately they came home with no fish. One person caught a Grouper and my husband caught a Trigger Fish. The Captain felt bad and even stayed out a little longer but nature said No.. This also was the night fishing trip. I will definitely book again.
Julie S.
Lake Worth, FL
Hit up Dania Pier! It only costs $3.50 for a day pass on the pier. Plenty to see and plenty to catch!
5.0
/
5
Hit up Dania Pier! It only costs $3.50 for a day pass on the pier. Plenty to see and plenty to catch!
Richard S.
Youngstown, OH
We had a great time fishing in Fort Lauderdale in May. Our Captain knew just where to go and we had the time of our lives!
5.0
/
5
We had a great time fishing in Fort Lauderdale in May. Our Captain knew just where to go and we had the time of our lives!
Lina B.
Webster, Massachusetts
Waters are a little more rough in May as opposed to the summer months but a little more choppy waters get the fish more active. Quality over quantity during the month of May.
5.0
/
5
Waters are a little more rough in May as opposed to the summer months but a little more choppy waters get the fish more active. Quality over quantity during the month of May.
Shirlee W.
Braidwood, IL
I donโt catch anything but the captain the day before caught a nice sailfish
5.0
/
5
I donโt catch anything but the captain the day before caught a nice sailfish
Ryan B.
Tampa, Florida