Charter Operator
Playtime Sportfishing

Member since July 2025 Fort Lauderdale, United States
Background
Captain James Brayton has been on the water since the age of 3, growing up fishing alongside his father on drift boats. What started as a childhood passion quickly turned into a lifelong career. By age 12, he was already at the helm of a 65' sportfishing boat under the guidance of an experienced captain — the moment he knew this was the path he wanted to follow. He began working his way up from helping out as a second mate to mastering every aspect of the boat — from bottom fishing and live baiting to engine room operations. By 16, he was fully immersed in the charter world, learning advanced techniques like kite fishing, shark fishing, and wreck fishing. At just 21 years old, he earned his captain's license and turned his dream into reality. With over two decades of professional experience (since 2000), Capt. James has fished extensively along both the East and West coasts of Florida — from Port St. Lucie to Key West, up to Clearwater — as well as the Bahamas, U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas), the Dry Tortugas, and Pulley Ridge. He specializes in targeting Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Snapper, and Grouper, and brings a deep understanding of offshore and reef fisheries to every trip. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, Capt. James is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and delivering an unforgettable day on the water.
Techniques
Fishing with live bait is my favorite way to target big game. Whether it's kite fishing, dropping baits on wrecks, or slow-trolling along the reef line, this technique brings constant excitement. You never know what's going to eat — and that's what makes it unforgettable.

Hey, it's Playtime Sportfishing

Fort Lauderdale, United States
Background
Captain James Brayton has been on the water since the age of 3, growing up fishing alongside his father on drift boats. What started as a childhood passion quickly turned into a lifelong career. By age 12, he was already at the helm of a 65' sportfishing boat under the guidance of an experienced captain — the moment he knew this was the path he wanted to follow. He began working his way up from helping out as a second mate to mastering every aspect of the boat — from bottom fishing and live baiting to engine room operations. By 16, he was fully immersed in the charter world, learning advanced techniques like kite fishing, shark fishing, and wreck fishing. At just 21 years old, he earned his captain's license and turned his dream into reality. With over two decades of professional experience (since 2000), Capt. James has fished extensively along both the East and West coasts of Florida — from Port St. Lucie to Key West, up to Clearwater — as well as the Bahamas, U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas), the Dry Tortugas, and Pulley Ridge. He specializes in targeting Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Snapper, and Grouper, and brings a deep understanding of offshore and reef fisheries to every trip. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, Capt. James is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and delivering an unforgettable day on the water.
Techniques
Fishing with live bait is my favorite way to target big game. Whether it's kite fishing, dropping baits on wrecks, or slow-trolling along the reef line, this technique brings constant excitement. You never know what's going to eat — and that's what makes it unforgettable.
Our Team
Dylan L.
First mate
Jennie M.
Captain

My Charter Listings

Excellent
4.9 / 5
(59 reviews)
Fort Lauderdale
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $700
Fort Lauderdale
Trips from US $700

Fishing Reports

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 59 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (85)
awesome trip
awesome trip
Beautiful excursion
+82
Angler rating
56
2
1
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
98%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
98%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 59 reviews
Krystle D.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Above and Beyond

VERIFIED   3 Hour Trip โ€“ Kids/Beginners on April 8, 2026
We had a great experience with this fishing charter despite some very rough seas. We initially attempted to head out into the...
Krystle D. recommends Playtime Sportfishing
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Krystle D. recommends Playtime Sportfishing
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Jeremy A.
Novi Sad, Serbia
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Best trip ever!!!!

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip on February 21, 2026
Morning started out great Captain James accommodated my son and I by meeting us an hr early. Then he gave us the option to...
Jeremy A. recommends Playtime Sportfishing
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Playtime Sportfishing Charter Operator replied

Eddie C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Absolutely Incredible Fishing Trip!!

VERIFIED   3 Hour Trip โ€“ Kids/Beginners on April 6, 2026
My wife, our two boys, and I had an unforgettable day on the water. We landed a trophy Mahi along with several blackfin tuna,...
Eddie C. recommends Playtime Sportfishing
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Eddie C. recommends Playtime Sportfishing
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

James J.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Slow morning but who gives a rats ass

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip on March 23, 2026
headed out with Jenny and Sean for a few hours in the morning. fishing was slow, landed a couple of bullets and a decent bonita....
James J. recommends Playtime Sportfishing
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Playtime Sportfishing Charter Operator replied

Mark Z.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

May fishing trip

VERIFIED   NEW  5 Hour Trip on May 23, 2026
We didnโ€™t catch a big fish while trolling but we caught a bunch of medium sized snapper while bottom fishing which allowed...
Mark Z. recommends Playtime Sportfishing
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Mark Z. recommends Playtime Sportfishing
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful