Top-Rated Inshore Fishing in Fort Lauderdale

Published Date: July 22, 2025
Fishing

Fort Lauderdale
$500 - $1,200 price range

Summary

Fort Lauderdale Beach Charters offers a customizable inshore fishing trip that's perfect for anglers of all levels. You'll be targeting some of the ocean's top predators, including sailfish, tuna, cobia, and mahi-mahi. Our experienced crew knows exactly where to find the hotspots, and they'll set you up with top-quality gear to make the most of your day on the water. Whether you're looking to land a trophy fish, fill the cooler with your catch, or just enjoy the excitement of being out on the ocean, we've got you covered. We offer private charters for up to 6 guests, making it ideal for families, friends, or serious fishing enthusiasts. The waters off Fort Lauderdale are teeming with fish year-round, so you're in for an action-packed day no matter when you book. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly. Get ready to create some lasting memories on the beautiful waters of Fort Lauderdale!

Top-Rated Inshore Fishing in Fort Lauderdale

Reeling in the Big Ones

Two little tunny fish caught at Pompano Beach

We hooked into three solid Kingfish back-to-back

Another solid mahi in the boat today off Pompano

Mahi Mahi fish caught on cruises and fishing trip in FL

Big mahi. Bigger smiles. Who’s next?

Angler with a large tarpon fish caught in Pompano Beach

Hook set. Drag screaming. Tarpon flying.

Reel in the Big Ones: Fort Lauderdale Inshore Fishing

Ready to get your line wet in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters? Our customizable Fort Lauderdale fishing charters put you right where the action is. Whether you're after a cooler full of tasty fillets or looking to battle with some of the ocean's toughest fighters, we've got you covered. Our experienced crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and we're here to make sure you have the best day possible on the water.

What to Expect on the Water

Hop aboard our well-equipped vessel and get ready for a day of non-stop fishing action. We'll cruise the inshore waters of Fort Lauderdale, targeting hotspots where the fish are biting. Our trips are perfect for anglers of all skill levels - from first-timers to seasoned pros. We provide top-notch gear and bait, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure. With a max of 6 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention from our crew. Just remember to pack some snacks and drinks, as meals aren't included on this trip.

Techniques That Land Fish

On our inshore trips, we use a variety of fishing techniques to maximize your chances of success. We might start with some light trolling to cover ground and locate active fish. Once we find a productive area, we'll switch to bottom fishing or live bait fishing. For species like sailfish, we often use kite fishing - a technique that keeps live bait on the surface and creates an irresistible presentation. Our crew will walk you through each method, helping you perfect your technique and increase your odds of landing that trophy fish.

Top Catches This Season

Fort Lauderdale's inshore waters are teeming with a variety of sought-after game fish. We're talking about hard-fighting predators that'll test your skills and give you stories to tell for years to come. Here's a rundown of some of the top species we're targeting:

Species You'll Want to Hook

Blackfin Tuna: These speedy swimmers are a favorite among anglers for their strong fights and delicious meat. Blackfin tuna typically range from 15 to 30 pounds, but we occasionally hook into larger ones. They're most active in the cooler months, from fall through spring. When you hook one, be ready for screaming reels and powerful runs!

Atlantic Sailfish: The acrobatic stars of our inshore waters, sailfish are known for their spectacular leaps and blazing speed. These beautiful fish can reach over 7 feet in length and put on an incredible show when hooked. Winter and early spring are prime times for sailfish, but we can find them year-round. Remember, these are catch-and-release only - but the photos and memories will last a lifetime.

King Mackerel: Also known as "kingfish," these toothy predators are abundant in our waters. They're fast, aggressive, and known for their smoking runs. Kings typically range from 10 to 40 pounds, but we occasionally land monsters over 50 pounds. Fall and winter are peak seasons, but we catch them year-round. They're excellent eating fish, so be ready to take some fillets home!

Mahi Mahi: These colorful fish, also called dorado or dolphinfish, are as beautiful as they are delicious. Known for their acrobatic fights and tender, flaky meat, mahi mahi are a favorite among our guests. We typically find them in the 5 to 20 pound range, with larger bulls occasionally topping 30 pounds. Summer and early fall are prime mahi seasons, but we catch them year-round in Fort Lauderdale.

Cobia: These curious, hard-fighting fish are always a welcome surprise on our trips. Cobia can grow to over 100 pounds, though most we catch are in the 20 to 50 pound range. They're known for their powerful runs and tendency to circle the boat once hooked. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but we find them year-round. Cobia make excellent table fare, so be ready to fire up the grill when you get home!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Our Fort Lauderdale inshore fishing trips offer something for everyone. Families love the ease of fishing close to shore, while still having shots at big game fish. Serious anglers appreciate our crew's local knowledge and ability to put them on the fish. And everyone enjoys the thrill of battling these hard-fighting species in the crystal-clear waters off Fort Lauderdale. Plus, with our customizable trips, you can tailor the experience to exactly what you're after - whether that's non-stop action with smaller fish or focusing on trophy catches.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing Fort Lauderdale has to offer? Our calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book your trip. Remember, we can accommodate up to 6 guests, making this perfect for family outings, bachelor parties, or a day out with your fishing buddies. Our experienced crew, top-notch equipment, and local knowledge give you the best shot at landing that fish of a lifetime. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's get out on the water. The fish are biting, and your next great fishing story is waiting to be written!

Customer Review

Great trip got onto some nice black fin tuna and with captain brads expertise showed us some tips on how to make some great eats

Brendan Dixson

April 15, 2024

Learn more about the species

Atlantic Sailfish

Atlantic Sailfish are the showstoppers of our waters. Growing up to 10 feet long but surprisingly light, these acrobats are known for their spectacular leaps and blazing runs. You'll find them in the warmer, upper layers of the ocean, typically 30-65 feet deep. They love to chase bait near the surface, which makes for some exciting visual fishing. Sailfish season here peaks in winter, but we can catch them year-round in the "Sailfish Alley" between Miami and Fort Pierce. Anglers go crazy for these fish because of their stunning looks and the challenge they present. When you hook one, be ready for a fight - they're incredibly strong and love to jump. Here's a tip: use a pitch bait when you spot them. Have a rigged ballyhoo ready to toss their way. It's a game-changer when they're being finicky.

Blackfin Tuna

Blackfin Tuna are the smallest of the Thunnus genus, but don't let that fool you. These little powerhouses typically weigh 15-30 pounds and put up a serious fight. You'll find them in waters 40-150 feet deep, often near drop-offs or underwater structures. They're most active in the cooler months, from fall through spring. Blackfins are prized for their rich, dark meat that's similar to Yellowfin. When targeting them, look for birds working the surface - that's usually a dead giveaway. These guys are fast and hit hard, so be ready. A local trick: try vertical jigging with speed jigs when you mark them on the finder. They can't resist a fast-moving lure mimicking fleeing baitfish. Just remember to scale down your tackle - these tuna have sharp eyes and can be leader-shy.

Cobia

Cobia are the oddballs of our waters - often mistaken for sharks with their broad, flat heads. These bruisers typically run 30-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around structure like reefs, wrecks, and buoys, from the surface down to about 70 feet. Cobia season here peaks in spring and early summer during their migration. Anglers love targeting them for their powerful fights and excellent eating quality. These fish are known for their curiosity - they'll often follow hooked fish or even your boat. When you spot one, act fast. Here's a local trick: always have a heavy jig ready to pitch. Cobia can't resist a well-placed jig dropped right in front of them. Look for them around rays and sea turtles too - they love hitching a ride. Be ready for a battle when you hook up, these fish don't give up easily.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel, or Kingfish, are the speedsters of our coastal waters. These sleek predators usually run 15-40 pounds, with some monsters pushing 90. You'll find them from the surface down to about 150 feet, often near reefs, wrecks, or bait schools. Kings are most active in our area during the warmer months, especially in late spring and early fall. Anglers love targeting them for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. Plus, they make for some tasty eating if properly prepared. When fishing for Kings, trolling with live bait is hard to beat. Here's a local trick: use a stinger rig. Kings are known for short-striking, so a trailing hook increases your hookup ratio. Keep your eyes peeled for diving birds - that's often a sign Kings are feeding on the surface.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi Mahi are the beauty queens of offshore fishing. These colorful acrobats usually run 15-30 pounds, but can top 50. You'll spot them near the surface, often around floating debris or weed lines. They're most active here in the warmer months, especially late spring through early fall. Anglers love Mahi for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked and their excellent table fare. These fish are famous for their striking colors that change rapidly after being caught. When targeting Mahi, keep an eye out for frigate birds – they'll often lead you right to the fish. Here's a local tip: if you find a school, keep one hooked fish in the water. Mahi are curious and will often stick around, giving you a chance at multiple hookups. Troll with ballyhoo or bright lures, and be ready for explosive surface strikes.

About the SeaVee

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Volvo engine

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Ready to reel in some excitement on the waters of Fort Lauderdale? Our customizable inshore fishing trips are perfect for anglers of all levels. We'll take you to the hotspots where you can tangle with prized catches like sailfish, tuna, cobia, and mahi-mahi. Our experienced crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, putting you right where the action is. We provide top-quality gear and local expertise to maximize your chances of landing that trophy fish. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a fun day on the water, we've got you covered. Our private charters are ideal for families, groups of friends, or serious fishermen looking for a tailored experience. With room for up to 6 guests, there's plenty of space to bring the whole crew along. Don't miss this chance to create lasting memories and stories to share for years to come. Book your Fort Lauderdale fishing adventure today!

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