Offshore Pursuit: Private Full‑Day Deep‑Sea Sportfishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale
Spend a full day chasing sailfish, mahi‑mahi, tuna and more aboard a 46' Hatteras out of Fort Lauderdale. This private eight‑hour charter includes gear, bait, licenses and a seasoned crew to tailor techniques from trolling to kite fishing.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring seasickness medicine
Roller swells and a long transit can unsettle stomachs—take anti‑nausea meds the night before or use patches for multi‑hour trips.
Wear non‑marking deck shoes
Grip and a flat sole matter when fighting fish on a wet deck—avoid sneakers with deep treads that can scuff the boat.
Hydrate and pack salty snacks
An eight‑hour day under the sun and motion burns calories—drink water regularly and bring easy snacks for energy.
Plan your tipping and expectations
Crew tips are customary for guided charters—plan 15–20% based on service and catch, and communicate target species before departure.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Ask the captain about nearby wrecks that consistently hold amberjack and grouper
- •Early morning nearshore trolling often finds mahi‑mahi close to floating sargassum lines
Wildlife
- •Bottlenose dolphins
- •Pelagic sea birds (terns and shearwaters)
Conservation Note
Operators follow state bag and size limits and many practice selective release for billfish; bring reusable water bottles and minimize single‑use plastics to reduce marine debris.
Fort Lauderdale grew from a 19th‑century military outpost into a major recreational fishing hub; its proximity to the Gulf Stream made it a natural base for offshore sportfishing.
What to Bring
Polarized sunglassesEssential
Cuts glare for spotting boils and reduces eye strain on bright, reflective water.
Non‑marking deck shoesEssential
Provides traction and protects the boat’s finish while standing on a wet deck.
Sun protection (broad‑brim hat & sunscreen)Essential
Extended exposure to tropical sun makes high‑SPF protection and a hat essential.
Motion‑sickness medication or patch
Useful for those prone to seasickness during long offshore transits.
Common Questions
Is a fishing license required?
No—licenses are provided by the operator and included in the charter price.
What species can we expect to catch on a full‑day trip?
Targets commonly include sailfish, mahi‑mahi, tuna, wahoo, amberjack and various reef species like grouper and snapper; exact targets depend on season and the day’s strategy.
Are kids and novices welcome?
Yes—the charter is suitable for families and beginners; the first mate assists with gear and fighting fish, though younger kids should be supervised during fights.
What happens to the catch?
The crew will clean and fillet fish onboard; you can take fillets home and discuss any size or bag limits enforced locally.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
8 hours
Location
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Average fitness—able to stand for long periods and brace during a fight; not medically strenuous but requires stamina for repeated lifts.
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