Trip 1:
Brad and Brooke from Missouri had been dreaming of a deep-sea fishing adventure in Fort Lauderdale, so they booked a half-day charter with us aboard the Happy Day Today. The day started with a steady northeast wind at 12-15 mph, creating a light chop on top of a north swell. A few miles offshore, the water turned deep blue, and we spotted flyers—perfect bait for pelagic species.

With ideal conditions, we set up for kite fishing, a favorite technique in Fort Lauderdale. As we passed the jetties, we headed east to a productive spot, where we deployed two kites, each carrying live baits below them. Kite fishing is an exciting experience, and it’s always better when you see it in person. We also dropped a bait down to the bottom of the reef, allowing it to move slowly with the current. After an hour, the rod bent over, and the first mate called out, "We’ve got one!" Brooke grabbed the rod and fought a feisty Mutton Snapper to the surface.

Next, we moved deeper over a Fort Lauderdale fishing sunken shipwreck, a hot spot for predators. As we set up over the wreck, both kite baits hooked up in a double-header strike. Brad and Brooke each took a rod and reeled in two beautiful Blackfin Tunas. The first mate gaffed the fish and added them to the box.

Not long after, we saw the left kite bait swimming erratically. Then, from the depths, a massive Hammerhead shark emerged, circling the bait. Its tail lashed the water as it tried repeatedly to grab the bait. After several misses, the Shark finally nailed it and took off, ripping drag and thrashing violently. Brad was on the rod, and the battle was intense. After a thrilling fight, we managed to bring the Shark alongside the boat, where we quickly removed the hook, snapped a photo, and released the predator back into the deep.

It was an unforgettable day of fishing in Fort Lauderdale, with Brad and Brooke taking home memories of an exciting encounter with some of the ocean’s most impressive creatures.

Trip 2:
Chris and John from Wisconsin had eagerly traded snow for sunshine, heading down to South Florida for a much-needed break from the cold for a deep-sea fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale. Their mission was clear: catch a Sailfish, the ultimate prize in Fort Lauderdale's deep-sea fishing scene. Though the weather was far from ideal for comfort, it was perfect for Sailfish—overcast skies, a brisk northeast wind, and choppy seas. This was classic Sailfish weather.

The baitwell was stocked with Goggle Eyes and Cigar Minnows, both prime choices for enticing Sailfish. Kyle, the first mate, had everything prepped to perfection. As soon as we arrived at the fishing spot, the kites were deployed, and the baits were in the water within minutes. Kite fishing is one of my favorite methods, presenting baitfish naturally at the surface, mimicking distressed prey.

The conditions were challenging. The north wind collided with a strong north current, causing the seas to crest sharply. It was a bumpy ride, but we knew these were the moments when Sailfish thrive. In 165 feet of water, we got our first strike. A Sailfish exploded on the right long bait, crashing into the Cigar Minnow and swimming away. Chris grabbed the rod, his adrenaline surging as the Sailfish leapt skyward, its bill slashing through the air. But just as quickly as it began, the hook popped out, and the fish was gone.

Undeterred, we reset the lines and continued drifting with the current, moving a few miles further north. The baits danced nervously at the surface, a sign that something big was nearby. Suddenly, a Sailfish appeared on the left short bait, slashing through the water with precision. It ripped the bait clean off the hook before we had a chance to set it. Another close call, and the pressure was mounting.
Determined to deliver the experience Chris and John had dreamed of, we reset once again. The third Sailfish appeared on the right short bait, its movements calm and deliberate—a textbook approach. This time, everything clicked. The Sailfish slowly swam off, picking up speed, and John engaged the drag. The hook set perfectly, and the fight was on.

The Sailfish put on a spectacular show, leaping and tail-walking across the water. John held steady, expertly battling the fish as it darted and thrashed. After an exhilarating fight, we brought the Sailfish alongside the boat. Its cobalt blue fins shimmered in the overcast light, a breathtaking sight. We quickly lifted it aboard for a photo, carefully removed the hook, and released the majestic fish back into the deep.

Chris and John cheered as the Sailfish disappeared into the waves, their mission accomplished. It had been a day of highs and lows, but perseverance paid off. As we headed back to the marina, the guys couldn’t stop smiling, their goal achieved, and their memories of Fort Lauderdale fishing charter forever etched in their minds.

Trip 3:
Fatma and her family, visiting from California, decided to add some excitement to their vacation by booking a half-day deep-sea fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale. Along for the ride were her son and daughter, both eager to experience the thrill of fishing on the open ocean. Knowing how much kids enjoy constant action, we kicked off the trip by catching bait—a surefire way to keep them engaged and set the stage for the day’s adventure.

Armed with light tackle, the kids got to work. Their enthusiasm was contagious as they each reeled in 10 to 12 lively baitfish. The laughter and cheers set a great tone, and the added bonus was that these baits would later become key to our success during wreck and bottom fishing.

With a livewell full of bait, we made a short ride to a shallow sunken shipwreck. The first mate rigged up one of the live baits and sent it to the bottom. The anticipation didn’t last long—within minutes, the rod bent sharply, and the fight was on. The whole family cheered as we brought up a 15-pound Almaco Jack, a strong and spirited fish. After a quick photo, we released it back into the ocean, marking a solid start to the charter.

Eager to keep the action going, we moved to a deeper spot nearby. The first mate rigged a Cigar Minnow and sent it down to the rocky structure below. I maneuvered the boat, watching the depth sounder, which showed promising marks above the structure. Then, like clockwork, the rod bent hard, and Fatma’s son jumped into action. He fought the fish with determination, and soon we had a hefty, 40-pound Amberjack alongside the boat. After venting the fish to ensure its safe release, we snapped a photo and sent it back into the depths.

Not wanting to miss out, we dropped another bait, and sure enough, another Amberjack took the line. Fatma’s daughter took the rod this time, proving she was just as skilled as her brother. After another exciting battle, we released the second Amberjack and moved to the next spot.

The final location was deeper still, perfect for targeting Snappers. Using fresh bait, we sent the line to the bottom, and it didn’t take long to hook into a Mutton Snapper. Its vivid colors lit up the deck as we brought it aboard. We stayed at the spot, reeling in Yellowtail Snappers one after another, creating an action-packed end to the trip.

When it was time to head back to the dock, the family was all smiles. The day had been filled with excitement, teamwork, and a great mix of fish. At the marina, we filleted their Snapper catch, sending them home with bags of fresh fish to enjoy. It was a day to remember, filled with the kind of memories that make deep-sea fishing in Fort Lauderdale truly special.

Trip 4:
Rebecca, John, and their 14-year-old son, Jake, booked us for a half-day fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale to celebrate Jake's birthday. The fishing conditions had been promising, with blue water along the reef's edge, plenty of bait in the area, and winds ideal for trolling. Spirits were high as we set out, hoping for an action-packed day.

As soon as we hit the color change where the deep blue water met the shallower green, the first mate deployed two deep planer lines and four surface rigger lines. It wasn’t long before we got our first bite—a large Bonita on the rigger bait. Jake jumped into action, reeling in his first catch of the day. A solid start to his birthday adventure while fishing in Fort Lauderdale!

As we continued trolling along the rip, the conditions looked even better. The water was alive with activity, and we were confident something big was just around the corner. Suddenly, there was a splash on a distant wave, and we watched as the disturbance zeroed in on the right long rigger bait. A massive Mahi Mahi erupted from the water, crashing onto the bait and taking off with the line. Jake was back in the chair, battling the vibrant, acrobatic fish. After an exciting fight, the first mate gaffed the Mahi and added it to the fish box—a stunning addition to the day's haul.

We reset the lines and continued down the rip. The depth sounder was lighting up with schools of baitfish, a sign that predators were close. Sure enough, the planer line suddenly screamed as drag peeled off, and in the distance, a Sailfish broke through the surface, jumping wildly. Jake, the birthday boy, eagerly hopped into the chair for the fight of his life. The Sailfish put on a spectacular show, leaping and tail-walking across the water. With guidance from the crew, Jake expertly brought the fish to the boat. After a quick photo, we removed the hook and released the Sailfish back into the ocean.

With some time left, I decided to try one last spot—an area where I’d marked fish hanging around a deep-water shipwreck. We rigged a live bait for bottom fishing and sent it down. Moments later, the rod doubled over, and Jake was battling yet another big fish. This time, it was a Shark. Jake handled the fight like a pro, and after a thrilling battle, we brought the Shark up to the boat for a closer look before releasing it safely back into the water.

It was an unforgettable birthday fishing charter for Jake, with a Shark and a Sailfish release and a beautiful Mahi Mahi in the box for dinner. As we headed back to the dock, the family beamed with excitement, knowing they’d just made memories to last a lifetime while deep-sea fishing in Fort Lauderdale.

To book a deep-sea fishing charter contact Capt. Dave Zsak at (954) 439-8106 or check out the website at: www.Topshotfishing.com