Today’s mission was clear: we were after something big. Our anglers came aboard "Happy Day Today" a 52' Hatteras with the goal of hooking into a true ocean predator, so we set our sights on two of the most exciting species you can target off Fort Lauderdale—Sailfish and Sharks.
To cover both options, we ran a combination spread, mixing live and dead baits. Our strategy? Present a natural offering that no predator could resist. We pushed offshore until we hit about 300 feet of water and found just what we were looking for—bluewater magic. There was a current edge slicing the ocean into two distinct color lines, a textbook sign of where predators like to hunt. Add a steady 12-15 mph breeze, and we had perfect conditions for kite fishing.
We launched two kites, each holding baits right on the surface. In addition, we had one dead bait drifting on top and three live baits swimming just beneath the chop. For our Shark setup, we rigged a dead bait on the bottom, sitting around 250 feet down—right in the strike zone for deep-water bruisers.
The action wasn’t far behind. Not long after we got set up, a Sailfish lit up the spread, locking in on a lively bait fluttering under one of the kites. The fish made a hard charge, smacked the bait, and peeled off in a blistering run, line screaming off the reel. Then the show began—high-flying leaps, deep dives, and fast runs that had everyone glued to the rail.
After a back-and-forth battle, the angler worked the Sailfish boatside. We gently grabbed the bill, removed the hook, and gave the beautiful fish a moment to recover before watching it swim off strong, back into the deep blue. A textbook catch and release.
But the day was far from over.
We reset the spread and continued drifting in that same 300-foot zone, keeping the bow pointed into the current with the kites holding steady. Then things got wild. Off the left long bait, we spotted a Hammerhead Shark—big and unmistakable. It circled the dead bait on the surface with those signature wide, sweeping turns. Its tail lashed the water as it darted in and out, making sharp, aggressive moves.
And then—boom. The shark turned, opened wide, and inhaled the bait.
The angler reeled tight, and the circle hook did its job, lodging right in the corner of that toothy mouth. What followed was an all-out tug-of-war: massive pulls, long runs, and a give-and-take that tested every bit of gear and grit. For 45 minutes, the battle raged.
Finally, the Hammerhead came alongside the boat. An impressive sight up close—sleek, powerful, and still full of energy. We used a pair of bolt cutters to safely snip the hook in half, making sure the Shark swam off strong and unharmed.
It was the perfect end to an action-packed day. We came out looking for big game, and the Atlantic delivered—with the speed and beauty of a Sailfish and the raw power of a Hammerhead Shark. Just another unforgettable deep-sea adventure with Top Shot Sportfishing Charters.
Fort Lauderdale Deep Sea Fishing Charter - Blackfin Tuna
Best deep-sea fishing in Fort Lauderdale. Over the past couple of weeks, the Blackfin Tuna bite off Fort Lauderdale has been nothing short of fantastic. We've been finding consistent action with these high-speed predators—and the afternoon trips have proven to be the most productive.
We've been locating Tunas anywhere from 100 feet of water out to the deeper blue at 500 feet. These fish are aggressive and have been hammering baits rigged on the outriggers, shotgun position, and even our deep planner lines. Most of the Tunas are in the “football” size range, perfect for light tackle action, but we've also been getting into some solid 15 to 25-pounders—strong fish that put up an incredible fight. All this action is just a few miles from the beaches while fishing in Fort Lauderdale.
Conditions have played a big role in our success. Overcast skies and a moderate wind chop have made for ideal Tuna fishing. These fish have sharp eyesight, and the low light combined with surface turbulence helps conceal the leader and hook as the bait tracks through the swell. It's the kind of scenario we love—less visibility for the Tuna, more opportunity for our anglers.
For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, we’ve been live baiting with 20-pound spin tackle, and the results have been electrifying. Hooking into a Blackfin on light gear offers a thrilling battle—long runs, deep dives, and plenty of rod-bending action. The smiles on deck say it all when those fish finally come boat-side.
Aside from the excitement, these Tuna are top-tier table fare – the same quality you’ll find in sushi restaurants—perfect for sashimi, pan-seared with a light sesame crust, or grilled with a citrus glaze. Whether you're a sport fisherman or a foodie, Blackfin season is a win all around while fishing in Fort Lauderdale with Top Shot Sportfishing Charters.
Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charter - Wreck and Bottom Fishing
Wreck fishing with the charter boat Happy Day Today and Top Shot Sportfishing Charters located in Fort Lauderdale. We kicked off the day with some good old-fashioned wreck fishing—one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to fish in South Florida. This time of year, Amberjacks are making their annual migration down the coast, and they love to pile up around any kind of bottom structure they can find. That makes wrecks a prime target, and we had just the plan to take advantage.
Our first stop was the local sea buoy. This is where we load up on live bait, specifically Blue Runners. All it takes is a few shakes of the chum bag and within five minutes, we had a school of them swarming around the boat. A few quick throws of the bait rod and we had enough live runners in the well to get things started.
With bait in the tank, we motored out to one of our favorite sunken shipwrecks—a proven Amberjack hotspot. These powerful fish typically feed just up current of the structure, so positioning is key. The mate got to work rigging a live bait setup with a strong circle hook. Once the bait hit bottom, we all kept a sharp eye on the rod tip. When it starts to twitch and pulse, that’s your signal—something big is lurking below.
As soon as the Amberjack ate the bait, the angler reeled down hard, driving the hook home. Then came the real test. To keep the fish from diving back into the wreck and breaking off, I gunned the motors and pulled away from the structure. The fight was on.
Amberjacks are serious contenders. They fight like they’ve got something to prove, and for many of our first-time anglers, it’s the biggest fish they’ve ever hooked. Most weigh in around 30 pounds, but it’s not uncommon to hook into beasts pushing 50 or even 60 pounds.
Once we got the fish boat-side, it was all smiles and high fives. We snapped a quick photo, removed the hook, vented the fish to release the pressure from the fight, and then sent it back into the deep blue where it came from—healthy and strong.
With the thrill of the Amberjack checked off the list, our group mentioned they wanted some good eating fish. Conditions were perfect for Snapper, so we shifted gears and moved to one of our go-to deepwater snapper spots. These areas range from 200 to 400 feet deep and are loaded with rock and reef structure where Snappers love to hang out.
Using fresh-cut bait and smaller circle hooks, we dropped our Snapper rigs down. The action was steady and fun—at times pulling up two or three fish at once. There’s nothing like that kind of fast-paced action to keep everyone grinning.
By the end of the charter, we had a nice catch of Snappers iced down. Once back at the dock, we filleted the fish for the group. There's nothing better than a cooler full of fresh Snapper fillets—delicious on the grill, in tacos, or however you like to cook them.
Another successful day charter fishing in Fort Lauderdale, combining the thrill of fighting big Amberjacks with the tasty reward of Snapper fishing.
To book your deep-sea fishing charter contact Capt. Dave Zsak at (954) 439-8106 or visit
www.Topshotfishing.com
