Damn Good Bonito Fishing Charters In Fort Lauderdale

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Recently Booked Bonito Fishing Charters In Fort Lauderdale, Fl

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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale

Unforgettable Day Offshore

100% (16)
45 ft 1 - 6 People From $850
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale

Daily Reef Fishing (Shared Trip)

50% (2)
85 ft 1 - 15 People From $69
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale

Ft. Lauderdale Quick Trips

NEW
43 ft 1 - 6 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale

Super Quick Trips

100% (2)
28 ft 1 - 4 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale

Sea Monster Catch Adventure

100% (1)
32 ft 1 - 12 People From $725
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale

OffShore Trip - 26' Bimini

NEW
26 ft 1 - 4 People From $640

Top Types of Bonito Trips in Fort Lauderdale

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Target Species in Fort Lauderdale

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

More Bonito Fishing Charters In Fort Lauderdale, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore, Jetty Fishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale

Florida Fishing Fun!

100% (2)
28 ft 1 - 4 People From $600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale

4 Hour Offshore

NEW
25 ft 1 - 8 People From $600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale

Big Catch Adventure!

100% (1)
37 ft 1 - 12 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale

6 Hour Offshore

NEW
25 ft 1 - 8 People From $800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale

Big Game Fishing Off Fort Lauderdale

100% (1)
37 ft 1 - 12 People From $800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale

Florida Fishing Spectacular

100% (1)
41 ft 1 - 6 People From $900
See All Bonito Trips in Fort Lauderdale

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Everything to Know About Booking a Fort Lauderdale bonito fishing charter

What are the best bonito fishing charters in Fort Lauderdale?

Why should I book a bonito fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 40 bonito trips in Fort Lauderdale, and the most popular trips in the area are Super Quick Trips guided by Taylor, Ft. Lauderdale Quick Trips guided by Vinnie, and Daily Reef Fishing (Shared Trip) guided by Andrew.

Our guides in Fort Lauderdale are rated a 4.83 out of 5 based on 3716 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly bonito guides / fishing lessons in Fort Lauderdale? Check out our beginner and family friendly bonito guides in Fort Lauderdale.

What types of bonito fishing charters are common in Fort Lauderdale?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for bonito in Fort Lauderdale as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and jetty fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in Fort Lauderdale are trolling, heavy tackle fishing, and bottom fishing but live bait fishing and kite fishing are popular as well.

How much do Fort Lauderdale bonito fishing charters cost?

Prices for bonito in Fort Lauderdale can range anywhere from about $1,000 to $7,900, but the average price for a half day trip for bonito in Fort Lauderdale is $2,650. The average price for a full day trip for bonito in Fort Lauderdale is $4,744.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for bonito fishing in Fort Lauderdale?

The most popular season for bonito fishing in Fort Lauderdale is spring, and most anglers book their trips 18 days in advance.

Do I need a Fort Lauderdale fishing license for bonito and what are the bag limits for bonito in Fort Lauderdale?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Fort Lauderdale, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Fort Lauderdale. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Fort Lauderdale.

What is bonito fishing in Fort Lauderdale all about?

In Fort Lauderdale, bonito are a popular species among anglers, prized for their fast-paced action and robust fighting abilities. These small tunas are known for their sleek, torpedo-shaped bodies and distinctive dark stripes along their backs. Bonito can be found in the offshore waters of the Atlantic Ocean, where they congregate in schools around baitfish and other prey. Anglers in Fort Lauderdale often encounter bonito while trolling offshore, as well as during sight fishing or live bait fishing outings.

One effective method for targeting bonito in Fort Lauderdale is trolling with artificial lures or rigged baits behind a boat. Anglers typically troll at varying speeds, covering a wide area of water to locate schools of actively feeding bonito. Bonito are known to strike a variety of lures, including feathers, spoons, plugs, and skirted baits, making trolling a versatile and productive technique. Anglers may also use planers or downriggers to target bonito at different depths, depending on the fish's location and behavior.

Another popular technique for targeting bonito in Fort Lauderdale is sight fishing or live bait fishing near offshore structures such as reefs, wrecks, or ledges. Anglers use live bait such as pilchards, ballyhoo, or small fish to entice strikes from bonito, presenting their offerings near the surface or at varying depths depending on the fish's location. Sight fishing for bonito can be particularly exciting, as anglers spot schools of fish feeding near the surface and cast lures or live bait to entice strikes. With their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps, bonito provide anglers in Fort Lauderdale with an exhilarating and memorable fishing experience offshore.

What are the most popular months to fish for bonito fishing in Fort Lauderdale?

In Fort Lauderdale, the seasonal patterns strongly influence the availability and behavior of bonito, impacting anglers' opportunities to target this species. Bonito can be found in the offshore waters of Fort Lauderdale throughout the year, but their abundance and activity levels may vary depending on the season. Generally, bonito are more prevalent in the area during the warmer months of spring and summer when water temperatures rise and baitfish become more abundant. During this time, anglers can expect to encounter larger schools of actively feeding bonito offshore.

As temperatures begin to cool in the fall and winter months, bonito activity in Fort Lauderdale may decrease slightly, but they can still be found in the area, particularly in deeper offshore waters. While their behavior may be less predictable during these cooler months, dedicated anglers can still locate bonito by targeting areas with concentrations of baitfish, such as nearshore reefs, wrecks, or ledges. Additionally, cooler water temperatures may concentrate bonito in certain areas, making them easier to locate for anglers who know where to look.

Overall, bonito can be targeted year-round in Fort Lauderdale, with anglers enjoying productive fishing outings and memorable encounters with these fast-paced and hard-fighting fish. Whether trolling offshore, sight fishing near structures, or live bait fishing in deeper waters, encountering a school of bonito promises an exciting and rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels. Understanding the seasonal patterns and behaviors of bonito can help anglers plan their fishing trips more effectively and increase their chances of success in the offshore waters of Fort Lauderdale.

What techniques are popular for catching bonito in Fort Lauderdale?

In Fort Lauderdale, anglers utilize various techniques to target bonito, leveraging their behavior and feeding habits to increase their chances of success. One effective method for catching bonito is trolling with artificial lures or rigged baits behind a boat. Anglers typically troll at varying speeds, covering a wide area of water to locate schools of actively feeding bonito. Bonito are known to strike a variety of lures, including feathers, spoons, plugs, and skirted baits, making trolling a versatile and productive technique. Anglers may also use planers or downriggers to target bonito at different depths, depending on the fish's location and behavior.

Another popular technique for targeting bonito in Fort Lauderdale is sight fishing or live bait fishing near offshore structures such as reefs, wrecks, or ledges. Anglers use live bait such as pilchards, ballyhoo, or small fish to entice strikes from bonito, presenting their offerings near the surface or at varying depths depending on the fish's location. Sight fishing for bonito can be particularly exciting, as anglers spot schools of fish feeding near the surface and cast lures or live bait to entice strikes. Additionally, anglers may find success targeting bonito by casting lures such as spoons, jigs, or plugs into areas where bonito are actively feeding on baitfish. With their aggressive feeding behavior and fast-paced action, bonito provide anglers in Fort Lauderdale with an exhilarating and memorable fishing experience offshore.

Furthermore, fly fishing for bonito is gaining popularity among anglers in Fort Lauderdale. Using lightweight fly rods and fast-sinking fly lines, anglers can present small baitfish or shrimp fly patterns to feeding bonito. Fly fishing for bonito requires precise casting and fast retrieves to mimic the movement of fleeing baitfish and entice strikes. With their explosive strikes and blistering runs, bonito provide fly anglers with an exciting and challenging angling experience in the offshore waters of Fort Lauderdale.

What other species are popular in Fort Lauderdale?

In Fort Lauderdale, anglers have a diverse array of species to target aside from bonito, ensuring there's always an exciting angling opportunity available. One prized catch among anglers is the mahi-mahi, also known as dolphin or dorado, which inhabits the offshore waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Known for their vibrant colors, acrobatic leaps, and delicious taste, mahi-mahi are highly sought after by anglers seeking thrilling offshore adventures. Anglers often target mahi-mahi using trolling techniques with rigged ballyhoo, lures, or live bait, presenting their offerings near the surface where these fish are known to feed.

Another popular species in Fort Lauderdale is the sailfish, prized for its sleek profile, long bill, and impressive speed. Sailfish are highly migratory and can be found in offshore waters throughout the year, particularly during the winter months when they migrate south along the Florida coast. Anglers targeting sailfish often use live bait such as ballyhoo or mullet, as well as artificial lures like dredge teasers or skirted trolling baits, presenting their offerings in spread-out patterns behind the boat while trolling at varying speeds.

In addition to mahi-mahi and sailfish, Fort Lauderdale offers opportunities to target a variety of other offshore species, including king mackerel, wahoo, tuna, and grouper, among others. Whether fishing offshore in deep waters or nearshore along reefs and wrecks, anglers can enjoy a diverse range of angling experiences in the waters of Fort Lauderdale. With its abundance of fish species and world-class offshore fishing grounds, Fort Lauderdale remains a premier destination for anglers seeking unforgettable fishing adventures along Florida's Atlantic coast.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Fun day on the water, captain worked hard and was very knowledgeable. Would go again.

    John G. | November 2, 2024

    Trip: Sea Monster Catch Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time with Captain Ron and first mate Chris! They were really helpful and went out of their way to help us reel in our desired catch! They also offered water and ice which was life saving on a hot day! Assisted us with any questions we had about fishing and the area! We plan on booking with them again!

    Ashley N. | September 14, 2024

    Trip: Sunrise Saltwater Slam

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent Trip !! .. Manny and Jordan were fantastic Fun ... and experienced ... Caught some nice fish, had great fun and most of all learned a LOT about deep sea fishing !! .. Of my party of 5 - only I could speak English, but Manny is a master of sign language ... we ALL understood and enjoyed !! .. They both even went one step above and beyoned to get us when the Uber driver dropped us off at the WRONG place ... This tripe will leave a lasting memory for my Eastern European family !! .. Thank You !!

    Zoltan H. | August 1, 2024

    Trip: Miami Nearshore Reefs and Wrecks

  • ★★★★★
    Tapped into some good fish. Really enjoyed our father son experience. Captain brad was great and made sure we enjoyed our day. Also great playlist.

    Jim P. | July 29, 2024

    Trip: #1 Offshore Charter

  • ★★★★★
    Had an exceptional trip! Brad was a very knowledgeable captain as well as super down to earth!

    Nehemiah C. | July 24, 2024

    Trip: #1 Offshore Charter

  • ★★★★★
    We had an amazing trip! Ron and Chris were awesome! We didn’t have much knowledge of fishing going into this. They made it easy and taught us a lot. We caught a variety of fish. We DEFINITELY will be doing this again with Ron on our next trip down to Florida. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!

    Hailee T. | July 6, 2024

    Trip: Sunrise Saltwater Slam

  • ★★★★★
    Terrific service and experience with Captain Tim. Ans Nick. Will definitely recommend to others.

    Jorge C. | July 3, 2024

    Trip: Unforgettable Day Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time fishing! Both the captain and mate were very friendly. They got us on some fish, so that made the whole thing worth while. Thanks again!

    Jason C. | June 28, 2024

    Trip: Unforgettable Day Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Great time! Crew made sure that my 8 year old son caught fish. Very accommodating.

    Gary M. | June 4, 2024

    Trip: Daily Reef Fishing (Shared Trip)

  • ★★★★★
    Caught a ~25 lb blackfin tuna and a 9ft 2inch great white

    Jorge G. | May 27, 2024

    Trip: Unforgettable Day Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    My son and I went on a 4 hour fishing trip from Pompano Beach through the Hillsboro Beach Inlet. Captain Dave and mate Tom crewed the boat. They were both professional and very friendly. They made us feel welcome immediately and Captain Dave in particular showed interest in my son who had not been on a deep sea trip previously. They both made the utmost efforts to find us fish. They told us that the morning trip had been pretty quite but they did a lot to find fish, which they did. We ended up landing 5 fish of different species and Tom was kind enough as well as skilled enough to clean the Mahi Mahi and Black Tuna for us to take with us. I would definitely go out with them again the next time we go.

    David O. | May 27, 2024

    Trip: Unforgettable Day Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    I've been out on charters many, many times mostly down the east coast but also in Cabo. I must say the trip out with captain Manny is one of the two best trips out I've ever experienced. Her out is on fish, Jordan (the mate) ensured the rods and basis were correct and ready to catch fish. This was just a half day trip but next trip I'm going full day. Wow, I highly recommend Captain Manny!!!!! The catch highlights have to include the 54" barracuda and a 7' shark (it took two of us tag teaming and over 30 minutes to bring the shark alongside the boat for measurement.

    Steve H. | May 19, 2024

    Trip: Miami Offshore Trolling Fun!

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time with Chad and Nano on the boat. It was great weather and great fishing! We couldn’t have asked for a better team.

    Matthew R. | May 12, 2024

    Trip: Miami Fishing Mayhem!

  • ★★★★★
    Had a fantastic 8-hour trip with Brad. He put us on the fish and provided excellent service!

    Nathaniel H. | May 11, 2024

    Trip: #1 Offshore Charter

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great day fishing with Mike and Marcus. They were very friendly and worked hard to make sure we had a great time! Highly recommend.

    Sarah S. | April 13, 2024

    Trip: Unforgettable Day Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Great Captain, great First Mate, caught a sailfish, multiple mahi mahi, Bonita, kingfish, and a giant Jack Cravel. Couldn’t have been better

    Christopher M. | April 11, 2024

    Trip: Unforgettable Day Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Dave and Marcus weresome. We had a blast. Both of them were professional and fun to be with. Awesome time.

    William Y. | April 6, 2024

    Trip: Unforgettable Day Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Brad did a great job! Was funny and knowledgeable. Had a wonderful time

    Melissa M. | April 5, 2024

    Trip: #1 Offshore Charter

  • ★★★★★
    I have been on several guided trips in Mexico and Florida. I can say hands down this was the best. Yes, we caught a bunch of fish, more so, the guys worked their asses off and we’re fun to be around! Thanks Mike!

    Steve O. | March 13, 2024

    Trip: Unforgettable Day Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Jedidiah was unavailable to take us out fishing, but his friend Matt was able fill in. Matt was excellent company, very knowledgeable about fishing, and the various species within these waters. We had a wonderful time and if Matt is a representation of the people Jedidiah keeps for company, then I have no doubt he would be as equally wonderful to go fishing with, 10/10.

    Christina W. | March 9, 2024

    Trip: Sportfishing

Other Hunting Species in Fort Lauderdale

What's biting in Fort Lauderdale?

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