Damn Good Nearshore Fishing Charters In Fort Lauderdale

Check real-time availability and compare rates on Fort Lauderdale nearshore fishing trips. Confidently book your next day on the water.

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Recently Booked Nearshore Fishing Charters In Fort Lauderdale, Fl

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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, River Fishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale

Peacock Bass: Fly Or Spin

100% (20)
17 ft 1 - 3 People From $550
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

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

Ft. Lauderdale Quick Trips

NEW
43 ft 1 - 6 People From $550
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
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
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

Top Types of Nearshore Trips in Fort Lauderdale

Top Species for Nearshore Fishing 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).
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More Nearshore Fishing Charters In Fort Lauderdale, Fl

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

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

OffShore Trip - 26' Bimini

NEW
26 ft 1 - 4 People From $640
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale

Catch Sharks 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

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

Not Your Normal Fishing Charter!

NEW
43 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,400
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Everything to Know About Booking a Fort Lauderdale nearshore fishing charter

What are the best nearshore fishing charters in Fort Lauderdale?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 80 nearshore trips in Fort Lauderdale, and the most popular trips in the area are Peacock Bass: Fly or Spin guided by Justin, Ft. Lauderdale Quick Trips guided by Vinnie, and Sea Monster Catch Adventure guided by Mike.

Our guides in Fort Lauderdale are rated a 4.8 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 nearshore guides / fishing lessons in Fort Lauderdale? Check out our beginner and family friendly nearshore guides in Fort Lauderdale.

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

The most commonly sought after species for nearshore fishing are: 1. mahi mahi, 2. kingfish, 3. sailfish, 4. blackfin tuna, and 5. wahoo.

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

How much do Fort Lauderdale nearshore fishing charters cost?

Prices for nearshore fishing in Fort Lauderdale can range anywhere from about $850 to $6,630, but the average price for a half day trip for nearshore fishing in Fort Lauderdale is $2,170. The average price for a full day trip for nearshore fishing in Fort Lauderdale is $3,736.

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 nearshore fishing in Fort Lauderdale?

The most popular season for nearshore fishing in Fort Lauderdale is spring, and most anglers book their trips 28 days in advance.

Do I need a Fort Lauderdale fishing license and what are the bag limits 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 nearshore fishing in Fort Lauderdale all about?

Nearshore fishing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offers anglers a diverse and exciting experience in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, just off the city's famed coastline. Fort Lauderdale is known for its rich marine biodiversity and accessible fishing grounds, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. One of the primary attractions of nearshore fishing in Fort Lauderdale is the opportunity to target a variety of pelagic species such as kingfish (king mackerel), Spanish mackerel, and mahi-mahi. These fast-swimming predators are often found near offshore reefs, underwater structures, and along current breaks, where anglers use techniques like trolling with live baitfish or artificial lures to entice strikes.

Bottom fishing is another productive method for anglers in Fort Lauderdale's nearshore waters. This technique involves dropping baited hooks or jigs on the ocean floor to target bottom-dwelling species such as snapper, grouper, and amberjack. Anglers typically fish around artificial reefs, wrecks, and natural structures where these fish congregate. Live bait, such as squid, cut bait, or small fish, is commonly used to attract these prized species, which are known for their strong fights and delicious meat.

In addition to pelagic and bottom-dwelling species, Fort Lauderdale offers opportunities for anglers to target inshore favorites like snook and tarpon. These species can be found in the city's extensive network of canals, estuaries, and mangrove-lined shorelines, providing a different fishing experience close to urban areas. Anglers use a variety of techniques, such as live bait fishing, sight casting, and fly fishing, to target these elusive and hard-fighting game fish. Whether fishing from a charter boat or casting from shore, nearshore fishing in Fort Lauderdale promises memorable experiences and exciting catches against the backdrop of Florida's vibrant coastal scenery.

What are the most popular months to go nearshore fishing in Fort Lauderdale?

Nearshore fishing seasons in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, are influenced by the region's warm climate and the migratory patterns of various fish species throughout the year. Spring marks the beginning of prime fishing season in Fort Lauderdale's nearshore waters. As temperatures rise, species like kingfish (king mackerel), Spanish mackerel, and mahi-mahi become more active and move closer to shore. Anglers often find success targeting these pelagic species around offshore reefs, underwater structures, and along current breaks using techniques such as trolling with live baitfish or artificial lures. Spring also sees the arrival of snapper and grouper, which are sought after for their excellent table fare and can be found around wrecks and artificial reefs.

Summer brings warmer waters and continued fishing opportunities in Fort Lauderdale. This season is particularly known for its abundance of pelagic species such as kingfish and mahi-mahi, which are attracted to the Gulf Stream's nutrient-rich waters. Anglers adjust their techniques based on the fish's location, often trolling near offshore structures or using live bait to entice these fast-swimming predators. Additionally, summer is a productive time for bottom fishing, with species like snapper, grouper, and amberjack remaining active around reefs and wrecks. Anglers enjoy extended daylight hours and pleasant weather conditions, making summer a favored season for both locals and tourists exploring Fort Lauderdale's nearshore fishing grounds.

Fall offers another peak season for nearshore fishing in Fort Lauderdale, characterized by cooler temperatures and the migration of various fish species. Spanish mackerel and kingfish continue to be abundant nearshore, providing exciting opportunities for trolling enthusiasts. This season also sees an increase in activity for inshore species like snook and tarpon, which move closer to shore and into estuaries and canals. Anglers target these species using a variety of techniques, such as live bait fishing and sight casting. Fall is a favorite season among anglers looking to enjoy extended fishing trips and capitalize on the diverse fishing opportunities Fort Lauderdale has to offer before winter sets in.

What techniques are popular for nearshore fishing in Fort Lauderdale?

Nearshore fishing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offers anglers a variety of types and techniques tailored to the area's diverse marine habitats and fish species. One popular method is trolling, which involves trailing baited lines or lures behind a moving boat to target pelagic species such as kingfish (king mackerel), Spanish mackerel, and mahi-mahi. Anglers adjust trolling speeds and depths to mimic the movements of baitfish and attract these fast-swimming predators. Trolling is effective near offshore reefs, artificial structures, and along current breaks where pelagic fish are known to congregate.

Bottom fishing is another productive technique for nearshore fishing in Fort Lauderdale. Anglers use this method to target bottom-dwelling species such as snapper, grouper, and amberjack. Bottom fishing involves dropping baited hooks or jigs on the ocean floor around reefs, wrecks, and underwater structures where these fish gather. Live bait, such as squid, cut bait, or small fish, is commonly used to entice bites from these species, which are known for their strong fights and excellent table fare.

In addition to trolling and bottom fishing, sight casting is a popular technique for anglers targeting inshore species like snook and tarpon in Fort Lauderdale's shallower waters and estuaries. Sight casting requires anglers to actively scan the water's surface or structure-rich areas for fish and then present baits or lures directly to them. Anglers use live baitfish, artificial jigs, or topwater plugs to entice these sight-dependent fish species, which are known for their strong fights and challenging catches. These techniques provide a dynamic and rewarding fishing experience for anglers exploring Fort Lauderdale's nearshore waters throughout the year.

What species are popular for nearshore fishing in Fort Lauderdale?

Nearshore fishing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offers anglers a diverse array of fish species to target throughout the year, each providing its own unique fishing experience. One of the most popular species to catch nearshore in Fort Lauderdale is the kingfish, also known as king mackerel. These fast-swimming predators are abundant and can be found near offshore reefs, wrecks, and along current breaks. Anglers often use trolling techniques with live baitfish or artificial lures to entice strikes from kingfish, which provide exhilarating fights and are prized for their tasty meat.

Spanish mackerel are another prized catch in Fort Lauderdale's nearshore waters. These sleek and aggressive fish are known for their voracious feeding habits and hard-hitting strikes. Spanish mackerel can be found near jetties, piers, and along beaches, where they chase schools of baitfish. Anglers often use trolling techniques with shiny, fast-moving lures or cast metal spoons to attract Spanish mackerel, providing exciting fishing opportunities close to shore.

In addition to kingfish and Spanish mackerel, Fort Lauderdale offers anglers the chance to target a variety of snapper species, including lane snapper, mangrove snapper, and yellowtail snapper. These bottom-dwelling fish are often found around reefs, wrecks, and underwater structures. Anglers use bottom fishing techniques with live bait such as shrimp, squid, or small fish to entice these tasty and sought-after species. Snappers are known for their cautious feeding behavior, requiring anglers to use finesse and patience to achieve successful catches in Fort Lauderdale's productive nearshore fishing grounds.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Mark suited our group greatly. He and Tyler worked extremely hard to try and catch some fish and succeeded. We caught some fish and had a great time. Would use them again.

    Mike L. | November 15, 2024

    Trip: Nearshore/Offshore Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    Chris is an awesome guide. Real Miami native who knows the bay better than anyone. He really cares about fishing and he is not on a hard "trip ending" time. Chris also suggested some local Miami restaurants and took us there after our trip. A certified damn good guide in my book.

    Hollis B. | November 4, 2024

    Trip: South Florida Inshore fishing

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    He was great. Food was great. Fishing was fun. I would go again for sure

    Marc A. | November 1, 2024

    Trip: Peacock Bass: Fly or Spin

  • ★★★★★
    Alex was a very nice guy. I enjoyed our short visit. Unfortunately my friend got very sea sick but they enjoyed the experience .

    Luis A. | October 26, 2024

    Trip: Inshore Trip / Gentle Waters

  • ★★★★★
    We had a wonderful time with Edmond. He was very prepared for the trip and he did his best to make sure we had every opportunity to catch fish. The bite was tough to get today and we had a few hits that slipped the hook. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed ourselves. I would go with him again.

    Robert K. | October 15, 2024

    Trip: Pompano Fishing Frenzy

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip! Captain Aaron is super knowledgeable and fun! The kids had a great time.

    Nicole S. | September 8, 2024

    Trip: Lobstering Miami Beach

  • ★★★★★
    Super fun dive! Conditions weren’t ideal but captain Aaron made sure to find prime & safe spots regardless and was able to shoot some fish & lobsters to enjoy the rest of my Florida trip!

    Angela Y. | August 30, 2024

    Trip: Spearfishing Miami Beach

  • ★★★★★
    Ron and Chris were incredible hosts. We were in town from Seattle without a clue of what group to book with. Both were super knowledgeable about all things fishing, made it easy for beginners to feel like pros and the boat was a smooth, fun ride. Overall, easily 5-stars. Would highly recommend.

    Jeff J. | August 13, 2024

    Trip: Sportfishing in Style

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing Captain very helpful killed the lobster!!

    Ethyn B. | August 12, 2024

    Trip: Lobstering Miami Beach

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time with Captain Aaron and Michelle. We were all beginners at free diving and Aaron really helped us get comfortable in the water and get us into some lobster. Definitely recommend if you want a great time out in the water and if you want to fill your cooler.

    Vladimir Z. | August 7, 2024

    Trip: Spearfishing Miami Beach

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    I took the family (wife, 2 boys and grandma) for a 6 hour charter and had a great time with Captain Ron and the crew, Chris and Brian. They were friendly, safety conscious and knowledgeable. Listening to other boats on the radio that day, the fishing wasn't great yet we hooked a barracuda and a bonita almost as soon as we dropped lines. This was followed up with a nice size mahi that grandma fought 😂 (they cleaned dockside and we took home to eat), 3 more barracudas and an amberjack. Chris was on the ball with keeping bait fresh and when we had multiple fish on, he had complete control of the cockpit. Pick up and drop off was easy. The boat had A/C and a bathroom that was a must have given the family and on a hot day, this made all the difference. I'd rebook the charter.

    Michael C. | July 27, 2024

    Trip: Sportfishing in Style

  • ★★★★★
    5 stars, Mark is the fucking man

    Dylan F. | July 27, 2024

    Trip: Nearshore/Offshore Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    Trip was fantastic, very knowledgeable guide. He knew all the best spots and taught me multiple new techniques. Caught multiple species on live bait, artificial, and I even caught my first fish on the fly. Absolutely amazing time. The shore lunch tasted fantastic!

    Ethan P. | July 25, 2024

    Trip: Peacock Bass: Fly or Spin

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    Fantastic experience! Great captain (Mark)! Great deckhand (Tyler)! Great boat!

    Ramis G. | July 7, 2024

    Trip: Nearshore/Offshore Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    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

Other Types of Fishing in Fort Lauderdale

Other Types of Hunting in Fort Lauderdale

How are fishing conditions in Fort Lauderdale?

View Fort Lauderdale Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

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