Fort Lauderdale Fishing Report – Top Shot Sportfishing | “Happy Day Today”
We’ve had a stretch of great fishing here in Fort Lauderdale with a mix of offshore action, reef fishing, and some exciting surprises along the way. Here’s a recap of our recent trips:
Trip 1 – Mixed Bag Action (Half Day Charter)
Shawn and his wife joined us for a half-day deep sea charter with plans to mix bottom fishing and trolling. We started over a natural reef where they put some Vermilion Snappers in the box right away. While hopping between spots, we kept the trolling lines out and picked up a couple of Tunas to add to the action.
Things got really interesting on our third stop in 285 feet of water. While dropping a snapper rig, a 40-pound King Mackerel crushed the bait. On light tackle, it made for an exciting fight—and we were fortunate it stayed hooked despite those razor-sharp teeth.
Shortly after, we found a floating log, pitched out a live bait, and it didn’t take long before a Mahi Mahi showed up. We worked the school and added four more Mahi to the catch. We wrapped up the trip with a quality Mutton Snapper on our final stop.
Trip 2 – Sailfish Frenzy (6 Hour Charter)
Jeff, his wife, and their three boys came out for a morning sailfishing trip, and the conditions couldn’t have been better. Strong east wind, blue water, flying fish everywhere, and birds working—it was exactly what you want to see.
We deployed two kites, and it didn’t take long before a Sailfish piled on a long bait. After a great fight and aerial show, we released the fish and reset. Action stayed steady with multiple shots throughout the morning.
By the end of the trip, we went 3 for 4 on Sailfish—three successful releases and one that pulled the hook after a solid run.
Trip 3 – Family Fun & Big Fish
Joe and another father brought their kids out for a fun day on the water. We started kite fishing, and it paid off quickly when a bull Mahi Mahi lit up behind the baits and crushed a live bait on the surface. Great fight and high fives all around.
Not long after, a Sailfish joined the party. The fish fed aggressively, and after giving it a moment, we came tight and the kids got to watch an awesome fight and jumps from start to finish.
We ended the trip over a sunken wreck, dropping a live bait down deep. The rod doubled over, and after a strong battle, a big Amberjack came to the surface. We safely unhooked and released the fish to fight another day.
Trip 4 – Big Shark Battle
Sophie, her husband, and friends joined us on a beautiful day offshore. We set up a spread with two kites and a bottom bait over wreck structure in 180 feet of water.
After about 45 minutes, the bottom rod started dumping line. Sophie’s husband jumped on the rod, and the battle was on. After a hard-fought tug-of-war, we brought a large shark to the boat, unhooked it safely, and released it.
Trip 5 – Reef to Offshore Action
Christian and his son kicked things off trolling the reef, picking up a few Bonita while we assessed conditions. Moving to a wreck, we dropped a live bait and hooked into a strong Amberjack after a solid fight.
We then spotted Frigate birds working offshore and ran over to investigate. Sure enough, Mahi Mahi were stacked up around a floating log. After several passes, we added multiple Mahi to the catch.
To finish the day, we kite trolled with rubber flying fish and hooked a nice Blackfin Tuna to cap off a well-rounded trip.
Book Your Trip
If you’re looking to experience this kind of action for yourself, come fish with us in Fort Lauderdale aboard the 52’ Hatteras “Happy Day Today.”
Contact Capt. Dave Zsak at (954) 439-8106 or visit Topshotfishing.com to book your next deep sea fishing adventure.
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