Get Reel Shared Drift Fort Lauderdale Trip

Fort Lauderdale Drift Fishing Trip

Looking for a solid day on the water without breaking the bank? This shared drift fishing trip aboard the GET REEL puts you right where the fish are feeding, just off Fort Lauderdale's productive waters. At 8:00 AM sharp, you'll join fellow anglers for four hours of serious fishing action on a spacious 36-foot center console that's built for comfort and fish-fighting room. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or you've been chasing pelagics for years, this trip delivers the kind of variety that keeps things interesting from first drop to last cast.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your typical charter where you're locked into one spot all day. Drift fishing means we're constantly moving, reading the water, and positioning ourselves where the bait balls are thickest and the predators are most active. The captain knows these waters like his own backyard, hitting the reefs, drop-offs, and current lines where kingfish patrol and mahi hang out. You'll be fishing with light to medium tackle that gives you a real fight when something big takes your bait, but won't wear you out if the bite stays hot all morning. The shared format means you might meet some great fishing buddies – there's nothing like bonding over a cooler full of fresh fish and swapping stories about the ones that got away. Just bring your food, drinks, and plenty of sunscreen because once we find the fish, nobody wants to head in early.

Drift Fishing Techniques

Drift fishing is all about letting the current do the work while you focus on keeping your bait in the strike zone. We'll set up over structure, reefs, or wherever the fish are marking on the electronics, then drift with the current while presenting live and cut baits at different depths. This technique covers more water than anchoring up, and it mimics how baitfish naturally move through the water column. You'll be working with circle hooks and just enough weight to get down to where the fish are feeding. The crew provides all the gear – quality rods and reels that can handle everything from snapper to kingfish, plus all the terminal tackle, bait, and ice you'll need. When we mark fish on the sounder or see birds working, that's when things get exciting. Multiple lines in the water means multiple chances, and when the bite turns on, everyone stays busy.

Top Catches This Season

The waters off Fort Lauderdale hold some serious gamefish, and this drift fishing approach puts you right in their feeding lanes. Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of these waters, especially during winter months when they migrate through in big numbers. These fish are pure adrenaline – they'll take a bait and immediately start tail-walking across the surface, stripping line off your reel like it's going out of style. Most sailfish here run 6-8 feet long and around 60-80 pounds, and the fight they put up is legendary. Peak season runs from December through April, when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore and brings these speedsters right to our doorstep.

King Mackerel are year-round residents that never fail to deliver excitement. These torpedo-shaped predators hit baits with authority and make blistering runs that test your drag system. Spring and fall see the biggest kings moving through, with fish in the 20-40 pound range being common and the occasional smoker pushing 50-plus pounds. They love live bait presented near structure, and when you hook one, you'll know it immediately – they don't mess around.

Mahi Mahi, or dolphin fish as the locals call them, are hands-down one of the most colorful and acrobatic fish in these waters. When we find floating debris, weed lines, or current breaks, that's where the mahi hang out. They travel in schools, so when you hook one, there's usually more around. These fish light up in brilliant yellows and greens when hooked, and they're phenomenal table fare. Most mahi here run 10-25 pounds, though bull dolphins can push 40-plus pounds during peak season from May through August.

Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of runs that'll make your reel scream. These fish have razor-sharp teeth and a torpedo body built for speed – they're one of the fastest fish in the ocean. When conditions are right, especially during winter months, wahoo move through these waters chasing baitfish. They typically run 20-50 pounds in our area, and their white, flaky meat is considered some of the finest eating in the ocean.

Black Grouper are the bulldogs of the deep, using their powerful bodies and intimate knowledge of the reef to try to break you off in the rocks. These fish require patience and technique – when you hook one, the key is keeping steady pressure and not letting them get back to their holes. They're excellent table fare and provide a different kind of fight than the pelagic species, using power and leverage rather than speed. Most blacks here run 10-30 pounds, though the occasional heavyweight can really test your tackle.

Time to Book Your Spot

This top-rated Fort Lauderdale fishing experience fills up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hottest. The shared format keeps costs reasonable while still delivering world-class fishing action, and the 8:00 AM start time means you'll be back at the dock with time to clean your catch and still have most of your day free. Remember, we need a minimum of four anglers to run the trip, so booking early ensures your spot. The deposit is non-refundable, but when you're holding a cooler full of fresh fish and swapping contact info with your new fishing buddies, you'll understand why this trip has become a customer favorite. Fort Lauderdale's offshore waters are calling – answer with rod in hand and get ready for some serious fishing action.