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Get Reel Sunset Fishing Fort Lauderdale
- Published Date: January 14, 2026
- Fishing
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
Summary
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Evening Reef Action
Evening Fishing Trip Off Fort Lauderdale
There's something magical about hitting the water as the sun starts its descent over South Florida. Get Reel Sportfishing's evening trip captures that perfect sweet spot when the day's heat backs off and the fish start moving. Running from March through October, this 4-hour adventure kicks off at 4 PM and gives you and up to 5 friends a front-row seat to some of Fort Lauderdale's best nearshore action. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or just looking for a relaxed way to spend an evening, this trip delivers that laid-back Florida vibe everyone's chasing.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your high-octane offshore marathon – it's all about taking your time and enjoying the ride. As we head out from Fort Lauderdale's busy intracoastal, you'll feel the day's stress melt away with each nautical mile. The evening hours bring cooler temperatures and calmer seas, making it perfect for anyone who gets a little green around the gills or just prefers a gentler approach to fishing. We'll work the nearshore reefs and structure where snapper love to hang out, but don't be surprised if we hook into some bigger players cruising through. The pace is relaxed enough that you can actually enjoy the sunset views while keeping an eye on your rod tip. Groups love this trip because there's time to chat, share a laugh, and really soak in that South Florida evening magic.
Gear and Techniques
Everything you need comes with the trip – rods, reels, bait, and tackle are all sorted. We keep the techniques simple and effective, which makes this a top-rated choice for beginners who want to learn without feeling overwhelmed. As the light starts to fade, we'll switch up our approach to match what the fish are doing. Bottom fishing with live and cut bait works great for the reef species, while those bigger pelagics might hit a well-placed trolled bait. The beauty of evening fishing is that you don't need complicated setups or years of experience to be successful. The fish are often more aggressive as temperatures drop, and the low-light conditions work in our favor. Captain and crew will walk you through everything step by step, from setting the hook to bringing your catch to the boat.
Target Species You'll Want to Hook
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Fort Lauderdale waters, and evening trips often produce some fantastic encounters. These acrobatic fighters average 6-8 feet and put on a show that'll have you talking for months. Peak season runs from December through April, but we see them year-round. When a sailfish hits your bait, get ready for jumps, runs, and enough action to get your heart pumping. They're catch-and-release only, but the photo opportunities are world-class.
King Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them locally, are aggressive predators that love the nearshore waters we fish. These silver bullets can reach 20-40 pounds and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. Spring through fall is prime time, and they're suckers for live bait trolled along the reef edges. Kings are excellent table fare, so if you're looking to take dinner home, these are your best bet.
Mahi Mahi bring that tropical flavor to Fort Lauderdale fishing. These colorful fighters love floating debris and weed lines, often traveling in small schools. When you find one, there's usually more nearby. Mahi are active year-round but peak during spring and summer months. They're incredible on the dinner table and put up a great fight on medium tackle.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of hitting 60 mph when they want to. These torpedo-shaped predators have razor-sharp teeth and make lightning-fast runs that can empty your reel in seconds. Fall and winter months are best for wahoo around Fort Lauderdale, and they're prized for their white, flaky meat that rivals any restaurant fish.
Black Grouper are the heavyweights of the reef system, using their powerful bodies to try and cut you off in the rocks. These bottom-dwellers can exceed 50 pounds and are masters at using structure to their advantage. They're most active during warmer months and provide some of the best eating you'll find in South Florida waters. Landing a big black grouper is like winning a tug-of-war against a freight train.
Time to Book Your Evening Spot
Fort Lauderdale's evening fishing scene is trending upward, and trips like this book fast during peak season. Whether you're planning a family outing, celebrating with friends, or just need to decompress after a long week, this customer favorite delivers exactly what you're looking for. The combination of productive fishing, stunning sunsets, and that relaxed South Florida vibe makes it a no-brainer for anyone visiting or living in the area. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so lock in your dates early. Get Reel Sportfishing has built their reputation on putting guests on fish while keeping the experience fun and accessible for everyone. Don't let another evening slip by – book your spot and get ready to see why so many anglers consider this the best way to spend four hours on the water.
Learn more about the species
Atlantic Sailfish
Atlantic sailfish are some of the most spectacular fighters you'll encounter off Fort Lauderdale. These sleek predators average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin and spear-shaped bill. They cruise nearshore waters from 30-100 feet deep, hunting baitfish like sardines and mackerel. Peak season runs April through July when they follow warm water north. What makes them special is the aerial show - they'll leap, dive, and change colors from blue to black during the fight. Plus they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. My tip: when one takes your bait, resist the urge to horse it in. Let them run first, then apply steady pressure to keep them from diving back to structure and breaking you off.
Black Grouper
Black grouper are the bulldogs of our reef system - thick, powerful fish that'll test your arms and tackle. These bottom dwellers typically run 10-30 pounds with olive-gray bodies covered in dark rectangular blotches. They hang around wrecks, ledges, and hard bottom in 60-200 feet, using their massive mouths to ambush prey. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're more active and feeding heavily. What guests love is the tug-of-war battle - no fancy jumps, just raw power trying to get back to the rocks. The payoff is some of the finest eating fish around, with firm white meat and mild flavor that's perfect for grouper sandwiches. Here's the key: once you hook one, crank hard immediately. Don't give them time to think or they'll wrap you around structure and break you off every time.
King Mackerel
King mackerel, or "kingfish" as we call them locally, are fast, aggressive predators that make our nearshore trips exciting. These silver torpedoes typically run 15-40 pounds, though we see some pushing 50+ in deeper water. They patrol depths from 40-150 feet around reefs and structure, feeding heavily on blue runners, sardines, and smaller fish. Best fishing happens during cooler months from October through March when they move inshore. Guests love the initial screaming runs and how these fish never quit fighting. The meat is fantastic too - firm and flaky with a mild taste that grills perfectly. Here's a local trick: rig two hooks on a wire leader when using live bait. Kings often bite the tail section first, so that trailing hook will nail them when they come back for more.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish
Mahi mahi are hands down one of the most beautiful fish we catch out here. These golden beauties average 15-30 pounds and put on a color show when hooked, flashing brilliant blues, greens, and golds. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris and weed lines in 100+ feet of water. Peak season runs March through October when water temps hit 75+ degrees. What guests really enjoy is watching them change colors as they fight, plus they're probably the best eating fish in our waters - sweet, white meat that's perfect for the grill. They're also great for beginners since they fight hard but don't dive deep like grouper. Pro tip: when you hook one, look for others nearby. Mahi often travel in small schools, so keep a second line ready and you might double up.
Wahoo Fish
Wahoo are the speed demons of our waters, hitting 50+ mph and known for line-burning runs that'll test your drag system. These sleek predators average 20-40 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and distinctive blue stripes along silver sides. They cruise open water from 30-200 feet, often around drop-offs and current edges. Best action happens July through November when they move through in good numbers. Guests love the initial blast-off run and how they never give up fighting. The meat is outstanding too - white, flaky, and mild-flavored, perfect for fish tacos. They're also beautiful fish with those zebra-like markings. My advice: use wire leaders and troll fast, around 12-15 knots. Wahoo are aggressive and will hit hard, so keep your drag tight enough to set the hook but loose enough to let them run.
About the Get Reel Sportfishing
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Honda
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 250
