Deep Sea Charter Fishing with Topshotfishing in Fort Lauderdale
Capt. David Zsak
April 15, 2026
Fort Lauderdale - Saltwater Fishing Report
The past stretch of offshore action aboard the Happy Day Today, operated by Top Shot Sportfishing Charters out of Fort Lauderdale, has been a true showcase of why this area is considered one of the premier destinations for deep sea and Fort Lauderdale fishing charters. From the edge of the Gulf Stream to sunken wrecks and live bait kite spreads, every trip delivered something different, and every group experienced the excitement that makes Fort Lauderdale fishing so consistent and unforgettable.
Running these Fort Lauderdale fishing charters aboard the well-equipped sportfishing vessel Happy Day Today, the crew of Top Shot Sportfishing Charters kept lines tight and rods bent from sunrise to sunset.
Trip 1 – Paul and Family: Kite Fishing Chaos and Mixed Bag Action
This 6-hour deep sea Fort Lauderdale fishing charter started with perfect kite conditions—steady wind, clear blue water, and hungry fish. Almost immediately, a live bait under the kite got crushed by a powerful bull Mahi Mahi, exploding on the surface in a burst of green and gold. Paul's son put in a great fight, keeping steady pressure as the fish ran wide in the current.
Not long after, a second Mahi—this time a cow—hammered another bait and was brought safely to the boat. The excitement escalated when a Blackfin Tuna detonated on a surface bait in a full-speed strike that lit up the spread. The fight was fast, deep, and powerful until Kyle gaffed the fish cleanly at boatside.
The action didn't stop there. A bottom rod doubled over under heavy load, and Paul Jr. stepped up to battle a strong Sandbar Shark. After a solid tug-of-war, the hook was safely removed and the Shark swam off strong—classic mixed-bag Fort Lauderdale fishing charter action.
Trip 2 – Mark's Group: High-Speed Wahoo Strike
This charter delivered one of the fastest fish in the ocean. The bridge teaser exploded first—line ripping off as a Wahoo rocketed in from deep water. It slashed through the spread before locking onto a long lure.
With razor speed and precision, the fish stayed connected just long enough for a clean fight. In classic Fort Lauderdale offshore fishing style, Kevin was ready at the rail and stuck a perfect gaff shot, securing a beautiful Wahoo for the box.
Trip 3 – Lyle: Bottom Fishing and Sharks on the Reef
On this dedicated bottom fishing Fort Lauderdale fishing charter, the crew targeted structure and snapper grounds. Using chicken rigs and long leaders, they picked away at Vermillion Snapper over productive reef zones.
Eight quality snappers came aboard along with several shorts released to grow. The reef also delivered surprise excitement when a Sandbar Shark showed up, giving a short but powerful fight before being released cleanly—another example of how even "slow" fishing in Fort Lauderdale rarely stays slow.
Trip 4 – Jason: Sailfish on the Surface
A classic offshore morning turned electric when a Sailfish exploded on a ballyhoo spread just miles from the beach. The fish lit up the water in a full aerial display—tail-walking, jumping, and diving in long powerful runs.
Jason's son handled the rod with confidence beyond his years, keeping steady pressure during one of the most iconic experiences in Fort Lauderdale fishing charters. After a clean leader touch, the Sailfish was released in perfect condition.
Trip 5 – Ron: Tuna Blitz and Wreck Barracudas
This charter started with immediate action—Blackfin Tuna stacked up in 220 feet of water. Trolling small lures along the Fort Lauderdale drop-off produced 10 solid fish in a strong morning bite.
After the Tuna run slowed, the crew shifted to wreck fishing, where Barracudas hovered like shadows over structure. Multiple aggressive strikes followed, with long, fast runs and surface thrashing—pure offshore excitement that defines Fort Lauderdale fishing charters.
Trip 6 – John: Buoy Bait and Amberjack Battle
After loading live bait at the weather buoy, the crew headed straight to a sunken wreck. The water came alive quickly as a large Amberjack crushed a live bait and immediately powered deep.
Strapped into the fighting chair, John endured a serious test of strength as the fish used every bit of structure to its advantage. After a deep, grinding battle, the Amberjack surfaced and was successfully landed—a true heavyweight fight on a Fort Lauderdale fishing charter.
Trip 7 – Chris and Family: Mixed Offshore Action and Tuna Finale
This charter delivered variety from start to finish. North of the inlet, trolling produced steady movement before shifting to wreck fishing, where Barracudas kept rods bending and adrenaline high.
On the return trip, kite fishing with a flying fish spread paid off in a big way—a Blackfin Tuna came crashing through the bait, and Chris's grandson stepped up to handle the fight like a seasoned angler. A perfect ending to a classic Fort Lauderdale fishing charter day.
Trip 8 – Spring Break Charter: Jack Crevalle Mayhem
This final trip turned into pure chaos in the best way. After loading Bullet Bonita live bait, the spread was set over a productive offshore drop-off. Then it happened—an entire school of 30-pound Jack Crevalle tore through the baits.
Three rods went off at once, and for nearly an hour the boat was alive with screaming drags, bending rods, and fish running in all directions. It was nonstop action—exactly the kind of unforgettable moment that defines Fort Lauderdale fishing charters.
To book. Contact Capt. Dave at 954-439-8106 or visit Topshotfishing.com
Target Species:
Mahi Mahi Sailfish Shark Wahoo Tuna Amberjack
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