Deep Sea Fishing in Fort Lauderdale with Top Shot Fishing Team
Capt. David Zsak
November 5, 2025
Fort Lauderdale - Saltwater Fishing Report
It's been an action-packed week of fishing here in Fort Lauderdale aboard the Happy Day Today! We had two incredible charters — one offshore adventure targeting daytime Swordfish in deep water, and another full-day trip kite fishing for Sailfish along the reef edge. Both trips brought great weather, steady action, and plenty of excitement for our anglers.
Daytime Swordfishing with Clint
Clint joined us for a daytime Swordfishing charter, one of the most unique and challenging fishing experiences South Florida has to offer. We had excellent conditions for the day — light easterly winds, a one- to two-foot chop, and bright blue water offshore. After a smooth ride out, we headed about 20 miles south and east of Fort Lauderdale into 1,700 feet of water — prime Swordfish territory.
Our crew rigged up baits using Mahi and King Mackerel bellies, each dressed with a glow-in-the-dark skirt to attract Swordfish in the deep, dark water. Fishing with an electric LP reel and a 15-pound lead, we dropped the bait all the way to the bottom and began working the area over the Swordfish grounds.
It wasn't long before we started getting bites. Over the course of the day, we had three solid shots from Swordfish — a great sign of life down deep. On one of those drops, the rod bent over, and line started peeling off the reel. Clint was tight to his fish! After a determined fight, the Swordfish finally came to the surface, and the mates gaffed the fish, bringing it safely aboard. A beautiful catch and a targeted success — Clint got exactly what he came for, and it was smiles all around.
Sailfish Action with John, Shane, and Their Wives from Texas
Our next trip brought in John, Shane, and their wives from Texas for an all-day, 8-hour deep sea fishing charter. The day started off with a steady breeze — perfect conditions for live bait kite fishing, one of our favorite ways to target Sailfish off Fort Lauderdale.
We filled the live well with fresh, lively baits and set up the spread in 150 feet of water, positioned over a productive reef and wreck area known for holding pelagic fish. With two kites in the air and four baits fluttering just above the surface, it didn't take long before the action began.
The first strike came on the right long kite bait — a Sailfish fed aggressively, and after a quick drop-back, the line came tight. The fish put on an incredible show, leaping across the surface before being brought alongside the boat for a quick photo and healthy release.
No sooner had we reset the spread when more Sailfish showed up. Throughout the day, three more Sailfish came into the spread, each one eating, running off, and getting hooked. The group caught all three fish, making it a total of four Sailfish for the day. Each angler onboard got the chance to fight and land their own Sailfish — an unforgettable experience for John, Shane, and their wives.
Both charters showcased just how diverse and exciting the fishing is in Fort Lauderdale — from dropping baits nearly 2,000 feet deep for Swordfish to flying kites along the reef for acrobatic Sailfish. Whether you're after the thrill of a daytime Swordfish or the excitement of seeing a Sailfish explode on a live bait, Fort Lauderdale offers world-class action year-round.
🎣 To book your own deep sea fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale, contact Capt. Dave Zsak at (954) 439-8106 or visit www.topshotfishing.com.
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Target Species:
Swordfish, Sailfish
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