Deep Sea Fishing in Fort Lauderdale with Top Shot Fishing Team
Capt. David Zsak
January 29, 2026
Fort Lauderdale - Saltwater Fishing Report
Happy Day Today | Top Shot Sportfishing Charters
Wintertime is officially here in South Florida, and that means cold fronts, wind, waves — and Sailfish. For fishing in Fort Lauderdale, the winter season is one of the most exciting times of the year. The first cold fronts usually begin rolling through in November, but the action really starts to heat up in January and February. That's when Fort Lauderdale charter fishing sees peak Sailfish activity, and we're fired up about the most recent front pushing chilly weather and steady winds across the state.
One of the most productive and exciting techniques we use for Fort Lauderdale deep sea fishing is kite fishing. Kite fishing is incredibly effective for targeting Sailfish, along with other pelagic species such as Blackfin Tuna, Kingfish, and Dolphin (Mahi Mahi). We typically fish two kites at once, one flying off the right side of the boat and one off the left. Each kite is carefully rigged so it favors a specific side of the spread, with precise height, distance, and flight attitude.
Once the kites are deployed from the vessel, we use release clips that hold the fishing lines in place. When a fish strikes and applies pressure, the line pops free from the clip. What makes kite fishing so attractive to pelagic species is the surface presentation of the baitfish. These baits swim just below the water's surface, creating a distressed, vulnerable look that screams "easy prey" to a hungry Sailfish.
Watching a Sailfish rise up and attack a bait is an unforgettable experience. As the fish eats, the angler in the cockpit carefully controls how much line is fed to the fish. When the moment is right, the drag is engaged and the hook is set — game on. Things get even more intense when multiple Sailfish enter the spread at once, a situation we like to call controlled cockpit chaos. Depending on how the fight unfolds, we'll either clear other baits and kites or keep them fishing.
Once hooked up, Sailfish put on an incredible show, launching into the air with acrobatic jumps and cartwheels as they try to shake the hook. We use small circle hooks that typically set cleanly in the corner of the fish's mouth, allowing for a safe and healthy release. While most Sailfish stay near the surface, some will dive deep, making for a challenging and rewarding battle. When the fish is brought boatside, we carefully position it for a quick photo before performing an in-water release, which is best for the fish.
In addition to kite fishing, we also enjoy great success trolling the reef inshore and offshore, as well as bottom fishing and wreck fishing, targeting a wide variety of species that make Fort Lauderdale such a world-class fishing destination.
If you're looking to experience the excitement of charter fishing in Fort Lauderdale, book your trip aboard the charter boat Happy Day Today with Top Shot Sportfishing Charters.
📞 Contact Capt. Dave at (954) 439-8106
🌐 Visit www.topshotfishing.com
Target Species:
Sailfish
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