Deep Sea Fishing in Fort Lauderdale with Top Shot Fishing Team
Capt. David Zsak
May 12, 2025
Fort Lauderdale - Saltwater Fishing Report
May's deep sea fishing report in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the charter boat "Happy Day Today" and Top Shot Sportfishing Charters.
SLAMMER MAHI MAHI and a Sailfish!
Mark and his son joined us for a half-day fishing charter out of Fort Lauderdale, and from the moment we left the dock, the action was on. Within just 20 minutes of departure, we had lines in the water—one of the many benefits of fishing in Fort Lauderdale, where productive waters lie just a few miles off the coast.
We started the trip trolling along the reef in about 100 feet of water. The first mate set up a classic spread: four surface Ballyhoo baits and two deep planner lines to cover the water column. It didn't take long! The first bite came quickly on one of the deep planner lines. Mark's son grabbed the rod and skillfully brought in a solid King Mackerel—a great way to kick things off! Charter fishing in Fort Lauderdale King Mackerel is a staple.
The next strike was a showstopper. A Sailfish exploded out of the water behind one of the Ballyhoo baits rigged on the outrigger. We watched as it slashed at the bait with its bill, making several erratic passes before finally committing. Mark took the rod, carefully fed the Sailfish, then set the hook. The fish answered with an acrobatic display—tail-walking, jumping, and zigzagging through the waves. After a strong fight, we brought the Sailfish alongside the boat, removed the hook, and released it safely back into the ocean.
With adrenaline still pumping, we reset the spread and continued offshore, heading toward a current edge we spotted in 400 feet of water. As we crossed over the color change, we hooked up again—this time on the outrigger line. A smaller Mahi Mahi, around 8 pounds, gave us a fun fight and added to the day's tally.
But the trip had one more surprise in store.
As we circled back across the edge, a monster Mahi Mahi—what we call a "Slammer"—smashed the high line and took off, peeling drag at high speed. It was a big fish and gave us a thrilling battle, running hard and fast with the current. The boat drifted more than a mile while the fight played out. When the fish finally came close, our first mate was ready. With perfect timing, he took a clean shot with the gaff and brought the slammer Mahi aboard—an epic way to wrap up the trip.
It was a day full of action, variety, and unforgettable moments on the water. We look forward to having Mark and his son back again soon for another great day of deep-sea fishing in Fort Lauderdale with Top Shot Sportfishing Charters and the "Happy Day Today" charter boat.
WAHOO AND SAILFISH
This past Friday afternoon, we welcomed Tony, his son, and their friend Sam aboard 52' Hatteras "Happy Day Today" and Top Shot Sportfishing Charters for an exciting deep sea fishing charter off Fort Lauderdale. The crew had just wrapped up a week of cruising through the Bahamas and was ready to finish their vacation strong—with rods in hand and fish on the line.
They arrived full of energy, and they picked the perfect day to be fishing in Fort Lauderdale. Early May served up ideal conditions: clear skies, a light easterly breeze, and a steady north current. All signs pointed to a productive afternoon of fishing.
We kicked things off by trolling the reef, a great technique not only for targeting a wide variety of species but also for reading the water—current flow, bait presence, and color changes. The first mate set up a classic spread with two deep planner lines and four surface baits, and we began working our way south and east.
As we reached about 300 feet of water, we spotted a well-defined current edge. I started trolling right along it, and it didn't take long for the deep planner rod to scream to life—fish on! Tony jumped on the rod and started the fight. The fish peeled off a good amount of line and ran hard back and forth. After a solid battle, Tony got the fish boatside, and our first mate, Kyle, expertly gaffed and landed a beautiful Wahoo.
With the Wahoo onboard, we decided to shift gears and set up for kite fishing—an excellent method for targeting pelagic species by presenting live baits naturally on the surface. I positioned the boat near a productive area where the water looked right, the current was moving well, and baitfish were active.
We sent two kites into the air, each carrying live baits dancing on the surface below. It wasn't long before our setup drew in the attention of a true ocean predator. A Sailfish came cruising in, tracking one of the baits, and then made its move. Sam took the rod expertly feeding the fish and giving it enough line before locking it in and setting the hook. The Sailfish responded with a spectacular aerial show—jumping repeatedly and making strong, determined runs.
After a thrilling fight, we carefully brought the Sailfish alongside the boat, removed the hook, snapped a quick photo, and released it back into the blue to fight another day.
From Wahoo to Sailfish, the afternoon while charter fishing in Fort Lauderdale was packed with excitement, and the conditions couldn't have been better. It was the perfect way for Tony, his son, and Sam to wrap up a week in paradise—and we were glad to be part of it.
Tuna Season Kicks off with a Bang!
Fishing in Fort Lauderdale is simply the best. Especially when big Blackfin Tunas have arrived, and right on schedule. The month of May has always been one of our favorite months for targeting larger Tunas, and this past Friday's charter with Neeley and her son officially kicked off the season in unforgettable fashion. By the end of the trip, we had three Blackfins over 25 pounds on ice and memories to match.
We started the trip trolling north off the Fort Lauderdale coast, running our go-to setup: four surface baits and two deep planner lines. As we worked our way along the reef, I kept an eye out for a productive spot to switch over to kite fishing. The conditions were lining up perfectly—steady easterly wind, light north current, and plenty of baitfish around 160 feet of water. It looked right.
We deployed two kites with four live baits suspended below, fluttering just right to entice any nearby predators. The first bite was impossible to miss—an explosion on the surface like a cannonball hitting the ocean. A 25-pound Blackfin Tuna had annihilated the bait and was off like a freight train, peeling line at high speed. Seconds later, another explosion from the second kite line—a double header! Two big Tunas, both ripping off in opposite directions.
Neeley and her son handled the chaos like pros. After an intense back-and-forth fight, one by one, the fish came up to the leader. Kyle, our first mate, was ready and reached out with the gaff, bringing both Tunas onboard cleanly. Good thing we had just stocked the boat with a new coffin-style YETI cooler—those hefty fish went straight on ice.
Not done yet, we switched tactics and began kite trolling to the south, a technique that involves trolling with a kite and rubber flying fish baits—a killer combo when large Tunas are in the area. About a mile into the troll, we got the hit we were waiting for. A massive Tuna streaked in at top speed, leaping out of the water and crashing down near the bait. After a couple of high-speed misses, the fish finally dialed in and crushed the flying fish.
Neeley's son jumped on the rod and battled the beast with determination. After a strong fight, he brought the fish within range, and once again, Kyle did the honors with a well-placed gaff. Another beautiful Blackfin in the box.
It was the kind of trip that reminds us why May is so special here fishing in Fort Lauderdale. Big fish, steady action, and great people to share it with. A huge thanks to Neeley and her son for starting our Blackfin season off strong. We can't wait to see what the rest of the month brings.
To book your own deep sea fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale contact Capt. Dave Zsak at (954) 439-8106 or visit the website at www.Topshotfishing.com
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