Deep Sea Fishing in Fort Lauderdale with Top Shot Fishing Team
Capt. David Zsak
February 18, 2026
Fort Lauderdale - Saltwater Fishing Report
Ronnie's Trip – Patience Rewarded with a Big Wahoo
Ronnie joined us for a morning fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale aboard the Happy Day Today. We left the dock just after sunrise and ran offshore to find 2–3 foot seas with a steady easterly wind. Those conditions create a nice push of clean Gulf Stream water against the reef and are usually very productive for trolling.
As soon as we reached the fishing grounds, we could see promising life. The water color was that bright electric blue every captain hopes for, and schools of bait were showering across the surface every few hundred yards. Flying fish were gliding, small bait pods were getting nervous, and we even spotted a few rip lines forming. Everything about the morning suggested a big day was coming.
We set out a full trolling spread including surface baits and a deep planer bait to cover different depths of the water column. Our expectations were high, but sometimes offshore fishing humbles you. Hour after hour we worked the rip and the edges of the color change, yet the pelagic fish simply weren't there. Despite perfect conditions, it was quiet.
Then, about three hours into the trip, the planer rod suddenly bent over and line started screaming off the reel. The quiet morning instantly turned into chaos and excitement. Ronnie jumped into the fighting chair and settled in.
The fish made a long, blistering first run and shook its head violently — classic Wahoo behavior. The speed and power confirmed our suspicions. After a few deep dives and several strong runs, Ronnie steadily gained line and worked the fish closer. As it came into view, the unmistakable vertical barring of a Wahoo appeared beneath the surface.
First mate Kyle was ready. At the perfect moment he placed a clean gaff shot and brought a beautiful Wahoo aboard. The deck erupted with excitement. A single bite completely changed the day and turned a slow morning into a memorable trip.
Tom & Luke's Trip – Kite Fishing Action and a Shark Battle
Tom and his son, Luke, longtime customers we consider family, joined us for their annual Fort Lauderdale deep sea fishing charter. Conditions were favorable with an east wind and a slight north current — one of our favorite setups for kite fishing along the drop-off.
We began by deploying two kites with four live baits suspended on the surface. We also sent a bottom bait down to target reef and bottom predators such as Snappers, Groupers Amberjacks, and Sharks. Fresh baits like Bonito and Mackerel are ideal because their oils and scent travel through the water column and attract fish from a distance.
Kite fishing is very hands-on, and Kyle constantly worked the baits to keep them splashing naturally — not too deep and not too shallow. The idea is to make them look like a struggling baitfish on the surface.
Suddenly one of the kite baits exploded in a shower of water. A large tail cut across the surface and line began to come tight. Fishing circle hooks requires patience, so we allowed the fish to eat and come tight on its own. The rod slowly loaded and we were hooked up.
Luke's sister grabbed the rod and fought the fish stand-up. After several strong runs we brought a beautiful smoker King Mackerel to the boat.
While we were still celebrating, the bottom rod suddenly bent hard and braid began steadily clicking off the reel. This was a slower, heavier bite — the telltale sign of a Shark. Luke took the rod and settled into a long fight. For nearly 45 minutes he battled the fish as it made powerful runs toward the bottom.
Eventually we worked it up through the water column and Kyle leadered a large Sandbar Shark to the surface. After a few quick photos, we carefully removed the hook using a de-hooker and released the Shark healthy.
Jeremy's Trip – Blackfin Tuna Season Begins
Jeremy booked a 4-hour morning fishing charter hoping for steady action. With recent reports of Tuna, we decided to troll offshore.
After setting our spread of baits and lures, we didn't wait long. One of the rigger rods snapped tight and a Tuna exploded across the surface behind the boat. Jeremy grabbed the rod and the fish made several fast runs typical of a Blackfin Tuna.
After a solid fight, we brought a nice Blackfin Tuna into the boat. We are entering prime Tuna season in Fort Lauderdale, which typically runs through June and July. Most fish are in the 10–20 pound range, but every season we see larger fish pushing over 30 pounds when conditions are right. The Tuna bite should only continue improving as Spring approaches.
Tim's Trip – Adapting to Put Fish in the Box
Tim joined us for a half-day deep sea fishing charter with one goal — bring home fresh fish for dinner. We started by analyzing the wind, current, water clarity, and bait activity before choosing our approach.
We began slow trolling live Bullet Bonita, one of the premier baits for targeting large pelagic predators. When rigged properly these baits can be trolled across different depths, whether fish are shallow in 60–80 feet of water or out deep in 300–400 feet.
Despite covering a lot of productive water, we didn't get a bite. Offshore fishing requires adjustments, so we changed tactics and switched to bottom fishing over a productive reef spot.
Immediately the rods bent. Vermillion and Yelloweye Snappers started biting right away and the action stayed steady. By the end of the trip, Tim had a nice box of fresh Snappersto take home — a perfect way to finish the charter.
Every week offshore Fort Lauderdale is different, and that's what makes it exciting. From Wahoo and Tuna to Kingfish, Sharks, and Snappers, there is always something biting aboard the Happy Day Today.
To book your own Fort Lauderdale fishing charter, contact Capt. Dave Zsak with Top Shot Sportfishing Charters and the Happy Day Today at (954) 439-8106 or visit Topshotfishing.com. We look forward to fishing with you!
Target Species:
Sandbark Shark, Wahoo, King Mackerel
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