On October 20th, the Happy Day Today, a 52’ Hatteras awaited Anthony and his crew from Pennsylvania at the dock in Fort Lauderdale, primed for an adventure with Top Shot Sportfishing Charters. The group had their hearts set on a day of deep-sea fishing and the promise of blue waters, adrenaline-pumping action, and memorable catches. And the day did not disappoint.
With rods in hand and a mix of seasoned anglers and eager first-timers, the group set off into the Fort Lauderdale fishing grounds. The weather was perfect, with a light breeze and calm seas. As Captain Dave guided them to promising fishing grounds, everyone felt the anticipation build.
The first hit came quickly. Just as the lines were set along a weed line, a flash of silver streaked through the water—the rigger line went tight, and within moments, a Mahi Mahi was on. Cheers erupted as the anglers worked the lines, pulling in bright green and blue beauties. The crew expertly pitched live baits, enticing more Mahi from the shadows around floating debris. With each cast, it seemed like another Mahi Mahi was biting, sending the group into a rhythm of reel, hook, and catch.
And then, the real thrill of the day made its grand entrance. One of the lines went screaming, the rod bent sharply, and before anyone could react, a Sailfish burst from the water in an acrobatic display. It danced and jumped, showcasing itself against the deep blue backdrop. The crew and anglers watched in awe as the Sailfish repeatedly breached, its powerful body slicing through the water and launching skyward, leaving splashes and shouts of excitement in its wake. The fight was intense - drag was peeling off, and the Sailfish wasn’t giving in easily. After a battle that tested patience and skill, Anthony’s group brought the stunning fish close enough for a quick look and a memory before it was released back to the deep.
In just six hours, the action was relentless. By the end, they had caught 12 Mahi Mahi, one sleek and feisty Wahoo, and that unforgettable Sailfish. With smiles all around, the crew filleted the Mahi for Anthony and his friends, sending the group home with coolers full of fresh fish and tales of a fishing trip they’d never forget.
On the afternoon of October 24th, sunny, a local from Fort Lauderdale, along with his son, brother-in-law, and father-in-law, stepped aboard the Happy Day Today for a half-day adventure with Top Shot Sportfishing Charters. With only a four-hour window to reel in some memorable catches, Captain Dave knew they’d need a sharp eye and quick reflexes to make the most of the time on the water.
Setting out at 1 pm, the crew steered the 52’ Hatteras straight offshore Fort Lauderdale, with hopes of catching up to a promising weed line that had been forming over the last few days. This kind of weed line, with its distinctive color change and patches of floating debris, moves unpredictably with the currents. But with the captain’s experience and keen sense for spotting the rip, they soon found the trail of Sargassum they were looking for.
And then, just as they approached the first patch of floating debris, the action exploded. The rigger lines snapped tight, signaling bites from Mahi Mahi almost instantly—two at a time. The fish were hitting hard, flashing their bright colors just under the surface, and each angler jumped into action, grabbing rods, reeling, and keeping the lines clear.
Sunny’s son was thrilled, reeling in his first Mahi with the support of the crew cheering him on, while his brother-in-law and father-in-law worked on another line, bringing in a double. The boat passed more floaters, and each time, more Mahi were there, eager to chase the baits. The group moved seamlessly, handling each catch like pros, with rods bending and laughter echoing across the deck.
The session was short but intense. By the end, they had seven Mahi Mahi aboard and no shortage of smiles all around. With fresh fillets to take home and memories of non-stop action, Sunny and his family headed back to the dock, knowing they’d made the most of every moment while fishing in Fort Lauderdale.
On October 26th, Zac, his son, and nephew—a group of avid hunters and freshwater fishermen from South Carolina—joined the Happy Day Today for their first deep-sea fishing adventure off the coast of Fort Lauderdale. With brisk winds and choppy waves, the conditions were challenging, but they worked in the group’s favor, pushing weed lines closer to shore and setting floating debris into motion. These South Carolina anglers were ready to chase their first Mahi Mahi in the deep blue waters.
Leaving the dock, Captain Dave steered the 52’ Hatteras offshore, heading out to 600 feet of water where Mahi were known to roam. Kyle, the first mate, efficiently set up six surface Ballyhoo baits along with a bridge teaser and a deep planner line, creating a spread that would be hard for any passing fish to resist.
Before long, they spotted a frigate bird circling intently over the water. That was the sign they’d been waiting for—a sure indicator of fish below. As they closed in, they spotted the prize: a bamboo log drifting in the waves. They knew it would be holding fish, and as they passed by, the rigger line went tight—a Mahi Mahi had struck. Cheers rang out as Zac’s son grabbed the rod and began to reel in the leaping, colorful fish.
But the real thrill was just beginning. Following the hooked Mahi were more fish, curious and hungry. Wasting no time, Kyle pitched a live bait overboard, and a small frenzy erupted in the water. The Mahi darted in, competing for the bait, and soon they had two more on the line, hooked on light spinning tackle, providing an intense and exhilarating fight.
For the rest of the trip, the group continued to patrol the rip currents, scanning for birds and floating debris as they trolled. The teamwork was seamless—Zac and his family hooked fish after fish, reveling in the fast-paced action. By the end of the four-hour charter, they had successfully landed ten Mahi Mahi, each one adding to the thrill of their first saltwater experience. With coolers packed and stories to tell, Zac, his son, and nephew headed back to shore, already talking about their next adventure on the Happy Day Today.
To book a deep-sea fishing charter aboard the "Happy Day Today" and Top Shot Sportfishing Charters, contact Capt. David Zsak at (954) 439-8106 or check out the website at www.topshotfishing.com