Fort Lauderdale's best deep sea fishing report provided by the charter boat "Happy Day Today" and Top Shot Sportfishing Charters. On a sun-soaked morning in Fort Lauderdale, the ocean sparkled like a blanket of diamonds. Captain Dave Zsak and first mate Kyle Groth stood on the deck of the 52’ Hatteras, “Happy Day Today,” waiting for his guests to arrive. The day promised adventure, as the weather was perfect and the sea calm—a fisherman’s dream.
Soon, a family of four appeared on the dock, Danielle, John and their two sons from NY, who could barely contain their excitement. This was their first-time deep-sea fishing, and they couldn’t wait to feel the thrill of the catch. After a warm welcome and a quick safety briefing, they were off, the powerful engines roaring as they left the shore behind. It is a short ride to the Fort Lauderdale fishing grounds, and it only took us 20 minutes.
As they cruised toward deeper waters, Captain Dave explained the plan for the day. We started with trolling the reef with two deep planner lines and four surface baits, a technique that often brought in King Mackerel, Bonitas, Tuna and Mahi Mahi. The kids, wide-eyed with anticipation, listened intently as the crew set up the rods and baited the hooks. Kyle rigged up a deep blue sea witch with a strip bait which not only matches the water color but also mimics a swimming baitfish. The outrigger baits consisted of swimming ballyhoo and strip baits.
We started trolling in 150 feet of water, which is located right on the drop off. These fish will travel along the drop off and presenting our baits to a hungry passing fish. Fishing the drop off in Fort Lauderdale is located just a few miles off the beach. Before long, the lines began to tug, and the reels screamed as fish took the bait. The deep planner line started reeling off and we had a fish on!! The eldest son, barely strong enough to hold the rod, was the first to hook a King Mackerel. With Captain Dave’s guidance, he fought the fish, his face a mix of determination and sheer joy. After a few intense minutes, he landed the Mackerel, and the boat erupted in cheers.
As I was trolling the reef off in the distance, there was a frigate bird working a school of flying fish. This typically presents a great opportunity to find what is chasing the baits. We approached the school of bait, and as soon as we made a pass, the rigger line came down, and we had a big Mahi Mahi on. John reeled this nice one in smooth and kept the fish from jumping off the hook, soon as within gaff range, Kyle reached out and gaffed the Mahi Mahi.
The day continued with catch after catch, each one bringing a new wave of excitement. We had an excellent day fishing the reef and catching King Mackerel and a few Bonitas, their sleek bodies shimmering in the sunlight, and even a Barracuda, its sharp teeth flashing menacingly as it was carefully unhooked and released. Some fish are kept for eating, some are released to live, and a few are kept for bait.
As the sun reached its zenith, casting golden rays across the water, Captain Dave decided it was time to try something special. They moved to deeper waters, where the big fish lurked. Danielle, John and the boys had an extremely active trip with hooking Kings and a Mahi Mahi. I wanted them to experience the thrill of a big one. With heavy rods and stronger lines, the crew set the dead bait, hoping for a monster. We use Penn and Shimmano 80's which are big game tackle.
Deep-sea fishing in Fort Lauderdale for sharks can be very productive, depending on the conditions. The current was slowly moving to the North and we had a light easterly wind. Kyle set out dead and live baits in a staggered spread from the deepest bait up the spectrum to the shallowest bait. The moment came quickly—a powerful strike that nearly pulled the rod from its holder. John took the challenge, his muscles straining as he battled whatever was on the other end. The struggle was intense, the fish diving deep, testing his endurance. But he held on, reeling it in inch by inch, until finally, the beast broke the surface—a massive Hammerhead Shark.
The family watched in awe as the shark, fierce and magnificent, thrashed at the side of the boat. Captain Dave skillfully handled the boat, Kyle, the first mate, wired the Hammerhead Shark along the side of the boat allowing us to take a few pictures. He used a pair of bolt cutters to clip the hook in half ensuring the Shark was released safely back into the deep blue sea.
As they headed back to shore, tired but elated, the family knew they had just experienced something truly special. They had stories to tell, memories to share, and a newfound love for the ocean. Captain Dave smiled as the boat glided through the water, knowing that this day would be etched in their hearts forever—just another day in the life of deep-sea fishing in Fort Lauderdale.
For those looking to book a deep-sea fishing adventure, remember to contact Capt. Dave Zsak at (954) 439-8106 or visit www.topshotfishing.com. You can also follow the action on Youtube, Facebook, and Instagram!