Fishing Fort Lauderdale with Topshotfishing and Capt. Zsak

Kelly and Marc Ricketts along with their two children and Kelly's mother and father all from Iowa chartered the Topshotfishing team to do some deep sea big game sport fishing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Winds were out of the east at 10-15 mph, seas running 3-4 ft., temperatures in the mid 80's with blue skies. Today was a very special day for Kelly – this charter with the Topshotfishing team was her 40th birthday gift. Kelly's request was to catch a very large fish, if possible a Sailfish.

With Captain Richard Budalich at the helm, we stopped to purchase a dozen live Goggle Eyes from T&T Bait located in the inlet in Fort Lauderdale. Fifteen minutes later lines were in 120 ft. of water at the sea buoy in Fort Lauderdale, 1.8 miles from shore. As we trolled the reefs with two plainers down and four surface baits, the two young anglers brought in the first two fish – a Kingfish and a Bonito. From there, the Ricketts family rotated bringing in a total of three Kingfish, two Bonitos and two Black Fin Tunas.

As a color change appeared in 180 ft. of water south of Fort Lauderdale, it was time to do live bait kite fishing. We put out two live Goggle Eyes from each kite and one from the rigger. The family was enjoying themselves talking about their vacation in Fort Lauderdale when a black shadow appeared on the right short kite bait. The dorsal fin and bill came out of the water as the Sailfish attacked the live Goggle Eye. Hooked up!!!! Sailfish on!!! Our birthday girl jumped into the fighting chair to bring home her birthday gift. After a twenty-five minute battle, Dave, our mate, wired the Sailfish and brought him to the side of the boat. Pictures were taken and the Sailfish was released to fight again.

With a smile from ear to ear from the birthday girl and congratulations from her family, it was time to head back to the dock. The anglers retired into the a/c salon for the trip back to the Bahia Mar Dock, 801 Seabreeze Blvd. Fort Lauderdale 33316.

For a successful and adventurous deep sea fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale FL for Sailfish, Shark, Bonito, Mackerel, Swordfish, Snapper, Wahoo, Tuna, Mahi Mahi and Grouper contact Captain Zsak. - 954-309-7457 or email us at tzsak@bellshouth.net Website: www.topshotfishing.com.

Fish Species: Sailfish
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About The Author: Captain Tom Zsak

Company: Happy Day Today

Area Reporting: Fort LauderdaleFl.

Bio: owner Capt Tom Zsak, Happy Day Today Charter boat in Fort Lauderdale Fl.started in 1980 caption for 35 years

954-309-7457
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain Tom Zsak