THE GULF STREAM IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK
Most Florida ports have to run an hour or more to reach the blue water. Out of Fort Lauderdale, the edge of the Gulf Stream sits about three miles off the beach. You're trolling for sailfish, mahi, and tuna inside of 20 minutes from the inlet.
That short run does two things. It saves fuel and trip time, so more of your booking is spent actually fishing. And it lets the captain swing back inshore if the offshore bite turns off.
Few ports anywhere on the East Coast let you fish three completely different styles in one day. Our offshore fishing charters take full advantage of that proximity.
LOCAL CAPTAINS KNOW EVERY REEF AND WRECK
Fort Lauderdale has been a charter port for over half a century. The reef system from Hillsboro down to Government Cut is mapped, fished, and re-fished every week. A local captain knows which wreck holds mutton snapper in May, which ledge has the kingfish in November, and which patch reef goes off on an outgoing tide.
Captain Jason grew up fishing this stretch of coast. He's run tournaments, been featured on Bass2Billfish with Peter Miller, and put time on every productive piece of bottom inside 25 miles. That kind of local knowledge cannot be Googled. More on Captain Jason's background is on the about Cool Runnings section.
THE BITE STAYS YEAR-ROUND
South Florida's climate keeps water temperatures in a fishable range twelve months a year. Winter brings sailfish and kingfish on the cold fronts. Spring loads up on tunas, wahoo, and the start of mahi season.
Summer is mahi, bottom fish, and inshore tarpon. Fall produces big snapper, more tuna, and the mullet run nearshore.
There is no offseason. You can book a trip in February or August and expect to catch fish. A current breakdown of seasonal targets is in our guide to offshore fishing in Miami.
TRIP VARIETY IN A SINGLE MARINA
Fort Lauderdale is one of the few ports where you can pick your style of fishing the morning of the trip. Offshore trolling for billfish and mahi. Live bait kite fishing for sailfish on the edge.
Drift fishing the reefs for snapper and grouper. Light tackle in the bay for snook and tarpon.
Cool Runnings runs all three trip types from the same dock. If conditions favor one style on the day of your trip, the captain shifts. You don't have to lock in a target species when you book. Detailed gear and methods are listed on the bottom fishing charter overview.
EVERYTHING IS HANDLED FOR YOU
A good charter takes the friction out. Cool Runnings provides all rods, reels, tackle, bait, ice, coolers, Coast Guard safety gear, fishing licenses for everyone on board, and catch cleaning at the dock. You bring food, drinks, and sun protection. Nothing else.
That's why first-timers, traveling anglers, and locals who don't own a boat all use the same service. Pricing, durations, and the booking calendar are on the contact and booking form. Past guest experiences are on the customer reviews section.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Fort Lauderdale better than Miami for offshore fishing?
Both are excellent and the fishing grounds overlap. Fort Lauderdale's inlet is closer to the deepest part of the Gulf Stream edge, which can save 20-30 minutes of running time on an offshore trip. Cool Runnings runs out of Lauderdale and routinely fishes water that's also accessed from Miami. More on our Fort Lauderdale fishing area overview.
Do I need experience to book a charter?
No. About half our trips are first-timers. Captain Jason walks every angler through bait, technique, and fight mechanics on the way out. Beginners regularly catch sailfish, tuna, and mahi on their first trip. The boat is rigged for all skill levels. Our inshore fishing charters are a great starting point.
What's the best time of year to come?
Honestly, every month produces something good. If you want sailfish, December through March is peak. Mahi runs April through July. Tunas and kingfish are strongest in spring and fall. The full season-by-season breakdown is in our Miami offshore fishing seasonal guide.
