Big game fishing starts where the shoreline disappears behind you and the water deepens to a rich blue. Out here, the only thing between you and the fish is skill, preparation, and a bit of luck. Mahi, tuna, and sailfish don’t wait in the shallows—they roam the open ocean, and that’s where we take you. These trips aren’t about a quick cast and a short ride home. Offshore fishing demands dedication, and the payoff is a fight you’ll remember in Fort Lauderdale and Miami waters.

Our charters leave from Fort Lauderdale and Miami, heading straight for the Gulf Stream. This current draws in baitfish, and with them, the predators you’re after. We don’t guess where to fish. Years on these waters have taught us the patterns, the seasons, and the subtle shifts that signal when the bite is on. When you step aboard, you’re not just along for the ride. You’re in the right place at the right time, ready to fish.

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How We Run Offshore Fishing Trips

Before the sun breaks the horizon, we’re already prepping the boat. Early starts matter because the best action often happens before most people have had had their coffee. The run offshore can stretch an hour or more, depending on where the fish are holding. Once we reach the right water, the real work begins. Trolling spreads lines wide, covering ground for fast-moving species. When the conditions call for it, we switch to live or chunk bait, targeting bigger fish lurking below. The moment a rod bends, you’re in the action. Reeling, fighting, and feeling every surge from the other end of the line.

• Early Departure: We leave before dawn to catch the most productive hours and maximize your time on the water.
• Long Run Offshore: Trips often cover 10 to 20 miles, reaching the deep where the big fish hunt.
• Trolling and Live Bait: Our approach adapts to the day, using proven methods to draw strikes from pelagic species.
• Hands-On Action: You handle your own rod, with our crew guiding you through every step of the fight.
• Full-Day Commitment: Expect six to eight hours on the water. Enough time to chase, hook, and land serious fish.

We handle the rigging, steering, and all the details that keep the trip running smoothly. Your focus stays on the fishing. Whether you’re new to offshore or have years of experience, we coach you through the fight, helping you land your catch and make the most of every run in Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Species We Target Offshore

With the Gulf Stream so close, South Florida offers a lineup of game fish that keeps anglers coming back. Mahi mahi light up the water with their colors and speed. Tuna—both blackfin and yellowfin—test your endurance and gear. Sailfish leap and run, putting on a show that never gets old. Wahoo and kingfish round out the list, each with their own season and style of fight. We track the migrations, the water temps, and the bait movements, so you’re always set up for what’s biting best.

• Mahi Mahi: Fast, aggressive, and always exciting to hook, mahi are a favorite for their fight and their table quality.
• Sailfish: Acrobatic and powerful, sailfish are a true test for any angler and a highlight of South Florida offshore trips.
• Tuna: Blackfin and yellowfin bring muscle and stamina, making every hookup a battle worth remembering.
• Wahoo: Known for blistering runs, wahoo strike hard and keep you on your toes from the first second.
• Kingfish: Reliable action and great eating, kingfish are a staple in these waters throughout much of the year.

Seasons shift, and so do the fish. Mahi peak in spring and summer, while sailfish show up strong in winter and early spring. Tuna action heats up as the water cools in fall and winter. We adjust our tactics and locations to match the patterns, so you’re always in the hunt around Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

How We Handle Weather & Seasons

When the forecast shifts, so do our plans. Calm seas make for easy runs and steady fishing, while rough water demands experience and flexibility. We check conditions before every trip, adjusting routes and timing to keep you safe and on the fish. Summer brings heat and the chance of afternoon storms, while winter offers cooler water and different species. Spring and fall often deliver the most consistent action, with stable weather and active baitfish. No matter the season, we know where to look and how to adapt when the weather changes in Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Our Approach to Landing Big Fish

With a big fish on the line, patience and steady hands matter more than brute force. The drag does its work, letting the fish run when it needs to and tiring it out over time. We coach you through every surge and dive, helping you keep pressure without risking a break-off. Stay balanced, use your legs, and reel when the fish gives you the chance. Every fight is different. Mahi jump, tuna dig deep, sailfish run and leap. The crew stays close, ready to help you adjust and land your catch when it finally comes to the boat.

• Let the Drag Work: Trust the gear and avoid forcing the issue when the fish is running hard.
• Stay Balanced: Plant your feet and use your whole body to absorb the pull, not just your arms.
• Reel on the Drop: Gain line when the fish eases up, not when it’s pulling away.
• Listen to the Crew: Our experience helps you make the right moves at the right time.
• Stay Focused: Big fish can take time. Pace yourself and enjoy the fight.

Once the fish is at the boat, we handle the gaff and bring it aboard. Photos, filleting, and packing are all part of the service. Whether you keep your catch or release it, the memory of the fight stays with you.

Let's Get You Out on the Water

Offshore fishing in South Florida puts you on some of the best game fish in the Atlantic. Cool Runnings Sportfishing Charters runs trips out of Fort Lauderdale and Miami with experienced crews who know these waters. Call us at 954-588-0578 or book a charter to lock in your trip.

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