Ideal Sport Fishing Areas And Charters In The Vicinity Of Fort Lauderdale

If a fishing venture or fishing trip in the beauty of Alaska isn’t your gig but you love your time as an angler on the water, then how about a fishing expedition at the other end of the U.S. in Florida?.

Fort Lauderdale sport fishing is one of the area’s biggest tourism generators. Because Fort Lauderdale and its nearby suburbs provides both saltwater and freshwater fishing, anglers can enjoy a deep sea experience, leisurely fly fishing or even bottom fishing.
Northern Pike Fishing Lures


The area is teeming with fishing charter companies and crews that can change every year. For the best experience, check out the resources below to find up-to-date referrals and fishing information.

The IGFA (International Game Fish Association) - World Fishing Center

Probably the best resource at the World Fishing Center are the on-site librarians who can offer you a complete list of highly recommended and IGFA (International Game Fish Association) endorsed fishing guides and boat captains. The complex also houses a 3-acre park, library, museum and a state-of-the-art fishing simulator.

You can reach the IGFA headquarters at 1-954-927-2628 or contact the World Fishing Center directly at 1-954-922-4212 or online at igfa.org. The library and museum are open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.

The Hall of Fame Marina

The Hall of Fame Marina, on Seabreeze Boulevard, is full of captains and charter fishing companies, all clamoring for your Fort Lauderdale sport fishing business. Going down to take a look lets you inspect the boats in person, develop a rapport with local captains and often garner a better price.

Pier 66 Marina

The Pier 66 Marina is another hot spot for charter fishing boats. So, take a stroll down SE 17th Street and visit the boats, meet the crews and negotiate a price. If you’re still unsure, try asking at the IGFA or even your hotel concierge desk for a recommendation.

Hillsboro Inlet Charters

Actually located in Pompano Beach, Hillsboro Charters are recommended by both Fodor’s Florida guide and Frommer’s. The company operates over a dozen charter vessels and tracks marlin, shark, sailfish and pompano. You can contact them by phone at 954-943-8222 to make a reservation.

What You Can Expect to Pay

For bottom fishing, most boats charge about $40 per person for a 4-hour trip and will typically include reel, rod and bait. For private charters, expect to pay around $350 for a six-person, half-day trip and about $600 for a full day adventure.

Nearby cities and municipalities like Dania Beach, Pompano Beach, Lauderdale by the Sea and Deerfield Beach also offer free or very reasonably priced fishing piers for anglers who prefer a more relaxed, Fort Lauderdale sport fishing experience. Most also offer visitors rod-and-reel rentals for less than $10 a day.