Deep Sea Fishing Charter Fort Lauderdale: Lady Helen

Hook mahi-mahi on the reefs, then switch to spinning rods as the school closes in

A 6-hour deep sea fishing charter aboard the Lady Helen, docked in Fort Lauderdale, takes anglers of all levels into the Gulfstream waters to target sailfish, mahi-mahi, blackfin tuna and other species. The crew uses trolling baits to locate fish, then switches to live bait and spinning rods once a school is hooked, creating rapid-fire action typical of South Florida offshore fishing.

The experience

The Lady Helen runs 6-hour trips that push far enough offshore to spend real time on the reefs and in the deeper waters where the Gulfstream feeds the continental shelf. The boat leaves from Fort Lauderdale with a captain and mate who have over 30 years of experience reading these waters. Mahi-mahi are the bread-and-butter target on these longer runs, but sailfish, blackfin tuna and other species show up depending on the season and conditions.

Once the crew finds a likely area, they deploy trolling baits to locate fish. When a mahi-mahi hooks up on the troll, they keep it in the water. The commotion brings the rest of the school in close. That's when the spinning rods come out and live baits go overboard. The hungry fish strike hard and fast, which is why this kind of fishing ranks among the most exciting in South Florida. If sea conditions aren't cooperating, the trip can split time between nearshore and offshore fishing, or stay inside the jetty where barracudas and jack crevalle hunt around the rocks in calmer water.

The boat carries a clean onboard restroom, cooler with ice, and the crew handles fish cleaning before you leave. Free parking is included. Bring polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and a camera. Food and drink are not provided, though you can bring your own. A gratuity of 15–20% for the crew is customary.

What’s included

• Captain and mate with over 30 years of experience.
• cooler with ice.
• fish cleaning.
• clean onboard restroom.
• free parking.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Lady Helen Fishing Charters

Is this one for you?Six hours is long enough to reach the reefs and work a school of mahi-mahi, but short enough to leave the rest of your day free if you're splitting time between fishing and Fort Lauderdale itself. If you want to stay closer to shore or fish in calmer water, the crew can adjust the trip to split between nearshore and offshore, or work the jetty.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What fish are we likely to catch on a 6-hour trip from Fort Lauderdale?

Mahi-mahi are the primary target on the 6-hour runs because the boat spends enough time on the reefs to find and work schools. Sailfish, blackfin tuna and other species appear depending on the season and where the Gulfstream is pushing baitfish that day.

How does the crew switch tactics once a fish is hooked?

When a mahi-mahi is hooked on the troll, the crew leaves it in the water to draw the rest of the school close. Once the other fish move in, they break out spinning rods and cast live baits, which the hungry fish strike immediately. This rapid-fire action is what makes the fishing so exciting.

What happens if the sea conditions are rough?

The 6-hour trip can be split between nearshore and offshore fishing, or the boat can stay inside the jetty in calm water where barracudas and jack crevalle are always present around the rocks, feeding on live bait.

What's included in the charter, and what do I need to bring?

The Lady Helen provides the captain, mate, cooler with ice, fish cleaning and free parking. Bring polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and a camera. Food and drink are not included, though you can bring your own.