Fort Lauderdale: Drift Fishing Trip with Gear & Fish Cleaning

Summary

Reef fishing off Fort Lauderdale for snapper and kingfish with crew help

You’ll head out from Fort Lauderdale with a friendly local crew for a relaxed drift fishing trip just offshore. Try your hand at catching snapper or kingfish with all gear provided—plus free fish cleaning so you can take your catch home or to a local restaurant. Expect ocean breezes, easygoing company, and maybe even a new story to tell.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect my morning to start with a pelican staring me down at the dock — but that’s Fort Lauderdale for you. The boat rocked gently as we climbed aboard, and the crew (I remember Mike’s sunburned grin) handed out rods while joking about who’d catch the first kingfish. There was a salty tang in the air and sunscreen already running into my eyes. It felt like everyone was half awake but excited, you know?

We drifted just a mile off the coast — closer than I thought deep sea fishing would be. The skyline faded behind us, replaced by this endless blue and the slap of water against the hull. Our guide showed me how to bait the hook (I definitely fumbled it), and then there was this quiet stretch where all you heard was line zipping out and someone’s kid asking if sharks lived “right here.” Turns out, mostly snapper and grouper today, though someone did pull up something weird-looking I still can’t name.

There’s something about waiting for a bite that makes you notice everything: sweat trickling down your back, the way the light bounces off water, or how fish scales look almost silver-pink when they hit sunlight. When I finally felt that tug — not huge, but real — Mike cheered like I’d landed a monster. He cleaned my catch at the end (didn’t charge extra), wrapped it up in paper so I could take it home or get it cooked nearby. Honestly, I’m still thinking about that moment when my hands smelled like seaweed and fish and everyone looked happy even if they didn’t catch much. Not sure if it was luck or just being out there together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half day deep sea fishing trip

• Depart from Fort Lauderdale coast
• Fish for snapper and grouper
• Receive help baiting and rigging
• Enjoy fishing just a mile offshore
• Get fish cleaned by crew
• Take fish home or to restaurant

Top questions

How far offshore do you go on this Fort Lauderdale fishing trip?

The boat typically drifts about one mile off the Fort Lauderdale coastline to reach deep waters for fishing.

What kind of fish can you catch on this drift fishing tour?

You can catch snapper, kingfish, grouper, and other reef species depending on what’s biting that day.

Is all fishing equipment included in the price?

Yes—all bait, tackle, rods, reels, coolers with ice, and fishing licenses are included in your booking.

Can kids join this Fort Lauderdale drift fishing trip?

Yes—the tour is kid-friendly and infants or small children can ride in a pram or stroller onboard.

Do they clean your fish after the trip?

Yes—the crew offers free fish cleaning at the end of your trip so you can take your catch home or to a local restaurant.

Should I bring food or drinks on board?

You’re welcome to bring food and drinks; there’s also a convenience store next to the boat for last-minute snacks.

Is hotel pickup included?

No—hotel pickup isn’t included; you’ll need to arrive at the dock 30 minutes before departure.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This trip isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes all bait and tackle, coolers with ice for anything you want to bring along, full fishing licenses handled by the crew so you don’t have to worry about paperwork—and free fish cleaning at the end if you want to take your fresh catch home or straight to one of Fort Lauderdale’s local restaurants.