Fort Lauderdale Inshore Sport Fishing: Light Tackle Guide

Cast for tarpon and snook in mangrove creeks and shallow flats most boats cannot reach

Inshore sport fishing in Fort Lauderdale on a shallow-draft 18-foot boat with a live guide, where you fish protected intracoastal waters for tarpon, snook, barracuda, jack crevalle and sharks using light tackle and live bait. The captain handles all rigging and fish handling so you can focus on the fight. Guests of all skill levels are welcome, and first-timers get instruction. Choose the four-hour half-day trip or the six-hour three-quarter-day option depending on how much time you want on the water.

The experience

The boat is designed for the shallow mangrove creeks, canals, rivers and flats where bigger offshore vessels cannot go, and the captain adjusts your technique and gear to match your experience level. Most of the action is topwater, which means you see the fish strike, not just feel it through the line. You hold the rod or use the rod holder depending on how much you want to participate in each moment, and the captain does the rigging, unhooking and all the work that keeps the angler free to focus on the catch.

Tarpon sometimes exceed 100 pounds, and the light tackle setup makes even smaller fish bend the rod and scream the drag. The captain knows the secret locations and will adjust where you fish based on where the bite is hot that day. Bring a camera for the fish of a lifetime, and let the captain know what species you want to target. He will do his best to put you on them.

What’s included

• Fishing tackle, gear, landing nets and gaffs.
• fishing licenses.
• bottled water.
• gas.
• hotel pickup in Fort Lauderdale.
• captain handles all rigging and fish handling.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

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 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Zachary Routman

Is this one for you?The four-hour half-day trip fits a morning or afternoon and leaves the rest of your day free in Fort Lauderdale. The six-hour three-quarter-day option fills most of a day and is built for anglers who want maximum time on the water chasing multiple species.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

38 verified traveler reviews

5 ★38

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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 can I expect to catch on an inshore trip in Fort Lauderdale?

Tarpon (sometimes over 100 pounds), snook, barracuda, jack crevalle and sharks are the main species targeted, with many other species regularly caught as well. The captain will adjust the location and technique based on what you want to pursue.

Do I need fishing experience to book this trip?

Guests of all skill levels are welcome, from fly fishermen to first-timers. The captain is happy to teach beginners and will adjust your gear and technique to match your experience.

What does the four-hour half-day trip include compared to the six-hour three-quarter-day option?

Both trips include the same fishing experience and all tackle, licenses and gas. The longer trip simply gives you more time on the water to cover more locations and increase your chances of multiple catches.

Will I get seasick fishing in Fort Lauderdale's inshore waters?

The fishing takes place in protected inshore waters, so you do not have to worry about rough seas or traveling far offshore. The shallow flats and mangrove creeks are calmer than open ocean.

What is included in the trip cost?

Fishing tackle, gear, landing nets, gaffs, fishing licenses, bottled water and gas are all included. The captain handles all rigging and unhooking so you can focus on fighting the fish.

How does the captain pick up for the trip?

Hotel or accommodation pickup in Fort Lauderdale is included. The captain will meet you at your location and take you to the boat.