Deep Sea Charter Fishing – June 18, 2025
Looking for the best deep sea fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale? Here’s your latest update from the crew aboard the Hooked Up 2, your go-to Fort Lauderdale fishing charter for offshore action and family-friendly sportfishing adventures.
🚤 Offshore Fishing Report – Wahoo & Mahi-Mahi in 800 Feet of Water
Today’s charter started with a run offshore to 800 feet of water, a prime depth for targeting pelagic species like wahooand mahi-mahi (also known as dolphin fish or dorado). The Gulf Stream was pushing strong, creating current edges and scattered weedlines—exactly what we like to see for trolling.
We set out a mixed trolling spread using rigged ballyhoo and bonita strips, both proven baits for Fort Lauderdale offshore fishing. The first strike of the day came on the long rigger: a hard-hitting wahoo, known for their blistering runs and razor-sharp teeth. After a tough battle, we landed a solid fish—one of the top saltwater game fish prized by anglers and chefs alike.
Not long after, we found a floating mat of sargassum—a classic mahi setup—and landed three nice mahi-mahi. These brightly-colored fish put on a show with aerial acrobatics and fast, aggressive strikes. All were caught on ballyhoo fished just below the surface.
🌊 Inshore Report – Bonita Schools on Fire
After our offshore success, we headed inshore to fish the edge in 100 to 150 feet of water, and it was game on. Massive schools of bonita (false albacore) were everywhere, smashing bait and creating surface commotion you could see from a distance.
Though not always targeted for the dinner table, bonita fishing in Fort Lauderdale offers fast-paced action and incredible sport on light tackle. Bonita are closely related to tuna, and their explosive runs and hard fights make them an excellent challenge for novice and experienced anglers alike.
Many anglers use bonita as shark bait, marlin bait, or even for smoking. However, when properly handled—bled and iced immediately—bonita can be decent table fare, especially seared or smoked.
🍴 Featured Recipe – Seared Wahoo with Garlic Lemon Butter
Looking for the best way to cook wahoo? This firm, white-meat fish is ideal for grilling, searing, or baking. Below is an easy, delicious recipe that brings out the natural flavor of fresh-caught wahoo.
🧄 Seared Wahoo with Garlic Lemon Herb Butter
Ingredients:
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4 fresh wahoo fillets
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Salt & black pepper to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp butter
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2 cloves garlic (minced)
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Juice of 1 lemon
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Zest of 1 orange (optional for brightness)
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1 tbsp chopped parsley
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1 tbsp chopped dill or thyme
Directions:
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Pat wahoo fillets dry. Season with salt and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fillets and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (don’t overcook – wahoo is best slightly underdone).
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Remove fish. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
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Add lemon juice, zest, and herbs. Spoon sauce over the fillets before serving.
🔥 Pro Tip: Serve with grilled veggies or jasmine rice and a glass of cold white wine.
🐟 Book Your Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charter Today!
Whether you’re looking to catch trophy wahoo, colorful mahi, or test your strength against speedy bonita, Hooked Up 2 offers year-round sportfishing charters in Fort Lauderdale that deliver results.
📅 Now is the time to book your summer fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale!
