Frequently Asked Questions About Our Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charters
Planning a deep-sea adventure in South Florida? We want to make your experience as smooth, safe, and exciting as possible. Below, we've compiled answers to the most common questions about fishing with Playtime Sportfishing. Whether you're curious about what to bring, which trip is right for your family, or what monster species we target, you'll find the information you need right here.
1
Do I need a fishing license to fish with you?
No, you do not need to purchase a separate fishing license. All necessary Florida state fishing licenses are completely covered and included when you book any of our fishing charters.
2
What is included in the price of the charter?
Our trips are entirely all-inclusive. We provide the fishing licenses, high-quality rods and reels, fresh bait, ice, and coolers. All you need to bring is your personal items, food, and drinks for the day.
3
Is your boat family-friendly and safe for kids?
Absolutely! We love teaching the next generation of anglers. Our crew is incredibly patient, and our 38-foot Hatteras vessel is globally recognized for its heavy, seaworthy hull that provides a smooth, stable, and safe ride for children and beginners alike.
4
What types of fishing trips do you offer?
We offer a variety of trips tailored to your goals. Our Services include:
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Inshore Fishing: Targeting Tarpon, Snook, and Grouper on sandbars and ledges.
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Offshore Fishing: Deep-sea action for Mahi, Wahoo, and Sailfish.
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Kite Fishing: Surface live-baiting for top-tier predators.
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Shark Fishing: Catch-and-release battles with massive South Florida sharks.
5
How much does a Fort Lauderdale fishing charter cost?
Our pricing varies depending on the type and duration of the trip you choose. Inshore fishing charters start at $650, while our ultimate offshore and deep-sea trips start at $700. For specialized trips like Kite Fishing, rates start at $1,175.
6
Do we get to keep the fish we catch?
Yes! As long as the fish is in season and meets Florida's legal size limits, you are welcome to keep your catch. The trip doesn't end at the dock—our crew will clean, fillet, and bag your fish for free so you can take it home for dinner.
7
Does the boat have a restroom and shade?
Yes, comfort is a priority. Our 38' Hatteras features an air-conditioned salon to help you escape the Florida heat, as well as a clean, private restroom on board.
8
What kind of fish can we catch in South Florida?
Fort Lauderdale is known for its incredible year-round fishery. Depending on the trip and season, we target Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, Wahoo, King Mackerel, Tarpon, and massive sharks. Take a look at our Gallery to see what our guests have been reeling in lately!
9
What should I bring on my deep-sea fishing trip?
We recommend bringing sun protection (sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen—please avoid spray sunscreen as it makes the deck slippery), any food or snacks you’d like to eat, your preferred beverages (bottled water is great), and a camera or smartphone to capture your trophy catches.
10
Do you offer shark fishing?
Yes, South Florida offers fantastic year-round shark fishing. We target Hammerhead, Bull, Blacktip, Thresher, and Mako sharks. Please note that for conservation and ongoing marine research, every shark we capture is safely tagged and released. Learn more about our Shark Fishing trips.
11
What is Kite Fishing?
Kite fishing is a highly specialized and effective technique where we use a custom-designed kite to suspend live bait right on the surface of the water. This mimics a struggling fish perfectly and triggers aggressive top-water strikes from Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, and Tuna.
12
How far out into the ocean do we go?
One of the best things about Fort Lauderdale is how quickly the water gets deep! For our offshore charters, we can reach depths of 50 to 500 feet just a few miles from the dock, meaning less time traveling and more time actually fishing.
13
Who will be guiding our trip?
You will be fishing with Captain James Brayton, a highly experienced, USCG-licensed captain. Captain James has been fishing since he was three years old and has spent decades mastering everything from live-baiting to offshore kite fishing across Florida, the Bahamas, and the Virgin Islands.
14
How long are the fishing trips?
We offer flexible durations to fit your schedule. You can choose from 3 to 4-hour introductory trips, 5 to 6-hour extended trips, or our highly recommended 8-hour full-day adventure for the ultimate offshore catch.
15
Do I need fishing experience to book a charter?
Not at all! Whether you are a seasoned pro looking to land a trophy Sailfish or a complete beginner holding a rod for the first time, our crew will guide you through every step of the process.
16
Where is your fishing boat located?
Our vessel is conveniently docked in Fort Lauderdale. Our address is 1784 SE 15th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.
17
Is your charter operation insured and safe?
Safety is our top priority. Playtime Sportfishing operates a safe, USCG-compliant vessel, piloted by a fully licensed captain, and carries comprehensive insurance so you can relax with total peace of mind.
18
How do I book my trip?
Booking is easy! You can give us a call directly at +1 (954) 483-6876 or simply click the "Book Now" button anywhere on our website to secure your date.
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