What to Expect
Flamingo Fishing
Fishing Expectations on Our Fort Lauderdale Boat
What Is on Board and What to Bring
What kind of food and beverages are available on board?
Beer is $3, sodas are $1, Gatorade is $2, and bottled water is $1. We also have a jug of water that’s free for your convenience. We have a variety of snacks such as cookies, crackers and chips that go for 2 for $1. Candy bars on board are $1 a piece.
Can I bring my own food and/or beverages?
Sure! No hard liquor or glass bottles are allowed, so please limit the alcohol you bring with you to 3-4 beer cans per person. Small coolers or ice chests are welcome, and feel free to bring your own food as well. Your cooler/ice chest will be checked at the gangway to ensure that you have no contraband with you.
How much extra cash should I bring?
$10 per person should be sufficient for a snack and a drink and a small tip. Bring extra money if you’d like fish cleaning or plan to purchase any souvenirs or additional refreshments!
The crew was awesome! Can I leave a gratuity?
Of course – our crew works very hard to ensure that your trip is enjoyable, and gratuities are greatly appreciated.
What should I wear?
We recommend wearing casual clothing (shorts are fine) that you don’t mind getting dirty! Some passengers bring a wind breaker just in case it gets chilly out on the water. Some bring slickers or foul weather gear. It is important to wear closed toed shoes (no sandals) for your safety.
Will there be room on the boat to stow my belongings?
Yes – there is plenty of room under your seat for small bags. If you have larger items such as luggage, we often lock it up in our booth during the trip. If you decide to bring a bicycle, it will be secured in our gated, security-patrolled parking area, or we can lock it up in our booth during the night trips.
Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
Manual wheelchairs can be accommodated but electric wheelchairs cannot (they can’t fit through the gangway door). We ask that you arrive 45 minutes before the trip so we can help you get on board and get settled before everyone else boards. The crew is trained to assist handicapped passengers, but cannot actually lift you on board, so please bring friends or family that can help you get on board. Keep in mind that the bathrooms on board are not wheelchair accessible. If you have limited mobility, you should have no problem getting around the boat during the trip.
Is there shade on the boat?
Yes! There is an inside area and seating the whole way around the boat.
Are there restrooms on board?
Yes, we have two restrooms: one for men and one for women for your convenience.
Is the boat safe?
Extremely! Not only is the boat inspected regularly by the Coast Guard, but our crew regularly does safety training exercises and every crew member is first aid and CPR certified.
Are there life jackets on the boat? Do I have to wear one?
Yes, we have life jackets on board in all sizes, but they are for emergency purposes only (you are not required to wear them during the trip).
Will I get seasick?
Even though the vessel is large and stable, you will feel the motion of the ocean when the engines shut down and we begin fishing. If you are particularly prone to motion sickness, please consider taking some preventative measures beforehand so that your trip is enjoyable!
Is parking available?
a. Yes – we are the only vessel in the area that has a gated, security-patrolled parking area for your convenience. The scenic Ft. Lauderdale beach is right across the street, with a picnic area, playground, restaurants and more!Yes – we are the only vessel in the area that has a gated, security-patrolled parking area for your convenience. Furthermore, if you park there and attend our trip, you can remain parked there for free for the whole day (until night). The scenic Ft. Lauderdale beach is right across the street, with a picnic area, playground, restaurants and more!
We Sail On Time – Be at the Dock 30 Minutes Prior to Sailing
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Advance purchase is strongly recommended, as trips often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please buy your tickets well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
What happens if it rains?
We will still go fishing in light rain and other moderate weather conditions. If the weather is severe and we have to cancel, you can reschedule to another trip – we’re in the fun business after all!
What's the best time of day to go fishing?
It depends on what species you’d like to target and the season. For example, sailfish, mahi-mahi, and bonita are day feeders only. Night feeders include such species as snappers, kingfish, tuna cobias, etc. In the summer months, we still have light on our evening trips, so we even get some sailfish biting until around 8:30 pm. The morning and afternoon trip are the same, but we recommend the early morning trip because the early bird catches the worm! If you have more questions, please contact us and someone will respond to you shortly.
Are children allowed?
Children are welcome! Children ages six to 12 have a reduced price ticket, and children five and under are free, but won’t receive equipment and are welcome to share a rod with a parent. If you do have a child five and under who really wants to fish on his or her own, you must purchase a reduced price child ticket so we can provide your child with equipment. You’re also welcome to bring your own equipment along for your child five and under, in which case you do not need to purchase the reduced price ticket for children six to 12.
How experienced do I have to be?
Not at all! Our mates will be happy to help you bait your hook, take fish off, help with the use of the rod and reel, and more. Our captain will also give you instructions at the beginning of the trip. We get plenty of inexperienced anglers on board, so please feel free to attend no matter what your experience level is!
I don't want to fish; can I still go on the trip?
Sure! You can still come on the trip even if you don’t want to fish. Ride-along adults can purchase a reduced price child ticket (ages 6 to 12) instead of a full-priced adult ticket since they won’t be using any bait. You must still have a ticket in order to attend, though.
If this trip is sold out can I get on a waiting list?
We recommend arriving a half an hour before your trip to check in. If you still have not arrived 15 minutes before the trip, we may open up your spot to those on our waiting list. Please respect your fellow passengers and do not arrive late!
How early should I arrive to check in before the trip?
We recommend arriving half an hour before the trip is scheduled to depart. Give yourself extra time in case of traffic or bridges. If you are running late, please do give us a call (contact information provided upon purchasing tickets).
Will I need a license to go fishing?
No – we have a license that enables us to take our passengers out for the whole year! You will not need to get your own license in order to attend.
Can you provide me with fishing gear, bait, and tackle?
Yes – all fishing equipment is included in the price of your ticket!
What type of bait is used on the trip?
We generally use ballyhoo on a triple hook setup. Sometimes we use sardines, and squid for bottom fishing. If you’d like to bring your own bait, feel free to do so – many passengers will bring bait they’d like to try, such as jigs, etc.
Limits & Licenses
Do you guarantee that fish will be caught?
We cannot guarantee that you will catch fish, but we CAN guarantee that we will do everything in our power to help you do so.
How many fish can I keep?
You can keep as many fish as are allowed by the Florida size regulations and limits. The mates and captain are well versed in all of the legal limits, so please consult with them at the start of the trip. Keep in mind that some species of fish must be released – for example, certain types of sharks are now on the endangered species list, as is the Goliath grouper.
Do I have to keep the fish I catch?
No. Sometimes some fish cannot be released (they won’t survive) and sometimes they can! Often our passengers will take great photos/videos with game fish catches and then release them, since they’re not edible unless they’re smoked. If the fish is edible, it is yours to keep, and the fish are cleaned at the end of the trip on a tip basis.
What do I do with the fish I decide to keep?
Fish don’t go to waste here in Fort Lauderdale! If you catch edible fish, we would be happy to give you recommendations for places that can cook your fish well. Your fish will be cleaned at the end of the trip (on a tip basis) and packaged for you to take with you.
Can I sell the fish I catch?
No, it is not legal to sell the fish you catch unless you have a saltwater product license.
I have my own equipment. What type of gear do I need?
Bring deep sea fishing gear. Sometimes our regulars will use lighter pound test line with spinning reels. If that is inappropriate for our trip, the mate will let you know. Any equipment you leave in your car will be secure since our parking area is gated and secured.
Private Charters & Gift Certificates
Can I book a private fishing trip?
Sure – we have private charters available for every special occasion or group event. If you’re interested in a private charter, please contact us and let us know what you’re interested in.
Are gift certificates available?
Yes! Gift certificates for a fishing trip make a perfect gift for any special occasion. Please contact us and let us know what you’re interested in.
The Best Time to Fish Is When You Can Go!
Deep Sea Drift
8 a.m.- Noon
Deep Sea Drift
1 p.m.- 5 p.m.
Deep Sea Drift
7 p.m.-11 p.m. (Saturday-Tuesday)
Deep Sea Bottom
7 p.m.-11 p.m.
Book your Deep Sea Fishing Tour Today
Book your Reel Fun in the Florida Sun Today!
Phone
954-462-9194
Address
801 Seabreeze Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
