Make Your Next Vacation Even Better With A Florida Party Boat Fishing Trip

2012-01-19T07:34:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a pretty good idea comes along when you least expect it. After going to the Florida Keys for over 15 years, I remembered how much fun I had, and how much better my trips were when I went out deep sea fishing on a party boat. Being a little working guy, I could never afford fishing on a private charter boat. So what was the next best thing? You got it. Deep sea fishing on a party boat.

FT. LAUDERDALE PARTY BOAT DEEP SEA FISHING

The "Catch My Drift" is a huge 85 foot deep sea fishing party boat, and is the largest, fastest, and only air-conditioned party boat in Ft. Lauderdale. This boat is equipped with 3 color fish finders, radio, GPS satellite navigation, chart plotting, TV, DVD, full galley, upper and lower deck access, and every other amenity you can think of. This boat is also Coast Guard certified, and licensed to take up to 70 passengers. And for those who have never been on a party boat, they have a bathroom.

The fishing trips are 8:30am-12:30 pm. And afternoon trips are 1:30pm-5:30pm.website. This boat is the least expensive party boat in Ft. Lauderdale. 4 hour deep sea fishing trips are only $35 per person, and children 12 and under is only $25. This boat goes out every day for morning and afternoon trips, and every night on an anchor fishing trip. Going out fishing on the "Catch My Drift" is the perfect thing to do on your vacation or weekend getaway.

Don't know much about fishing? Not to worry. The experienced and friendly crew on this boat are always ready to help you out and answer any questions you may have. Even if you catch a big one, just call out and they will gladly get it off the hook for you. Your only job is to enjoy and catch as many fish as you can. Party boat fishing is perfect for the entire family and a lot of fun. It doesn't get any better than this.

A really nice bunch of bonito here. These are a type of Tuna, although they are one of the few tuna's most people don't eat because they are very bloody. These are perhaps one of the strongest fighting fish you will ever catch. They bite really strong in the summer months, and the crew use them for strip bait, chum, and shark bait. Bonito is a medium size predatory fish, in the mackerel family. This fish also has moderate fat content. The meat of young and small bonito can be a lighter color, close to that of skipjack tuna. This boat supplies all your fishing tackle, licenses, bait, coolers and ice. You are allowed to bring your own food and drinks. If you are going out on a daytime trip, just don't forget the sunscreen so you don't look like a lobster back at the deck. Also a hat and some good sunglasses are highly recommended. Also please don't bring glass bottles or containers on board. Bottled beer sometimes falls and glass can be dangerous. If you bring beer or soda, please make it aluminum cans or plastic. You are always welcome to bring beer on the boat. No hard liquor is ever allowed. Just remember, this is a fishing trip, not a drinking trip. So please be responsible. And enjoy your time on the water.

Try to arrive for your fishing trip at least 30 minutes before departure. That way you are not rushed. This gives you time to check in at the office, and if you need to, there is a 7-11 next to the marina for drinks and snacks.

Now this gentleman has a really nice cobia. This fish is sometimes called black kingfish. Because of the horizontally pelvic fins, this fish sometimes can be mistaken for a small shark. Cobia love to congregate at wrecks, buoys, and other structural places. These fish primarily feed on crabs and squid. They will follow sharks, turtles, and manta rays, in hopes of scavenging a meal. Sometimes short fin mako sharks will feed on cobia during their annual migration in springtime in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Cobia are very hard fighting fish. This fish is also known for long, hard runs when hooked. This fish commands a high price because they are excellent to eat. They are regularly farmed because of this. The meat is usually sold fresh, and is normally cooked as grilled or poached fillets. Everything you catch on this party boat is yours. Also the mates will be happy to fillet your fish back at the marina. Also their are restaurants that will cook your catch if you bring it in. Just ask the mates which ones will do that. Also, don't forget to tip the mates when they pass around the bucket as you are heading back in or departing the boat. They always work very hard to help make your fishing trip a really great one.

This is a really nice bunch of vermilion snapper plus some other kinds. Vermilion snapper are close relatives of the yellowtail snapper. These fish can reach lengths of up to 24 inches.

This guy has a really nice Black fin Tuna. This tuna is the smallest of the tuna species. They are a very fast growing, short lived fish, who loves water above 68 degrees. This fish can reach a maximum size of close to 50 pounds. What they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and willingness to bite.

This is another really nice size mutton snapper. Wow. These fish are very temperamental. They are usually caught offshore in water from 50 to 300 feet. They are very good to eat. Florida state water limits for mutton snapper are very liberal. Ten per person bag limit, minimum size is 16 inches, measured in total length.

Wow look at all the dolphin. Really nice ones. This fish is also called mahi-mahi, (as you have probably seen on restaurant menus) and are related to the pompano dolphin fish. Even though this fish is called a dolphin, it is not at all related to the family of mammals, dolphin. This fish can normally live 4-5 years.

This guy really landed a big boy. This is a king fish, also called a smoker king. This is a highly sought after game fish. They are very challenging to catch, and will put up one heck of a fight and will leap out of the water. They can be caught with live or dead bait, and artificial lures. They can be caught on the shore, a pier, or from a boat, anchor, drifting, or trolling. Good lures to catch this fish are, jigs, spoons, or other flashy sub-surface lures or large fish-like plugs.

This looks like most everyone caught mackerel here. Very nice.

Another dolphin and it is huge. That fish definitely put up a fight. dolphin are a really nice and colorful fish. This fish loves to swim around floating debris, sargasso weed lines, and buoys. Also, you can find dolphin by seeing birds hovering in one spot on the water. Experienced charters can tell what species are around just by the birds behavior.

Looks like everyone caught some really nice fish here too.

Another happy bunch with some good size fish.

Wow these are some really nice mutton snappers. Mutton, like all snappers, respond well when the bait is drifting with the current (especially on the bottom). A knocker rig or jig works well with this fish. Very often a mutton is the very first fish feeding in a chum slick. They also love the freshest bait possible. Frozen bait does not work well. Some of the best bait for mutton snapper are: crabs, shrimp, ballyhoo, squid, thread herring, google eye, and speedo mackeral. Whole squid can be overlooked as a bait for mutton. It works great. Be sure it is clear or light colored, indicating it is fresh.

Wow a nice bunch of fish caught on this trip.

Another really huge bunch of mutton snappers. They definitely kept these folks very busy on their trip. I'd be a little tired if I had to clean all those babies. If you are new at party boat fishing, you will meet some of the nicest people while out fishing. Also, if you need help and a crew mate can't get to you right away, don't be shy. Just asked someone next to you for a quick hand. Chances are they'll be glad to put down their rod for a second to help you out. It's what party boat fishing is all about. I hope you noticed that all these photo's have two things in common. One these people caught a lot of fish, and two, how happy everybody is after their fishing trip. You cannot find any thing better on your next vacation or weekend trip than going out deep sea fishing on a party boat in Florida. And as you have seen, this is a great boat to go fishing on. For more info, just go to their website at :

"Catch My Drift" They definitely know where the fish are. DESTIN FLORIDA PARTY BOAT DEEP SEA FISHING

Destin is where you will find the "Sweet Jody" deep sea fishing party boat. Captain Cliff Cox is the owner of this 57 foot U.S.C.G. approved vessel operating out of Destin Harbor. This boat features twin diesel motors, state-of-the-art electronics including of course, fish finders, sun deck, snack bar, and restrooms. Also your bait, tackle and license is furnished when you fish aboard the "Sweet Jody". Also fish cleaning is included afterwards with your trip.

You will always have a great time fishing aboard the "Sweet Jody". It doesn't get any better than this. The entire crew and captain are committed to giving you the quality fishing trip you deserve at a very reasonable price.

TEN REASONS TO FISH ABOARD THE "SWEET JODY"

1- They catch fish

2- You will have more fun

3- They provide everything you need

4- Your safety is assured

5- Their experience shows

6- They make it affordable

7- Lesson are gladly given

8- They appreciate your business

9- Smiles are free

10- Memories are priceless

Fishing trips are 6-8-10 hours in the mornings, and 4 hour trips in the afternoons. The prices are as follows: March 1st Thru October 31st: 1- Adult 15 yrs. +: 4 hrs ($45) 6 hrs ($55) 7 hrs ($60) 8 hrs ($65) 9 hrs (70) 10 hrs ($75) 2- Seniors/military: 4 hrs ($40) 6 hrs ($50) 7 hrs ($60) 8 hrs ($65) 9 hrs ($70) 10 hrs ($75) 3- Kid 6-14 yrs/riders: 4 hrs ($35) 6 hrs ($45) 7 hrs ($50) 8 hrs ($55) 9 hrs ($60) 10 hrs ($65) November 1st Thru Febuary 28th: 1- Adults 15+: 7 hrs ($45) 8 hrs ($50) 2- Seniors/military: 7 hrs ($40) 8 hrs ($45) 3-Kids 6-14/riders: 7 hrs ($35) 8 hrs ($40)

The captain and crew of the "Sweet Jody" is always available to answer any questions you may have and to help you out with your fishing. Don't be shy. That is what they are there for. To give you a great fishing experience. The crew here works very hard and tipping at the end of the trip is always the norm aboard party boats. 15-20% is appreciated.

Very nice mutton snapper were caught by these people. Wow.

A really nice catch here also.

This gentleman certainly had the touch catching all those snappers.

Yes sir this guy really hauled in a monster snapper. Wow. Very nice.

Excellent. A 56 pound gag grouper caught in July of 2005. This is a very nice fish. This guy certainly had the right bait. Gag grouper can grow to more than 70 pounds, but are more common up to 25 pounds. Most catches are usually in the 5-10 pound range. Mature gags can be frequently found around offshore reefs and wrecks. They like any kind of structure including holes and ledges, and will take up residence in anything that will hide them. Every year huge migrations of gags gather in the winter months in the Gulf of Mexico to spawn. Gags can be caught on many different kinds of bait. Fresh cut bait such as mullet or pinfish. They also like squid, octopus, and crab. Live bait is the best. Live pinfish or live minnows are very good. These are very powerful fish when caught, and heavy gear is required to keep the fish from taking your line into a hole or under a ledge.

A really nice bunch of snapper were caught by these people. Very nice.

Here again, this is a very big mutton snapper caught by this guy. The waters here in Destin must be full of nice size fish.

Another happy bunch of guys with this nice pile of fish. Like I said earlier, you will have a great time deep sea party boat fishing in Florida. And everybody fishing on these boats are always very nice and acommodating if a crew member is busy and you need a quick hand. For more info on fishing aboard this boat, just visit their website at:

"Sweet Jody".

A special thanks to Captain Andy of "Catch My Drift" party boat in Ft. Lauderdale Florida for helping me get this blog off the ground. And another special thanks to Mia of the "Sweet Jody" party boat in Destin Florida. I really appreciate their help. These photo's they sent me are excellent. So if you are ever in the Ft. Lauderdale area, and the Destin area, you now know the boats to go on. They catch the fish. Photo's don't lie. For more info on these party boats, just go to their websites: "Catch My Drift" and "Sweet Jody". Also before planning your next vacation in Florida, or anywhere in the world, visit

tripadvisor.com. See what other travelers say, and how they rate lodging, restaurants, etc. I have been using this website for years. It is excellent. I never leave home without going to Trip Advisor.

I hope I can get some of the other Florida party boat deep sea fishing to submit some photo's for my blog soon to make it even better. Thanks for stopping by my little blog. I really appreciate it. Happy fishing.

Florida Party Boat Deep Sea Fishing

Make Your Next Vacation Even Better With A Florida Party Boat Fishing Trip