4.8(5 Reviews)Cape Canaveral Inshore Fishing Charter
4.8(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
5hour guided fishing charter targets Redfish, Sheepshead, and SnookInshore waters accommodate up to 4 anglers with equipment includedFamilyfriendly trip with experienced captain and flexible fishing locations
Cape Canaveral's waters offer some of Florida's best inshore fishing, and this 5-hour charter puts you right in the action. Whether you're a first-timer or seasoned angler, Captain Mike knows these productive flats and backcountry spots like the back of his hand. You'll target everything from feisty redfish to crafty sheepshead in waters that consistently produce year-round. With all gear, licenses, and bait included, you just need to bring your appetite for catching fish and soaking up the Florida sun.
This top-rated fishing experience accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably, with space for 2 additional guests if your crew wants to bring spectators. Captain Mike adapts each trip based on conditions and what's biting – some days that means working the mangrove shorelines for snook, other days it's drifting structure for sheepshead and flounder. The boat's equipped with quality rods, reels, and a variety of baits to match whatever species are cooperating. You'll fish both artificial lures and live bait depending on the situation, giving everyone a chance to learn different techniques. The pace stays relaxed and family-friendly, making it perfect for mixed groups where experience levels vary. Just pack some snacks, drinks, and plenty of sunscreen – the Florida sun reflects hard off the water.
Inshore fishing around Cape Canaveral means working shallow flats, mangrove edges, and nearshore structure where the fish come to feed. Captain Mike switches between sight fishing and bottom fishing depending on conditions and target species. You'll use everything from topwater plugs at dawn to live shrimp around oyster bars. The boat stays in protected waters most of the trip, though you might venture to nearshore reefs if weather permits and the fish are calling. Circle hooks keep the fish healthy for release, while the captain handles all the technical stuff like reading tides, finding structure, and adjusting tackle. Beginners get hands-on instruction with casting, hook setting, and fish handling, while experienced anglers can focus on honing their technique on challenging species like snook and redfish.
"Great couple of days with Captain Mike. Very hardworking, knowledgeable, and knows where to find the fish. Couldn't recommend more!" - Curan. "Simply put, Michael Atwill is the best fishing guide I've used. He made the best out of a bad situation as the odds were stacked against us. There were high winds but he still put us on the fish. He was personable, professional and knowledgeable. Not only about fishing but about the area and the species. It was an incredible afternoon. My wife and I and my friend JD really enjoyed the morning with him and we caught a mess of different species of fish. I highly recommend Michael and would use him again upon returning to Cocoa Beach. God bless you Michael and thanks for a great day on the water! There are many more pictures, but since I'm writing this review there's this picture of one of my fish😜!" - Ray Morales. "We booked a fishing charter for our family of 6 as an excursion during our recent cruise that stopped at Port Canaveral, and Captain Mike proved to be the perfect guy for the job. He was flexible with our late-arriving cruise, and he put us on the fish right away. He was patient with the kids, kept our hooks baited with live bait, gave great information about the fish we caught, and also pointed out dolphins and manatees that we encountered along the way. While we weren't the most skilled group he's taken out, we caught a bunch of fish--seven different species including a nice spade fish my son was able to get in the boat (pictured). We had a great time, and Captain Mike gets my highest recommendation for anyone looking for a charter in the Cape Canaveral area." - Tim Francis.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and Cape Canaveral's population stays strong year-round. These ambush predators love hanging around mangrove roots, docks, and bridge pilings where they can surprise unsuspecting baitfish. They're notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs toward structure. Best fishing happens during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. Snook hit both live bait and artificials, though they can be finicky – that's what makes landing one so rewarding. They're catch-and-release only during certain seasons, making them a true sport fish.
Summer flounder, or fluke, provide excellent table fare and put up a surprisingly good fight for a flatfish. These masters of camouflage bury themselves in sandy bottoms near structure, waiting to grab passing prey. They're most active during cooler months, roughly October through March, when they move into shallow waters to feed. Flounder fishing requires patience and a good feel for the bottom – you'll drift live bait or bounce jigs along the seafloor until you feel that telltale tap. Once hooked, they make strong runs and can be tricky to land with their flat profile.
Sheepshead earn their nickname "convict fish" from the black stripes across their silver bodies, but anglers know them as one of the craftiest fish in the water. These bait stealers have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles, oysters, and crabs around structure. They're notorious for picking bait clean without getting hooked, making them a challenge even for experienced anglers. Winter months offer the best sheepshead action when they school up around bridges, docks, and jetties. When you do hook one, they're excellent eating with firm, white meat.
Redfish are every inshore angler's favorite target, combining visual excitement with fantastic fights. These copper-colored bruisers cruise shallow flats
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our signature inshore species, sporting that distinctive copper-bronze color and black spots near the tail. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, perfect for the dinner table. You'll find them cruising grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs are showing. They bite year-round here, but fall and winter offer the most consistent action when they school up. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat almost anything and that powerful, drag-screaming run when hooked. They're also excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. The real thrill comes from sight-fishing to tailing reds in skinny water. Here's the key: approach quietly and cast beyond the fish, then work your bait into their feeding zone. Spook them once and they're gone.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the black-and-white striped convicts of our waters, and they're some of the best eating fish around here. Most run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, but we regularly see 8-10 pounders that'll test your skills. You'll find them glued to any structure with barnacles - docks, pilings, jetties, and reefs in 5-25 feet of water. Winter and early spring are peak times when they school up for spawning around passes and inlets. What makes sheepshead fishing fun is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with those human-like teeth, requiring finesse and quick reflexes. The payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. My go-to trick is using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and when you feel that subtle nibble, set the hook immediately. Don't give them time to steal your bait.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's most prized inshore gamefish, easily recognized by that bold black lateral line running down their golden sides. Most fish we catch run 18-28 inches, but the big girls can push 40+ inches and really test your drag. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in 2-6 feet of water where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around the new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is that explosive strike and the way they jump and run for cover. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's a local tip: when fishing around structure, cast past your target and work the bait back toward the cover - snook rarely chase baits away from their hideouts.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the chameleons of our sandy bottoms, changing colors to match whatever they're lying on. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches and 2-4 pounds, though we see some nice 5-8 pounders that'll surprise you. They bury themselves in sand and mud flats in 10-40 feet of water, especially around structure transitions and drop-offs. September through November is prime time when they're feeding heavily before their offshore migration. What guests love about flounder fishing is the hunt - you're constantly moving and searching new bottom. When they hit, it's a solid thump, then they put up a bulldogging fight. The meat is absolutely top-shelf - sweet, white, and perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: when you feel that telltale tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook. Flounder need time to fully engulf the bait.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our more unique catches - odd-looking fish that float on their sides near the surface, mimicking floating debris. They typically run 18-24 inches and 3-8 pounds, with their distinctive three-lobed tail giving them their name. Look for them around weed lines, floating structure, and channel markers in 15-50 feet of water during summer months when water temps climb above 70 degrees. What makes tripletail fishing exciting is the sight-fishing aspect - you spot them floating and make precise casts. They're surprisingly acrobatic fighters for such chunky fish, and the white, flaky meat rivals grouper or snapper. The challenge is not spoiling them during the approach. My technique: cast well past the fish and slowly work your bait into their strike zone. Use live or dead shrimp and be ready for that aggressive take.
4.8 out of 5.0Great couple of days with Captain Mike. Very hardworking, knowledgeable, and knows where to find the fish. Couldn’t recommend more...
We had a great time! Captain Mike is very knowledgeable and was working hard taking care of us! Would highly recommend Captain Mik...
Simply put, Michael Atwill is the best fishing guide I've used. He made the best out of a bad situation as the odds were stacked a...
We booked a fishing charter for our family of 6 as an excursion during our recent cruise that stopped at Port Canaveral, and Capta...
Mike went above and beyond the whole time to make sure everyone on the boat had what they needed! We definitely will be going back...
Cape Canaveral