7hr Offshore Fishing (AM) - Port Canaveral
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
7hour offshore trip targeting wrecks and reefs near Port CanaveralFocus on large sharks and Goliath grouper during peak seasonsAccommodates up to 6 guests with tailored fishing experience
When you're ready to get serious about fishing Port Canaveral's offshore waters, this 7-hour morning trip with Checkmate Fishing Charter is where the action happens. We're talking deep water structure fishing on wrecks and reefs that hold some of the biggest fish swimming off Florida's Space Coast. With room for up to 6 anglers, this isn't your typical half-day trip - we've got the time to really work the spots and put you on the fish that make for legendary stories back at the dock.
This trip kicks off early in the morning when the bite is typically at its best and the seas are calmest. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not wasting time on unproductive spots. We're heading straight to the wrecks and reefs that consistently hold fish, adjusting our game plan based on what's biting that day. The beauty of a 7-hour charter is having the flexibility to move around and really dial in on the hot bite. Some days that means working multiple wrecks, other days we'll camp on one productive spot and let everyone cycle through the action. The captain tailors every trip to match your crew's experience level - whether you're first-timers who need the full rundown or seasoned anglers who just want to get lines wet. Expect a laid-back atmosphere where the focus stays on fishing, not unnecessary formalities. We're here to catch fish and have a good time doing it.
Offshore structure fishing is where technique really matters, and that's exactly what makes this trip so productive. We'll be using a mix of bottom fishing and vertical jigging techniques depending on what species we're targeting and how they're feeding. When we're working the wrecks for grouper and cobia, expect heavy tackle with circle hooks and enough weight to get down to the fish quickly. The captain provides all the gear, but if you've got your own favorite rods, bring them along. For the pelagic species like kings and mahi, we'll switch tactics to trolling spreads and live bait presentations that cover more water and trigger aggressive strikes. The key to fishing these structures successfully is understanding how the current, bait, and fish behavior all work together. Your captain reads these conditions constantly, adjusting depth, bait selection, and presentation to keep the action going. Don't be surprised if we're switching between completely different techniques throughout the day - that's just smart fishing when you're targeting multiple species in varying conditions.
Goliath Grouper are the absolute monsters of Port Canaveral's wrecks, and when they're in season, this trip gives you the best shot at hooking into one of these giants. We're talking fish that can easily push 200-300 pounds and will test every ounce of your strength and the tackle's limits. These prehistoric-looking fish hang tight to structure, and the fight is pure power from start to finish. What makes them special is their incredible size and the fact that they're a catch-and-release only species, so it's all about the experience and the photos. Best time to target them is during their spawning aggregations in late summer and early fall when they gather on the wrecks in impressive numbers.
King Mackerel are year-round favorites that never disappoint when it comes to putting up a fight. These speed demons typically run 15-40 pounds in our waters, with occasional monsters pushing 50-plus. They're known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps, making them a blast on lighter tackle. Kings respond well to both trolled baits and live bait fishing around the wrecks. The cooler months often produce the biggest fish as they migrate through our waters, but you can expect action throughout most of the year. What anglers love about kings is their aggressive nature and the fact that they're excellent table fare when handled properly.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and excitement to any offshore trip, with their brilliant yellows and blues making them one of the most beautiful fish in our waters. These fast-growing fish typically range from 10-30 pounds, though bigger bulls occasionally show up to test your skills. They're known for their aerial displays and never-give-up attitude when hooked. Mahi are often found around floating debris, weed lines, or following our local dolphin pods. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though they can show up any time conditions are right. Anglers love them not just for the fight, but because they're considered some of the finest eating fish in the ocean.
Great Barracuda are the sharks of the reef fish world, with their impressive teeth and lightning-fast strikes keeping everyone on their toes. These apex predators typically run 10-25 pounds in our area, but don't let the size fool you - they're pure muscle and attitude. Barracuda are ambush hunters that explode on baits with incredible speed, often jumping multiple times during the fight. They're year-round residents that can be targeted with both live and cut baits around the structures. What makes them exciting is their unpredictability and the visual aspect of watching them hunt in the clear water around the reefs.
Cobia are the bruisers that many anglers specifically target on these longer trips, and for good reason. These brown sharks of the wreck world typically range from 20-50 pounds and are known for their bulldogging fight style that tests your endurance. They're curious fish that often come up to investigate the boat, providing exciting sight-fishing opportunities. Cobia are most active during the warmer months when they migrate through our waters, with peak season typically running from spring through early fall. Anglers love them because they're both challenging to catch and excellent on the dinner table, making them a true prize fish.
This 7-hour offshore adventure represents serious fishing time on some
Hit the deep waters off Port Canaveral aboard this custom 34' Stuart Angler, built for serious fishing action. The 450 HP Cummins diesel gets you to the productive wrecks and reefs quickly, while the flybridge gives your captain perfect visibility to spot feeding fish and diving birds. Outriggers and downriggers let you cover more water and target different depths simultaneously. The fish finder helps locate structure where big grouper and sharks hang out. Modern GPS and radar keep you on the numbers even when conditions get sketchy offshore. The livewell keeps bait fresh all day, and the icebox handles your catch and cold drinks. With a private head onboard, you can focus on fishing without worrying about comfort during the full 7-hour trip. Built to handle 6 anglers comfortably, there's plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Whether you're after monster Goliaths or testing your drag against big sharks, this boat has the power and equipment to get you on the bite and back to the dock safely.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are solitary brown sharks lookalikes that make excellent table fare. They typically run 30-60 pounds and up to 6 feet long around our area. You'll find them cruising wrecks, reefs, and buoys in 30-300 feet of water. Spring migration and summer months are prime time when they move through our waters to spawn. What guests love is the strong, steady fight and the fact that they're one of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. They're sight fishing targets, often spotted just under the surface near structure. Cobia are aggressive predators that will eat crabs, small fish, and squid. My best tip is to use bucktail jigs in 4-8 oz sizes around structure - color doesn't matter much, but presentation does. Look for them following rays or hanging around floating debris.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese giants are the real deal - we're talking about fish that can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds. They live around our local wrecks and reefs in 30-150 feet of water, and they're protected, so it's strictly catch and release. What makes them special is that massive first run when you hook one - it'll test every piece of gear you've got. They're curious fish that aren't shy about checking out divers and anglers. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at finding them around structure. The fight is intense but usually short-lived, so be ready with heavy tackle. My tip: anchor just far enough from the reef so you can pull them away from cover before they wrap you up and break you off. These fish have no fear, so don't be surprised if they come right up to the boat.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are lightning-fast predators that can hit 35 mph in short bursts. Most run 2-4 feet, but we see plenty pushing 5-6 feet around our reefs and wrecks. They hunt in shallow to mid-depth water, often near coral reefs and structure where baitfish gather. They're active year-round in our waters, with spring being particularly good. What makes them fun to target is that explosive strike and the wild fight they put up - lots of jumps and runs, though they tire quickly. They hunt by sight and are naturally curious, so they'll often follow your bait before striking. Not the best table fare due to potential ciguatera, but they're a blast to catch and release. Use a wire leader since their teeth are razor sharp. My tip: work shiny lures fast near structure and be ready for that sudden, violent strike when they decide to eat.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are some of the fastest fish we target, hitting speeds that rival wahoo. Most run 20-40 pounds, but we see plenty in the 50-60 pound range during peak season. They cruise in 40-150 feet of water around wrecks, reefs, and temperature breaks. Fall and spring migrations bring the best action when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. What guests love is that explosive strike when they hit a trolled bait - there's no mistaking it. The meat is excellent grilled or blackened, though it does have higher mercury levels. Kings have razor-sharp teeth, so always use a wire leader. My go-to technique is slow-trolling live bait with a stinger hook rig since they often hit the tail section first. Watch for diving birds working bait schools - that's usually where you'll find feeding kings underneath.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish we catch, with those brilliant gold and green colors that light up when they come out of the water. They average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ during good years. You'll find them under floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in deeper water. Spring through fall is prime time here off Port Canaveral. What makes them special is they're great fighters and even better on the table - firm white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. They're surface feeders that love commotion, so we skip baits on top or work the edges of floating structure. Once you hook one, keep your lines in because they often travel in small groups. My trick is to leave a hooked fish in the water while we cast to the others - mahi are curious and will often stick around to investigate their buddy in trouble.
Fort Pierce