12 Hour Offshore Charter - Port Canaveral
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore fishing adventure in Port Canaveral watersTarget grouper, snapper, and other offshore species with live baitPersonalized charter accommodates up to 6 guests with Captain Matt
Captain Matt's 12-hour offshore fishing charter puts you in the driver's seat from the moment you step aboard. This isn't your typical cookie-cutter fishing trip where the captain calls all the shots. Instead, you'll get a detailed rundown of what's biting and where, then make the call on what species you want to chase. Whether you're itching to drop down for some meaty grouper and snapper or want to troll the blue water for pelagics, this Port Canaveral adventure delivers exactly what you're after. The boat comes rigged with fresh live bait, and with 12 full hours on the water, you've got plenty of time to switch tactics if the bite changes.
Your day starts early at Port Canaveral, one of Florida's premier fishing ports with quick access to both nearshore reefs and deep blue water. Captain Matt will brief you on current conditions, water temps, and what's been producing before you even fire up the engines. This collaborative approach means you're not just along for the ride – you're actively planning your attack. The 6-person capacity keeps things comfortable without feeling crowded, giving everyone room to fish effectively. You'll cover serious ground in 12 hours, potentially hitting multiple spots from shallow water structure to the deep drop-offs where the big pelagics cruise. The live bait setup is already handled, so you can focus on what matters: getting lines wet and boxes full.
This charter adapts to your fishing style and target species. Bottom fishing involves dropping heavy rigs down to structure where grouper and snapper hold, using circle hooks and fresh cut bait to entice these reef dwellers. When targeting pelagics like mahi, wahoo, and sailfish, you'll switch to trolling spreads with a mix of lures, ballyhoo, and live bait. The boat carries everything you need, from heavy conventional reels for deep dropping to lighter spinning gear for when the action gets fast and furious. Captain Matt knows when to move and when to stay put, reading the water, birds, and electronics to keep you on fish throughout the day. The long duration means you can try multiple approaches – start with some bottom action at dawn, then move to trolling as the sun gets higher and the pelagics start feeding.
Mahi Mahi, also called common dolphinfish, are Port Canaveral favorites that show up in good numbers from spring through fall. These electric green and gold fighters love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks in 100-400 feet of water. What makes mahi special is their willingness to eat and their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They often travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Peak season runs April through September, with the biggest bulls showing up in summer months.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of hitting 60+ mph and stripping line faster than you can blink. These toothy predators patrol the edge in 200-1000 feet of water, ambushing bait with lightning strikes. Fall and winter months are prime time for wahoo around Port Canaveral, when they migrate south and feed aggressively. Their razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs make them a favorite among serious anglers looking for a real fight.
Gag Grouper are the kings of the bottom, holding tight to structure and putting up bulldogging fights that test your tackle and technique. These chunky reef fish can exceed 20 pounds and are prized for both their fighting ability and excellent table fare. Spring months bring the best gag fishing as they move into shallower water to spawn. The key is getting them off the bottom quickly before they can wrap you up in the rocks.
Blackfin Tuna are smaller cousins of their giant bluefin relatives, but don't let their size fool you – these 10-20 pound speedsters are pure muscle and attitude. They school up around structure and temperature breaks, often feeding alongside dolphins and birds. Year-round residents in Florida waters, blackfins are reliable producers that fight way above their weight class and make excellent sashimi.
Atlantic Sailfish are Florida's signature gamefish, with their massive dorsal fins and acrobatic fights that create memories lasting a lifetime. These billfish cruise the blue water looking for bait schools, often feeding in small groups. Winter months bring the best sailfish action to Port Canaveral as they migrate through on their way south. Most anglers practice catch and release with these magnificent fish, taking photos before sending them back to fight another day.
This 12-hour charter gives you the flexibility to fish your way while covering enough water to find what's biting. Captain Matt's approach of letting you choose your targets, combined with Port Canaveral's world-class fishing opportunities, creates the perfect recipe for a productive day on the water. Whether you're after a fish fry, looking to check a bucket list species off your list, or just want to spend a full day doing what you love, this charter delivers. The boat's ready, the bait's live, and the fish are waiting – all you need to do is show up ready to fish.
Get ready to chase your target species aboard this sharp 2022 Calvin Beal 36' pilothouse! Captain Matt's modern fishing machine packs serious power with its 650HP Caterpillar engine, cruising at 22 knots to get you to the fish fast. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, while the fish finder and GPS help locate those productive offshore spots where Grouper and Snapper are biting. Stay cool between strikes with onboard AC, keep your catch fresh in the icebox, and grab cold drinks from the fridge. Whether you're dropping bottom rigs or targeting pelagics, this well-equipped vessel has everything covered - radar for safety, multimedia system for downtime, and even a head for convenience during those long 12-hour battles. Live bait comes ready, so just bring your game face for a day of serious offshore fishing action in Port Canaveral waters.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the showboats of offshore fishing - that massive dorsal fin and spear-like bill make them unmistakable. Most run 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, cruising the top 65 feet of water along current edges and temperature breaks. Winter months are prime time here, especially December through March when they're thick off the coast. What guests love is the aerial show - these fish will jump, dive, and put on a display like no other fish in the ocean. They're usually catch and release, but the fight is what you're after anyway. Speed is key - they can hit 35 mph and will test your drag system. My tip: use circle hooks and don't horse them - let them run and tire themselves out, or they'll throw the hook on one of those spectacular jumps.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but pack serious punch for their size - most run 10-20 pounds with that classic torpedo shape and dark back with gold side stripes. They school up in warm water over 68 degrees, usually found near continental shelf edges and current breaks. Fall through spring are peak months here in Florida waters. What makes them popular is that classic tuna fight - strong runs and never quit attitude - plus they're fantastic on the table, firm and flavorful. They've got sharp eyes, so you need to scale down your tackle. My go-to setup is 30-pound fluorocarbon leader with 5/0 circle hooks. Try vertical jigging or chunk with live pilchards for chum - once you get them fired up, the action can be non-stop.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bruisers of the bottom - thick-bodied fish that average 20 inches but can stretch to 4 feet and 80 pounds. Males are darker with spotted patterns, while females show more marbled gray coloring. They hang around rocky bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 40-120 feet of water, especially near structure that offers good cover. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most active and feeding heavy. What makes them fun is that bulldogging fight - soon as they grab your bait, they'll try to drag it straight back to their hole in the rocks. The meat is white, flaky, and perfect for the dinner table. My advice: once you hook one, keep that reel locked tight and don't give them any slack, or they'll wrap you around the nearest ledge.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll see out here - brilliant gold sides with electric blue and green backs that put on a real light show when they come out of the water. Most run 15-29 pounds, but we've seen them push 50+ pounds. They love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in open water, usually within 20 miles offshore. Best fishing is typically May through September when water temps are warmest. What makes them special is that crazy fight - they'll jump, run, and never give up easy. Plus, the meat is fantastic - firm, white, and mild. My tip: when you see one, there's usually more around, so keep your other lines ready. They travel in schools and once you find them, you can have a banner day.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and average 30-40 pounds, though we've hooked some pushing 80. They cruise open water around floating debris and drop-offs, usually within the first 100 feet of the water column. Peak season here runs July through November when they're most active. What guests love is that lightning-fast strike and the way they peel line off your reel - it's over quick but wild while it lasts. The meat is white, flaky, and some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Here's the key: troll fast with wire leaders since their razor teeth will cut through anything else. We usually run 12-15 knots with diving plugs or ballyhoo rigs to trigger those aggressive strikes.
Port Canaveral