12 Hour Offshore Charter - Port Canaveral
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.
What to Expect on the Water
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.
Techniques & Tackle
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.
Top Catches This Season
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.
Time to Book Your Spot
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.