12 Hour Offshore Fishing Trip | Port Canaveral
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour offshore fishing adventure targeting grouper and snapperCaptain Matt provides personalized guidance for species selectionLive bait provided with accommodation for up to 6 guests
Captain Matt's 12-hour offshore fishing charter puts you in the driver's seat of your own fishing adventure. Based out of Port Canaveral, this top-rated fishing experience lets you call the shots on what species you want to target. Whether you're dreaming of hooking into some hefty gag grouper on the bottom or chasing pelagics in the blue water, Captain Matt will brief you on the day's conditions and help you plan the perfect fishing strategy. Your boat comes rigged with fresh live bait, and with 12 full hours on the water, you've got plenty of time to hit multiple spots and try different techniques. This isn't your typical cookie-cutter charter – it's a fully customized fishing trip built around what gets your blood pumping.
Your day starts early at Port Canaveral, one of Florida's premier fishing ports with direct access to some of the most productive offshore waters on the East Coast. Captain Matt will walk you through the game plan based on current conditions, recent bite reports, and what's been producing. The beauty of a 12-hour trip is the flexibility – you can start with some bottom fishing for grouper and snapper, then transition to trolling for mahi, wahoo, or sailfish as conditions change throughout the day. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, so you'll have plenty of elbow room whether you're fighting a fish or just enjoying the ride. Captain Matt keeps the live wells stocked with premium bait like pilchards, goggle eyes, and whatever else the fish are demanding that week. You'll head anywhere from 15 to 40+ miles offshore depending on where the action is hottest, and with that much time on the water, you can really dial in on productive areas instead of rushing from spot to spot.
This charter covers all the bases when it comes to offshore fishing techniques. For bottom fishing, you'll be dropping heavy jigs, live baits, and cut baits down to depths of 60-120 feet targeting structure, wrecks, and natural bottom formations where grouper and snapper congregate. The captain provides all the tackle, from heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80lb test for the big bottom fish to lighter spinning gear for the more finicky species. When it's time to chase pelagics, you'll switch to trolling spread with a mix of ballyhoo, diving plugs, and skirted baits. The boat runs a professional-grade electronics package including GPS, fish finder, and radar to locate bait schools and structure. Live bait fishing is where things get really exciting – watching a 20-pound mahi absolutely demolish a frisky pilchard never gets old. Captain Matt will teach you the nuances of each technique, from proper jigging cadence on the bottom to setting the drag just right when a wahoo takes off on a screaming run.
Mahi mahi are the crowd-pleasers of offshore fishing in Port Canaveral waters. These gorgeous fish show up in spring and hang around through fall, with peak action typically May through September. They're aggressive feeders that will crush live baits, trolled baits, and even jigs with equal enthusiasm. Most mahi here run 10-25 pounds, though bull dolphin over 40 pounds aren't uncommon during peak season. What makes mahi so special is their acrobatic fight – expect multiple jumps, long runs, and that beautiful golden color that lights up when they're fired up. They often travel in schools, so where you find one, you'll usually find more.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of reaching speeds over 60 mph. These toothy predators prefer the deeper blue water and are typically caught while high-speed trolling with wire leaders. Port Canaveral's proximity to the Gulf Stream edge makes it prime wahoo territory, especially during cooler months from November through March. Most wahoo caught here range from 20-50 pounds, and their initial run is absolutely blistering – they'll strip line off your reel faster than almost any other fish in these waters. The meat is premium table fare, making wahoo a favorite target for both sport and sustenance.
Gag grouper are the heavyweights of the bottom fishing game around Port Canaveral. These ambush predators hang around structure, wrecks, and hard bottom areas in 60-100 feet of water. Gags are notorious for their bulldogging fight – once hooked, they'll try to drag you straight down into their rocky hideouts. The current regulations allow harvest of gags 24 inches and larger during open season, and these fish can exceed 40 pounds in local waters. They're incredibly smart fish that require finesse and patience, making them a favorite target for serious bottom fishermen. Live pinfish and large pilchards are go-to baits for trophy gags.
Blackfin tuna are year-round residents that provide consistent action when other species are being finicky. These smaller tunas, typically running 5-15 pounds, are perfect for lighter tackle and make excellent sashimi. They're often found around temperature breaks, weed lines, and bait schools in 100+ feet of water. Blackfins will hit small jigs, live baits, and trolled offerings with equal enthusiasm. They're also fantastic bait for larger predators like sharks and big grouper, making them valuable for more than just the dinner table.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of Port Canaveral offshore fishing. These magnificent billfish are most abundant during the cooler months from November through April, when they migrate through local waters in impressive numbers. Sailfish here typically range from 6-8 feet and 40-80 pounds, and their aerial displays are legendary. Most charter operations practice catch and release for sailfish, allowing you to experience the fight of a lifetime while preserving these incredible fish for future generations. They're typically caught on
Step aboard this beautiful 2022 Calvin Beal 36' pilothouse and get ready to chase some serious fish in the waters off Port Canaveral. This modern sportfisher packs a powerful 650HP Caterpillar engine that'll cruise you out to the fishing grounds at 22 knots, getting you to where the action is without burning your whole day traveling. The spacious deck gives your group of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to work the rods without getting tangled up. Captain Matt knows these waters like the back of his hand and comes prepared with live bait, plus the boat's fish finder and GPS will put you right on top of the honey holes. When you need a break from the Florida sun, duck into the air-conditioned cabin where you'll find a multimedia system and comfortable seating. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox, grab cold drinks from the refrigerator, and use the onboard facilities when nature calls. Whether you're dropping lines for grouper and snapper on the bottom or targeting whatever's running that day, this well-equipped fishing machine has everything you need for a productive day on the water.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing, averaging 7-8 feet and 50 pounds with that massive dorsal fin that makes them unmistakable. They cruise the blue water from 30-200 feet deep, following bait schools along temperature breaks and current edges. Winter months are absolute magic here in Florida, especially December through March when they're thick off the coast. What gets people hooked is that aerial show - multiple jumps, long runs, and pure athleticism. Most folks release them since they're not great eating, but the fight is worth the trip alone. Watch for color changes when they're hunting - they flash blue, black, and silver when excited. Keep your baits swimming naturally and when one lights up behind the spread, resist the urge to pull. Let them eat it first.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the scrappy little fighters of the tuna family, typically running 10-30 pounds with that classic tuna build and distinctive gold side stripe. They school up in blue water along the continental shelf, usually 20-40 miles offshore where the water's over 68 degrees. Fall through spring is prime time, especially winter months when they're thick around the Keys area. These fish are pure adrenaline - they hit hard and fight way above their weight class with blistering runs. The meat is excellent too, great for sashimi or searing. They travel in schools, so when you find them, you can usually load the boat. Key trick is scaling down your tackle - use 30-pound fluoro leaders and smaller hooks since these fish are sharp-eyed and leader-shy.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the workhorses of bottom fishing around here, typically running 20 inches but capable of reaching 50+ inches and 80 pounds. These guys love structure - offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 60-150 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months when they move inshore to spawn. What makes them popular is that bulldogging fight once hooked, plus they're fantastic table fare with firm white flakes. The challenge is keeping them out of the rocks once they grab your bait. Look for areas with stone crab traps since gags love following crabs around. My advice: keep your drag locked tight and your rod tip low when you hook up. Don't give them an inch or they'll dive straight back into the structure and cut you off.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish in the ocean with their brilliant gold sides and electric blue-green backs. They average 15-29 pounds and put on quite a color show when brought to the boat. These fast-growing fish love hanging around floating debris and weedlines in blue water, usually within 20 miles of shore. Summer through fall is prime time here in Florida waters. What makes them special is the combination of a good fight, stunning looks, and some of the best eating you'll find offshore - firm white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Pro tip: when you see one mahi, slow down and work the area thoroughly. They often travel in small schools, and where there's one, there's usually more nearby.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of hitting 60 mph when they want to. These sleek fish average 3-5 feet but can push 8 feet, with that distinctive zebra-striped pattern along their sides. They cruise the blue water around 60-200 feet deep, often near temperature breaks and current edges. July through November is our best window, especially when the water temps are steady in the low 80s. What gets anglers fired up is that blistering first run - nothing quite like it. Plus, the meat is outstanding, white and flaky with a mild taste that's perfect for fish tacos. Here's the key: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders. Their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat.
Port Canaveral