6-Hour Offshore Charter from Port Canaveral
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore charter targeting King Mackerel and diverse speciesExplores Canaveral reefs 1020 miles offshore using live baitBeginnerfriendly trip accommodates up to six guests comfortably
Port Canaveral sits right on Florida's Space Coast, and there's no better place to experience what offshore fishing is all about. This 6-hour charter with Defiant Offshore Fishing Charters takes you out to Canaveral's productive reefs, sitting 10 to 20 miles off the beach where the real action happens. You'll be fishing some of the most consistent waters on the east coast, where the Gulf Stream pushes baitfish close to structure and creates perfect conditions for multiple species. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first taste of offshore fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to add some variety to your fishing log, this half-day trip delivers the goods without eating up your entire vacation day.
When you step aboard, you'll notice this isn't your typical inshore setup. The boat's rigged specifically for offshore work, with outriggers, downriggers, and all the tackle you'll need to handle everything from screaming King Mackerel to acrobatic Sailfish. The ride out takes about 30 to 45 minutes depending on conditions, giving you time to get your sea legs and watch the shoreline fade behind you. Once we hit the fishing grounds, you'll see why these reefs are local favorites – they're loaded with structure that holds bait, and where there's bait, there are gamefish. The water changes from that inshore green to deep blue, and you know you're in fish-holding territory. Captain and crew know these spots like the back of their hand, reading the electronics and adjusting tactics based on what they're seeing down below.
This trip focuses on two proven methods that consistently produce fish in Canaveral waters. Slow-trolling live bait is the bread and butter technique here – we'll pull live goggle-eyes, blue runners, or sardines behind the boat at just the right speed to make them look natural but vulnerable. The baits swim down in the water column where Kings, Cobia, and Mahi are cruising, and when they hit, you'll know it immediately. We also run frozen baits when the bite calls for it, using dead sardines, ballyhoo, or strip baits that work great for everything from Barracuda to Blackfin Tuna. The tackle is sized perfectly for these species – heavy enough to handle a big King or Cobia, but light enough that you'll feel every head shake and run. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, so you just need to show up ready to fish. The crew handles the technical stuff like setting the spread, adjusting trolling speeds, and rigging fresh baits, while you focus on fighting fish.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing here, and Port Canaveral sits in prime Sailfish territory. These incredible gamefish average 6 to 8 feet long and put on an aerial show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. Fall through early spring is peak Sailfish season, when they migrate along the coast following baitfish. When a Sail hits your bait, it often jumps immediately, walking on its tail and shaking its head trying to throw the hook. They're built for speed and acrobatics, making multiple jumps and long runs that test your endurance. Landing one is a bucket-list experience that never gets old, no matter how many you've caught.
King Mackerel are the workhorses of these waters, and they're aggressive predators that hit baits hard and fight even harder. These fish can range from schoolie-sized 10-pounders up to monsters pushing 40 pounds or more. Kings are present year-round but peak in fall and winter when they're thick on the reefs. They're known for their blistering initial runs, often peeling off 100 yards of line before you can blink. What makes them exciting is their unpredictability – they might jump, they might sound, or they might just bulldoze straight away from the boat. Plus, they're excellent eating if you decide to keep a few for the dinner table.
Mahi Mahi bring tropical flair to these waters, especially during summer and fall when they follow the weed lines and warm water. Also called Dolphin or Dorado, these fish are absolutely beautiful with their bright gold, green, and blue colors that light up when they're fighting. Mahi are acrobatic fighters that jump repeatedly, and they often travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. They range from small schoolies to bull Mahi over 20 pounds, and they're considered some of the best eating fish in the ocean. The excitement builds when you see that first Mahi come tight because you know the crew will be scrambling to get more lines in the water.
Great Barracuda are the opportunists of the reef, and they'll hit just about anything that moves the right way. These toothy predators can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 4 feet not uncommon in these waters. What makes them exciting is their explosive strike and their ability to make powerful runs when hooked. They're present year-round but seem most active during the warmer months. Barracuda often follow other hooked fish, so don't be surprised if one shows up behind a King Mackerel or Mahi you're fighting. Their razor-sharp teeth mean the crew uses wire leaders, and their aggressive nature makes them a favorite with kids who love the guaranteed action.
Cobia are the wildcards that can show up anytime and anywhere on these reefs. These brown sharks look-alikes are actually fantastic gamefish that fight with power and determination. Cobia can grow huge – fish over 30 pounds are caught regularly in these waters. They're curious fish that often come up to investigate the boat, giving you a chance to see them before they hit your bait. Spring and fall are prime Cobia seasons,
Step aboard the 36' Calvin Beal, a brand-new 2022 pilothouse boat built for serious offshore fishing adventures. With 650 horsepower of Caterpillar muscle pushing you at 22 knots, you'll reach Port Canaveral's productive reefs 10-20 miles out in no time. This modern fishing machine comfortably handles up to 6 anglers while you target King Mackerel, Cobia, and Mahi Mahi using live and frozen baits. The spacious layout gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Stay cool with onboard AC between strikes, and keep your catch fresh in the icebox. Advanced fish finder and GPS help locate the hot spots where Sailfish, Blackfin Tuna, and Barracuda cruise. When nature calls, there's a private head onboard. The multimedia system keeps things lively during the ride out to the fishing grounds. Perfect for families and first-time offshore anglers looking to experience Florida's incredible waters without the commitment of a full-day trip.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the speed demons of our waters, hitting bursts up to 35 mph with that signature sail-like dorsal fin. These fish average around 50 pounds and 7 feet long, though we've seen them bigger. They hunt in 30-65 foot depths, often working together to corral baitfish near the surface. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot between 70-83°F. What makes them special? The fight - they'll leap, dive, and put on a show that gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. Plus, they change colors when excited, flashing blues and blacks. Here's a local tip: when you see one, there's usually more around. Keep multiple lines ready because sailfish often travel in small groups, and you might get a double or triple hookup.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these chocolate-colored fish cruise our reefs and wrecks, often mistaken for sharks until you see that distinctive flat head. They average 30-50 pounds but can push 100+, living a solitary life around structure in 30-100 feet of water. Spring migration (March-May) is prime time when they move through our area heading north, but we see them year-round. Guests love cobia because they're powerful fighters and absolutely fantastic eating - firm, white meat that rivals any fish. They're curious too, often swimming right up to the boat to check things out. Here's my best tip: when you spot one, don't get too excited and throw everything at once. Make a gentle, accurate cast with a bucktail jig or live bait ahead of where they're swimming, and let them find it naturally.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are the silver torpedoes of our reefs, reaching 4-6 feet long with a mouth full of razor teeth that can slice through most anything. These apex predators cruise near the surface around reefs, wrecks, and structure, using their streamlined bodies to hit speeds up to 35 mph in short bursts. They're around year-round in our warm Florida waters, but spring and summer give us the most consistent action. What draws anglers? The explosive strikes and bulldogging fights, plus they're curious fish that'll often follow lures right to the boat. While not typically kept for eating due to potential ciguatera, they're pure adrenaline on the rod. My tip: use a wire leader and be ready for anything - they'll hit fast and jump when hooked. Keep your hands clear when landing one; those teeth don't discriminate.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are the main target on our 6-hour trips. These silver bullets average 20-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds, with razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through mono in a heartbeat. They cruise our reefs in 40-150 feet of water, especially around structure where baitfish gather. Fall through spring is prime time when cooler water pushes them closer to shore. Guests love kings because they make blistering runs and fight hard right to the boat. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat that grills perfectly. Here's my go-to tip: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks on your bait - one through the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to hit from the rear, and that stinger hook will save you from a lot of heartbreak.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are the rainbow warriors of offshore fishing, flashing gold, blue, and green colors that put on quite a light show when you bring them to the boat. These fish average 15-30 pounds and grow fast, living only about 4 years. Look for them around floating debris, weedlines, or any structure in blue water. They're surface dwellers, rarely going deeper than 100 feet. Spring through fall is our best window when water temps warm up. What makes mahi special? They're aggressive feeders, great fighters, and some of the best eating fish in the ocean - mild, sweet, and firm. Plus, where you find one, you'll often find more. Local trick: if you hook one, keep it in the water near the boat while you get more lines out. The school will often stay with their hooked buddy, giving everyone a shot.
Port Canaveral