Cocoa Beach Full Day Deep Sea Fishing
Ready to get serious about offshore fishing? This full-day charter puts you right where the big fish live, 20+ miles offshore in the deep blue waters of the Atlantic. With Fin & Fly Charters, you're looking at 9 solid hours of fishing time, starting at 7:00 AM and wrapping up around 4:00 PM. Our 6-person limit keeps things comfortable—no elbow-to-elbow fishing here. You'll have plenty of room to work, whether you're battling a king mackerel or waiting for that sailfish to show up on the spread.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting started when it's time to head back. Nine hours gives us real flexibility to move around, hit multiple spots, and adjust our game plan based on what the fish are doing. We'll start the morning running to proven offshore grounds where the water drops off into serious depths. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and tailors every trip to current conditions—whether that means trolling the edge for mahi or dropping down on structure for grouper and snapper. All your bait, tackle, and fishing licenses are covered, so you just need to bring yourself and maybe some snacks. The crew works with everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers, so don't worry if you've never handled heavy tackle before. They'll get you sorted out.
Trolling and Bottom Techniques
We fish smart out there, using a mix of techniques to cover all our bases. Most of the day starts with trolling—four to six lines spread out behind the boat at different depths and distances. This is prime territory for wahoo, mahi, and sailfish, especially when we're working the temperature breaks and current edges. The boat's rigged with quality gear that can handle anything from a 10-pound mahi to a 50-pound wahoo that decides to make a serious run. When we find good bottom structure or mark fish on the finder, we'll anchor up or drift and drop some heavy tackle down for grouper, snapper, and cobia. Bottom fishing here means using 6-8 ounce sinkers in 80-120 feet of water, so it's real fishing—not the light tackle stuff you might be used to inshore.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Wahoo are the speed demons of these offshore waters, and when one hits your trolled bait, you'll know it immediately. These fish can hit 50+ mph and make screaming runs that'll test your drag and your nerves. Peak wahoo season runs from November through March, but we see them year-round. They're gorgeous fish with tiger stripes and razor-sharp teeth, averaging 15-30 pounds with some real bulls pushing 40+. What makes them special? Pure speed and the way they fight—no head shaking or deep diving, just blistering runs that strip line off your reel.
Cobia show up best from April through September, and they're one of the most underrated fighters in these waters. They'll cruise near the surface around floating debris, buoys, or even following rays and sharks. A good cobia runs 20-40 pounds and fights like a much bigger fish, pulling steady and strong all the way to the boat. They're curious fish too—sometimes they'll follow the boat or check out your other lines, giving you multiple shots if you stay calm and work the angles right.
Red snapper are the bread and butter of bottom fishing out here, especially from June through August when the federal season opens. These guys live on hard bottom and structure in 60-120 feet of water, and they'll absolutely crush a fresh bait dropped down to them. Most run 3-8 pounds, but the big sows can push 15+ pounds and provide serious entertainment on medium tackle. They're smart fish that get line-shy, so fresh bait and sharp hooks make all the difference.
Goliath grouper are the monsters lurking on the deeper structures, and while you can't keep them, hooking one is a memory you won't forget. These giants can weigh several hundred pounds and will head straight for cover when hooked, testing every piece of tackle between you and the fish. We see them most often from July through October, and they'll absolutely destroy a big live bait or chunk of fish. The fight is pure power—no speed, just unstoppable force heading for the rocks.
Atlantic sailfish bring the acrobatics, especially during their peak season from December through April. When a sail eats your trolled bait and comes out of the water dancing on its tail, that's fishing at its finest. Most run 6-8 feet long and 40-60 pounds, but it's not about the weight—it's about the show they put on. They'll jump, tail-walk, and throw the hook if you're not paying attention. The key is keeping steady pressure and enjoying the ride.
Time to Book Your Spot
This top-rated charter books up fast, especially during peak fishing months when the bite is hot. With only 6 spots available and a full day on the water, you're getting serious value for serious anglers who want more than a quick taste of offshore fishing. Remember to factor in a 15-20% tip for the crew—they work hard to put you on fish and deserve recognition when they do their job right. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates are locked in before you commit. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just need a proper fishing fix, this charter delivers the real offshore experience that keeps anglers coming back to Cocoa Beach year after year.