Full Day Offshore Trolling in Port Canaveral
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore trolling with Captain Michael NelloTarget cobia, gag grouper, amberjack, and king mackerelAccommodates groups up to six guests per charter
There's nothing quite like pulling lines through the deep blue waters off Port Canaveral, where the continental shelf drops off and the big pelagics come to play. Captain Michael Nello and the Fintactic Charters crew know these waters like the back of their hands, and they're ready to put you on some serious fish. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back—we're talking a full day of covering water, working the edges, and giving you the best shot at hooking into king mackerel, cobia, greater amberjack, and gag grouper. With room for up to six anglers, you can bring your whole crew and make it a day everyone will be talking about for years.
Your day starts early at Port Canaveral, one of Florida's premier fishing ports and your gateway to some of the most productive offshore waters on the East Coast. Captain Michael will have the boat prepped and ready, with fresh bait, sharp hooks, and all the tackle you'll need for a successful day. The beauty of a full-day charter is the flexibility—you're not rushed, and you can really work different areas depending on what's biting and where the fish are showing up. The waters off Port Canaveral offer everything from nearshore reefs to deeper blue water, and Michael knows how to read the conditions and adjust the game plan accordingly. You'll spend the day trolling productive areas, working structure, and covering the kind of water that holds trophy fish. The vibe is relaxed but focused—this is serious fishing, but it's also about having a good time with your group.
Offshore trolling is an art form, and Captain Michael has it dialed in. You'll be pulling a spread of lures and baits at varying speeds and depths, covering water efficiently while presenting an appealing target to whatever's swimming below. The boat will be rigged with outriggers to spread your lines wide, downriggers to get baits to specific depths, and all the electronics needed to find fish and structure. Ballyhoo, cigar minnows, and artificial lures make up the arsenal, each chosen for specific species and conditions. The key to successful trolling is reading the water—looking for color changes, temperature breaks, weed lines, and bird activity that signal where the fish are holding. Michael will adjust speeds, change lures, and move between spots based on what the day is showing him. When a rod goes off, it's game on—and with multiple lines in the water, double and triple hookups are always a possibility.
King mackerel are the bread and butter of offshore trolling in these waters, and for good reason. These silver bullets are fast, aggressive, and will test your skills on the rod. Kings typically run anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds in these waters, with the occasional smoker pushing 50-plus. They're most active during the cooler months from fall through early spring, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes kings so exciting is their speed and their jumps—when a big king takes off, it's pure adrenaline. Greater amberjack are the bruisers of the group, often called AJs by locals. These fish are pure muscle, typically ranging from 20 to 60 pounds, and they'll take you straight to the bottom if you let them. They're structure-oriented fish, hanging around wrecks and reefs, and they'll test your drag and your arms. The fight is all about endurance—AJs don't give up easy.
Cobia are perhaps the most unique target species on these trips. These brown sharks, as they're sometimes called, are curious fish that will often come right up to the boat. They can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 40 pounds not uncommon, and they're excellent table fare. Cobia season peaks in spring and early summer, when they're moving through on their annual migration. What's fun about cobia fishing is that it's often sight fishing—you'll actually see these fish swimming near the surface, and the captain might even switch to live bait or jigs for a more targeted approach. Gag grouper round out the target list and are prized for their excellent eating quality. These fish are structure dwellers, hanging around reefs and wrecks in 60 to 120 feet of water. Gags typically run 15 to 30 pounds, with the occasional trophy pushing 40-plus. They're smart fish that require finesse and the right presentation, but when you hook a big gag, you know you've got something special on the other end.
A full-day offshore trip with Fintactic Charters isn't just about catching fish—though you'll definitely do plenty of that. It's about spending quality time on the water with your crew, learning from an experienced captain, and experiencing the best that Port Canaveral's offshore fishing has to offer. Captain Michael's knowledge of these waters and commitment to putting his clients on fish makes this a top-rated charter option for serious anglers. The boat can handle up to six people comfortably, so whether you're planning a guys' trip, family outing, or corporate event, everyone will have room to fish and enjoy the day. Remember to bring your own food and drinks since meals aren't provided—this gives you the flexibility to pack exactly what your group wants for the day. With the variety of species available and the expertise of the crew, you're looking at a world-class fishing experience that delivers on the promise of big fish and good times.
Meet our beautifully restored 1978 Stuart Angler, your ticket to serious offshore fishing action. This center console fishing machine was completely rebuilt in 2010 and comes loaded with everything you need for a productive day chasing big fish in the deep waters off Port Canaveral. The dual helm setup gives our captain flexibility to run the boat from either position, while the spacious deck provides plenty of room for up to 6 anglers to work the lines. Down below, you'll find a comfortable v-berth with a head for those longer trips. We've equipped her with top-notch fish finders to locate those schools of cobia and king mackerel, plus GPS and radar to keep us on the fish even when conditions get challenging. The VHF radio keeps us connected to other boats sharing intel on where the bite is hot. All Coast Guard safety gear is aboard, so you can focus on what matters most - putting fish in the cooler.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the gentle giants that often surprise first-timers with their curious nature. These brown, shark-looking fish average 30-50 pounds and love hanging around structure, buoys, and even rays in 20-80 feet of water. Spring migration from March to May is prime time here in Canaveral, though we catch them all summer around wrecks and reefs. What makes cobia special is their fight—long, powerful runs without the crazy acrobatics. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in these waters, with white, flaky meat that rivals any restaurant fish. They're usually solo hunters, not schooled up. My go-to tip: when you spot one, don't rush the cast. Cobia are curious and will often circle the boat, giving you multiple shots if you stay patient and quiet.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the classic bottom-dwellers that'll give you a proper tug-of-war once hooked. These guys typically run 15-30 pounds around our reefs and wrecks in 60-120 feet of water. Fall through spring is prime season when they're feeding heavy before and after spawn. What makes gags fun to target is that classic grouper fight—they hit hard then try to drag you straight down into the rocks. The meat is top-shelf too, sweet and flaky white fillets that fry up perfect. You'll find them around any hard structure where they can ambush prey. Local trick: once you hook one, don't give them an inch. Keep that rod tip up and reel steady—if you let them get their head down, they'll wrap you up in the rocks every time. Heavy tackle and no mercy is the game plan.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldogs of the deep—once hooked, they'll test every muscle you've got. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds but can push 80+ in our waters. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet, especially during spring and fall when they're most active. What guests love about amberjack is that raw power—they fight straight down, trying to wrap your line around whatever structure they can find. The white, firm meat is fantastic eating too, similar to grouper. They're not picky eaters, hitting live bait, jigs, and even spoons on the troll. Pro tip: the moment you hook one, lock down that drag and pump them up quick. Give them any slack, and they'll dive straight into the nearest wreck.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are built for speed and put up one hell of a fight when hooked. These silver bullets typically run 20-40 pounds around Port Canaveral, though we see some monsters over 60. They cruise the 40-150 foot depths, especially near structure and current breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit that 70-80 degree sweet spot. What makes kings special is their blistering runs—they'll strip line faster than almost anything out there. The meat's excellent too, with that rich, flaky texture perfect for the grill. Here's a local trick: when trolling, use a stinger hook setup because kings love to bite the tail end of baitfish. Without that back hook, you'll lose more than you land.
Cape Canaveral, FL