Offshore Deep Drop Fishing - Port Canaveral
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore deep drop targeting four major speciesCaptain Michael Nello guides groups up to six anglersTargets cobia, gag grouper, greater amberjack, and king mackerel
Port Canaveral sits right at the edge of some of the richest fishing waters on Florida's east coast, and there's no better way to tap into those deep-water giants than with a proper offshore deep drop adventure. Captain Michael Nello has been running Fintactic Charters out of these waters for years, and he knows exactly where the big fish hang out when they're hugging the bottom in 100-200 feet of water. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a serious 10-hour commitment that puts you right in the thick of Florida's most challenging fishing. You'll be sharing the boat with up to five other anglers, which creates this perfect mix of camaraderie and friendly competition that makes the long day fly by.
When you step aboard Captain Nello's boat in the pre-dawn darkness, you're signing up for the real deal. We're not messing around with shallow water stuff – this trip heads straight out to the deep structure where the trophy fish live. The ride out takes about an hour, depending on where the fish have been biting lately, and Captain Nello uses that time to get everyone dialed in on the game plan. Deep drop fishing is all about patience and technique, so don't expect to be reeling in fish every five minutes. What you can expect is that when something does grab your bait down there in the depths, it's going to be worth the wait. The boat stays positioned over productive bottom structure, and you'll spend most of your day working different depths and spots as the captain reads the conditions and adjusts accordingly. Pack some snacks and drinks because meals aren't provided, and trust me, working heavy tackle for 10 hours will work up an appetite.
Deep drop fishing is a whole different animal from your standard offshore trolling or bottom fishing. We're talking about dropping baits down to 150-250 feet of water, sometimes deeper, where the pressure changes everything about how fish behave and how your gear performs. Captain Nello rigs the boat with electric reels because hand-cranking fish up from those depths will wear you out fast. The technique involves using heavy sinkers – often 2-4 pounds – to get your baits down through the current and keep them in the strike zone. Circle hooks are the standard here, both for conservation and because they hook fish much more effectively when you're dealing with that much line stretch. Bait selection is crucial too – we're talking whole squid, cut bait, and sometimes live bait when conditions are right. The captain positions the boat over specific pieces of structure using his electronics, and then it's all about getting your baits to the right depth and keeping them there. Don't worry if you've never done deep drop before – Captain Nello will walk you through the whole process and help you feel the subtle differences between a fish bite and just dragging bottom.
King mackerel are the speed demons of this fishery, and even though we're deep dropping, these fish will absolutely smoke a reel when they hit. Kings in Port Canaveral waters typically run anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 50-plus. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March, and they love hanging around the edges of the deeper structure where they can ambush baitfish. What makes king mackerel so exciting is their initial run – they'll take 100 yards of line before you even know what hit you. Greater amberjack are the bulldogs of the deep, and these fish will test every ounce of your fishing skills. AJ's commonly reach 30-60 pounds in these waters, and the bigger ones will take you straight down to the rocks if you let them. They're year-round residents but fish best from April through September when they're more aggressive. The fight is what keeps anglers coming back – it's a straight power struggle from the moment you set the hook until the fish hits the deck. Cobia are the wildcards that can show up any time of year, though spring and fall produce the most consistent action. These fish are curious by nature and will often follow hooked fish toward the boat, giving you shots at multiple hookups. Cobia in the 20-40 pound range are common, and they're excellent table fare. Gag grouper are the prize of the deep drop fishery, and Florida's Atlantic waters produce some true giants. These fish are structure-oriented and extremely strong, using their knowledge of the bottom to try and break you off in the rocks. Gags are most cooperative from October through April, and a 20-30 pound fish will give you a fight you won't forget anytime soon.
If you're serious about targeting trophy fish in some of Florida's most productive waters, this deep drop adventure with Fintactic Charters delivers exactly what you're looking for. Captain Nello's experience in these waters shows in the results, and the 10-hour format gives you the best possible shot at connecting with multiple species. The intimate group size means personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably, plus you're not competing with a crowd when the action picks up. Deep drop fishing isn't for everyone – it requires patience, physical stamina, and a real appreciation for the chess match between angler and fish. But for those who understand what makes this style of fishing special, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a trophy fish up from the depths of Port Canaveral's offshore waters. Book your trip now and get ready to experience some of the most challenging and rewarding fishing Florida has to offer.
Meet your ride for chasing big fish in Florida's deep waters - a classic 1978 Stuart angler that's been completely restored and ready to handle whatever the offshore grounds throw at you. This center console setup gives you plenty of room to move around when you're fighting cobia, gag grouper, greater amberjack, and king mackerel. With both upper and lower helm stations, you'll have great visibility whether you're watching the fish finder or scanning the horizon for bird activity. The boat's packed with GPS navigation, radar for those foggy mornings, VHF radio to stay connected, and all the Coast Guard safety gear you need for serious offshore fishing. There's even a head in the v-berth, so you won't have to cut your fishing day short. This restored beauty can handle up to 6 anglers comfortably, giving everyone space to work their lines without getting tangled up during the action.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most unique targets - these dark brown, shark-looking fish average around 40-50 pounds but can push 100+. They're loners, rarely schooling, and cruise shallow waters around 30-70 feet near reefs, wrecks, and buoys. Spring migration from March through May is prime time, especially during spawning season. What makes cobia special is their curiosity - they'll often follow the boat and investigate lures. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any fish we catch. The fight is strong and steady rather than flashy. My go-to trick: sight fishing with bucktail jigs works best. When you spot one cruising the surface, cast ahead of them and work that jig with steady retrieves. Color doesn't matter much - they're not picky eaters.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bread and butter of our deep drops, typically running 20 inches but capable of reaching 50+ and 80 pounds. These mottled grey fighters live around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks in deeper water. Fall and winter months produce the most consistent action when they're feeding heavily on crabs and small fish. What makes gags exciting is their immediate dive for structure once hooked - it's a tug-of-war from the start. They're also top-shelf eating, with sweet, flaky white meat. The key to landing them is keeping your drag locked tight and never giving them slack. The moment they feel that hook, they'll bolt for the nearest hole or ledge. Circle hooks are required in Florida, and live pinfish or cut crab work best. Fight them hard and fast.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldozers of the deep, commonly reaching 40+ pounds and putting up some of the strongest fights you'll experience. These bluish-grey bruisers hang around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 100+ feet of water. Spring spawning season from April through May brings the best fishing when they're most aggressive. What guests love about AJs is their raw power - they'll test your tackle and your arms with deep, punishing runs straight back to the bottom. The meat is excellent when prepared right, firm and white. Here's what works: once you hook one, keep that drag locked tight and don't give them an inch. They'll try to wrap you around structure immediately, so the first few seconds determine whether you land dinner or lose your tackle.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are some of the fastest fish we target, averaging 30 pounds with occasional giants pushing 90+. These olive-backed speedsters cruise depths from 40-150 feet around Port Canaveral, with larger fish often found deeper. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're feeding heavily on blue runners and menhaden. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish in these waters. The meat is rich and flavorful, though high in oils. My tip: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks when live baiting - kings love to hit the tail section of your bait first, so that trailing hook often makes the difference between a hookup and a story about the one that got away.
Cape Canaveral, FL