Half Day Fishing in Port Canaveral | 6 HR Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour private inshore fishing charter for up to four guestsTarget snook and redfish with provided gear and licenses includedDeparts 6:30 AM from Port Canaveral near Orlando Space Coast
Looking for a solid fishing trip that won't eat up your entire day? This 6-hour private charter out of Port Canaveral is exactly what you need. We're talking about a proper inshore adventure that starts at the crack of dawn – 6:30 AM to be exact – when the fish are most active and the water's still calm. Port Canaveral sits right on Florida's Space Coast, just 45 minutes east of Orlando, making it super convenient whether you're a local or visiting the theme parks. The waters here are absolutely loaded with structure, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines that hold some serious fish. You'll have the boat to yourself and up to 3 other anglers, so no crowding or waiting for your turn to cast.
This charter kicks off early because that's when the magic happens in these waters. The morning bite around Port Canaveral is legendary, and you'll understand why once you see your first Redfish tailing in the shallows or watch a Snook blow up on a topwater plug. We're targeting the big three here – Snook, Redfish, and Crevalle Jack – using a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what the fish are telling us. The beauty of this fishery is the variety. One minute you're sight-casting to a cruising Red in two feet of water, the next you're working a dock line for a trophy Snook. Everything's included except your enthusiasm – we've got all the rods, reels, tackle, fishing licenses, drinks, and ice covered. Just bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a hat because the Florida sun doesn't mess around, even in the morning.
We run a variety of techniques depending on conditions and what the fish want. Live bait is king here – we're talking pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp fished under popping corks around structure or free-lined in the current. But don't think this is just a sit-and-wait game. We'll have you throwing soft plastics like DOA shrimp and Z-Man paddle tails when the fish are scattered, and topwater plugs during those heart-stopping surface strikes. The gear is all matched to the species we're after – medium-heavy spinning setups with 20-30 pound braid for the bigger Reds and Jacks, plus some lighter tackle for finicky Snook around docks. We fish everything from the Banana River and Mosquito Lagoon to the Canaveral Barge Canal, adjusting our game plan based on tides, weather, and recent fish activity. Fair warning – live bait might cost extra depending on what we need, but it's worth every penny when you feel that first screaming run.
Redfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches around Port Canaveral, with plenty of oversized bulls mixed in that'll test your drag system. They're most active during moving water – incoming tide pushes bait into the shallows where Reds ambush from grass edges and oyster bars. What makes them special is their fighting ability; they'll make long, powerful runs that'll have your arms burning. Plus, they're beautiful fish with that distinctive black spot near the tail. Peak season runs from September through December, but honestly, you can catch quality Reds year-round in these waters.
Snook fishing here is world-class, especially around the countless docks, bridges, and mangrove shorelines. These fish are ambush predators that love structure, and Port Canaveral has structure in spades. They typically run 18-28 inches with some real toads pushing 30-plus. Snook are temperature sensitive, so they're most active when water temps are above 70 degrees – basically March through November. What gets anglers fired up about Snook is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight. They'll jump, tail-walk, and try every trick in the book to throw your hook. The slot limit keeps the population healthy, so you're almost guaranteed to tangle with several quality fish.
Crevalle Jack might not win any beauty contests, but they'll absolutely school you on what a real fight feels like. These yellow-sided bulldogs average 15-25 pounds around here and fight like fish twice their size. They show up in schools, often following bait pods, and when you find them, it's game on. Jacks are year-round residents but peak during summer months when they're most aggressive. They'll eat just about anything you throw – live bait, jigs, topwater plugs – and once hooked, they dive deep and pull hard. Many anglers underestimate Jacks until they hook their first one, then they're hooked themselves on the pure raw power these fish possess.
At $600 for up to 4 anglers, this 6-hour charter delivers serious value for a private fishing adventure. You're getting exclusive access to some of Florida's most productive inshore waters with a captain who knows where the fish live and how to catch them. The early start time means you'll be back by early afternoon with stories to tell and hopefully some fillets for dinner. Port Canaveral's central location on the Space Coast makes it perfect whether you're staying in Orlando, Cocoa Beach, or anywhere along the coast. The fishery here is healthy, diverse, and productive – exactly what you want when you're investing in a fishing trip. Don't wait around; these morning slots fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book now and get ready to experience why Port Canaveral is considered one of Florida's premier inshore fishing destinations.
Get ready to chase Snook and Redfish aboard this sharp 2022 Blue Wave bay boat! This 20-foot center console handles Port Canaveral's waters like a dream, powered by a reliable Yamaha 150HP that'll cruise at 40 knots to get you on the fish fast. Perfect for your crew of up to 4 anglers, she's rigged with everything serious fishermen need - wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on spooky fish, GPS to mark those honey holes, and a quality fish finder to locate schools holding tight to structure. Whether you're casting live bait around the docks or working artificials along the flats, this boat puts you in prime position. The center console design gives everyone room to fight fish without tangling lines, and the shallow draft lets you slip into those back-country spots where the big Reds like to feed. Built for Florida's Space Coast fishing, she handles both the protected waters of the Banana River and ventures out when conditions allow.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These bruisers average 3-5 pounds around Port Canaveral, but we regularly hook into 15-20 pounders that'll test your arms and drag system. They roam both shallow flats and deeper waters up to 60 feet, often in aggressive schools chasing baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're most active in our warmer waters. What makes jacks special is their raw power - pound for pound, they're one of the strongest fish you'll encounter. They fight dirty with long, bulldogging runs that seem endless. While they're not great eating, the fight alone makes them worth targeting. Watch for diving birds - that's your best indicator of a feeding school. When you find them, cast silver spoons or fast-moving lures and hold on tight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands-down one of the most rewarding fish to target in these waters. You'll typically find them running 20-30 inches around Port Canaveral, cruising the shallow flats and grass beds in 1-4 feet of water. They love structure like oyster bars, docks, and mangroves where they hunt for crabs and shrimp. Those distinctive black spots near their tail make them easy to spot when sight fishing. What makes redfish special is their strong, steady fight - they don't jump but they'll drag line for minutes. Plus, they taste fantastic with that mild, sweet flavor. Best fishing is early morning and late afternoon when they're actively feeding. Pro tip: when you see a red's back out of the water in skinny water, cast your bait about 3 feet ahead of where they're heading and let it sink naturally.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the ultimate inshore challenge fish around here. Most of what we catch runs 18-28 inches, though the big females can push 40+ inches during spawning season. These fish are ambush predators that hang tight to structure - think mangrove shorelines, docks, bridges, and inlet mouths. They're temperature sensitive, so warmer months from May through September give us the best action, especially around the new and full moons when they spawn. What guests love about snook is that explosive strike and their acrobatic fight - they'll jump and run hard. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The trick with snook is staying close to cover but not getting wrapped up. I always tell folks to cast right against the structure and work your bait away quickly - hesitate and they'll cut you off in the pilings.
Fort Pierce