Port Canaveral Inshore Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
67 hour inshore fishing targeting Kingfish, Seabass, and CobiaFamilyfriendly morning trips accommodate up to 6 guestsAll fishing equipment provided by Patriot Sport Fishing
Looking for a solid day on the water that won't break the bank or leave you green around the gills? Our Port Canaveral inshore charters hit that sweet spot between productive fishing and family-friendly fun. We're talking 6-7 hours of serious angling without venturing into the rough stuff offshore. Perfect for kids, first-timers, and seasoned anglers who want to focus on technique rather than fighting seasickness. The boat holds up to 6 people comfortably, so bring the crew and get ready to bend some rods.
Port Canaveral's inshore waters are where the magic happens - we're fishing structure-rich areas within sight of land, targeting everything from aggressive kings to stubborn cobia. The morning bite starts early, usually around sunrise, when the baitfish are active and the predators are feeding. You'll be working depths from 15 to 60 feet, depending on conditions and what's biting. The vibe is relaxed but focused - we're here to catch fish, but nobody's stressed if conversation flows between hookups. Patriot Sport Fishing provides all the tackle, bait, and gear you'll need, though you're welcome to bring your own setup if you've got favorites. Just pack your food, drinks, and sunscreen - we handle everything else.
Inshore fishing around Port Canaveral means adapting to what the fish want on any given day. We'll be live baiting with sardines and cigar minnows when the kings are prowling, switching to bottom rigs with cut bait when the snappers are cooperative. The boat's rigged with quality spinning and conventional setups - think 20-30lb class gear that can handle everything from feisty jacks to bruiser cobia. Trolling is a go-to technique here, especially early morning when we're covering water looking for diving birds and bait schools. When we mark fish on the electronics, we'll anchor up and work the area thoroughly with both live and dead offerings. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety - one minute you're sight-casting to a cruising cobia, the next you're working a bottom structure for snapper.
King mackerel are the bread and butter of Port Canaveral inshore fishing, and these silver bullets put on a show like few other fish. Kings typically run 15-40 pounds in our waters, with the occasional smoker pushing 50-plus during peak season from October through April. They're ambush predators that strike fast and fight dirty - expect screaming runs and acrobatic jumps that'll test your drag settings. What makes kings so addictive is their aggression; when they're feeding, you can literally watch them chase down your bait. The key is keeping your sardines lively and presenting them at the right depth over structure.
Sea bass might not have the flash of a king mackerel, but they're pound-for-pound fighters that'll surprise newcomers with their tenacity. These chunky bottom-dwellers average 12-18 inches and are available year-round, though they really turn on during cooler months. They're structure-oriented fish that love wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom areas. Sea bass are fantastic table fare and perfect for building confidence in younger anglers - they bite aggressively and fight hard without the intimidation factor of larger species.
Crevalle jacks are the bullies of the inshore waters, and hooking into a school is like hitting the lottery for action. These brutes average 10-25 pounds of pure muscle and attitude. Jacks are most active during warmer months and often travel in large schools, creating opportunities for multiple hookups that'll have everyone on the boat scrambling for rods. They're not great eating, but the fight they put up makes them catch-and-release favorites. Watch for them busting bait on the surface - it's a sight that gets every angler's heart racing.
Cobia are the wildcards of our trips - these curious, shark-like fish cruise the shallows and often approach the boat for a closer look. Spring and fall migrations bring the best cobia action, with fish ranging from 20-60 pounds. They're sight-fishing opportunities when conditions are right, and there's nothing quite like watching a big brown torpedo slowly cruise up to investigate your bait. Cobia are excellent table fare and strong fighters that make long, powerful runs.
Red snapper season brings serious excitement to our charters when open, typically during summer months. These crimson beauties are structure-oriented bottom dwellers that average 15-25 pounds in our area. Snappers are notoriously finicky, requiring precise presentations and quality bait to consistently fool. When you hook a good red, expect a determined fight straight down toward structure - they know every rock and crevice down there and aren't afraid to use them against you.
Port Canaveral inshore fishing delivers consistent action without the commitment and expense of offshore trips. Whether you're introducing kids to saltwater fishing, entertaining visiting family, or just wanting a productive day on the water close to port, this charter hits all the marks. The six-person capacity keeps things intimate while the 6-7 hour timeframe gives us real opportunities to put together a mixed bag of quality fish. Patriot Sport Fishing's local knowledge and top-rated service mean you're not just booking a trip - you're investing in a day that'll have you planning your return visit before we reach the dock. The inshore waters around Port Canaveral fish well year-round, so don't wait for perfect conditions that may never come. Book your charter and get ready to see why anglers keep coming back to these productive waters.
The Patriot is a rock-solid 36' Harris motorboat that'll get you out on the water in comfort and style. Built tough in the Northeast and powered by a reliable John Deere diesel, this vessel handles Port Canaveral's waters like a champ. With space for up to 6 anglers, she's perfect for family fishing trips or small groups looking to target kingfish, seabass, and cobia on inshore adventures. This boat comes loaded with everything serious fishermen need - top-notch fish finder to locate your targets, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus all the required Coast Guard safety gear. The flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting fish and birds, while the onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those 6-7 hour trips. Creature comforts include a private head and sleeping quarters, so longer days on the water stay comfortable for everyone aboard. The Patriot's proven design and quality electronics make her an ideal platform for both seasoned anglers and families just getting into saltwater fishing around Port Canaveral.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the sharks that aren't sharks - brown, torpedo-shaped fish that cruise alone near the surface. These bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can top 60 pounds easily. Find them around buoys, wrecks, and structures in 20-100 feet, especially spring through early fall when they're most active. What guests love about Cobia is the visual excitement - you often spot them swimming just under the surface before casting. They fight like freight trains and produce some of the finest eating fish in the ocean - firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between shark and grouper. Key tip: when sight-fishing, cast ahead of them and let your bucktail jig sink slowly. They're curious and will usually investigate.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the bulldogs of the flats - pure muscle and attitude. These brassy-gold bruisers average 3-8 pounds but can hit 20+ pounds. You'll find them in shallow bays, around structure, or blasting baitfish on the surface. Year-round fishing here, but spring and summer offer the hottest action. What makes Jacks special is their bulldogging fight - they'll pull straight down and make multiple strong runs. Look for diving birds to spot feeding schools. While they're not great table fare, they're perfect for catch-and-release fun, especially with kids who want nonstop action. My tip: watch for that distinct watermelon smell when schools are feeding nearby - it's a dead giveaway they're in the area.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings," are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These olive-green rockets typically run 20-40 pounds, with bigger fish pushing 60+ pounds found in deeper waters around 40-150 feet. They cruise along structure, wrecks, and drop-offs hunting baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit 70-80°F. What makes Kings special is their blistering runs and aerial displays - they'll strip line faster than most fish out here. The meat is rich and flaky, perfect for grilling. Pro tip: use a wire leader and dual-hook setup - Kings love hitting the tail end of live bait, so that trailing treble hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing - beautiful red fish that fight hard and taste even better. Most run 2-8 pounds around here, but 15-20 pounders aren't uncommon on deeper structure. They live around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom in 60-200 feet of water. Summer months offer the best bite when they're actively feeding. What makes snappers special is their reputation as both trophy fish and table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for any recipe. They're smart fish that require patience. Pro tip: use just enough weight to hold bottom and keep your bait moving slightly. Dead still bait often gets ignored, but a little movement triggers strikes from even finicky snappers.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are scrappy fighters that punch above their weight class. Most run 12-18 inches and 2-4 pounds, but don't let size fool you - they'll bend your rod good. These dark, stocky fish hang around hard bottom, wrecks, and reefs in 30-80 feet of water. Peak season runs May through October when they're most active. Guests love them because they bite consistently, fight hard, and make outstanding table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's restaurant quality. They school up, so where you catch one, you'll often find more. Here's the trick: use a sensitive rod tip and watch for subtle taps. Sea bass often mouth the bait before committing, so a quick hookset when you feel that first nibble makes all the difference.
Fort Pierce