Half Day Guided Fishing in Port Canaveral, FL
Looking for a fishing trip that delivers consistent action without breaking the bank? Our half-day charters in Port Canaveral put you right in the heart of some of Florida's most productive inshore waters. We're talking about the kind of fishing where you're constantly working your rod, whether it's a feisty redfish making a run or a surprise shark showing up to test your drag. Captain John and Captain Troy know these waters like the back of their hands, and they're not just fishing guides—they're local legends who've been putting families and serious anglers on fish for years. With 10-20 fish per trip on average and sizes ranging from scrappy 1-pounders to hefty 20-pound bulls, you're looking at steady action that keeps everyone engaged from first cast to last.
What to Expect on the Water
We keep things simple and effective by staying within the port and around the jetties—some of the most fish-rich waters you'll find anywhere in Central Florida. This isn't about running 30 miles offshore and burning half your trip in travel time. Instead, we're fishing smart, targeting structure and current breaks where fish naturally congregate. The jetties create perfect ambush points for snook and redfish, while the deeper pockets hold tripletail and black drum. You'll be fishing in protected waters, which means more comfortable conditions and more time with lines in the water. The trip accommodates up to two people in the base price, with additional anglers welcome for $50 each—making it perfect for small groups who want personalized attention without the chaos of a crowded head boat.
Gear and Techniques
We supply all the tackle and know-how, so you can focus on the fun part—fighting fish. Our approach centers around live bait and proven artificials that produce consistent results in these waters. You'll be using medium-action spinning rods that give you enough backbone to handle bigger fish while still letting you feel every headshake from smaller species. We're talking circle hooks for live shrimp and finger mullet, along with soft plastics worked around structure when the bite calls for it. The jetties require precise casting and smart line management—Captain John and Troy excel at positioning the boat so you can work your baits effectively without getting hung up. They'll teach you how to read the current, identify productive water, and adjust your technique based on what's biting. Whether you're a beginner learning the basics or an experienced angler looking to dial in your inshore game, they adapt their instruction to match your skill level.
Customer Stories
"The kids absolutely loved it! Captain John was patient with my boys and made sure they had an amazing time on the water. They kept talking about how much they enjoyed the trip and said it was the best one we've ever taken. They're already asking to fish with Captain John again when we return!" - Blake
"Captain John was incredibly patient and helpful throughout our trip. The two of us caught way more than we anticipated—over 30 fish—including two stingrays and five young scalloped hammerhead sharks, all safely released. At the end, he cleaned our catch and even recommended a local spot that could cook them for us—absolutely the best fish we've had! On top of that, we got to see some ships and a SpaceX barge, which was a fun bonus." - Lynne
"We had an amazing day with Captain John! We caught a wide variety of fish, including sheepshead, bluefish, and jacks. Captain John kept us on the move to find the best spots, and it really paid off. He showed us the best places to cast and how to maximize our chances. I highly recommend Port Fishing Charters!" - John
Target Species
Tripletail are the crown jewel of Port Canaveral inshore fishing, and they're absolute blast to catch. These oddball fish hang around floating debris, channel markers, and crab trap floats, often lying on their sides like they're sunbathing. They typically run 3-15 pounds and put up a surprising fight with powerful runs and stubborn head-shaking. Spring through fall offers the best tripletail action, with fish moving in close to shore during warmer months. What makes them special is their unique behavior—you can actually sight-cast to them, making it one of the most visual and exciting forms of inshore fishing.
Bluefish are the perfect species for non-stop action, especially when they're schooled up and feeding aggressively. These toothy predators typically range from 2-8 pounds in our waters and hit both live bait and artificials with abandon. Fall and winter bring the best bluefish bite as cooling water temperatures trigger feeding frenzies. They're fantastic for kids and beginners because they're aggressive biters, but they'll also test your drag and give experienced anglers a real workout. Just watch those teeth—they'll slice through light leaders like butter.
Snook represent the ultimate inshore game fish, combining impressive size potential with acrobatic fighting ability. Port Canaveral's jetties and docks provide perfect snook habitat, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized juveniles to 20-pound-plus giants. Summer months offer peak snook fishing as these ambush predators patrol structure looking for easy meals. They're notorious for their explosive strikes and aerial displays, often jumping multiple times during the fight. Landing a quality snook requires finesse—they have razor-sharp gill plates that can cut your line in a heartbeat.
Black drum might not win beauty contests, but they're powerful fighters that will put serious bend in your rod. These bottom-dwellers typically range from 5-25 pounds around Port Canaveral and are available year-round, though spring and fall offer the most consistent action. They're excellent table fare when kept in the slot, with firm white meat that's perfect for blackening or grilling. Black drum fight with pure power, using their broad sides to leverage against your drag in long, determine
5.0(16 Reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Port Canaveral
Half
