3/4 Day Cape Canaveral Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Mahi, Sailfish, Grouper, and Tuna in Florida watersTrolling techniques included on this inshore fishing charterSmall group experience accommodates up to six guests maximum
Cape Canaveral's waters are calling, and Saltire Fishing Charters has the perfect 3/4 day trip to get you into some serious fish. We're talking about prime Florida fishing grounds where the Gulf Stream pushes bait close to shore, bringing hungry predators right to our backyard. This isn't your typical half-day run – we've got time to work multiple spots, switch up techniques, and really dial in on what's biting. With room for up to six anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room to fight fish without bumping into your buddy. Just remember to leave the glass bottles, cigarettes, and spray sunscreen at home – we keep things safe and clean on deck.
When you step aboard with Saltire Fishing Charters, you're getting a world-class Cape Canaveral fishing experience that covers all the bases. We launch early to make the most of our extended time on the water, heading to proven productive zones where mahi mahi school up, sailfish cruise the blue water, and bottom structure holds quality grouper and tuna. The beauty of a 3/4 day trip is flexibility – if the bite slows in one area, we've got time to run and gun to different spots. Cape Canaveral sits perfectly positioned where the Atlantic's deep water comes close to shore, meaning we don't waste hours running to fish. You'll spend more time with lines wet and less time burning fuel. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, reading conditions and adjusting the game plan to put you on fish.
Trolling is the name of the game on this charter, and there's good reason why it's such a customer favorite technique in these waters. We'll pull a spread of lures and baits at varying depths and distances, covering water efficiently while targeting multiple species simultaneously. The boat's rigged with quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle designed for Florida's hard-fighting gamefish. Our trolling pattern typically includes surface baits for mahi and sailfish, deeper running lures for tuna, and we'll mix in some bottom fishing when we mark good structure. The Gulf Stream's edge is prime trolling territory – that temperature break and current line concentrates baitfish, which draws in the predators we're after. When fish are located, we'll often stop the boat and work the area with live bait or jigs to maximize the action. The crew handles all the rigging and boat positioning, so you can focus on fighting fish and enjoying the ride.
Mahi mahi are the bread and butter of Cape Canaveral offshore fishing, and for good reason. These gorgeous fish are aggressive feeders that put on an aerial show when hooked. Mahi typically run 10-30 pounds in these waters, with bulls occasionally pushing 40-plus. They school around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, making them perfect trolling targets. Spring through fall offers the best mahi action, but don't count them out in winter months when conditions align. What makes mahi so popular with anglers is their willingness to eat almost anything – from ballyhoo to dolphin jigs – plus they're fantastic table fare.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of Florida's offshore scene, and Cape Canaveral consistently produces some of the state's best sail fishing. These spectacular billfish average 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, but their fighting ability far exceeds their size. Sailfish are most active during cooler months, roughly November through April, when they migrate south along Florida's coast. They're notorious for their blistering runs and jaw-dropping jumps, often going airborne multiple times during a fight. Most charter captains practice catch and release with sails, as they're too beautiful and valuable to the fishery to keep.
Gag grouper represent some of the best bottom fishing Cape Canaveral has to offer. These bruisers inhabit hard bottom, wrecks, and ledges in 60-120 feet of water, and they're known for their bulldogging fights and excellent eating quality. Gag grouper can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 30 pounds caught regularly in local waters. They're most active during cooler months when they move shallow to spawn, but resident fish can be targeted year-round. The key to successful gag fishing is getting your bait to the bottom quickly before smaller fish intercept it, and being ready for that initial powerful run toward structure.
Bluefin tuna might be the ultimate prize fish in Cape Canaveral waters, combining incredible speed, strength, and stamina into one package. These fish are built for speed and endurance, capable of long runs that'll test your tackle and your arms. Local bluefin typically range from 20-80 pounds, though giants occasionally show up to really test an angler's mettle. Winter months offer the most consistent bluefin action when schools move through on their migration patterns. They're often caught while trolling for other species, but once you locate a school, switching to chunk baits or jigs can produce multiple hookups.
Cape Canaveral fishing doesn't get much better than this 3/4 day adventure with Saltire Fishing Charters. You're getting quality time on proven fishing grounds with experienced crew who know how to put you on fish. Whether you're targeting mahi for the dinner table, hoping to release your first sailfish, or looking to tangle with a bruiser grouper, this trip covers all the bases. The extended time on the water means we can adapt to conditions and fish behavior, maximizing your chances for a memorable day. Don't wait too long to secure your spot – top-rated charters like this fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our well-equipped motorboat, perfect for exploring Cape Canaveral's productive inshore waters. This solid 6-person vessel comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day chasing Mahi, Sailfish, Grouper, and Tuna. The fish finder will help locate schools while the GPS keeps you on the hottest spots. A wireless trolling motor lets you approach fish quietly without spooking them, and there's plenty of ice box space to keep your catch fresh. The onboard toilet means more time with lines in the water instead of heading back to shore. We'll be trolling these Florida waters where the fish are biting, so bring your A-game and leave the glass bottles, cigarettes, and spray sunscreen at home. This boat handles the inshore conditions beautifully and gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are pure adrenaline on a line - the ocean's speed demons with that massive dorsal fin that looks like a royal banner. They average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, but it's not the size that gets you, it's the show. These fish hunt in 30-200 feet of water along current edges and drop-offs. Winter months are prime time here in Florida when they stack up thick. What makes sailfish legendary is their fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on an aerial display that'll leave you speechless. They're built for speed and endurance. The key to landing them is patience and light drag. When one lights up your trolling spread, don't horse them. Let them run and jump, keep steady pressure, and enjoy the ride. They'll tire themselves out with all that jumping.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the ultimate prize fish - massive, powerful, and built like torpedoes. These beasts average around 6 feet and 550 pounds, though we've seen monsters twice that size. They're warm-blooded fish that can handle deep, cold water and will dive down to 3,300 feet when hooked. You'll find them around offshore reefs, drop-offs, and deep feeding areas, usually in 200+ feet of water. Best fishing is during cooler months when they migrate through our area. What draws anglers is the incredible fight - fast surface runs, deep dives, and raw power that'll test your gear and stamina. The meat is world-class, especially for sashimi. Key tip: fish early morning or evening when they're most active, and use heavy tackle with a good fighting belt because they'll take you to school.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here - brilliant gold sides with electric blue and green backs that put on a real light show when they come out of the water. These guys average 15-29 pounds but can get much bigger. They love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-400 feet of water. We typically find them year-round, but spring through fall gives us the best action when the water warms up. What makes mahi special is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and run hard. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that firm, mild white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep trolling because they usually travel in schools. Where there's one mahi, there's often a whole pack nearby.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper might not win beauty contests with their mottled gray appearance, but they make up for it with attitude and taste. These chunky bottom-dwellers average around 20 inches but can reach 50+ inches and 80 pounds. You'll find them hugging hard structure - reefs, wrecks, and rocky ledges in 60-200 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but cooler months often produce the bigger fish. What guests love is the initial hard pull and their bulldogging fight as they try to get back to their holes. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's the trick: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them run back to structure. Lock that reel down and muscle them up quickly, or they'll wrap you around the reef.
Cape Canaveral, FL