Full Day Offshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore trolling and bottom fishing adventureTarget Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Barracuda, Snapper, and GrouperSix guest maximum capacity with Saltire Fishing Charters
Cape Canaveral's waters are legendary among serious anglers, and this full-day charter with Saltire Fishing Charters puts you right in the heart of the action. You'll spend your day targeting multiple species using both trolling and bottom fishing techniques, giving you the best shot at filling the cooler with prime catches. The offshore waters here hold everything from lightning-fast pelagics to hefty bottom dwellers, and our experienced crew knows exactly where to find them. With space for up to six anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between having enough room to fish comfortably and maintaining that tight-knit group feel that makes for the best fishing stories.
Your day starts early as we head out from Port Canaveral, one of Florida's premier fishing ports. The boat ride to the fishing grounds gives you time to get your gear sorted and watch the sunrise paint the Atlantic. Once we reach the prime spots, we'll start with trolling runs to target the fast-moving pelagic species that cruise these waters. The trolling spread gets multiple lines in the water at different depths and distances, maximizing your chances of connecting with mahi, wahoo, or barracuda. When the trolling bite slows down, we switch gears to bottom fishing over structure and reefs where grouper and snapper make their homes. The variety keeps things exciting all day long, and you never know what's going to grab your bait next. The crew handles all the navigation and rigging, so you can focus on what you came for - putting fish in the boat.
Trolling offshore Cape Canaveral means covering water efficiently while presenting baits that trigger aggressive strikes from predatory fish. We'll run a spread of ballyhoo, diving plugs, and spoons at varying distances behind the boat, targeting different zones in the water column. The key is maintaining the right speed and keeping those baits swimming naturally. When we transition to bottom fishing, we're working with different tackle entirely - heavier rigs designed to get baits down to structure where the big grouper and snapper live. Circle hooks and fresh cut bait are the go-to setup, though live bait often gets the best response from trophy-sized fish. The crew will help you master the drop-back technique for bottom fishing and teach you how to read the rod tip for those subtle grouper bites that can easily be missed.
Gag grouper are the heavyweight champions of the bottom fishing game here, and Cape Canaveral's offshore structure holds some real bulls. These fish are incredibly smart and powerful, often testing your drag system to its limits as they try to cut you off on the nearest piece of structure. The best action typically happens from May through December, with the larger breeding-size fish moving into deeper water during the summer months. What makes gag grouper so exciting to target is their unpredictable nature - they might ignore your bait for twenty minutes then absolutely crush it when you least expect it. Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are the perfect complement to grouper fishing since they often occupy the same areas but feed more aggressively. These scrappy fighters punch well above their weight class and make excellent table fare. They're year-round residents, but the bigger ones show up during the warmer months when baitfish are most abundant around the reefs.
Barracuda are the speed demons of the trolling spread, capable of blistering runs that will have your reel screaming. These toothy predators are ambush hunters that strike with incredible violence, often clearing the water completely when hooked. They're most active during the warmer months and are frequently found around weed lines and temperature breaks where baitfish congregate. The visual excitement of watching a barracuda attack a trolled bait is something every angler needs to experience. Mahi mahi, also known as common dolphinfish, are the most colorful catch you'll encounter out here. These stunning fish put on an aerial show when hooked, jumping repeatedly and flashing their brilliant gold and green colors. They're typically found around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature changes, and they often travel in schools. The peak season runs from April through August, but scattered fish can be caught year-round when conditions are right.
Wahoo are the ultimate test of your reflexes and tackle. These torpedo-shaped speedsters can reach speeds of 60 mph and are known for their initial blistering runs that can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. They're most commonly caught while trolling high-speed lures or rigged ballyhoo, and their razor-sharp teeth mean wire leaders are absolutely essential. The best wahoo action typically occurs during the cooler months from November through March, when these fish move closer to shore following bait schools. Landing a wahoo is always a memorable experience because of their incredible speed and the quality of their meat, which is prized by restaurants throughout Florida.
This full-day offshore adventure gives you the complete Cape Canaveral fishing experience, combining the excitement of trolling for pelagic species with the challenge of bottom fishing for grouper and snapper. The variety of techniques and target species means there's always something happening, whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next trophy or someone wanting to experience world-class offshore fishing for the first time. Remember to bring your own food and drinks for the day, skip the glass bottles and spray sunscreen, and come ready for a day of serious fishing. The waters off Cape Canaveral consistently produce some of Florida's best offshore action, and Saltire Fishing Charters has the local knowledge to put you on the fish. Don't wait too long to secure your date - the best fishing days book up quickly, especially during peak season.
Hit the waters off Cape Canaveral aboard our fully-equipped motorboat, designed for serious anglers targeting both pelagic species and bottom dwellers. This 6-person fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need for a productive day on the water - GPS to mark your hotspots, fish finder to locate structure and baitfish, plus an ice box to keep your catch fresh. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over productive bottom without spooking fish, while the onboard facilities keep everyone comfortable during long fishing sessions. Whether you're pulling lines for Mahi, Wahoo and Barracuda or dropping rigs for Snapper and Grouper, this boat puts you in prime position to fill the cooler. Ready to discover why Cape Canaveral produces some of Florida's best offshore action? No glass bottles, smoking, or spray sunscreen allowed.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are the speed demons of our waters, built like silver torpedoes and capable of hitting 35 mph when they strike. Most run 18-30 inches, but the big ones can stretch over 4 feet. You'll find them in shallow flats, around reefs, and near any structure from the surf to deep water. They're active year-round here, but really fire up when baitfish are thick in spring and fall. What guests love is the explosive strike and blistering runs - pure adrenaline on light tackle. The meat's good eating too, firm and white. Key tip: use wire leaders because their razor teeth will slice through mono instantly. Cast shiny spoons or tube lures near structure and retrieve fast with erratic jerks to trigger their predator instincts.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the rainbow rockets of the Gulf Stream, flashing gold, green, and blue as they fight. They average 15-30 pounds but can top 50. These surface fish love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100+ feet of blue water. Best fishing runs May through September when they're thick offshore. Guests go crazy for their acrobatic jumps and color changes, plus the meat is outstanding - mild, white, and perfect on the grill. We troll at 8-12 knots with ballyhoo or colorful lures, focusing on anything floating. Here's the deal: when you hook one, others usually stay around. Get your fish in quick, then toss live bait or jigs to the school - you might boat several before they move on.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the scrappy fighters of our reefs, averaging 20 inches but occasionally pushing 50+ pounds. These greyish, mottled fish hang around offshore wrecks and rocky bottom in 60-120 feet of water. They're ambush predators that love to dart back into structure once hooked, so you'll need heavy tackle and a locked drag. Peak season runs spring through fall when they're most active. What makes them special is the fight - they'll try every trick to get back to their holes. The meat is fantastic, white and flaky. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack, or they'll wrap you around the nearest ledge and break you off every time.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are smart fish that'll test your patience. They run 1-2 pounds inshore, but the bigger ones offshore can hit 10+ pounds. You'll find them around docks, mangroves, and rocky structure from shallow water to 100+ feet. They're active year-round but bite best at dawn, dusk, and night. These fish are prized for their excellent white, flaky meat - some of the best eating around. They're spooky though, so finesse is key. My advice: use a 4/0 circle hook with live shrimp, let it sink to the bottom, then reel up just enough to stay off the rocks. Too much movement and they'll spook. Wait for the steady pull before setting the hook.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed kings of offshore fishing, hitting 60 mph and averaging 20-40 pounds with some reaching 100+. These silver missiles with blue stripes patrol blue water from 60-300 feet, often near drop-offs and current edges. Prime time is July through November when they're running thick off our coast. What makes wahoo special is their blistering runs and that first-class table fare - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. We high-speed troll at 12-15 knots with wire leaders because their teeth are like razors. The secret is covering water fast with diving plugs and bullet-head lures. When you get bit, hang on tight - they'll scream drag and make multiple runs before you see them boatside.
Cape Canaveral, FL