Cape Canaveral Deep Drop Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Deep drop offshore fishing targets multiple species including tilefishAll fishing equipment provided for groups up to six guestsProfessional charter operates from Cape Canaveral waters daily
Looking for a serious offshore fishing experience that'll put you on some of the best deep water fish around Cape Canaveral? This deep drop fishing trip with Salty Hooks Fishing is where you want to be. We're talking about getting out into the real Atlantic waters where the big boys live - those deeper zones where species like tilefish, amberjack, and cobia hang out waiting for the right presentation. With all your tackle provided and space for up to 6 anglers, this is hands-down one of the top-rated deep water adventures you'll find along Florida's Space Coast.
This isn't your typical inshore trip - we're heading offshore where the water gets serious and so do the fish. The deep drop technique means we're targeting structure and bottom features in 150+ feet of water, sometimes much deeper depending on what's biting. You'll spend your day working heavy tackle and electric reels, dropping baits down to where the real monsters live. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on productive spots that consistently produce quality fish. Every angler gets their own setup, and the boat's equipped with everything you need to battle these deep water species. Just bring your own food and drinks - but remember, no glass bottles or spray sunscreen on deck. The salt air and steady action make for a world-class fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Deep drop fishing is all about precision and patience. We're using specialized electric reels loaded with heavy braided line, because hand-cranking from 200+ feet isn't fun for anyone. The tackle setup includes heavy sinkers - often 2-4 pounds - to get your baits down fast through the current and keep them in the strike zone. Multi-hook rigs are standard, letting you present different baits at various depths on the same drop. Squid, cut bait, and sometimes live offerings work best for the species we're targeting. The captain uses GPS and fish finder technology to locate productive ledges, wrecks, and drop-offs where these deep water fish congregate. When you hook up, the electric reels do most of the work bringing fish up from the depths, but you'll still feel every head shake and run these powerful fish make during the fight.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of this trip, and Cape Canaveral's offshore waters are renowned for producing quality kings year-round. These fish typically run 15-40 pounds, with bigger specimens showing up during peak season from fall through spring. Kings are aggressive predators that'll absolutely smoke your drag when they take off on their initial run. What makes them special here is the consistent size - you're not dealing with a bunch of small schoolies, but solid keeper-sized fish that put up a real fight.
Atlantic Bonito might be smaller than kings, but pound-for-pound they're some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters. These 5-8 pound torpedoes are built for speed and they use every bit of it when hooked. They show up in good numbers during cooler months and provide non-stop action when you locate a school. Bonito are also excellent table fare with their light, tuna-like meat that's perfect for sashimi or light cooking.
Redfish in the offshore environment are a completely different animal than their inshore cousins. Out here, you're targeting bull reds that can push 30-50 pounds, massive copper-colored bruisers that'll test your tackle and your stamina. These customer favorites are most active during their fall spawning runs when they move offshore in large schools. Landing a bull red from deep water is a bucket-list experience that every serious angler should have.
Mahi Mahi bring the flash and the fight that makes offshore fishing so addictive. These brilliant gold and green fish are acrobatic fighters that jump, dive, and make blistering runs. In Cape Canaveral waters, mahi typically range from 10-30 pounds, with occasional bulls pushing much larger. They're most common during warmer months and are often found around floating debris or weed lines. The meat is world-class eating, making them a perfect combination of sport and table fare.
Cobia are the wild cards of deep drop fishing - you never know when one of these brown submarines will show up. These 20-50 pound fish are curious and aggressive, often following baits up from the depths before committing to the bite. Cobia are excellent eating with firm, white meat that's often compared to shark. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, and Cape Canaveral sits right in their highway along the Atlantic coast.
If you're ready for some serious offshore action, this deep drop fishing trip delivers exactly what dedicated anglers are looking for. The combination of diverse species, quality tackle, and experienced crew makes this a best trip option for anyone wanting to experience Cape Canaveral's offshore fishing at its finest. With only 6 spots available, these trending trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. The memories you'll make battling these deep water species will last long after you head home, and the cooler full of fresh fillets doesn't hurt either. Don't wait around - book your deep drop adventure with Salty Hooks Fishing and get ready to see what's living in the deep blue waters off the Space Coast.
This 6-passenger motorboat is built for serious deep drop fishing in Cape Canaveral's offshore waters. You'll have everything needed to target Bonito, Tilefish, Amberjack, Redfish, and Cobia in the deep blue. The fish finder will help locate schools while GPS keeps you on the productive spots. When weather gets sketchy, the radar ensures safe navigation back to port. Stay connected with other anglers via VHF radio, and keep your catch fresh in the onboard ice box. The boat includes a toilet for longer fishing sessions and all tackle is provided. Just bring your food and drinks - no glass bottles or spray sunscreen allowed. Perfect setup for chasing multiple species in Florida's rich offshore fishing grounds where the Continental Shelf drops off and big fish roam.
Sarda SardaAtlantic Bonito are built for speed and school up in massive numbers during their runs. These tuna-like fish average 3-8 pounds but fight way above their weight class, hitting 40 mph when they want to. Look for diving birds and surface commotion - that's your sign. We typically find them in open water from spring through fall, especially when baitfish are thick. They're not great table fare here in Florida, but the action is non-stop once you locate a school. These guys will hit almost anything you throw at them when they're feeding. Pro tip: keep a few small metal spoons or epoxy jigs ready because when the school shows up, you want to get your lure in the water fast before they move on.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are loners that cruise near the surface like brown sharks, often fooling anglers at first glance. These powerful fish average 20-50 pounds and can reach 6 feet long. We spot them around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-70 feet, especially during their spring migration when they're moving through. What makes cobia special is their curiosity - they'll actually follow the boat and investigate lures. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat. The fight is all power and endurance rather than speed. Here's the key: when you see one, don't spook it. Make a quiet cast ahead of where it's swimming with a bucktail jig and work it slowly.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish in the ocean, flashing gold and green before putting on a color show when boated. These fast-growing fish typically run 15-30 pounds, though we see bigger bulls pushing 40+. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water. Spring through fall offers the best chances when they're following warm currents. Guests love them for their acrobatic jumps and excellent table fare - mild, sweet meat that's perfect for the grill. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit trolled ballyhoo or pitched baits. Once you hook one, keep working the area since they often travel in small groups, especially the smaller school fish.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are some of the fastest fighters you'll hook out here, typically running 10-30 pounds with occasional giants hitting 50+. We find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure and drop-offs, especially during warmer months when they're most active. These silver speedsters with razor-sharp teeth love to make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. The meat is excellent when fresh - firm and flavorful. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're feeding aggressively. One trick that works well: use a wire leader with stinger hooks when live baiting, since kings often attack from behind and those teeth will cut through mono instantly.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots average 20-35 inches and put up a serious fight in shallow water. While we're known for deep drop fishing, we often find reds around structure and deeper channels. They're year-round residents here, but cooler months can be particularly productive. What guests love most is their powerful runs and that distinctive "thump" when they hit your bait. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. The key to landing more reds is using a strong leader - their gill plates are sharp and they love to head straight for cover when hooked. Cut bait and live shrimp work great.
Cape Canaveral, FL