Cape Canaveral Offshore Bottom Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Amberjack, Snook, Redfish in deep offshore reefsAll fishing equipment included for 6person groupsGlass bottles and spray sunscreen prohibited onboard
Get ready to drop lines in some of the best bottom fishing grounds off Florida's Space Coast. This top-rated offshore adventure with Salty Hooks Fishing takes you beyond the nearshore break to where the real monsters live. We're talking deeper reefs, structure-rich bottom, and fish that'll put a serious bend in your rod. Cape Canaveral's offshore waters are legendary among anglers who know where to find the heavy hitters, and this trip puts you right in the sweet spot where amberjack, snook, and redfish are waiting to test your drag system.
This isn't your typical inshore shuffle – we're heading out to the deeper reefs where the bottom fishing gets serious. The ride out gives you time to get your sea legs while the crew rigs up tackle and shares intel on what's been biting. Cape Canaveral's offshore structure creates perfect ambush points for predator fish, and that's exactly where we'll be dropping baits. You'll be fishing in 60 to 120 feet of water over ledges, wrecks, and natural bottom that holds everything from schooling amberjack to trophy-sized cobia. The boat handles six anglers max, so there's plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from the crew. All your fishing gear comes included – rods, reels, tackle, and bait – so you can focus on the fight instead of rigging up.
We're running heavy tackle here because these fish don't mess around. The crew will have you fishing with circle hooks on medium-heavy conventional setups, perfect for handling the bigger fish that cruise these offshore spots. Most of the action happens with cut bait, live bait when available, and heavy jigs worked near the bottom structure. You'll learn to feel the difference between a fish pickup and just dragging bottom – that subtle thump-thump that means game on. The key is keeping tight to the structure without getting hung up, and the crew knows these spots like the back of their hand. When the bite's hot, you might have multiple hookups at once, so be ready to clear lines and help your fellow anglers. This is real bottom fishing where technique matters and the fish have room to run.
Greater amberjack are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These bruisers average 20 to 40 pounds in these waters, with bigger fish always possible. They hit hard, dive deep, and will test every knot you tied. Peak season runs from fall through early spring when they stack up on the offshore structure. What makes amberjack so addictive is that initial run – they'll peel drag like a freight train and keep you guessing right up to boat side.
Snook might seem like an inshore fish, but the bigger breeding females move offshore seasonally, and catching one out here is something special. These fish are famous for their gill-rattling jumps and that distinctive black lateral line. Summer months bring the best offshore snook action, and a 30-plus-inch fish in open water fights completely different than their shallow-water cousins.
Redfish in the offshore zone are typically the oversized breeding stock that can stretch the tape past 35 inches. These copper-colored bulldogs use their broad tails to make long, powerful runs. Unlike their inshore relatives that hide in grass flats, offshore reds cruise the edges and will absolutely crush a properly presented bait.
Mahi mahi show up when conditions are right, usually around floating debris or weedlines. These rainbow-colored speedsters hit like lightning and put on an aerial show that'll have everyone on the boat scrambling for cameras. Peak mahi season runs late spring through early fall, and they're known for traveling in schools – where there's one, there's usually more.
Cobia are the wildcard species that can show up anytime. These brown sharks of the reef world are curious, aggressive, and can exceed 40 pounds. They're sight feeders that will often cruise right up to the boat, giving you a shot at sight-casting. When a big cobia decides to eat, hang on – they're pure muscle and attitude.
Cape Canaveral's offshore bottom fishing delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. This world-class fishery combined with Salty Hooks' local knowledge creates the perfect recipe for a day you'll be talking about for years. Whether you're after your first amberjack or looking to tangle with something bigger than anything you've caught before, these deeper reefs hold the fish of a lifetime. Remember to pack soft-sided coolers and stick to lotion sunscreen – no glass bottles or spray sunscreen on board. The crew handles everything else, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and maybe some Dramamine if you're not sure about your sea legs. Book your spot now and get ready to find out why Cape Canaveral's offshore bottom fishing has earned its reputation as some of the best fishing on Florida's east coast.
This well-equipped motorboat gets you out to the deep reefs where the big Amberjack are waiting. Built for serious offshore bottom fishing, she's loaded with a fish finder to locate those productive spots, GPS to navigate the waters, and radar for when conditions get murky. The VHF radio keeps you connected to other anglers and the Coast Guard. With an ice box to keep your catch fresh and a toilet onboard, you'll fish comfortably all day. The spacious deck handles up to 6 anglers with room to work those heavy bottom rigs. All your tackle is provided - just bring your appetite for pulling up Amberjack, Snook, Redfish, and Bonito from Cape Canaveral's productive offshore waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the ghosts of the reef system - brown sharks that aren't sharks at all. These impressive fish cruise alone, typically in 30-70 feet around wrecks, buoys, and structure. They average 30-50 pounds but can easily hit 60+ pounds. Spring migration from March to May gives us our best shots as they move through Cape Canaveral waters. What sets cobia apart is their curious nature - they'll actually come investigate the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities. They fight like freight trains with powerful runs and stubborn battles near structure. The payoff is incredible table fare - firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the ocean. My advice: when you spot one, cast ahead of where it's swimming and work that bucktail jig slow and steady.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure gold when we find them - literally. These stunning fish light up with electric blues, greens, and yellows that'll take your breath away. We typically find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100+ feet of water. They average 15-25 pounds but can push 40+ when conditions are right. Spring through fall offers the best shots, especially when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore. What makes mahi special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a real show. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with sweet, firm meat perfect for the grill. Local secret: once you hook one, keep trolling - they usually travel in schools.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the muscle cars of the reef - built for power and speed. These bruisers average 20-40 pounds but we regularly hook fish pushing 60+ pounds off Cape Canaveral's deeper reefs. You'll find them around wrecks, ledges, and structure in 60-150 feet of water. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're most active. What makes jacks so popular is that raw power - they'll test your arms and your drag system with deep, bulldogging runs. The meat is firm and excellent grilled or blackened. Fair warning though - larger ones can carry ciguatera, so we typically keep the smaller bulls. Here's the key: get them up fast with heavy tackle or they'll cut you off on the reef every time.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are true Florida classics, and we catch them regularly in the shallow flats and around structure near Cape Canaveral. Look for that distinctive black spot near their tail - it's their calling card. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 inches and put up one heck of a fight in shallow water. They love oyster bars, grass flats, and anywhere they can hunt for crabs and shrimp. Spring through fall gives us the best action, especially when water temps are steady. What guests love most is the visual fishing - spotting their backs in skinny water before making the cast. They're also fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. Pro tip: when you see one, look for more - they often travel in small groups.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's premier game fish, and around Cape Canaveral you'll find them in shallow waters near mangroves, docks, and creek mouths. These golden beauties typically run 18-28 inches, but we catch plenty in the 30+ inch range. They're ambush predators with lightning-fast strikes that'll test your reflexes. Best fishing happens during warmer months when they move into the shallows to feed. What makes snook special is their fight - they'll jump, run, and use every trick to shake your hook. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: work your lures slow around structure during moving tides, especially dawn and dusk when they're most active.
Cape Canaveral, FL