Full Day Offshore Fishing in Port Canaveral
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore fishing targeting sailfish, tuna, and kingfishExperienced captains provide top-tier gear and expert guidanceSmall group capacity ensures personalized attention and support
If you're looking for some serious offshore action, this 8-hour charter out of Port Canaveral is where you want to be. We're talking about heading out to the deep blue where the big boys live – sailfish, blackfin tuna, king mackerel, and mahi mahi are all on the menu. ShayJay Fishing Charters knows these waters like the back of their hand, and with only 2 anglers max, you're getting the VIP treatment. No crowded boat, no waiting your turn – just you, your fishing buddy, and some of the best offshore fishing Florida has to offer.
Your day starts early at Port Canaveral, one of Florida's premier fishing ports. We'll cruise out past the nearshore reefs to the deep water where the pelagics roam. The first part of your trip usually involves hitting the wrecks and artificial reefs that dot the continental shelf – these underwater structures are fish magnets. Your captain will read the water, watch for bird activity, and use electronics to locate baitfish schools. The boat comes rigged with top-shelf tackle, and your crew will handle all the rigging while sharing local knowledge that only comes from years on these waters. If the offshore bite is slow, we've got productive bottom spots loaded with snapper, grouper, and amberjack as backup options.
Out here, trolling is king for the pelagic species. We'll pull a spread of ballyhoo, strip baits, and lures at varying depths to cover the water column. The boat carries quality conventional reels spooled with heavy line – you'll need it when a sail comes up hot on the teaser or a wahoo smokes a high-speed lure. For bottom fishing, we switch to heavy spinning gear or conventional outfits with enough backbone to pull grouper off structure. Live bait fishing is also in play, especially when targeting kings around the wrecks. Your captain will adjust techniques based on conditions, season, and what the fish are telling us. GPS and fish finders help locate productive spots, but reading the water and understanding fish behavior is what separates good days from great ones.
Blackfin tuna are the workhorses of Port Canaveral offshore fishing. These footballs typically run 10-25 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They school up around structure and respond well to both trolled baits and live offerings. Best action happens during cooler months when they push closer to shore, but you can find them year-round in deeper water. What makes blackfins special is their accessibility – they're not as finicky as their yellowfin cousins, and once you find a school, multiple hookups are common. Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of the offshore scene here. These acrobatic fighters average 6-8 feet and put on a spectacular aerial show when hooked. Peak season runs from December through April when they migrate south in good numbers. Catching a sail on light tackle is pure magic – they'll jump, tail-walk, and test every knot in your leader. Most are released, making them a sustainable trophy fish. King mackerel, or "smoker kings" as we call the big ones, are year-round residents with peak action in spring and fall. These speed demons can top 40 pounds and make blistering runs that'll smoke your reel. They're excellent table fare and respond to both live bait and trolled offerings. The key is fishing around structure where they ambush baitfish. Mahi mahi bring the color and the action when they show up. These golden beauties travel in schools and once you find them, it's often game on for multiple fish. They hit hard, jump like crazy, and taste amazing on the dinner table. Peak season is spring through early fall when they follow the warm water north. Wahoo are the speed freaks of the deep – capable of 60+ mph runs that'll remind you why we use wire leader. These torpedo-shaped predators lurk around drop-offs and wrecks, ambushing anything that looks like food. They're relatively rare but when you connect, it's usually a fish you'll never forget.
Port Canaveral's offshore fishing scene is world-class, and this full-day charter gives you the best shot at multiple species in one trip. With ShayJay's local expertise and small group size, you're getting personalized attention that big head boats can't match. The 8-hour format allows time to explore different areas and techniques, adapting to what's biting. Whether you're after your first sailfish, looking to load the cooler with blackfins, or hoping for that wahoo of a lifetime, this trip delivers the goods. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly. The offshore fishing here is too good to miss – book your dates and get ready for some serious action on the deep blue.
Our 22' Bulls Bay fishing boat is built for serious offshore action in Port Canaveral's productive waters. This nimble vessel takes up to 3 anglers out to the wrecks and reefs where sailfish, kingfish, and blackfin tuna are waiting. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need to sneak up on those finicky mahi, while the fish finder helps locate the best structure and bait schools. Stay comfortable all day with the onboard icebox keeping your drinks cold and catch fresh. GPS navigation gets you to the hottest spots efficiently, and VHF radio keeps you connected for safety and fish reports. Whether you're targeting bottom dwellers like snapper and grouper or chasing pelagics on the surface, this boat handles Port Canaveral's offshore conditions with ease. The multimedia system adds entertainment between bites, but with these waters, you'll likely be too busy fighting fish to notice.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing here - these acrobatic fighters average 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds. They cruise the blue water from 30-200 feet deep, often following baitfish schools along temperature breaks. Winter months from December through March give us our best shots when they move closer to shore. What hooks anglers is watching them light up and tail-walk across the surface when hooked - pure spectacle. They're built for speed, hitting 30+ mph, so the fights are intense but typically don't last too long. Most folks release them for the sport. Pro tip: when we raise one on a teaser, don't rush the bait switch. Let the fish calm down and circle back before presenting your live ballyhoo or rigged bait.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin Tuna are the smallest in the tuna family, typically running 15-30 pounds around Port Canaveral's offshore waters. These fast-moving fish hunt in schools near wrecks and reefs in 40-150 feet of water, especially during fall through spring when water temps stay above 68°F. What makes them special is their fierce fight - they'll make multiple runs and really test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, red meat that's perfect for sashimi or grilling. We find them most active early morning and late afternoon. Here's a local tip: scale down your tackle and use fluorocarbon leaders - these fish have sharp eyes and will spook easily if they see heavy wire. Vertical jigging works great when we mark schools on the finder.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kingfish" as we call them locally, are serious speed demons that average 15-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds. These sleek predators patrol depths from 40-150 feet around our offshore structure and ledges. They're most active during warmer months from April through October when baitfish are thick. What guests love is their blistering initial run - they'll scream line off your reel faster than almost anything out there. The meat is excellent too, though it's a bit oily with a rich flavor. They hunt by following their nose, so fresh cut bait works great. Local trick: use a two-hook rig with wire leader because kings typically hit the tail section of live baits first. That second stinger hook back near the tail saves a lot of missed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most colorful fighters you'll encounter offshore - electric blues and golds that really pop when they jump. These surface dwellers typically run 15-30 pounds and love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they move through our waters following warm currents. What makes them special is their acrobatic fight and beautiful color changes, plus they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for tacos or grilling. They travel in small schools, so where you find one, there's usually more. Here's the deal: when you hook one, keep it in the water while you get more lines out. The commotion often fires up the whole school.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed kings of our offshore waters - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 50+ mph and typically weigh 30-80 pounds. They patrol the deeper blue water from 100-400 feet, often near drop-offs and current edges. Peak season runs July through November when they follow baitfish migrations. What anglers love is that explosive strike and blistering run that'll test your equipment. The meat is premium quality too - white, flaky, and mild with a texture similar to grouper. They're loners mostly, so catching one is always special. Here's what works: high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders is key since their razor teeth will cut through anything else. Dark-colored lures seem to work best, and don't slow down when you get a strike - keep that boat moving until the fish is tight.
Port Canaveral