5.0(3 Reviews)Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In Port Canaveral
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour nearshore fishing charter covers jetties and beachesTarget Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, and Black Drum speciesAll tackle, licenses, and water provided by experienced guides
Port Canaveral's inshore waters offer some of Florida's most consistent fishing action, and this 4-hour charter puts you right where the fish are feeding. Captain Jason and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand - from the productive jetty structure to the grass flats and everything in between. You'll fish waters up to 5 miles offshore, targeting the species that make this area a customer favorite among anglers. Whether you've never held a rod or you're looking to add some East Coast species to your logbook, this laid-back trip delivers the goods without the pressure.
This top-rated charter starts early to beat the crowds and catch fish during prime feeding times. You'll cover a variety of productive spots - the Cape Canaveral jetties where structure holds baitfish and predators, sandy beaches where drum and flounder cruise the shallows, and nearshore waters where tarpon roll and jacks hunt in schools. The boat accommodates just 2 anglers, so you get personalized attention and won't be fighting for rail space. All your tackle is provided, from light spinning gear for sheepshead to heavier setups when tarpon show up. Your fishing license and bottled water are included, so just bring yourself and maybe a cooler if you plan to keep dinner. The relaxed pace means plenty of time to learn techniques, ask questions, and actually enjoy being on the water instead of rushing from spot to spot.
Captain Jason runs a variety of presentations depending on what's biting and where you're fishing. Around the jetties, you'll work live shrimp and small jigs along the rocks for sheepshead and snapper, while cut bait on the bottom produces black drum and flounder. When targeting snook, expect to throw live pilchards or pinfish near mangrove edges and dock lights. The gear is matched to the technique - light spinning tackle for finicky feeders, medium action rods for most inshore work, and heavier setups when tarpon or big jacks crash the party. Live bait is the name of the game here, with a good selection of shrimp, pilchards, and whatever baitfish are running. Artificial lures come into play when fish are actively feeding, with soft plastics and spoons producing explosive strikes from jacks and mackerel. The captain reads conditions and adjusts tactics throughout the trip, so you're always fishing the most effective method for current conditions.
"Great fishing trip with my 23 year old son. Guide was very helpful and we fished a number of different spots. We had an interest in space and did a brief sight seeing tour to a Space X rocket. We caught a variety of fish including a 22 inch flounder and two mangrove snapper that we ate for dinner at Grills restaurant." - Michael
"My grandson and I had a great time. We caught a few fish but they were not big enough to keep. The captain did his best to put us on fish but they just wasn't biting. He even gave us extra time to try and get us more fish but it wasnt to be. We reminded ourselves that it's called 'fishing' and not 'catching!'" - Earl
"I went on this fishing trip with my son and had an awesome experience with Captain Jason and his first mate Randy, who is also his dad. It made for a really cool father-son, father-son trip that we both really enjoyed. We booked the charter specifically to go after sharks. Even though we didn't end up landing one, Captain Jason worked incredibly hard the entire trip moving us between multiple spots and trying different approaches to get us on fish. Sometimes the fish just aren't cooperating, but you could clearly see the effort and dedication he put in to make sure we had every possible chance. Both Captain Jason and Randy were friendly, knowledgeable, and great to spend time with on the water. You can tell they genuinely care about giving people a good experience. It was a great father-son team and they made the trip fun and memorable for me and my son. I would absolutely book another charter with them again and look forward to coming back to try for those sharks another day. Highly recommend!" - Albert
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter of nearshore fishing here, with schools moving through from spring through fall. These silver rockets hit hard and fast, often doubling up on spoons or small jigs. They average 12-16 inches and fight way above their weight class, making screaming runs that test your drag. Best part? They're excellent table fare when iced immediately. Look for them around bait schools in 10-25 feet of water, especially when birds are working the surface.
Southern Flounder are the prize catch for many anglers, with doormat-sized fish lurking in the sandy shallows and around structure. These masters of camouflage can exceed 20 inches and provide excellent eating. Spring and fall see the biggest fish as they move between inshore and offshore waters. They're ambush predators that inhale live shrimp or mud minnows, then try to bury back into the sand. The fight isn't flashy, but landing a keeper flounder always feels like a victory.
Snook are the signature inshore species that brings anglers back trip after trip. These golden-sided fighters are catch-and-release only during certain seasons, but they're always fun to tangle with. They average 20-28 inches around Port Canaveral and are known for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs toward structure. Target them around docks, mangrove shorelines, and inlet mouths using live bait or well-placed artificials. Their feeding activity peaks during dawn and dusk, making them perfect for half-day charters.
Grey Snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are the perfect fish for beginners and experts
Get ready to fish the productive waters around Port Canaveral aboard our 22' Bulls Bay motorboat. This well-equipped vessel handles up to 3 anglers comfortably while you target Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, and other sought-after species along the jetties and nearshore waters. The boat features a fish finder to locate your targets, GPS navigation to hit the best spots, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches in shallow water. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 4-hour trip. With VHF radio for safety, multimedia system for entertainment between bites, and experienced guides who know these Cape Canaveral waters inside and out, you'll have everything needed for a productive day on the water. All tackle and fishing licenses are provided, so just bring your enthusiasm for reeling in Florida's finest inshore gamefish.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are smart, copper-red fish that'll test your patience and skill. They typically run 10-14 inches inshore, though bigger ones lurk around deeper structures. Look for them around docks, bridges, jetties, and any hard bottom with good cover. They're year-round residents but feed more actively in warmer months. What guests love is the challenge - these fish are opportunistic but cautious, making them fun to outsmart. The payoff is excellent table fare with white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're nocturnal feeders, so early morning and late evening produce best. Here's my go-to method: use a 4J hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to bottom, then lift it just off the structure. When you feel that subtle pickup, count to three before setting the hook - they need time to commit.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes and famously human-like teeth. They average 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, but 20-pounders show up around our jetties and bridge pilings. These structure huggers live around barnacle-covered docks, bridges, and rocky areas where they crunch crabs and shellfish. Winter through early spring is peak season when they spawn around inlets. Guests love the challenge because sheepshead are notorious bait thieves with incredible table fare - sweet, white meat that rivals any fish we catch. The trick is getting close to structure without spooking them and using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs. Set the hook hard the instant you feel weight - they'll steal your bait in a heartbeat if you hesitate. Heavy tackle helps pull them away from the pilings before they cut you off.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature gamefish - sleek, golden fighters with that unmistakable black lateral line and lower jaw that sticks out. They average 18-28 inches but can stretch over 3 feet. You'll find them around mangroves, dock lights, bridges, and inlet mouths where they ambush baitfish. They're temperature sensitive, so spring through fall is prime time, especially around new and full moons. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight in shallow water, plus they're great eating with firm, white meat. They're also heavily regulated, so we practice catch and release. Here's the key: they're structure-oriented and spook easily. Cast past the cover and work your bait or lure back through their strike zone. Live shrimp under dock lights at night is hard to beat.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of camouflage - flat, oval-shaped fish that bury themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. Most run 15-18 inches, though we occasionally see doormat-sized fish pushing 20+ pounds. They hang out in shallow bays, around dock pilings, and near inlet mouths where the current brings food. Fall and winter are best when they move toward deeper water before heading offshore to spawn. What makes them fun is the surprise factor - you're bouncing bait along bottom and suddenly your rod loads up. The meat is white, sweet, and mild - perfect for the dinner table. My trick is to use a Carolina rig with live mud minnows or shrimp, and fish it slow. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, give them a second to turn the bait before setting the hook.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, silver bullets that typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 8-11 pounds around here. You'll spot them by their yellowish spots and that distinctive dark green back. They travel in big schools near the surface, especially around our jetties and nearshore structures within 5 miles out. Spring through fall is prime time when the water warms up. These fish are pure speed - they'll give you short, blistering runs that'll test your drag. The meat is fantastic too - mild, flaky, and perfect on the grill. Pro tip: when you see birds diving, get there fast and cast spoons or small jigs right into the feeding school. They spook easily, so drift with the current rather than running the motor right up to them.
5.0 out of 5.0Great fishing trip with my 23 year old son. Guide was very helpful and we fished a number of different spots. We had an interest i...
My grandson and I had a great time. We caught a few fish but they were not big enough to keep. The captain did his best to put us ...
I went on this fishing trip with my son and had an awesome experience with Captain Jason and his first mate Randy, who is also his...
Port Canaveral