Ready to get your line wet in some of Florida's most productive waters? Our 5-hour Cape Canaveral fishing trip is tailor-made for anglers itching to tangle with the Space Coast's top inshore species. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got you covered with everything you need for a successful day on the water. Let's dive into what makes this trip a can't-miss experience for any fishing enthusiast.
Picture this: You're cruising through the pristine waters around Cape Canaveral, rod in hand, with the iconic Kennedy Space Center as your backdrop. That's the setting for our inshore fishing adventure. We'll hit the sweet spots where Redfish, Sheepshead, Flounder, and Snook hang out, giving you the best shot at a cooler full of fish and a day packed with memories. Our experienced captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for some world-class fishing action. And the best part? We're flexible. If the weather's playing nice, we can even venture a bit further out for some nearshore action. It's all about maximizing your time on the water and your chances of landing that trophy catch.
When you step aboard, you'll find everything's been taken care of. We provide all the licenses, top-notch rods and reels, and fresh bait to get you fishing from the moment we leave the dock. Our setup is perfect for up to 4 anglers, but if you've got a couple more buddies who want in on the action, just give us a heads up. We can accommodate 2 extra guests, no sweat. The fishing here is hands-on, so get ready to feel that tug on your line. We'll be using a mix of techniques - from sight fishing in the shallows for tailing Redfish to working structure for Sheepshead. Don't worry if you're new to this; our captain will show you the ropes and have you casting like a pro in no time.
Folks who fish with us tend to make it a habit, and for good reason. The variety of species in these waters keeps things exciting - you never know what might be on the end of your line. One minute you're battling a hard-fighting Redfish, the next you're finessing a Flounder from the bottom. It's this mix of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Plus, our trips are family-friendly, so it's a great way to get the kids hooked on fishing. Many of our regulars started bringing their kids out years ago, and now those same kids are bringing their own families. It's the kind of tradition that makes fishing more than just a hobby - it's a way to connect and create lasting memories.
Snook: These hard-fighting linesiders are a favorite among local anglers. Known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps, Snook put up a fight that'll test your skills and your gear. They love to hang around structures like mangroves and docks, so we'll be targeting these spots. The best time to catch Snook is during the warmer months, especially around dawn and dusk when they're most active. Landing a big Snook is a true Florida fishing achievement.
Summer Flounder: Don't let their flat appearance fool you - these bottom-dwellers are crafty predators and a blast to catch. We'll be using light tackle to entice them from their sandy hideouts. Flounder fishing requires a bit of finesse, making them a fun challenge for anglers of all levels. They're available year-round, but the fishing really heats up in the summer months. And let's not forget - they're delicious if you're looking to take some home for dinner.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth, Sheepshead are as fun to look at as they are to catch. These structure-loving fish are experts at stealing bait, so hooking one is a true test of your angling skills. We'll target them around pilings, jetties, and oyster beds. Winter is prime time for Sheepshead, making them a great target when other species slow down. Their light, flaky meat makes them another excellent choice for the dinner table.
Redfish: The bulldog of inshore fishing, Redfish are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. We'll be sight fishing for them in shallow water, looking for their telltale tails waving above the surface as they root for crabs. Redfish are around all year, but fall is particularly good as they school up for their annual spawn. Landing a big "over-slot" Red is a bucket list item for many anglers.
Tripletail: These oddball fish might look a bit goofy, but they're no joke when it comes to putting up a fight. Tripletail love to float near the surface, often mimicking floating debris. We'll cruise the flats, looking for them lounging near buoys or other floating objects. They're most common in the warmer months and are prized for both their sporting quality and their excellent taste. Hooking a Tripletail is always a pleasant surprise on any trip.
Alright, let's recap what makes this Cape Canaveral fishing trip a must-do for any angler visiting the Space Coast. You've got 5 hours of prime fishing time, an experienced captain who knows all the hotspots, and a shot at landing some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species. Everything you need is included, from gear to licenses, so all you have to focus on is having a great time on the water. Whether you're looking to bend a rod with the family, show your buddies your angling skills, or just enjoy a day soaking up the Florida sun, this trip checks all the boxes. Remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online, and let's get you out on the water for some of the best fishing Cape Canaveral has to offer. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not doing it sooner. See you on the boat!
February 20, 2023
Redfish, or red drum, are a favorite target in Cape Canaveral's shallow waters. These bronze beauties, known for the distinctive spot near their tail, typically range from 20-30 inches inshore. You'll find them tailing in 1-4 feet of water around oyster beds, grass flats, and mangroves. Redfish put up a great fight and make excellent table fare. They're most active in fall and spring, but you can catch them year-round. Sight fishing for tailing reds in skinny water is a thrilling experience. Use live bait like shrimp or mullet, or try gold spoons and soft plastics. Redfish will often give away their location by creating "mud boils" as they root for crabs and shrimp. Here's a local tip: On windy days, focus on lee shorelines where bait gets pushed up against the bank. That's where you'll often find redfish feeding aggressively.
Sheepshead are the toothy convicts of Cape Canaveral waters, easily recognized by their black and white stripes. These structure-loving fish typically weigh 1-8 pounds, but can reach up to 20 pounds. You'll find them around barnacle-covered pilings, jetties, and reefs year-round, though fishing heats up in cooler months. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers with their human-like teeth, so a sensitive touch is crucial. Use small hooks and natural baits like fiddler crabs, oysters, or shrimp. Anglers enjoy the challenge of hooking these crafty fish and their delicious, white meat. For best results, fish as close to structure as possible - that's where they're munching on barnacles. Local tip: When you feel the lightest tap, wait a second before setting the hook. Sheepshead are masters at stripping bait, so timing is everything.
Snook are a prized catch around Cape Canaveral, known for their hard-fighting spirit and tasty white meat. These sleek predators typically run 20-30 inches but can grow over 40 inches in our waters. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings, especially during warmer months. Snook love to ambush prey, so casting near structure is key. Live bait like mullet or pinfish works great, but artificial lures can be just as effective if you work them with a stop-and-go retrieve. The fall mullet run is prime time for big snook, when they come out to feed aggressively. Watch for that distinctive black lateral line as they cruise the shallows. Remember, snook can be picky, so stealth and patience pay off. My local tip: Try freelining a live bait around dock lights at night - that's when the big ones often come out to play.
Summer flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage with both eyes on their left side. These flatfish typically range from 15-20 inches, though trophy sizes can hit 26 pounds. Look for them on sandy or muddy bottoms in inshore waters and estuaries. They're ambush predators, so drifting or slow-trolling works well. Best fishing is from late spring through fall when they move inshore. Anglers love targeting flounder for their challenging fight and excellent table fare. To hook one, try a bucktail jig tipped with a strip of squid or live minnow. Work it slowly along the bottom with short hops. Here's a local trick: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to grab the bait and turn it - that's when you'll get a solid hookset. Patience is key with these crafty bottom-dwellers.
Tripletail are one of the more unusual catches in Cape Canaveral waters. These odd-looking fish, named for their rounded fins that resemble three tails, typically range from 5-15 pounds. You'll find them floating near the surface around buoys, channel markers, or floating debris. They're masters of camouflage, often mimicking floating leaves. Tripletail are most active in warmer months, from late spring through fall. Anglers love targeting them for their hard fight and excellent eating quality. Sight fishing is the way to go - cruise slowly and keep your eyes peeled for their distinctive silhouette. Once spotted, a live shrimp or small baitfish under a float is hard to beat. Local tip: When you see a tripletail, don't cast directly at it. Place your bait a few feet away and slowly work it towards the fish to avoid spooking it.
We had a great time! Captain Mike is very knowledgeable and was working hard taking care of us! Would highly recommend Captain Mike for your fishing guide experience!! Thanks again Captain Mike!