Port Canaveral, located on Florida’s Space Coast, is a prime launching point for anglers targeting pelagic species—the open-water predators that roam offshore in search of baitfish. With access to the Gulf Stream and nutrient-rich waters, this area offers year-round opportunities for deep-sea fishing. However, certain species peak during specific times of the year, and using the right techniques can make all the difference.
Here’s a breakdown of the top pelagic species you can catch out of Port Canaveral, the best seasons to target them, and the most effective techniques to bring them to the boat.
1. Wahoo 🎯
• Best Time of Year: Fall through early spring (October – March)
• Top Technique: High-Speed Trolling
• Wahoo are speed demons, often striking at 15-18 knots. Use deep-diving plugs or trolling lures like a Nomad DTX Minnow or a rigged ballyhoo behind a trolling weight.
• Target 40 to 300 feet of water, especially near temperature breaks, weed lines, and ledges.
2. Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin Fish) 🟡💚
• Best Time of Year: Spring and early summer (April – June)
• Top Technique: Trolling with Rigged Ballyhoo
• Mahi are often found around weed lines, floating debris, and color changes.
• A spread of rigged ballyhoo with skirted lures or chuggers in 100-300 feet will increase your chances.
• If you find a school, throw live bait or chunk bait to keep them around.
3. Blackfin Tuna 🖤🐟
• Best Time of Year: Spring and fall (March – May, September – November)
• Top Technique: Live Chumming & Trolling Small Feathers
• Blackfin are usually found near ledges and drop-offs in 150-400 feet.
• Early morning and late evening trolling with small feathers, cedar plugs, or daisy chains is effective.
• Live-chumming with pilchards or sardines behind the boat can fire them up.
4. King Mackerel (Kingfish) 👑🐟
• Best Time of Year: Year-round, but best in summer and fall (May – October)
• Top Technique: Slow Trolling with Live Bait
• Kings are found along the nearshore reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 40-150 feet of water.
• The go-to method is slow trolling with live pogies (menhaden), blue runners, or threadfin herring on a stinger rig.
• When the bite is slow, try drifting and deploying chum bags to attract them.
6. Cobia 🟤⚓
• Best Time of Year: Spring and fall (March – May, September – November)
• Top Technique: Sight Fishing with Jigs or Live Bait
• Cobia often follow manta rays and sea turtles, making sight fishing one of the most exciting ways to catch them.
• Use bucktail jigs, live eels, or pinfish near wrecks, buoys, and reefs.
• Keep a rod ready when running offshore—cobia often show up unexpectedly!
Final Thoughts
Port Canaveral offers an incredible variety of pelagic fishing opportunities, and timing your trips based on seasonality will give you the best chance at success. Whether you’re high-speed trolling for wahoo, slow trolling for kingfish, or kite fishing for sailfish, there’s always something biting off Florida’s Space Coast.
If you’re heading out, make sure to check weather conditions, sea temperatures, and bait availability, and always be prepared to adjust your tactics based on what the fish are doing that day.