Picture this: you’re cruising along the Atlantic, exploring a mighty fishery as the Floridian sun shines down. Or maybe you’re navigating the shallow, mangrove-lined flats of the Banana River for the inshore species of your dreams. No matter what your idea of fishing in Cape Canaveral looks like, casting a line here is unlike anything else on the planet.
Where else can you cast a line under the shadow of the incredible Kennedy Space Center? Reeling in world-famous fish as rockets launch overhead is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.
You’ve probably already heard the plethora of space-themed puns that this city inspires. We’re going to add one more to the list: Casting a line from Cape Canaveral is truly an out-of-this-world experience!
Below, we’ve outlined the top species you can catch, how you can catch them, and our favorite hotspots. Grab your rods and reels and get ready to shoot for the stars on your Cape Canaveral fishing adventure!
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Best Fish to Catch in Cape Canaveral
So why does the fishing action here send anglers over the moon? (Last space pun, we promise!) As Cape Canaveral is located on a headland, you’ll find the Indian River Lagoon directly west. Turn eastwards, and the Atlantic Ocean lies in wait. This means that there’s a hugely diverse number of fish to be found.
Redfish
When most local anglers think of Cape Canaveral inshore fishing, there’s one species that immediately comes to mind – Redfish. This hard-fighting fella is especially popular around here.
Why? Well, if you’re looking for Bull Red, the Banana River’s marshy waters are the perfect fishing spot. Packed full of grassy sea beds, mangroves, and salt marshes, this fishery attracts large numbers of baitfish such as shrimp and mullet. Where these baitfish live, there’s usually a group of greedy Reds not far behind.
Planning to strictly stick to fishing in Cape Canaveral’s coastal waters? This species lives along the shallow shorelines, especially around piers and rocky structure. Sight fishing is an especially popular way to chase Reds. As the Banana River is shallow, you’ll be able to spot the tail of your Red slicing through the topwaters.
Plenty of experience under your belt? Fly fishing provides plenty of rod-bending action. Just imagine the bragging rights you’ll be able to take home with you!
Spotted Seatrout
It’s impossible to talk about Cape Canaveral’s incredible Redfish-chasing opportunities without mentioning their partner in crime – Spotted Seatrout. Known locally simply as “Trout,” it’s safe to say that this fish is one of Florida’s favorite light-tackle targets.
Huge “Gator” Trout are often hooked in the Indian River Lagoon system, which sees anglers flocking to its waters year-round. Spotted Seatrout may not be the largest or most ferocious fish around, but they’ve earned their place as a light tackle favorite. This is thanks to their eagerness to strike a line – this goes double when it comes to fishing on the fly.
Trout are also a much-beloved target for families who want to fish together. Not only is this species plentiful and easy to locate in Cape Canaveral, but it also tastes great. This makes it a great starter fish for little ones and novice anglers who are starting out.
If you’re just learning how to wield a rod, local anglers recommend light tackle and conventional spinning gear. Go after slightly smaller varieties of Trout, too.
Although Trout is a year-round species, head to the Banana River and Cape Canaveral’s coastal waters during the summertime for the best results. Hit up the Banana River’s grass beds and marshy flats, as well as the bridges, piers, and docks that line the ocean’s inshore waters.
Snook and Tarpon
A Florida inshore fishing adventure wouldn’t be complete without this hard-fighting duo. Looking to take part in the quintessentially Floridian tradition of bowing to the “Silver King” (Tarpon)? Want to engage in battle with the feisty Snook? Cape Canaveral is the perfect place to fish for these creatures.
The Tarpon is the undisputed leader of the pack when it comes to inshore game fishing. Beloved by anglers for the acrobatic leaps it displays, as well as its sheer brute strength – reeling in one of these beauties results in plenty of bragging rights!
You’ll be able to cast your line for the Silver King along the Banana and Indian Rivers, and the inshore waters that parallel Cape Canaveral’s beaches. Summer and fall are prime Tarpon time.
Snook fishing is especially productive during nighttime, so get ready to chase this species under the cover of darkness. The rock jetty near Port Canaveral’s coastal waters is especially productive. Snook can also be found throughout the Banana River, and provide plenty of rod-bending action when hooked.
Grouper and Snappers
When it comes to Cape Canaveral’s nearshore waters, there are two species that really stand out. Yep, we’re talking about the many Grouper and Snapper varieties that line the nearshore waters of the Space Coast!
“Florida” plus “Snapper” usually conjures up an image of one specific member of this fish family – Red Snapper. Cape Canaveral’s Red Snapper fishing is nothing short of phenomenal, but there are strict rules in place.
In order to fish for them year-round, you’ll need to stick within the 3-mile state water limit. However, for the chance of hooking a really huge fish, you’ll want to explore federal waters that lie 3+ miles from shore. This fishery is subject to strict open and closed seasons when it comes to Snapper, and you can read more about it here.
Luckily, there’s a whole host of other Snapper species on offer. Cape Canaveral’s nearshore waters are home to natural and artificial reefs, which are a hotspot for Snapper.
You’ll get to bottom fish to your heart’s content for anything from Mangrove, to Lane, to Mutton, to Yellowtail varieties. They’re equally appetizing when it comes to taste, so get ready to fill the boat with some delicious dinner options!
Where you’ll find Snapper species, chances are you’ll also find Groupers. They taste incredible, reach huge sizes, and are hard fighters, known for diving into rocks and reefs when hooked.
You’ll likely encounter Gag, Scamp, Snowy, and Red varieties. Similar to Snapper, bottom fishing is the technique of choice for these fish. They have voracious appetites and especially love chowing down on live bait.
Mahi Mahi
Cape Canaveral’s offshore waters are a veritable playground for huge big game fish species. There’s one that remains head and shoulders above the rest, however – the mighty Mahi Mahi.
The Mahi Mahi is one of the most sought-after sport fish along the Space Coast, thanks to the incredible fight it provides. Once hooked, it almost immediately goes airborne, putting on an unmissable show for its observers. Hunting Mahi is the quintessential deep sea fishing experience, packed full of fast-paced action, screeching reels, and plenty of rod bending.
Locals prefer to target this fish by trolling a variety of lines from the boat, with both live and artificial bait attached. From there, it’s a waiting game until the fish attack.
Although Mahi Mahi can be found throughout the cape’s offshore waters, they’re often found lurking under weeds or around floating debris. April through September are the most productive months.
And More!
Cape Canaveral has so many fish species that listing them all would take more than one blog. You’d need to write a book! But it wouldn’t feel right to ignore the many other creatures that call these waters home.
Exploring Cape Canaveral’s inshore waters? You’ll be casting your line either along the Indian River Lagoon system or the area’s coastal waters. As well as the fish we covered above, chances are you’ll come across Black Drum, Flounder, and smaller Snapper species.
Once you start to hit the ocean’s nearshore waters, you’ll likely encounter Cobia, Tilefish, King Mackerel, and even Shark species. Offshore, you’ll tangle lines with anything from Blackfin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, and Swordfish to White Marlin, Blue Marlin, and Sailfish.
How to Go Fishing in Cape Canaveral
Charter Fishing
Whether you’re a brand new angler or an experienced fisherman looking to get the most out of this incredible location, one thing’s for certain. The best way to experience fishing in Cape Canaveral is by casting off alongside a local charter captain.
Not only will your Cape Canaveral fishing charters provide you with top-quality fishing gear, but they’ll also ensure that your fishing trip looks exactly as you envisioned it.
Whether that’s Snook fishing under the cover of darkness or battling huge Mahi Mahi offshore, they’ll know how to make your dream adventure come true.
There’s also the small fact that Port Canaveral, famous not only for being a hub for cruise ships and commercial vessels but for fishing charters, is located immediately north of the cape.
Located smack-bang in the middle of both the Banana River and the mighty Atlantic, you’ll find a charter that offers the exact fishing experience you’re looking for.
On Foot Fishing
If you’re looking to explore Cape Canaveral’s angling options without a boat, you’re in luck! Whether you want to wade the Banana River for your chosen inshore species or cast a line from one of the many Cape Canaveral fishing piers for fish that lurk further offshore, there are plenty of ways to fish without stepping foot on a vessel.
Many of Cape Canaveral’s parks offer up jetties or piers that you can cast a line from, and species such as Snook and Snapper varieties love to lurk around this type of structure. The majority of parks here also provide free entry and fish-cleaning stations, as well as plenty of amenities. We’ve outlined a few of our favorites below in our “Where to fish in Cape Canaveral” section.
For anglers who are looking to wander on foot around the Indian River Lagoon system, there are plenty of parks that offer access to these waters, too. In addition, there’s a slightly more unique, back-to-basics way of exploring the Banana and Indian Rivers – wading. Join local anglers by renting wading gear, and then prepare to reunite with nature as you enter your target fish’s domain.
Cape Canaveral Fishing Spots
Cape Canaveral fishing spots are plentiful. But, for anglers who are preparing to cast off on a nearshore or offshore Cape Canaveral fishing adventure, there’s really only one place to start your trip – Port Canaveral.
However, if you’re looking to explore Cape Canaveral on foot, there’s a whole variety of parks and jetties to choose from – and they’re free, too! We’ve handpicked our favorites for you, so read on…
- Rodney S. Ketcham Park: Provides access to the Banana River, and all of the species that inhabit it. As well as plenty of angling action, you’ll also be able to observe some incredible wildlife – this park is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail!
- Banana River Park: The clue is in the name! You’ll be able to cast your line from a fishing platform that looks out onto the mighty river. If you’re looking to experience these waters from a unique perspective, there’s a kayak and canoe launch, too.
- Cherie Down Park: Facing the Atlantic, this park is a firm favorite with families, thanks to its easy access and many amenities. Located on the beach, you can also opt to take part in activities such as boogie boarding, as well as fishing!
- Jetty Park: The most popular on-foot location for anglers looking to fish the cape’s coastal waters, thanks to its whopping 1,200’ pier! You’ll find Snook, Tarpon, Trout, and Redfish here, as well as Flounder and Black Drum.
- Freddie Patrick Park: This location boasts boat ramps, a boat-rinsing station, and even fish-cleaning tables. There’s also a bait and tackle shop here, in case you need to grab any last-minute bits and bobs.
Cape Canaveral Fishing Regulations
If you’re fishing alongside a licensed Cape Canaveral charter captain or from one of the area’s parks, your license will be covered for you. Otherwise, any angler between the age of 16–65 will need a Florida fishing license. You can read more about this in our handy guide.
Some of Cape Canaveral’s species are subject to specific seasonality, bag, and size limits. You can always consult the FWC. Although Cape Canaveral boasts a year-round fishery, you can check our calendar to make sure you’re casting your line when your chosen species are plentiful.
Cape Canaveral Fishing: It’s Out of This World
You know we had to end on one last space pun – and we’d feel a little bit bad about it if it wasn’t so accurate. While it’s true that there’s not much that can overshadow the splendor of intergalactic flight, the angling action in Cape Canaveral more than blows it out of the water!
Whether you’re looking to get back to nature and explore the wondrous Indian River Lagoon system on foot or have your sights set on a big game fishing battle, your dream adventure awaits you in Cape Canaveral. You don’t need to step on a spacecraft to reach the stars – you’ll find plenty of them lurking beneath these stellar waters.
Have you ever fished in Cape Canaveral? What did you catch? Any tips, tricks, or tidbits to share? Let us know in the comments below!
