Last Updated on October 4, 2024 by Eric

Fall is rolling in—that means it’s prime time for deep sea fishing in Cape Canaveral, Florida, and a great time to target cobia. If you’re looking to hook into something big—really big—this is your best chance before Spring!

A lot of folks talk up spring as the main time to chase cobia, and they’re not wrong. In the springtime, cobia head north from warmer waters, making them easier to catch as they pass through spots like Port Canaveral. It’s a pretty predictable run, and plenty of fishermen bank on it to haul in big numbers.

That said, fall is another great time of year to catch cobia as they head back on their migration route. The waters are cooling down, and with that, the Cobia are making their way south, giving you some of the best opportunities of the year to catch them. Some of them are massive, and they’ll hit just about anything you throw at them.

Most cobia you’ll catch around the Cape run between 20 to 50 pounds, but you can definitely hook into bigger ones around here. It’s not unusual to see them hit 80 or 90 pounds, especially during the peak migration in fall and spring. On average, though, you’re looking at around 30 to 40 pounds—solid fish that’ll give you a good fight.

Now, let’s take a look at what’s biting in Cape Canaveral this Fall.

Fall Fishing Report for Cape Canaveral

Why Fall is Prime Time for Cobia

Cobia are known for their size and power. As I mentioned, some of these bruisers can get up around 80 to 90 pounds, and they’re not shy about biting. They feed aggressively, especially as the water cools, chasing down baitfish, crabs, and even stingrays. The cooler temps in October, November, and December bring them closer to shore, giving you a better chance of hooking into them.

Port Canaveral is one of the best places to catch Cobia because the waters are packed with underwater structures that attract baitfish. You’ll find them hanging out near buoys, navigational markers, and reefs—anywhere the smaller fish are congregating (in other words, anywhere there’s an easy meal). Fall is the time when they’re on the move, making them easier to target.

What You Need to Know About Cobia

Cobia are long, often slim, and have a distinctive brown color with a sharp lateral stripe. Don’t let their sleek appearance fool you, though. These fish are built for speed and power. Once they bite, it’s game on.

They’ve got a taste for just about anything that swims or crawls in the water: Baitfish, blue crabs, eels, and even stingrays. These guys are pure opportunists, and that’s part of what makes them so fun to fish for. They’ll snatch up whatever they can get their jaws around.

So, it’s no surprise they grow fast, sometimes hitting 40 inches in just 2 years. When they hit your line—you’ll know it.

Tip: You can occasionally find cobia trailing alongside sharks, rays, and sea turtles like they’re just part of the crew. Larger marine animals stir up fish and crustaceans as they move through the water, making it easier for the cobia to swoop in and grab an easy meal.

If you’re targeting them in the waters off Cape Canaveral in Fall, use live bait around structures like reefs, wrecks, and other underwater cover. They aren’t too picky, you’ve just got to put in the work to find them.

Without live bait, a well-placed jig, worked around those structures, can also trigger a strike. The key is knowing where to drop it. If you’re not working the right areas, you could be out there all day with nothing to show for it. Cobia also tend to move around a lot, especially in the fall when they’re on the hunt, so if you’re not seeing action after a while, consider moving to a new spot. Reefs, wrecks, buoys—check them all.

Remember: if you’re lucky enough to hook one, you’re in for a fight!

What Else is Biting in Fall?

Cobia might get a lot of the attention during the fall in Cape Canaveral, but they’re far from the only fish worth chasing. This time of year, the waters are alive with activity, and if you’re heading offshore, there’s a solid lineup of species ready to put up a fight.

Bottom fishing is also hot, with snapper, grouper, and triggerfish active in the fall months.

Fall Offshore Action

When the water starts cooling down, it’s like ringing the dinner bell for some of the ocean’s “big game” predator fish.

Kingfish (or king mackerel) are a staple off the coast of Cape Canaveral in October. This time of year is prime for targeting them as they migrate south along the Atlantic coast, following the cooler waters. As the temperatures drop, they come in closer to shore, making the fall months perfect for hooking them around reefs, wrecks, and other structures.

These fish are fast—their hard runs make them a favorite target for both local sport fishermen and fishing charter boats. If you’re looking for a good fight, kingfish in the fall won’t disappoint.

Sailfish, swordfish, tuna, and marlin are also all on the move, following the schools of baitfish closer to shore. The fall migration brings them into striking range, and if you’re ready for some serious offshore fishing battles, this is your window.

Of course, mahi (AKA mahi-mahi or dolphin fish) are hanging around in fall too, and this is a great time to target them. You can find them offshore near floating debris and weed lines, where baitfish like to gather.

Mahi are aggressive, hard-fighting fish that bring serious energy to any trip, and when they’re around, you’ll know it. This kind of action is what makes deep sea fishing off the coast of Cape Canaveral so exciting in the fall.

• Sailfish are a big draw in the Cape. With their blistering runs and leaps, they’re a challenge for even the most experienced fishermen. You’ll usually find them out in the open sea, but as the temperature drops, they move a little closer in, giving you a better shot at hooking one without having to run too far out.
• Then there’s swordfish. These guys tend to stay further down in the water column, but fall is one of the best times to target them if you’re up for the challenge.
• Let’s not forget about tuna and marlin. If you’re lucky, you’ll get into a school of tuna. Marlin are one of the ultimate “bucket list fish” for many fishermen, and fall gives you a decent chance to chase one of these legends. For all of you looking for the best deep sea fishing near Orlando, itching to get out on the water and experience some real offshore action, now’s the perfect time!

Bottom Fishing in Autumn

Not interested in battling the really big offshore game? No problem—the bottom fishing in Cape Canaveral is great in Fall. Snapper, grouper, and triggerfish are all active in these cooler months.

• Snapper are a reliable target. They’re abundant around reefs, wrecks, and other structures. In the Atlantic, red snapper season may only be open for a very brief window—sometimes as short as a single day​! That said, there are other snapper species in Cape Canaveral—like mangrove snapper—that are also fun to catch.
• Grouper are another “fall favorite.” These guys love hanging around rocky outcroppings and artificial reefs, and once you’ve got one on the line, get ready for a tug-of-war. They’re known for diving back into the structure, and you’ll need to be fast and strong to pull them out.

Off the coast of Port Canaveral you’ve also got triggerfish, which may not get as much glory but are always a solid option when you’re bottom fishing. These guys are aggressive and have a tough bite, which can make them a fun catch.

Note: Grouper species, including gag grouper and red grouper, are commonly targeted in fall. However, you need to check specific regional regulations as grouper seasons can vary by location and species. For example, g has a limited season in many areas, including the Atlantic Coast of Florida. So fall is a great time for them—but it’s important to verify the exact dates each year.

Tips for Fishing Cape Canaveral in October – November

• When you’re fishing offshore near Cape Canaveral, spotting sharks or rays can be a signal that Cobia might be in the area, trailing behind them
• Live bait works great for Cobia, but lures and jigs can get the job done too.
• Even though the temps are cooling down, the sun’s still intense out on the water. Bring a hat, plenty of water, and sunscreen. (Fall sun might not feel as hot, but you can still get surnburned without it!)
• Before you hit the water, you’ll need to grab a Florida saltwater fishing license. It’s easy to get online, so don’t skip that step.

Note: When going on fishing charters in Cape Canaveral, you don’t need to get a Florida fishing license. The charter boat will cover the license for you, which is a nice perk. The captains handle all the legal stuff so you can focus on the fishing. That said, make sure you’ve got the right gear to handle what’s out there. The captain may have all the necessary gear onboard for you to use, but if you’ve got a favorite rod or reel, feel free to bring it along, especially if you’re set on going after cobia, or the other big game fish you’ll find nearshore & offshore.

Best Times to Head Out

The best fishing is early in the morning or late in the evening. The cooler parts of the day get the fish moving, and you’ll avoid the midday lull when the sun is high and the bite slows down, especially nearshore. During those peaks, the fish like snapper, grouper, and triggerfish down below are still active, but the action up top is going to die off temporarily. So if you’re out there during this time, it’s a good opportunity to switch up your approach and maybe even reposition to deeper waters or start bottom fishing near one of the wrecks.

As long as the weather’s fine, it’s rarely ever a bad idea to be on the water as the sun is just coming up—there’s nothing like setting out from the Port Canaveral inlet in the dark and watching the horizon glow as you head toward your fishing grounds.

Fishing this time of year gives you the advantage of shorter peak heat times, so you can focus a little less on staying comfortable, and more on finding fish.

If you’re heading out of Port Canaveral this time of year, plan to start early and stick around if you can for that evening bite. Fall gives you more flexibility, but the fish still follow their patterns, and knowing when they’re active can make a big difference.

Ready to Fish with the Best?

When you’re looking to land some serious catches off the Cape Canaveral coast, Canaveral Kings has you covered. Our experienced captains know these waters, and will take you to the best spots where the big fish bite. With room for up to 6 people, our private fishing charters give you the perfect setup to target everything from mahi and sailfish to cobia, king mackerel, tuna, grouper, amberjack, and more!

Whether it’s Gulf Stream, reef/wreck, or bottom fishing, we’ll put you right where the action is.

Book Cape Canaveral Deep Sea Fishing Charters

Give us a call or book a trip online, pick your date, and we’ll handle the rest. With expert guidance and all gear and equipment provided, we’re here to make sure your day at sea is one for the books.

Call us now at (321) 543-5109 or reserve your trip online today!