Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by Eric

For many fishermen, deep-sea fishing is a bucket-list experience—one that brings a whole new level of excitement and challenge compared to freshwater or near-shore fishing. Cape Canaveral, Florida, is one of the premier spots for deep-sea fishing, offering rich waters full of various species, especially during the fall season. If you’re thinking about heading offshore for the first time, fall is a fantastic time to do it, with perfect weather and a variety of fish just waiting to be caught.

Whether you’re an experienced freshwater angler or completely new to the sport, there’s plenty to learn and prepare for when heading out on your first deep-sea adventure. This guide covers everything you need to know—what species to expect, fishing techniques, preparation tips, and how a typical day unfolds on the water.

The Excitement of Deep-Sea Fishing in Fall

Let’s start by talking about the unique allure of deep-sea fishing, especially in the fall. Cape Canaveral’s warm waters attract migrating fish, and the variety of species available during this time makes every cast an adventure. From fast-moving predators like mahi-mahi and kingfish to bottom-dwelling snapper and grouper, there’s no shortage of exciting opportunities waiting for you.

The challenge of deep-sea fishing lies not only in the size and strength of the fish but also in the conditions. Out on the open ocean, you’re far from the calm of lakes and rivers, and the experience of fighting a large fish, with only water as far as the eye can see, is both thrilling and humbling.

But what exactly can you expect from fall deep-sea fishing, and what kinds of fish might you hook?

Species You Can Expect to Catch in Fall

Fall is a prime time for deep-sea fishing because many species are migrating through Florida’s waters. Here’s a detailed look at the specific types of fish you might encounter during your trip out of Cape Canaveral:

Pelagic Species (Surface and Offshore)

Pelagic fish are the fast swimmers of the open ocean, often found near the surface and typically caught while trolling (dragging bait or lures behind a moving boat).

• Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish): Mahi-mahi are a favorite among deep-sea anglers for their vibrant colors, speed, and acrobatic jumps. These fish are abundant in the fall and can be caught while trolling offshore. They’re known for putting up a great fight, and their delicious meat makes them a prize catch.
• King Mackerel (Kingfish): Kingfish are another top target in the fall. They’re fast swimmers with sharp teeth and can be caught close to shore or farther out. Kingfish can grow quite large and are often caught while trolling.
• Wahoo: Wahoo are prized for their incredible speed—they’re one of the fastest fish in the ocean. These powerful predators hit lures hard and are known for making long, fast runs. Fall is a great time to target them as they pass through Florida waters.
• Tuna:
  • Blackfin Tuna: These smaller tuna are common in the fall and are often caught while trolling in schools. Blackfin put up a solid fight despite their smaller size and are known for their tasty, firm meat.
  • Yellowfin Tuna: Yellowfin are larger and more challenging to catch than blackfin, requiring longer trips offshore. If you’re lucky enough to hook one, be prepared for a strong, fast fish that can test your endurance.
  • Skipjack Tuna: Often found in schools, skipjack are smaller but still a fun and frequent catch while trolling.
• Sailfish: Sailfish are one of the most exciting game fish to target due to their speed and spectacular leaps. As they migrate south for the winter, sailfish become more abundant in the fall.
• Barracuda: Barracudas are sleek, fast, and known for their sharp teeth and aggressive strikes. While not always considered the most desirable catch, they’re a frequent target while trolling and can be quite exciting to reel in.

Reef and Bottom-Dwelling Species

If you’re fishing near reefs or wrecks, you’ll be targeting bottom-dwelling species, often using different techniques like bottom fishing, where bait is dropped to the seafloor.

• Snapper:
  • Red Snapper: These are perhaps the most famous snapper species, known for their size and delicious flavor. Red snapper are heavily regulated, so you may need to check whether it’s in season.
  • Mangrove Snapper: Smaller than red snapper, mangroves are abundant near reefs and are a fun challenge on lighter tackle.
  • Lane Snapper and Vermilion Snapper: These brightly colored fish are smaller but frequent catches near reefs.
• Grouper:
  • Gag Grouper: A powerful fish known for its fight, gag grouper live near reefs and rocky bottoms. They’re a prize catch and often require heavy gear to pull from the deep.
  • Red Grouper and Black Grouper: These larger fish are commonly found over ledges and reefs and are highly sought after for their strong fight and great taste.
  • Scamp Grouper: Another great bottom fish to target, scamp are usually found in the same areas as other groupers.
• Amberjack: Nicknamed “reef donkeys” for their incredible strength, amberjack are tough fighters that often hang around wrecks and reefs. If you hook one, be prepared for a long, grueling battle.

Migratory Species

In the fall, you also have a good chance of hooking migratory fish that are passing through the area.

• Cobia: Cobia are often seen following rays or sharks, and they’re known for their strong fight and excellent eating. Fall is a great time to find them, especially near reefs and structures.
• Spanish Mackerel: These smaller mackerel are speedy and often caught while trolling closer to shore.
• Bonito (Little Tunny): Often mistaken for small tuna, bonito are fun to catch but not typically eaten. They’re commonly found while trolling.

Other Species to Watch For

• Sharks: Various species, such as blacktip, spinner, and hammerhead sharks, are frequent catches in the fall. While most are released, they can be thrilling to hook and provide a unique fight.
• Triggerfish: Found near reefs, these smaller but strong fighters are great to eat and commonly caught while bottom fishing.
• Porgy: Another reef fish, porgy are smaller but often caught in groups and make for tasty meals.

Fishing Techniques: Trolling vs. Bottom Fishing

Your choice of fishing technique will depend on the target species and the conditions that day. Here’s a quick breakdown of the two main methods used in deep-sea fishing out of Cape Canaveral:

Trolling

Trolling is a popular method for targeting pelagic species like mahi-mahi, wahoo, kingfish, and tuna. The boat moves slowly through the water while dragging baited lines or lures behind it. Multiple lines are typically set at different depths to increase the chances of a bite. When a fish strikes, the reel will start to scream, and the angler takes over to fight and reel in the fish.

Trolling is ideal for covering a lot of water and targeting fast-moving fish. It’s exciting because you never know what might hit—mahi-mahi one moment, wahoo the next.

Bottom Fishing

Bottom fishing is used to target reef and structure-dwelling species like snapper, grouper, and amberjack. The boat will anchor or drift over a reef or wreck, and anglers drop baited lines straight down to the seafloor. The bite can range from subtle to immediate, depending on the fish, and fighting a big grouper or snapper from the bottom is often a slow, powerful tug-of-war.

Bottom fishing requires patience but is rewarding when you finally reel up a fish from the depths.

What a Typical Trip Looks Like

If you’re wondering what the experience of a full day of deep-sea fishing will be like, here’s a step-by-step rundown:

1. Meeting at the Dock

Your day will usually start early—around 6 or 7 a.m.—when you meet your captain and crew at the dock. The boat will already be prepped with rods, tackle, and bait. The crew will go over safety protocols, including where to find life jackets, how to use the fishing equipment, and emergency procedures.

2. Heading Out to Sea

Depending on the target species and where the captain plans to fish, the boat may travel anywhere from 10 to 30+ miles offshore. This can take 30 minutes to over an hour. Enjoy the ride—you might see dolphins, sea turtles, or other wildlife along the way. The boat will be moving quickly over the swells, so hold onto your hat and enjoy the feel of the open ocean.

3. The First Fishing Spot

Once you reach the first fishing area, the crew will help set up rods for either trolling or bottom fishing, depending on the plan for the day.

• If you’re trolling, the lines will be set out behind the boat, and you’ll wait for a fish to strike. When it does, the real action begins as you take turns reeling in the fish.
• If you’re bottom fishing, you’ll drop bait to the seafloor and wait for a bite. When a big snapper or grouper bites, it can feel like pulling up a heavy weight from the depths.

The crew will assist you with everything from baiting hooks to guiding you through the fight with the fish.

4. Multiple Stops

Throughout the day, the captain may move the boat to several different spots, depending on the conditions and how the fish are biting. This gives you a chance to target different species, as some areas may be better for trolling while others are better for bottom fishing.

5. Breaks and Downtime

Between fishing spots or while waiting for a bite, you’ll have some downtime. This is the perfect opportunity to relax, take in the sights, and enjoy some snacks. The open ocean is peaceful, and it’s a great moment to recharge before the next big bite.

6. Wrapping Up

After several hours of fishing (usually 4–8 hours), the boat will head back to the dock. If you’ve caught fish you plan to keep, the crew will often fillet and prepare them for you to take home.

7. Back at the Dock

Once you’re back, the excitement continues as you and your fellow anglers swap stories, take pictures with your catch, and talk about the day. If you’ve caught fish like mahi-mahi, snapper, or grouper, you’ll have fresh fillets to enjoy that night!

Preparing for Your Trip: What to Know Before You Go

While deep-sea fishing is a blast, it’s important to be prepared for a full day out on the water. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Seasickness

Even if you’ve never been seasick before, the open ocean can be a different experience compared to being nearshore or in calmer waters. The rolling waves and swells can cause motion sickness, even for seasoned boaters. It’s a good idea to bring along Dramamine or other seasickness medications, and it’s best to take them before you board to prevent nausea before it starts.

Weather

Fall weather in Florida can be unpredictable. While the waters are usually calm, storms can roll in unexpectedly. Your captain will keep a close eye on weather conditions, but it’s important to check the forecast before heading out. Be prepared for possible changes in plans or even rescheduling if conditions are unsafe.

Sun Protection

Even in the fall, the Florida sun can be intense, especially when you’re out on the water with no shade. The reflection of the sun off the water can cause sunburns faster than you’d expect. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses (to reduce the glare), and consider wearing long-sleeved UV-protective shirts. Staying sun-protected will ensure you enjoy your day without getting burned.

Hydration and Snacks

The combination of sun, saltwater, and physical activity can wear you out faster than you might think. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day, and pack snacks to keep your energy up. Many charters provide some refreshments, but it’s always good to bring extra, especially for a full day of fishing.

Safety

Before you head out, the crew will give a safety briefing, including instructions on how to use life jackets, handle fishing gear, and what to do in case of emergency. Pay attention to these details, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if anything is unclear. Safety is the top priority on the water.

Fish Handling

Some fish, like barracuda or sharks, have sharp teeth or spines, and you’ll need to handle them carefully. The crew will usually assist with bringing these fish on board, but it’s important to follow their instructions. If you’re planning to release a fish, make sure to handle it gently and return it to the water quickly to ensure its survival.

Final Thoughts: The Role of the Crew and Your Experience

A big part of the success and enjoyment of your first deep-sea fishing trip will come down to the expertise of your captain and crew. An experienced captain knows the best fishing spots, the right techniques for each species, and how to keep everyone safe and comfortable throughout the trip. Trust their guidance—they’ll help you with everything from reeling in your first big fish to filleting your catch at the end of the day.

Deep-sea fishing is a thrilling adventure, but it can also be unpredictable. Some days the fish are biting nonstop, and other days they’re more elusive. Regardless of the outcome, the experience of being on the open ocean, the excitement of the fight, and the camaraderie with your fellow anglers make the trip worthwhile.

So, if you’re ready to take the plunge into the world of deep-sea fishing, Cape Canaveral is an excellent place to start. With its abundant fall fish species, experienced crews, and beautiful ocean scenery, your first deep-sea fishing adventure is bound to be unforgettable.

Now that you’re equipped with all this information, it’s time to book your trip, get out there, and see what the ocean has in store for you. Whether it’s a powerful wahoo, a hefty grouper, or even a sailfish leaping out of the water, one thing’s for sure—your first deep-sea fishing trip will be one for the books.