Cape Canaveral fishing calendar
What’s biting each month, and the best months to book.
Plan your Cape Canaveral fishing trip with our month-by-month calendar for redfish, spotted seatrout, black drum, snook, tarpon and sailfish. Peak means the best fishing of the year, Good means steady fishing and Fair means possible but slower.
When is the best time to fish in Cape Canaveral?
The best fishing in Cape Canaveral is Apr and Nov, when redfish, spotted seatrout, snook, sailfish and king mackerel are at their peak. There is something to catch all year: winter is best for redfish, spotted seatrout and black drum; spring is best for redfish, spotted seatrout and black drum; summer is best for tarpon and mahi-mahi; fall is best for redfish, spotted seatrout and snook.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): best for redfish, spotted seatrout, black drum and sailfish; also king mackerel and cobia.
- Spring (Mar–May): best for redfish, spotted seatrout, black drum and snook; also tarpon and sailfish.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): best for tarpon and mahi-mahi; also redfish, spotted seatrout and snook.
- Fall (Sep–Nov): best for redfish, spotted seatrout, snook and tarpon; also black drum.
Cape Canaveral fishing calendar by month
How good the fishing is for each fish, month by month. Tap a fish for our full guide.
- Peak best fishing of the year
- Good steady fishing
- Fair possible, but slower
- – slow, out of season or closed
| Fish | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inshore (Indian River & Banana River) | ||||||||||||
| Redfish | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak |
| Spotted seatrout | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Peak | Peak |
| Black drum | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Peak |
| Snook | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Fair |
| Tarpon | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | ||||
| Offshore | ||||||||||||
| Sailfish | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak |
| King mackerel (kingfish) | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Good |
| Cobia | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair |
| Mahi-mahi (dolphin) | Fair | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair | |||||
Seasons, size limits and bag limits change every year: see FWC saltwater rules and FWC freshwater rules. Snook and some other fish are catch-and-release in closed months.
What’s biting each month in Cape Canaveral
Swipe to see every month →
January
Peak Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Black drum and Sailfish
Good King mackerel (kingfish)
February
Peak Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Black drum and Sailfish
Good King mackerel (kingfish) and Cobia
March
Peak Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Black drum and Cobia
Good Snook, Sailfish and King mackerel (kingfish)
April
Peak Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Snook, King mackerel (kingfish), Cobia and Mahi-mahi (dolphin)
Good Black drum and Sailfish
May
Peak Snook and Mahi-mahi (dolphin)
Good Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Black drum, Tarpon, King mackerel (kingfish) and Cobia
June
Peak Tarpon and Mahi-mahi (dolphin)
Good Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Snook and King mackerel (kingfish)
July
Peak Tarpon and Mahi-mahi (dolphin)
Good Redfish, Snook and King mackerel (kingfish)
August
Peak Tarpon
Good Redfish, Snook, King mackerel (kingfish) and Mahi-mahi (dolphin)
September
Peak Redfish, Snook and Tarpon
Good Spotted seatrout and King mackerel (kingfish)
October
Peak Redfish, Snook, Tarpon and King mackerel (kingfish)
Good Spotted seatrout, Black drum and Sailfish
November
Peak Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Snook, Sailfish and King mackerel (kingfish)
Good Black drum and Tarpon
December
Peak Redfish, Spotted seatrout, Black drum and Sailfish
Good King mackerel (kingfish)
Best months for each fish in Cape Canaveral
- Redfish: best Sep–Apr; good all year.
- Spotted seatrout: best Nov–Apr; good Sep–Jun.
- Black drum: best Dec–Mar; good Oct–May.
- Snook: best Apr–May and Sep–Nov; good Mar–Nov.
- Tarpon: best Jun–Oct; good May–Nov.
- Sailfish: best Nov–Feb; good Oct–Apr.
- King mackerel (kingfish): best Apr and Oct–Nov; good all year.
- Cobia: best Mar–Apr; good Feb–May.
- Mahi-mahi (dolphin): best Apr–Jul; good Apr–Aug.
Reviews from Cape Canaveral trips
5.01 review
Fantastic, Must Do Experience
Fantastic Experience and a must if you are in the area. Great fishing, staff, crew, and boat were on point! What more can you ask for?
Chip G. · February 2020
Cape Canaveral fishing calendar FAQ
When is the best time to fish in Cape Canaveral?
The best fishing in Cape Canaveral is Apr and Nov, when redfish, spotted seatrout, snook, sailfish and king mackerel are at their peak. There is something to catch all year: winter is best for redfish, spotted seatrout and black drum; spring is best for redfish, spotted seatrout and black drum; summer is best for tarpon and mahi-mahi; fall is best for redfish, spotted seatrout and snook.
What fish are biting in Cape Canaveral in winter?
From December to February, redfish, spotted seatrout, black drum and sailfish are at their best, and king mackerel and cobia are good. Pick calm days between cold fronts.
What fish are biting in Cape Canaveral in summer?
From June to August, tarpon and mahi-mahi are at their best, and redfish, spotted seatrout, snook and king mackerel are good. Book an early start to beat the heat and afternoon storms.
What is the best month for redfish in Cape Canaveral?
Redfish fishing in Cape Canaveral is best Sep–Apr, and good all year.
When is the best time for sailfish in Cape Canaveral?
Sailfish fishing in Cape Canaveral is best Nov–Feb, and good Oct–Apr.
Do fishing seasons and limits apply in Cape Canaveral?
Yes. Some fish have closed seasons, size limits and bag limits that change from year to year. Months marked “–” on this calendar are slow, out of season or usually closed. Your captain follows the current rules; check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for this year’s dates.
How do I book a fishing trip in Cape Canaveral?
Pick your trip and date on the Cape Canaveral fishing charters page and book online with a local captain. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before your trip, and a full refund or free reschedule if the captain cancels for weather. Questions? Call or text (407) 392-4593.