Cocoa Beach fishing charters
Inshore on the Banana River, plus offshore out of nearby Port Canaveral.
Book a local captain for inshore fishing on the Banana River for redfish, trout and snook, or an offshore trip out of Port Canaveral, just north of Cocoa Beach, for mahi, kingfish and sailfish. Inshore trips start at $500 for 4 hours. Offshore trips start at $1,000 for 5 hours.
Build Your Trip
Book your Cocoa Beach fishing trips today: inshore on the Banana River and offshore out of Port Canaveral.
Tell us what sounds fun and we’ll show the trips that fit, or pick a trip and the fish you want.
1. What sounds fun? Optional
2. Pick your trip Start here · select one
Saltwater
Looking for a specific fish?
2. Your options
Where do you want to fish? How longPick a trip to see your options and the live calendar.
Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm. Your guide or captain confirms the meeting spot and start time with you before the trip. Distances are straight-line estimates; drive times vary with traffic.
Reviews from Cocoa Beach 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
What fishing charters can you book in Cocoa Beach?
iOutdoors books inshore fishing trips on the Banana River for redfish, seatrout and snook, from $500 for 4 hours and $550 for 6 hours, and offshore trips out of Port Canaveral for mahi-mahi, kingfish and sailfish, from $1,000 for 5 hours, $1,300 for 7 hours and $1,500 for 9 hours. Trips include the licensed captain, fishing license, tackle, bait and fuel.
Inshore or offshore?
| Inshore | Offshore | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Banana River behind Cocoa Beach | The Atlantic out of Port Canaveral |
| Main target | Redfish, seatrout, snook, tarpon | Mahi-mahi, kingfish, sailfish, cobia |
| Trip lengths | 4 or 6 hours | 5, 7 or 9 hours |
| Price | From $500 | From $1,000 |
| License | Covered by the captain | Covered by the captain |
| Best for | Families, first-timers, light tackle | Big fish and experienced anglers |
| Book inshore | Book offshore |
What’s biting by season around Cocoa Beach
Full Cocoa Beach fishing calendarWinter Dec–Feb
- Inshore: Redfish and black drum; trout in the deeper water
- Offshore: Sailfish and kingfish
Spring Mar–May
- Inshore: Redfish, trout and snook pick up
- Offshore: Cobia migration; mahi start to show
Summer Jun–Aug
- Inshore: Snook and tarpon; fish early
- Offshore: Mahi and kingfish
Fall Sep–Nov
- Inshore: The mullet run: snook, redfish and tarpon
- Offshore: Kingfish and sailfish
What fish can you catch in Cocoa Beach?
Cocoa Beach fish species depend on where you fish:
- Inshore (Banana River and the lagoons): redfish, spotted seatrout, snook, tarpon and black drum. See Cocoa Beach inshore fishing.
- Offshore (the Atlantic out of Port Canaveral): mahi-mahi, kingfish, sailfish and cobia. See Cocoa Beach deep sea fishing.
Redfish
Red drumOn the grass flats and shorelines of the lagoons, all year.
Spotted seatrout
Speckled troutOver grass beds; a good fish for beginners.
Mahi-mahi
DolphinfishSpring and summer offshore, often under weed lines.
Kingfish
King mackerelOn the reefs and along the coast in the warmer months.
Cobia
LingSpring migration along the coast.
Seasons, size and bag limits apply to many species: see the FWC saltwater fishing regulations.
Where you’ll fish
Open in Google Maps: Banana River · Port Canaveral
Inshore: trips fish the Banana River behind Cocoa Beach.
Offshore: trips run out of Port Canaveral, just north of Cocoa Beach. Your captain confirms the meeting spot and start time before the trip.
Planning a fishing trip in Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach sits on a barrier island between the Atlantic and the Banana River, with Port Canaveral just to the north for offshore trips.
Inshore or offshore: how to choose
Choose inshore for redfish, seatrout and snook in the protected water of the Banana River; it suits families and first-timers. Choose offshore for mahi, kingfish and sailfish; trips run 5, 7 or 9 hours out of Port Canaveral.
The best time of year
Inshore fishing is good all year, with the fall mullet run bringing snook, redfish and tarpon. Offshore, spring brings cobia, summer brings mahi, and the cooler months bring sailfish. The Cocoa Beach fishing calendar has the month-by-month details.
Where to stay and what’s nearby
Inshore trips fish the Banana River behind Cocoa Beach and offshore trips leave from Port Canaveral, just north, so a beach hotel works for both. Your captain or guide confirms the exact meeting spot before the trip.
- Inshore and offshore trips: Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront and Hilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach Oceanfront are on North Atlantic Avenue; Best Western Cocoa Beach - Port Canaveral is closest to the port.
Getting here: Orlando International (MCO) is about an hour away; Melbourne Orlando International (MLB) is closer.
Off the water: The Cocoa Beach Pier and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Hotels are listed for convenience; iOutdoors isn’t affiliated with them.
Good to know before you book
- Licenses: saltwater licenses are covered by the captain.
- Group size: the booking calendar shows the price for your group.
- Weather: if the captain cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a free reschedule.
- Cancellation: free up to 72 hours before your trip.
Cocoa Beach fishing questions
How much does a fishing charter in Cocoa Beach cost?
Inshore trips start at $500 for 4 hours and $550 for 6 hours. Offshore trips out of Port Canaveral start at $1,000 for 5 hours, $1,300 for 7 hours and $1,500 for 9 hours. The booking calendar shows the exact price for your date and group.
Where do offshore trips leave from?
Port Canaveral, just north of Cocoa Beach. Your captain confirms the meeting spot and start time before the trip.
What can I catch inshore in Cocoa Beach?
Redfish, spotted seatrout, snook, tarpon and black drum on the Banana River and nearby lagoons.
Do I need a fishing license?
No. On saltwater trips the captain’s license covers you.
What’s included?
The licensed captain, fishing license, rods, reels, tackle, bait and fuel. Not included: the tip (10–20% is customary) and food and drinks.
Are these trips good for kids and first-timers?
Yes. Inshore trips fish protected water in the lagoons and rivers, and your captain sets up the rods and helps every step of the way.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If the captain cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a free reschedule.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 72 hours before your trip.
