Best Time to Fish Offshore Cocoa Beach | Mahi, Sailfish & More
October 3, 2025
Best Time to Fish Offshore from Cocoa Beach: Mahi, Sailfish & More
If you’re planning an offshore adventure along Florida’s Space Coast, timing can make all the difference. Cocoa Beach offers some of the best offshore fishing opportunities in the state — from mahi-mahi and sailfish to cobia, kingfish, and tuna. But when exactly is the best time to fish offshore from Cocoa Beach? Let’s break down the seasons, the species, and what you can expect on the water.
Why Cocoa Beach Offshore Fishing Charters Are So Special
Located just south of Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach gives anglers fast access to the Atlantic Gulf Stream, nearshore reefs, and productive offshore structures. For more information on Florida fishing regulations, check the FWC website. Within a short run from Port Canaveral, you can be trolling deep blue waters for mahi or live-baiting over wrecks for cobia. This combination of accessibility and species variety makes Cocoa Beach a year-round fishing destination.
Spring Offshore Fishing in Cocoa Beach: Kingfish Runs & the Start of Mahi Season
Spring is when the offshore action really starts heating up. As the water warms, king mackerel (kingfish) migrate along the coast, often holding near nearshore reefs and bait pods. These fish provide fast-paced action, especially when trolling live bait.
By late spring (April–May), the mahi-mahi migration begins in earnest. These colorful, hard-fighting fish travel north along the Gulf Stream, often found near weed lines, floating debris, or current edges. Calm weather, warm water, and active bait make late spring one of the most exciting times to book a deep sea fishing charter out of Cocoa Beach.
Top Targets:
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Kingfish
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Mahi-mahi (dolphinfish)
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Cobia
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Sailfish (early arrivals)
Summer: Prime Time for Mahi and Sailfish
Summer is peak season for offshore fishing trips off Cocoa Beach. Calm seas and warm water bring consistent mahi-mahi action, with fish often found just 10–20 miles offshore. This is also one of the best times to target Atlantic sailfish, as they follow bait schools along the edge of the Gulf Stream.
For those who love variety, summer also offers chances at blackfin tuna, wahoo, and occasional blue marlin. Morning departures are popular to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, and the fishing can be spectacular for both experienced anglers and families.
Top Targets:
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Mahi-mahi (peak)
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Sailfish
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Blackfin tuna
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Wahoo
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Kingfish
Fall: Cobia, Kingfish, and Migrating Pelagics
As temperatures cool slightly, fall brings another wave of opportunity. Cobia migrate south along the beaches and nearshore reefs, making them a top target for anglers sight-fishing near rays or wrecks. Kingfish are also thick this time of year, often in large schools close to shore.
Fall weather is generally stable, and crowds thin out compared to summer, making this a great season for anglers who want excellent fishing with a little more elbow room.
Top Targets:
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Cobia
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Kingfish (strong bite)
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Sailfish (late fall push)
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Mahi-mahi (still possible early fall)
Winter: Bottom Fishing and Sporadic Pelagics
While offshore pelagics slow down in winter, Cocoa Beach still offers solid deep sea fishing opportunities. Cooler months are prime time for snapper, grouper, and other reef species. Weather windows are shorter, but when the seas cooperate, winter trips can be productive and uncrowded.
Top Targets:
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Red snapper (when season allows)
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Grouper
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Amberjack
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Sporadic sailfish or wahoo on warm fronts
Planning Your Cocoa Beach Offshore Fishing Trip
The truth is — there’s no bad time to fish offshore from Cocoa Beach, but different seasons offer different experiences. Whether you’re chasing summer mahi offshore or sight-fishing cobia in the fall, the key is fishing with experienced captains who know the waters and seasonal patterns inside out.
At Fin & Fly Charters, our team runs deep sea fishing trips year-round, customizing each charter to match the best seasonal opportunities. From family-friendly half days to full-day offshore runs, we’ll put you on the bite.
👉 Book your offshore fishing trip today and experience Cocoa Beach fishing at its finest.
