Port Canaveral Snook Fishing Report - 1/29/2025

Port Canaveral on Florida’s Space Coast delivered excellent snook action on this crisp January morning. As a key inshore hotspot near Orlando, this bustling port area is famous for its sturdy jetties, calm backwaters, and a year-round population of hard-fighting snook. Our latest trip proved why this spot remains a favorite for anglers and a must-visit for anyone seeking an Orlando-area fishing charter.

Early Morning Conditions & Water Temps

We launched before sunrise with air temperatures hovering around 60°F—a pleasant start for a winter outing. The water temperature sat between 66–68°F, an ideal range for snook to remain active. Light offshore winds kept waters manageable around the jetties, and partially overcast skies helped maintain a subtle bite window through mid-morning.

Productive Techniques & Baits

• Live Shrimp & Pilchards: The go-to presentation was free-lined live shrimp and pilchards. Drifting bait along jetty rocks and channel drop-offs triggered aggressive hits from snook seeking easy meals in the moving current.
• Soft Plastic Jerkbaits: During lulls in the bite, switching to soft plastic jerkbaits in natural silver or pearl colors proved effective, especially when worked slowly near structure. The snook were keyed in on small baitfish, so these imitations worked well in tighter spots.
• Light Tackle & Leader: We downsized to 20–30 lb fluorocarbon leaders to entice bites without spooking fish in the clear, moving water. Despite snook being feisty fighters, this lighter gear maximized strikes while still offering enough backbone to steer bigger fish away from rocks.

Catch Count & Notable Highlights

We boated multiple snook in the 20–30 inch range, along with a few solid fish pushing the upper end of the slot. Several larger fish made formidable runs toward the pilings, but we managed to land the majority thanks to quick reflexes and diligent drag settings. The consistent bite continued throughout the morning, easing off as midday approached.

Book Your Orlando-Area Fishing Charter

Whether you’re chasing snook around Port Canaveral’s jetties or targeting other inshore favorites on Florida’s Space Coast, Fish It All has you covered. Led by second-generation Floridian Captain David Nelson, our private charters provide expert instruction, top-of-the-line gear, and a personalized experience for anglers of every level. Book your trip now and see firsthand why Port Canaveral’s snook fishing is a winter highlight—just a short drive from Orlando’s main attractions!