Captains

Meet the Captains of Fired Up Charters

MEET THE CAPTAINS

Fired Up Fishing Charters wouldn’t exist without the hard work and dedication of our Cocoa Beach fishing captains and team members. Every trip takes teamwork—answering calls, emails, and texts, coordinating schedules, sending itineraries, and, of course, choosing the perfect day to fish.

One of the questions we hear often is: “When is it too rough to go out?” The truth is, there’s no simple answer. But if we say it’s too rough, please trust us—it means it’s not safe or enjoyable for your family. We live by the weather and check it constantly because your safety and comfort always come first.

Each of our captains has a unique journey that led them here, but they all share the same goal: to help you experience the fishing trip of a lifetime on Florida’s Space Coast. Many guests tell us, “You have the dream job!” And the truth is—yes, we do. But it’s not always easy.

Our captains’ days start before sunrise—around 5:00 AM prepping boats, gear, and bait. After your trip, they spend several more hours cleaning the fish, gear, and boat to ensure everything is ready for the next adventure. It’s hard work, but it’s work they love.

When you fish with Fired Up, you’re not just booking a trip—you’re joining a crew that lives and breathes this lifestyle every day.

👉 Be sure to read the stories of each of our Cocoa Beach fishing captains below to get to know them better. And if you enjoyed your trip, please show them some love with a gratuity—they work hard to make your day unforgettable.

Chris Cameron

Captain, Owner

Hello, I’m Captain Chris Cameron, proud owner and operator of Fired Up Fishing Charters out of Port Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Florida. Fishing has been in my blood for as long as I can remember. I was born in 1976 in Seaford, New York, and grew up fishing alongside my father and grandfather. Rain, shine—or even snow—you could always find me with a fishing pole in hand. By the time I was a teenager, I was working in the local bait shop, learning knots, lures, tackle tricks, and soaking up knowledge from every fisherman I met.

After high school, I chose to serve my country in the United States Navy, where I trained as an Aviation Mechanic and spent 8 years aboard ships and carriers around the world. Even then, whenever we hit port, I was fishing.

When my service ended, I moved to Florida and started building my life around fishing and family. I worked as a mate on top offshore boats in Cape Canaveral, earned my U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License, and in 2007 launched Fired Up Fishing Charters. At the same time, I pursued a career as a Firefighter/Paramedic, a role I love because it allows me to serve my community while still having time to chase my passion on the water.Over the last 15+ years, Fired Up has grown into one of the most trusted names in Cocoa Beach fishing, thanks to repeat guests, loyal crews, and our promise of delivering epic fishing experiences every single trip.

I’ve been blessed with a wonderful family—my sons Cash and Kai, and my wife Jennifer, who is my rock and biggest supporter. Like me as a kid, Cash & Kai have both already picked up the fishing bug, and I love passing down the tradition just as my father did for me.

At Fired Up, we don’t just run charters—we build relationships and memories that last a lifetime. I look forward to welcoming you aboard soon!

Joe Byrd

Captain

Captain Joe Byrd was born in 1978 in the city of Orlando, Florida. He was raised as a child aboard his dad’s fleet of commercial fishing boats targeting swordfish, tuna, tilefish, grouper and other various species. Joe has spent his whole life fishing the waters out of Port Canaveral long before the Port became what it is today and was strictly a commercial/recreational fishing port Canaveral. Behind the scenes Captain Joe is a fun-loving father and husband. His love for the waters has spread throughout his friends and family where even in his time off you will find him there teaching others, fishing with friends, or boating with the family. Captain Joe has earned the respect of many other Captains and fishermen in the industry over the years and is a great part our team here at Fired Up. Whether just taking the family out for a fun day on the water or a seasoned group of experienced anglers looking to load the fish box, Captain Joe enters every trip with the same enthusiasm enjoying every moment and most importantly having a SAFE and ENJOYABLE trip!!! Welcome yourself aboard today with Captain Joe for your fishing experience of a lifetime!

Barrett “BEAR” Bright

Captain

Captain Barrett Bright was born in 1973. He has been fishing the Port Canaveral waters for 40 plus years from a long line of generational fisherman in the family. He has extensive knowledge and catches fish consistently as he has been a commercial fisherman and charter captain for many years.

Captain Bear and I met roughly 15 years ago. Bear was a 28 yr Sherriff and recently retired! If you read up on my Bio, I was a Fireman and Police officer, retired as well. So needless to say we clicked. Knowing Bear and his family has been a blessing to Fired Up over the years. Always there for advice and help, always. Good people! Hopefully you get to meet Bear and you’ll see what I mean.

As far as fishing, hes great. He will feel out your crew and know what to do and what will make everyone happy. Hes great with kids and families because thats what he is.

Dylan Anderson

Captain

Born and raised on the Space Coast, Captain Dylan Anderson has saltwater in his veins. Growing up fishing the waters of Port Canaveral, he developed a deep love and respect for the ocean from a young age. Dylan turned his childhood passion into a lifelong career on the water which has always been his dream. With years of experience navigating the Atlantic and targeting everything from kings,snapper, grouper, mahi to sailfish and wahoo Dylan brings a local’s knowledge and a professional’s dedication to every charter. His goal is simple to share the excitement and beauty of Florida’s east coast fishing with anglers of all experience levels.

When you step aboard with Captain Dylan, you’re not just booking a fishing trip you’re joining a legacy of local tradition, skill, and adventure that only someone who grew up fishing these waters can offer.

Debra Cameron

Mom aka “the secretary”

Running this business while working a full time job has been a challenge. Answering the phones and customer service in general is another full time job. Customer service to me is #1 and without it the business will fail. So when help was needed, Who better to ask than family. Mom/Mrs C has been instrumental these last few years in keeping the captains informed as well as the customers. She has followed my fishing passion and journey all my life so I know she gets it. She’s on point with the customer service as many of you know, lol. And believe me…EVERY time you mention her name on the 5 star reviews,,,,,, I hear it for many days, lol lol. So if its not me on the phone you’ll get mommy. lol lol. Honestly whoever answers the phone or text, know it will be immediately!!

QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR SPORT FISHING CHARTERS?

No question is too small. Contact us to find out about anything related to your upcoming charter. We love to answer your inquiries.

(407) 222-3573

Interested In Shark Fishing?

Shark Fishing Cocoa Beach is the number one shark fishing charter in Central Florida. Located on the Space Coast in Cape Canaveral near Orlando, Daytona, Melbourne, Cocoa Beach and Kissimmee.