Kids Fishing Adventure in Wilmington Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Two-hour inshore fishing adventure designed for children ages 4-12Captain Guion specializes in kid-friendly catches like croakers and spotCatch-and-release fishing trip accommodates up to four guests
Looking for the perfect way to get your little ones hooked on fishing? Captain Guion's 2-hour family-friendly charter is hands-down the best introduction to angling that Wilmington has to offer. This isn't your typical "sit and wait" fishing trip – we're talking action-packed fun designed specifically for kids ages 4-12. With decades of experience working these inshore waters and three kids of his own, Captain Guion knows exactly how to keep young anglers engaged while parents relax and enjoy watching their children's faces light up with every bite. The boat stays close to shore in protected waters, so even the most sensitive stomachs can handle the gentle ride while we target species that practically jump on the hook.
This trip is all about non-stop action and big smiles. We fish the shallow flats and creek mouths around Wilmington where the smaller, kid-friendly species love to hang out. Captain Guion sets up multiple rods with light tackle that's perfectly sized for little hands, and he's got the patience of a saint when it comes to helping with tangles, bait, and that inevitable "I need to use the bathroom" moment. The boat is equipped with all the safety gear you'd expect, plus some extras like step-stools so the smallest anglers can see over the gunwale. We practice strict catch-and-release, which means every fish goes back home to grow bigger – but not before plenty of photos and high-fives. The 2-hour timeframe is perfect for keeping kids engaged without hitting that wall where they get cranky or bored.
We fish with ultra-light spinning gear that even a 4-year-old can handle. Think 6-foot rods with 10-pound test line – strong enough to land fish but light enough that kids can actually feel the bite and fight. Captain Guion rigs everything with circle hooks for safety and uses small pieces of shrimp or cut bait that the target species can't resist. The fishing happens in 3-8 feet of water over sandy bottom and grass flats, perfect habitat for the smaller inshore species we're after. No heavy sinkers or complicated rigs here – just simple bottom fishing and occasional free-lining when the fish are really active. The captain handles all the netting and unhooking, so parents can focus on taking pictures and kids can focus on the fun part – reeling in their catch.
Atlantic Croaker are the bread and butter of this trip, and for good reason. These scrappy little fighters make a distinctive croaking sound when you pull them out of the water, which absolutely delights kids every single time. They're active year-round in our waters but really turn on during the warmer months from April through October. Croakers typically run 8-12 inches and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. What makes them perfect for young anglers is their willingness to bite almost anything and their tendency to school up, so when you find one, you'll usually catch several more.
Pinfish might get a bad rap from serious anglers as bait stealers, but they're absolute gold when you're fishing with kids. These colorful little guys are aggressive biters and beautiful to look at with their blue and yellow markings. They're abundant around Wilmington's grass flats and structure, especially during summer months. Pinfish are notorious for their sharp dorsal spines, but Captain Guion handles all the unhooking, so kids get all the fun of catching them without any of the pokes. They're also incredibly photogenic, making for some great trophy shots.
Bonnethead Shark encounters are the real highlight that gets kids talking for weeks afterward. These small members of the hammerhead family are completely harmless and absolutely fascinating to young anglers. Bonnetheads cruise the shallow flats looking for crabs and small fish, typically measuring 2-3 feet long – perfect size for creating excitement without fear. They're most active during the warmer months and often found in the same areas where we target croakers and pinfish. When a bonnethead takes the bait, kids get to experience their first shark fight, complete with some gentle runs and head shaking that makes the rod tip dance. Captain Guion always takes extra time with shark catches, explaining the important role these predators play in our ecosystem.
This family-friendly charter fills up fast, especially during summer months and school holidays when families are looking for that perfect outdoor adventure. With a maximum of 4 guests, you're getting personalized attention that's impossible to find on larger head boats or party charters. Captain Guion's reputation for working with young anglers is well-earned, and his patience and enthusiasm are exactly what you want when introducing kids to the sport. The 2-hour format keeps things exciting without overstaying anyone's attention span, and the catch-and-release approach teaches kids about conservation while ensuring future generations can enjoy the same fishing opportunities. Don't wait until the last minute – these spots book weeks in advance during peak season. Your kids will be talking about this fishing adventure long after the suntan fades, and who knows? You might just create the next generation of serious anglers right here in Wilmington's productive inshore waters.
Get ready to hit the water in this sleek 2021 Custom Pair Marine center console that's perfect for your family fishing adventure! This 24-footer is powered by a 350HP Unforgettable engine that'll cruise smoothly at speeds up to 45 knots, getting you and up to 3 other anglers to the best fishing spots around Wilmington's inshore waters fast. The boat comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water - an icebox to keep drinks cold, wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on fish, GPS navigation, and a fish finder to locate those croakers, spot, and puffer fish that kids love catching. The flybridge gives Captain Guion a great vantage point to spot feeding fish and keep everyone safe while the little ones reel in sand sharks and stingrays. Built specifically for inshore fishing, this center console handles the shallow waters where the action happens, making it ideal for introducing young anglers to the sport in a comfortable, stable platform.
Micropogonias UndulatusAtlantic croakers are perfect starter fish for kids - they're plentiful, bite well, and make that famous croaking sound that gets everyone laughing. These pink-silvery fish with brown spots run about a pound and 18 inches, though we catch plenty of smaller ones that are just right for young hands. They hang out in 25-30 feet of water over muddy bottoms, using those little whiskers under their chin to hunt crabs and worms. Spring through fall is prime time when they move into our inshore waters. Kids love hearing them "talk" when they come up, and they're great eating if you decide to keep a few. Pro tip: fish the hour before and after high tide - that's when they really turn on and bite anything you drop down.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnethead sharks are the perfect introduction to shark fishing for kids - they're small, harmless, and put up a good scrap. These mini hammerheads with their distinctive shovel-shaped heads typically run 3-4 feet and stay in our shallow coastal waters during warmer months. You'll find them cruising grass flats, bays, and near-shore areas where they hunt crabs and small fish. Summer through early fall is peak season when they move into Carolina waters. Kids get a real thrill from their first shark, and bonnetheads are gentle enough to handle safely for photos before release. They travel in small schools, so where you catch one, there's usually more. My go-to setup is fresh cut blue crab on a circle hook - just hook it through a leg and let it sit on bottom.
Lagodon RhomboidesPinfish are small but feisty little guys that kids absolutely love catching. These silvery fish with dark vertical bars max out around 4-8 inches, but they make up for size with attitude and numbers. You'll find them in schools around grass flats and structure in 30-50 feet, especially on warm, sunny days when they're most active. They've got sharp spines on their backs, so they teach kids proper fish handling right away. What makes them fun is they're notorious bait stealers - always keeping young anglers busy rebaiting hooks. We catch them year-round, but summer mornings are best. Here's the trick: use small pieces of shrimp or squid on tiny hooks, and drop your sabiki rig near grass edges where they like to hang out feeding.
Wilmington