5.0(2 Reviews)Family Fishing Fun in Goodland Waters
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 2hour family fishing adventure for up to 6 guestsTarget Jack Crevalle, Redfish, Snapper, and Bull Shark speciesCombines inshore and nearshore fishing in Goodland waters
Looking for a fishing trip that'll get the whole family hooked? This 2-hour private charter with 4th Story Charters is designed specifically for kids and families who want to experience the best of what Goodland's waters have to offer. Captain Jason knows exactly where to find the action, and he's got a knack for keeping young anglers engaged while teaching them the ropes. You'll be fishing both inshore flats and nearshore waters, giving everyone a chance to tangle with everything from feisty jacks to impressive bull sharks. With room for up to 6 people, it's perfect for multi-generational fishing adventures or getting the neighborhood kids their first taste of saltwater fishing.
Your private charter launches from Goodland, putting you right in the heart of some of Southwest Florida's most productive fishing grounds. Captain Jason starts by reading the conditions – tide, wind, and water clarity all play into where you'll spend your time. Kids love the variety this trip offers because you're not stuck in one spot all day. One minute you might be sight-fishing for redfish in skinny water, and the next you're dropping baits in deeper channels where sharks cruise. The captain brings all the gear, from light spinning tackle perfect for smaller hands to heavier setups when the big fish show up. He'll adjust techniques based on your group's experience level, so first-timers feel confident while seasoned young anglers stay challenged. Don't forget to bring cash for the balance – it's due on the day of your trip.
This top-rated charter combines the best of inshore and nearshore fishing techniques. In the shallows, you'll use live bait like shrimp and small crabs on light tackle to target redfish and sheepshead around structure. Captain Jason's got eagle eyes for spotting fish, and he'll point out redfish tailing in the grass or sheepshead hanging around pilings before you even see them. When you move to deeper water, the approach shifts to bottom fishing and drift fishing with cut bait to attract the bigger predators. The boat carries everything from 1/0 hooks for the smaller species up to 5/0 circle hooks when you're targeting sharks. Kids get a kick out of learning different knot tying techniques, and Captain Jason makes sure everyone understands why you use different baits and presentations. The shallow draft boat lets you access backcountry spots where the big boats can't go, giving you first crack at fish that haven't been pressured.
"Had a great fishing trip this morning! Captain Jason was great working with our two boys (11yo & 13yo) teaching them the nuisances of fishing. He put us on the fish right away and we caught 30+ fish in an hour including 2 bonnet sharks and a 6' bull shark. We had a blast and will be booking with Captain Jason again." - Tim
"We had an amazing 21/2 hour fishing trip with Captain Jason. He not only knew some great spots but also was very knowledgeable about the natural habitat where we were fishing. We also got to see a family of manatees feeding just feet from the boat. Highly recommend Captain Jason to anyone looking for an amazing experience out on the water !" - Stephen
Sheepshead are one of the craftiest fish you'll encounter on this charter, and they're a favorite among young anglers who like a challenge. These black-and-white striped fish hang around docks, bridges, and rocky structure, using their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. They're notorious bait stealers, so Captain Jason teaches kids to feel for that subtle tap-tap before setting the hook. Best fishing happens during cooler months from December through March when they school up for spawning. What makes sheepshead so rewarding is that they require finesse – light line, small hooks, and fresh bait. When a kid finally figures out the technique and lands their first keeper sheepshead, you'll see pure pride on their face.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers never disappoint families looking for bent rods. You'll find them year-round in Goodland's waters, but fall and winter offer the best action when they form massive schools in shallow bays. Reds are perfect for kids because they eat aggressively and fight hard without being too technical to catch. Captain Jason loves putting families on slot-sized fish in the 18 to 27-inch range – they're big enough to be exciting but manageable for smaller anglers. The real magic happens when you're sight-fishing for tailing reds in two feet of water. These fish can live over 50 years and reach trophy sizes, so every cast could produce a fish of a lifetime.
Crevalle Jack bring the raw power that gets kids addicted to saltwater fishing. These silver missiles show up in schools and attack baits with reckless abandon, often creating feeding frenzies that have everyone on the boat catching fish at once. They're built like football players – thick, muscular, and ready to fight. Jacks are present year-round but peak during warmer months when baitfish are most abundant. What kids love about crevalle jack is their unpredictability. They might ignore your bait for ten minutes, then suddenly the whole school lights up and you're into fish after fish. These aren't table fare, but they're world-class fighters that teach young anglers how to pump and wind properly. A 10-pound jack will test any kid's endurance and leave them with sore arms and huge smiles.
Bull Shark encounters are what separate this family charter from your typical kiddie fishing trip. These apex predators cruise Goodland's waters year-round, with peak activity during warmer months. Bulls are unique because they can tolerate fresh water, often moving far up rivers and into brackish areas where
Get ready to hit the waters around Goodland aboard The 4th Story, our spacious 25-foot Robalo center console that's built for family fishing adventures. This 2020 beauty runs on a powerful 300HP Yamaha engine, getting you to the fish fast while keeping everyone comfortable. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space for the whole crew to cast lines and reel in everything from feisty Jack Crevalle to tasty Mangrove Snapper. The boat comes loaded with a fish finder to locate the hot spots, GPS navigation, radar for safety, and a wireless trolling motor for those sneaky approaches when the fish are picky. Whether you're teaching the kids their first cast or hunting for that trophy Redfish, this center console handles the shallow inshore waters like a dream. Perfect for families wanting to experience Florida's incredible fishing without the crowds of a charter boat.
Carcharhinus LeucasThese thick-bodied predators cruise our shallow coastal waters year-round, typically running 6-10 feet and 200-300 pounds. What makes them special is their ability to hunt in surprisingly shallow water and even brackish areas where freshwater mixes in. Summer months bring the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. Guests get pumped about the power and the unique challenge of targeting a true apex predator in family-friendly conditions. We practice catch-and-release for safety and conservation. Fresh cut bait like mullet or mackerel works best, but here's the key - use a good chum line to draw them in. Once you get their attention, they'll hit with authority. Keep your drag smooth and give them room to run - trying to muscle them just leads to broken tackle.
Caranx HipposThese brassy bulldogs are pure adrenaline on light tackle. Averaging 3-5 pounds but capable of hitting 20-plus, they hunt in aggressive schools that'll tear up anything you throw at them. Watch for diving birds - that's your cue that jacks are pushing baitfish to the surface. They roam both shallow flats and deeper channels, but the real action happens when you find them busting bait topside. Spring through fall gives you the best shots here in our warm Gulf waters. Kids get a kick out of their bulldogging fight, though the meat's not great eating. Silver spoons work magic, but here's the trick - cast past the school and rip it back fast. They love the chase, and that aggressive retrieve triggers strikes when nothing else will.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum with that signature black spot near the tail make for some of the most exciting shallow water fishing around. Most of ours run 20-30 inches and put up a serious fight in just 1-4 feet of water. Look for their copper backs cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. They're here year-round, but fall and winter bring the best action when they school up. Families love watching them tail in skinny water - sometimes their backs stick right out. The meat's excellent too, mild and flaky. My go-to trick is throwing topwater plugs early morning or late afternoon when they're pushing bait. Keep it simple with gold spoons or live shrimp, and don't be afraid to fish water so shallow you think you'll run aground.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThese gray and black striped fish earn their "convict fish" nickname honestly. Most run 1-8 pounds, but we occasionally hook into 15-20 pounders that'll surprise you. Their human-like teeth are perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs around docks, bridges, and any structure with growth on it. You'll find them year-round here in Goodland, but winter through spring is prime time when they're spawning and feeding heavy. Kids love seeing those weird teeth, and adults love the sweet white meat - some of the best eating you'll find. They're notorious bait thieves though, so use small hooks with fiddler crabs or shrimp, and set the hook hard the second you feel that telltale tap-tap.
5.0 out of 5.0Had a great fishing trip this morning! Captain Jason was great working with our two boys (11yo & 13yo) teaching them the nuisances...
We had an amazing 21/2 hour fishing trip with Captain Jason. He not only knew some great spots but also was very knowledgeable abo...
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