5.0(2 Reviews)Private 2 Hour Kids & Family Fishing in Goodland
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 2-hour family fishing adventure for up to 6 guestsTarget Jack Crevalle, Redfish, Snapper, and Bull Shark speciesInshore and nearshore fishing in beautiful Goodland waters
Looking for the perfect way to get the kids hooked on fishing? Our 2-hour private family fishing charter out of Goodland is hands-down the best introduction to Southwest Florida's fantastic inshore waters. Captain Jason has been putting families on fish for years, and he knows exactly how to keep the little ones engaged while teaching them real fishing skills. We're talking about shallow water action where you'll see your line get crushed by feisty redfish, clever sheepshead, and hard-fighting jacks. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip lets your crew spread out and fish comfortably without feeling crowded. Plus, you're fishing some of the most productive waters in the region – the kind of spots where locals have been filling coolers for generations.
This isn't your typical "sit and wait" fishing trip. We're targeting both inshore flats and nearshore structure, which means constant action and variety. You'll start in the shallow grass flats where redfish cruise looking for crabs, then move to deeper structure where snapper and sheepshead hang out around pilings and rocks. The beauty of this fishery is that something's always biting – when the reds get finicky, the jacks are usually ready to slam anything that moves. Captain Jason runs a clean, well-equipped boat with all the gear you need, from light tackle rods perfect for kids to heavier setups when we hook into something bigger. The waters around Goodland are protected, so even when it's breezy outside, we can usually find calm spots to fish. Don't worry about bringing anything except sunscreen and drinks – we've got the tackle, bait, and knowledge covered.
We fish live and cut bait here, which is absolutely deadly on these flats. Depending on what's biting, we'll use live shrimp under popping corks for the reds and snapper, or switch to cut bait when the sheepshead are being picky. The kids love watching that cork disappear – there's nothing like seeing their eyes light up when a fish hammers their bait. For the jacks, we'll often throw some artificials like spoons or jigs, especially when we find them busting bait on the surface. The water's usually crystal clear, so you can actually watch fish approach your bait, which gets everyone fired up. We use circle hooks for safety and better fish survival, and Captain Jason will teach proper hook-setting techniques that work every time. The boat's rigged with outriggers when we need them, but most of our fishing is straight down or short casts to structure you can actually see.
"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 the trickiest fish we target, but they're absolute favorites once you figure them out. These black-and-white striped beauties have human-like teeth and love to steal your bait without you even knowing it. They hang around any kind of structure – docks, pilings, rocks – and they're year-round residents here in Goodland. Best technique is small hooks with fiddler crabs or shrimp, and you've got to feel for that subtle bite. Kids get a huge sense of accomplishment when they finally hook one because sheepshead make you work for it. They fight hard for their size and make excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties cruise the grass flats in schools, especially during cooler months. They're aggressive feeders that'll crush live shrimp, cut bait, or artificial lures with equal enthusiasm. What makes reds special is their fighting ability – they'll make long runs and use their broad sides to fight you all the way to the boat. You'll find them year-round in our waters, but fall and winter offer the best action when they school up in big numbers. The slot-size fish (18-27 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized bulls we catch are incredible fighters that get released to spawn.
Crevalle Jacks are pure muscle and attitude wrapped in a silver package. These aggressive predators patrol the flats looking for baitfish, and when they find them, it's game on. Jacks will hit almost anything you throw at them – live bait, artificials, even a bare hook if they're fired up enough. They're fantastic for kids because they bite hard and fight even harder, often jumping and making long runs that test your drag system. Peak jack fishing happens in warmer months when they school up and push bait against the shoreline. Don't let their reputation as "just a jack" fool you – these fish will give you a workout and teach young anglers what a real fish fight feels like.
Bull sharks are the apex predators of our inshore waters and catching one is always a highlight. These prehistoric hunters patrol the flats looking for rays, fish, and anything else they can fit in their mouths. Bulls are unique because they can handle fresh and saltwater, so you'll find them way up in the backcountry where other sharks won't go. When you hook a bull,
Jump aboard The 4th Story, our 2020 Robalo center console that's built for family fishing adventures in Goodland's waters. This 25-foot fishing machine packs serious power with its 300HP Yamaha engine, getting you to the fish quickly while staying smooth for the little ones. The spacious center console design gives everyone room to cast without getting tangled up, and with seating for up to 6 anglers, the whole crew can join the action. Our wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when we're sneaking up on those finicky redfish and snapper, while the GPS and fish finder help us locate the best spots where jack crevalle and sheepshead are biting. The radar comes in handy during those afternoon pop-up showers that are common in Southwest Florida. Whether you're teaching the kids their first cast or trying to land that bull shark, this boat handles beautifully in both shallow backcountry waters and the deeper nearshore zones where the bigger fish cruise.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the ultimate thrill for families looking for something different around Goodland's waters. These powerful fish typically run 6-8 feet in our area and can handle both salt and brackish water, making them common in our back bays and near river mouths. Summer months bring the best opportunities when they move into shallower water to feed. What makes them special is their strength and the adrenaline rush of hooking into a real shark - always catch and release, of course. They're surprisingly willing to take baits in water as shallow as 8-12 feet. For the best shot at one, I recommend using fresh cut mullet or ladyfish on a heavy circle hook. The key is letting them run with the bait before setting - their initial surge will surprise you every time.
Caranx HipposJack Crevalle are the bulldogs of our local waters and absolutely perfect for getting kids hooked on fishing. These brassy-green fighters typically range 3-8 pounds around Goodland but fight like fish twice their size. You'll find them roaming grass flats, channel edges, and around structure in 5-25 feet of water year-round, though summer brings the best action. What makes them special is their raw power and willingness to eat almost anything you throw at them. They school up and create surface commotion that's visible from a distance. While they're not great table fare, the fight is what counts. Pro tip: when you see birds diving and baitfish getting pushed up, cast a silver spoon past the school and reel it back fast - they can't resist the chase.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing here in Goodland. These copper-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails average 18-27 inches and put up a solid fight that gets kids excited. They cruise the grass flats in just 1-4 feet of water, sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Fall and winter months are prime time when they school up in the backcountry. What guests love most is watching them "tail" in skinny water and the strong runs they make once hooked. The meat is excellent too - mild and flaky. My go-to tip for landing more reds is to look for nervous water and mullet getting pushed around, then cast your bait right to the edge of the commotion.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are one of my favorite targets around Goodland's docks and bridges. These "convict fish" with their black and white stripes typically run 1-3 pounds, though we occasionally hook into 8-pounders that'll test your skills. They love hanging around any structure with barnacles - bridge pilings, docks, and channel markers are prime spots. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding in 5-15 feet of water. What makes them special is those human-like teeth they use to crush shellfish, plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, white meat. The key trick I share with guests is to feel for that subtle tap-tap and set the hook immediately - they're notorious bait thieves who'll clean your hook without you knowing it.
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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