Kids Inshore Smallmouth Bass Fishing Charter
Getting your kids hooked on fishing starts with the right charter, and our Kids Special Trip delivers exactly that. At just $400 for up to four anglers, this 5-hour adventure kicks off bright and early at 7:00 AM when the fish are most active and your little ones are fresh and ready to learn. We've designed this trip specifically for young anglers, keeping the pace fun and the techniques simple while targeting species that actually bite - mainly smallmouth bass and yellow perch. The best part? You can cancel free up to 7 days out, because we know plans change when kids are involved.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical "sit and wait" fishing trip. We start early to beat the heat and catch fish when they're feeding most aggressively. Your captain knows exactly where these smallmouth hang out in the shallows and deeper drop-offs, and we'll move between spots to keep the action going. Kids get restless fast, so we focus on areas where bites come frequently rather than chasing trophy fish. The inshore environment is perfect for beginners - calmer waters mean less seasickness and more time with lines in the water. We provide all the gear sized appropriately for smaller hands, and our guides have endless patience for untangling lines, baiting hooks, and celebrating every single catch like it's a world record. Expect plenty of high-fives, some friendly competition between siblings, and maybe a few tall tales by the end of the trip.
Techniques That Work for Kids
We keep the fishing methods simple and effective for young anglers. Light spinning tackle with 6-8 pound test line gives kids the sensitivity to feel bites without being too heavy for their smaller frames. Bottom rigs with nightcrawlers work great for yellow perch, while soft plastics on light jigheads are money for smallmouth bass. The beauty of inshore fishing is you don't need complicated techniques - a simple cast and slow retrieve often outproduces fancy presentations. We'll teach basic casting, how to set the hook, and proper reeling techniques, but the focus stays on having fun rather than perfecting form. Our boat stays in protected waters where casting is easier and snags are minimal. We bring plenty of backup tackle because, let's be honest, kids lose more lures in one trip than most adults do in a season. The shallow water also means we can sight-fish when conditions are right, which gets kids even more engaged when they can actually see their target.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Smallmouth bass are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These bronze fighters punch way above their weight class, giving kids that rod-bending action they crave without being too overwhelming to handle. Smallmouth typically run 1-3 pounds in our local waters, which is the perfect size for young anglers to battle and land successfully. They're most active in the morning hours when we're on the water, especially around rocky structure and drop-offs where they ambush prey. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish moving shallow to feed aggressively. What kids love most about smallmouth is their attitude - they fight hard, jump often, and rarely give up without a battle. Plus, they're beautiful fish with that distinctive bronze coloring and red eyes that photographs well for those memory shots.
Yellow perch round out the target species list and serve as perfect confidence builders for young anglers. These schooling fish often bite in quick succession, meaning once you find them, multiple kids can be reeling in fish at the same time. Perch average 8-12 inches but make up for their size with aggressive feeding behavior and willingness to bite almost anything presented properly. They're especially active during cooler months and tend to school in deeper water near structure. Kids love perch because they're easy to catch, fun to handle, and often come in numbers that keep everyone busy. Their distinctive yellow and green stripes make them instantly recognizable, and they're excellent eating if families want to take a few home for dinner.
Time to Book Your Spot
Five hours on the water gives your family plenty of fishing time without wearing out young attention spans, and that 7:00 AM start puts you on productive water when fish are most cooperative. At $400 total for up to four people, you're looking at quality family time that won't break the budget, especially compared to other entertainment options that don't create lasting memories. The free cancellation policy means you can book with confidence, knowing weather or schedule changes won't cost you money. Our Kids Special Trip fills up quickly during peak season, particularly on weekends when families have more flexibility. Book early to secure your preferred date, and don't forget to bring snacks, drinks, and a camera to capture those proud moments when your kids land their first smallmouth bass. This charter creates the kind of fishing memories that turn kids into lifelong anglers, and that's worth every penny.