Kids' Inshore Fishing Charter in Niceville
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Three-hour inshore fishing adventure targeting Redfish and MackerelSpecialized trip designed for children aged 15 and underAccommodates up to 6 kids plus 2 adults aboard charter
If you're looking to get the kids hooked on fishing, this 3-hour charter out of Niceville is exactly what you need. Broke Tip Charter specializes in getting young anglers aged 15 and under out on the water for their first real taste of what Florida fishing is all about. Whether your kids are already casting lines in the backyard or they've never held a rod, Captain knows how to make it fun and productive. You've got two solid options here – stay protected in the bay targeting redfish around the bridge pilings, or head out to the Gulf where the Spanish mackerel and little tunny are running. The price covers up to 6 kids plus 2 adults, and you can bring along extra grown-ups for just $25 each.
This isn't your typical "throw them a cane pole and hope for the best" kind of trip. Captain runs a tight ship when it comes to safety, but keeps things relaxed enough that the kids actually want to be there. If you choose the bay option, you'll be fishing live bait around the Niceville bridges where redfish love to hang out in the shade and current breaks. The water's calmer here, perfect for younger kids who might get seasick in rougher conditions. If your crew is feeling adventurous and the weather's cooperating, the Gulf option gets you into some real action with trolling for pelagic species. The boat's equipped with quality rods sized right for smaller hands, and Captain will spend time showing each kid the proper technique rather than just handing them a rod and walking away. Expect to cover different spots throughout the trip – redfish move with the tides, and mackerel schools can pop up anywhere from the nearshore reefs to the color changes a few miles out.
For the bay fishing, you'll be working with live shrimp, pinfish, or mullet depending on what's available at the bait shop that morning. The technique is straightforward – drop the bait near structure and let the current do the work. Kids learn to feel the bottom, recognize when a fish is mouthing the bait, and most importantly, when to set the hook. The tackle is sized appropriately with 15-20 pound test on spinning reels that won't overwhelm small hands. Out in the Gulf, it's all about trolling with small spoons, Clark spoons, and sometimes live bait if the bite calls for it. The boat runs multiple lines at different depths and distances, so there's always something happening. Captain will rotate the kids through the rods when fish hit, making sure everyone gets their shot at the action. The trolling setup teaches them about drag settings, fighting fish in open water, and reading the signs that indicate when fish are around – birds diving, bait schools on the surface, and changes in water color.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Niceville's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18 to 27 inches around here, with the occasional bull red pushing 30-plus inches showing up to make someone's day. They're most active during moving tides, especially the first two hours of incoming water when they push up into the shallows to feed. What makes reds perfect for kids is their aggressive bite and the way they fight – strong but not too crazy, giving young anglers time to learn proper fish-fighting technique without getting overwhelmed. They're year-round residents, but fall and early winter months produce the most consistent action as they school up for their spawning runs.
Spanish mackerel bring a completely different energy to the trip when they're around. These silver bullets typically weigh 1 to 3 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, making screaming runs that get kids hollering with excitement. They show up in good numbers from late spring through fall, especially when the water temperature hits that sweet spot between 75 and 82 degrees. What kids love about mackerel is how fast the action happens – one minute you're trolling along, next minute the drag is screaming and the rod is bent double. They're also excellent eating, so families often take a few home for dinner.
Little tunny, or false albacore as some folks call them, are the wildcards of the nearshore Gulf. These mini-tuna relatives pack serious punch in a 3 to 8 pound package, and when they're feeding on the surface, the action is absolutely electric. They travel in schools and hit trolled baits with the kind of violence that makes kids' eyes go wide. Peak season runs from late summer through early winter when they follow bait schools along the coast. What makes them special is teaching young anglers about pelagic species behavior – how they relate to structure, temperature breaks, and bait concentrations. Plus, their incredible speed and endurance give kids a taste of what offshore fishing is all about without having to make the longer runs to blue water.
This trip fills up fast, especially during school holidays and summer months when families are looking for activities that actually engage the kids rather than just keeping them busy. The combination of education, action, and family bonding makes it a customer favorite that books weeks in advance. Captain's been running these family trips for years and knows exactly how to balance fun with learning, safety with adventure. The 3-hour timeframe is perfect – long enough to get into fish and teach some real skills, but short enough that younger kids don't get restless or burned out by the sun. Whether your kids catch their first fish ever or add some new species to their list, they're going home with stories and hopefully a new passion for getting on the water. Don't wait until the last minute to book – the best fishing days disappear quickly, and you don't want to miss out on creating these memories with your crew.
Step aboard our reliable 29' Luhrs sport fishing boat, built tough in 1999 and powered by twin 315HP Yanmar Turbo Diesel engines that'll cruise at 24 knots to get you to the fish fast. This well-equipped vessel handles up to 6 guests comfortably and comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - GPS navigation, radar for those foggy mornings, fish finder to locate your targets, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting action, while the onboard bed and toilet mean longer days on the water. Whether you're working the bay bridges for Redfish with live bait or heading into the Gulf to troll for Mackerel and Little Tunny, this proven fishing platform delivers the reliability and comfort your family needs for a successful day targeting Florida's inshore species.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle Tunny are the perfect introduction to offshore-style fishing without leaving the Gulf. These torpedo-shaped fighters average 10-15 pounds and travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. They're built for speed with their streamlined bodies and metallic blue backs covered in dark fingerprint spots. We target them by trolling near the surface over deeper water, especially around structure like jetties and sandbars. They hit fast and fight harder than their size suggests - kids love the screaming runs and head shakes. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're chasing baitfish near shore. The meat is darker red like tuna, with a stronger flavor that many families enjoy grilled or blackened. Here's the trick: when trolling, use bright feathers or small spoons behind ballyhoo. Once you hook up, keep moving - the school will follow the hooked fish, giving everyone a chance to get in on the action.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most reliable targets around Niceville's shallow bays and bridges. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches and love cruising in just 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars and grass flats. You'll spot them by their distinctive black spots near the tail - nature's fake-out to confuse predators. They hit hard and make long runs, which gets kids fired up every time. The bite stays consistent spring through fall, especially on warmer days when they're tailing in skinny water. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificial lures all work. Plus, they're excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. Pro tip: when you see them in super shallow water, approach quietly and cast past them, then work your bait back slowly. They spook easily but once hooked, they'll give you a fight worth remembering.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are perfect for getting young anglers addicted to fishing. These silver speedsters with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and school up in massive numbers during warmer months. They patrol near the surface around jetties, piers, and open Gulf waters, making them ideal for our trolling trips. What makes them special is their willingness to bite and their acrobatic fights - they jump, run, and keep kids busy the whole time. The bite peaks from spring through early fall when water temps climb. They're also some of the best eating fish we catch, with mild, flaky white meat that even picky kids will try. Since they travel in schools that can stretch for miles, once we find them, everyone usually gets action. The key is using small, flashy lures or live bait like sardines. Pro tip: when we're trolling and hook one, I'll often circle back to the same spot since the school is usually still there feeding.
Niceville