Kids-First Inshore Fishing Charter in Niceville
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Kidfocused fishing charter for ages 15 and underBay fishing for Redfish or Gulf trolling for MackerelThreehour trip accommodates up to six children plus adults
Finally, a fishing charter that puts the young anglers first! If you've got kids who are crazy about fishing or want to see what all the fuss is about, Broke Tip Charter's 3-hour family trip out of Niceville is exactly what you need. This isn't your typical charter where kids get pushed to the side – we're talking about a genuine kids-focused adventure that gets up to 6 young anglers (15 and under) plus 2 adults on the water for some serious fish-catching action. You've got two solid options here: work the bay bridges with live bait for hungry Redfish, or head out to the Gulf and troll for screaming Mackerel and hard-fighting Little Tunny. Either way, your crew is going to have stories to tell for years.
This charter runs exactly how it should – with the kids calling the shots. Captain and crew know how to keep young hands busy and lines tight, whether you're posted up under the Niceville bridges or running lines in the emerald waters of the Gulf. The bay option is perfect for younger kids or first-timers since you're working with live bait in calmer water, watching for those telltale copper flashes of Redfish cruising the structure. If your crew is ready for more action, the Gulf trolling puts everyone on fish fast – nothing beats the excitement of multiple rods going off at once when you hit a school of Mackerel. The boat handles 6 kids and 2 adults comfortably, but you can squeeze in 2 more adults for $25 each if grandparents or extra family want in on the action. Three hours gives you plenty of time to get everyone hooked up without wearing out the younger anglers.
The beauty of this trip is how it adapts to what's biting and what your kids can handle. For the inshore bay fishing, you're looking at live bait presentations around the bridge pilings and structure – think live shrimp, pinfish, or whatever bait is running hot that day. Kids love this style because they can feel every nibble and get that authentic connection with the fish. The trolling setup in the Gulf is where things get exciting fast – multiple lines out at different depths, covering water until you find the schools. Mackerel and Little Tunny are aggressive feeders, so once you're on them, it's game on. The crew handles all the technical stuff like rigging, bait selection, and finding the fish, while your young anglers focus on the fun part – fighting and landing their catches. All gear, tackle, and bait are included, so you just need to bring your crew ready to fish.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Niceville's inshore waters, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love hanging around the bridge structure, feeding on whatever the current brings their way. They typically run 18-30 inches in these waters, with the bigger bulls showing up in fall and winter. What makes Redfish so perfect for young anglers is how they fight – strong, steady pulls that don't require lightning-fast reflexes, giving kids time to work the fish properly. They're also forgiving on the hookset and tend to stay hooked once you've got them. Spring through fall is prime time, but honestly, you can catch quality Reds year-round in Niceville's protected waters.
Spanish Mackerel are like fishing candy for kids – fast, aggressive, and absolutely willing to eat whatever you throw at them. These silver speedsters typically run 12-20 inches and are perfect for trolling because they travel in schools and compete with each other to hit your baits first. When you find them, everyone on the boat is going to get shots. They're seasonal visitors, showing up strong from late spring through early fall when the water temps are right. What kids love about Mackerel is the instant gratification – no waiting around or subtle bites, just screaming drags and bent rods.
Little Tunny, also called False Albacore, are the workout fish of the Gulf. These mini-tuna relatives pack serious power into their 15-25 inch frames and will test every young angler's arm strength. They're built for speed and endurance, making long runs and powerful dives that get kids whooping and hollering. Fall is prime time for Little Tunny around Niceville, when they push baitfish against the beaches and feed aggressively. They're schooling fish, so when you hook one, there's usually more where that came from. The fight-to-size ratio on these fish is off the charts, giving kids a taste of what big game fishing feels like.
This top-rated family fishing experience fills up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and families are looking for that perfect day on the water. Broke Tip Charter has dialed in the formula for getting kids hooked on fishing – literally and figuratively. Whether your crew goes with the steady bridge fishing for Redfish or the high-energy Gulf trolling for Mackerel and Little Tunny, you're looking at three hours of non-stop action that'll have your young anglers already planning their next trip before you hit the dock. The price point is unbeatable for what you get, and the memories your kids will make are worth every penny. Don't wait around – these customer-favorite trips book solid, and the fish are biting now.
Step aboard our reliable 29' Luhrs sport fishing boat, your floating headquarters for an amazing day on Florida's waters around Niceville. This sturdy 1999 vessel runs on twin 315HP Yanmar diesel engines that'll get you to the fishing spots at a smooth 24 knots, whether you're targeting redfish around the bay bridges or heading into the Gulf for some serious trolling action. The boat's fish finder will help locate schools of mackerel and little tunny, while the GPS keeps you on course to the hottest fishing zones. When the weather gets hazy, the onboard radar ensures safe navigation. Kids will love the adventure of reeling in their first catch from the spacious deck that comfortably fits up to 6 young anglers plus adults. Between fishing sessions, grab snacks and cold drinks from the icebox, or take a break in the cabin area. The flybridge gives you an elevated view of the water to spot feeding fish and diving birds. With a private head onboard and even a small bed for anyone needing a quick rest, this boat has everything needed for a successful family fishing trip in the beautiful emerald waters of the Florida Panhandle.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle Tunny are scrappy fighters that'll give your young anglers a real workout when we head out into the Gulf. These torpedo-shaped speedsters typically run 10-15 pounds and travel in schools, making them perfect for multiple hookups. Look for them near the surface around jetties, inlets, and wherever baitfish are schooling - they're loud feeders, so you'll often hear them before you see them. Best fishing happens spring through fall when the water warms up and bait moves in close. Kids love them because they hit hard and fight like fish twice their size, plus they're great practice for handling bigger tuna species later. The meat is darker and stronger-tasting than most fish, but it's actually quite good when prepared right. My go-to technique? When trolling, watch for diving birds - they'll lead you right to feeding schools. Once you find them, switch to casting small spoons or jigs for non-stop action.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect target for kids learning to fish around our local bridges and shallow flats. These copper-colored beauties average 18-28 inches and love hanging in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass beds, and dock pilings. You'll spot them by their distinctive black eyespot near the tail - it fools predators into attacking the wrong end. They're year-round residents here, but spring and fall offer the best action when they school up in the shallows. What makes them great for young anglers? They fight hard but fair, and they're not too picky about baits. Live shrimp under a popping cork works magic, but here's my local trick: when you see them tailing in super shallow water, cast your bait well ahead of where they're moving and let them find it. These fish spook easily in skinny water, so patience pays off. Plus, they make excellent table fare with that mild, sweet flavor.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, fun fighters that make perfect targets for our Gulf trolling trips. These silver speedsters with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and 12-20 inches, traveling in schools that can stretch for miles. They cruise near the surface in open water, especially around structure and where baitfish congregate. Spring through fall gives us the best action as they migrate through our waters, with summer being prime time. Kids absolutely love them - they hit hard, fight fast, and there's usually plenty to go around when you find a school. The bonus? They're some of the best eating fish out here with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or fried. When we're trolling, I like to run small spoons or diving plugs at different depths until we locate them. Pro tip: once you hook up, immediately put out more lines - where there's one mackerel, there's usually a dozen more ready to bite.
Niceville