5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Kid-Friendly Fishing In Fort Pierce
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Kidfriendly 8hour inshore fishing adventure in Indian River LagoonCaptain provides handson teaching for young anglers catching snapperRelaxed pace with simple tackle designed for children's success
Looking for the perfect way to get your kids hooked on fishing? Captain Geoff Horowitz knows exactly how to make a day on the water special for young anglers. This full-day adventure takes you and your family into the protected waters of Fort Pierce's famous Indian River Lagoon, where calm conditions and eager fish create the ideal learning environment. With 8 hours of patient instruction and hands-on guidance, your little ones will experience the pure joy of feeling that first tug on their line while targeting species like Snapper, Spotted Seatrout, and Sheepshead. Captain Geoff has mastered the art of keeping kids engaged without overwhelming them, using simple tackle setups and a relaxed pace that builds confidence with every cast.
The Indian River Lagoon system around Fort Pierce offers some of Florida's most family-friendly fishing conditions. These protected waters stay relatively calm even when the Atlantic gets choppy, making it perfect for kids who might get seasick in rough conditions. Captain Geoff runs a top-rated operation focused entirely on creating positive experiences for young anglers. He'll start by showing each child how to hold their rod properly, explaining the basics of casting in terms they can understand, and setting up tackle that's sized just right for smaller hands. The beauty of this lagoon system is its diversity – one minute you're casting around mangrove shorelines for Snook, the next you're drifting over grass flats where Seatrout love to feed. With a maximum of 6 guests, there's plenty of room for everyone to fish comfortably while Captain Geoff provides individual attention to each young angler.
Captain Geoff uses light spinning gear that's perfectly matched for kids – medium-light rods with smooth-dragging reels that won't overpower small hands when a fish starts pulling. The techniques are kept simple but effective: live shrimp under popping corks for Seatrout, small jigs around structure for Sheepshead, and cut bait presentations for Snapper. He'll teach your kids how to feel the difference between a fish bite and bottom contact, when to set the hook, and most importantly, how to fight a fish without getting frustrated. The lagoon's grass flats and oyster bars provide natural structure that holds baitfish, which in turn attracts the gamefish we're targeting. Captain Geoff knows exactly where to position the boat based on tide, time of day, and season to give kids the best shot at consistent action. All tackle, bait, and fishing licenses are included, so you just need to bring the enthusiasm.
"We had a fantastic time on the water, bringing in 16 fish along with many others that were released. Captain Geoff was incredibly attentive throughout the entire trip, ensuring that everyone's hooks were always baited and ready for the next catch. His helpfulness made for a smooth and enjoyable experience for the whole group. We are grateful for the hospitality and the great memories from this successful outing." - Mary
Snook are the crown jewel of Fort Pierce inshore fishing, and the Indian River Lagoon holds some real beauties. These ambush predators love hanging around mangrove edges, docks, and bridge pilings where they can surprise unsuspecting baitfish. Kids get excited about Snook because they fight hard relative to their size and have that distinctive black lateral line that makes them instantly recognizable. The best action typically happens during moving water, either incoming or outgoing tide, when baitfish get pushed through their feeding zones. Captain Geoff knows the productive spots where smaller Snook in the 18-24 inch range provide perfect action for young anglers – big enough to be exciting but not so powerful they'll overwhelm a child's ability to land them.
Grey Snapper, locally called Mangrove Snapper, are absolute customer favorites for kids' trips because they're cooperative biters and excellent table fare. These smart fish hang around structure like oyster bars, bridge pilings, and mangrove roots throughout the lagoon system. What makes them perfect for young anglers is their willingness to bite live shrimp and their manageable size – most run between 12-16 inches in these waters. They're active year-round in Fort Pierce, though spring and summer months often produce the most consistent action. Kids love the way Snappers pull steadily rather than making wild runs, making them easier to control while learning proper fish-fighting techniques.
Sheepshead are the lagoon's most distinctive species with their black and white striped pattern and human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish. These fish congregate around any hard structure – bridge pilings, oyster bars, and dock pilings are prime spots. Captain Geoff targets them with small jigs tipped with shrimp, and kids quickly learn that Sheepshead have a subtle bite that requires attention and quick reflexes. They're most active during cooler months from December through April, making them perfect targets for winter fishing trips. Young anglers get a kick out of their unusual appearance and the way they use their powerful jaws to crunch down on crabs and barnacles.
Sea Trout, specifically Spotted Seatrout, provide some of the most consistent action in the Indian River Lagoon. These beautiful fish with their distinctive black spots along silver flanks are perfect for teaching kids about reading water and understanding fish behavior. They cruise grass flats throughout the lagoon system, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Captain Geoff typically targets them with live shrimp under popping corks, which creates visual excitement when the cork disappears underwater. Seatrout are most active during dawn and dusk feeding periods, but the lagoon's protection allows for good action throughout the day. Kids love their acrobatic jumps and the satisfying way they bend a light rod.
Tripletail are the lagoon's
This 22-foot Hurricane deck boat is perfect for your Fort Pierce family fishing adventure on the Indian River Lagoon. Powered by a reliable 115HP Johnson engine that can cruise up to 38 knots, you'll reach the best fishing spots quickly while keeping the kids excited. The spacious deck comfortably fits up to six anglers with plenty of room for everyone to cast their lines without getting tangled up. Captain Geoff relies on the onboard GPS and fish finder to locate schools of snapper, spotted seatrout, and sheepshead in the lagoon's calm waters. The boat includes a toilet for those long 8-hour trips - especially handy when fishing with kids who can't wait for shore breaks. The open layout makes it easy for parents to supervise while little ones learn to bait hooks and fight their first fish in these protected inshore waters.
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called mangrove snapper, these guys are some of the smartest fish we target. Most run 1-2 pounds inshore, but don't let their size fool you - they'll test your patience and skills. Grey snappers love structure like docks, bridges, and oyster bars where they can ambush prey. They're most active during cooler months and around dawn or dusk when they feel safe to venture out. What guests love about them is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with excellent eyesight. The reward is worth it though, as they're considered some of the best eating fish around with sweet, white meat. My go-to trick is using a 4J hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail. Let it sink to the bottom, then reel up just a bit to avoid snags. When you feel that subtle tap, don't jerk - reel tight first.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout are perfect for our family trips - they're willing biters that put up a solid fight without being too overwhelming for young anglers. Most trout we catch run 14-18 inches and 1-2 pounds. They love grass flats and shallow waters, especially around dawn and dusk when they move up to feed. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but we catch them year-round in the lagoon. What makes trout special is their gentle mouth and the way they fight - steady runs without crazy jumps. The meat is soft and mild, though you need to be careful not to overcook it. During cooler weather, look for them in deeper channels where they school up. My favorite technique is using soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork. The noise draws them in, and the natural presentation gets the bite.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters with those distinctive black and white stripes, but they're famous for their human-like teeth. Most run 1-3 pounds, though big ones can hit 8-10 pounds. These fish are structure lovers - any dock, bridge piling, or barnacle-covered surface will hold them. They feed on crabs, barnacles, and shrimp, so that's where we find them year-round. February through April is prime time when they gather for spawning. Kids love seeing those weird teeth, and parents love the fight they put up with those powerful jaws. The white, flaky meat is excellent eating too. Here's the key with sheepshead - they're notorious bait stealers. Use small hooks and fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs. When you feel them nibbling, don't wait around. Set the hook hard and fast before they strip your bait clean.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of the most sought-after game fish in our waters, and for good reason. These sleek predators typically run 1-3 feet long with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths where they ambush baitfish. They're temperature sensitive, so the best fishing happens during warmer months from spring through fall. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and run hard when hooked. The meat is also top-notch, white and flaky. Here's a local tip: cast your bait right up against the structure and let it sink naturally. Snook are cover-oriented and won't chase far, so get that lure or live shrimp as close to the mangroves as possible.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our most unique catches - they look like floating debris until you get close. These odd-shaped fish typically run 2-5 pounds but can reach 15+ pounds. You'll spot them floating near the surface around weed lines, crab trap floats, or any floating structure. Summer months from May through September are prime time when they move inshore. What makes tripletail exciting is they're sight fishing targets - we actually cruise around looking for them. Once hooked, they're surprisingly acrobatic for such a chunky fish. The meat rivals red snapper in taste and texture. Here's the secret: when you spot one, don't cast directly at it. They spook easily. Instead, cast well past the fish and slowly work your bait toward them. Live shrimp or small crabs work best, and once they bite, hold on tight.
5.0 out of 5.0We had a fantastic time on the water, bringing in 16 fish along with many others that were released. Captain Geoff was incredibly ...
Fort Pierce