5.0(3 Reviews)Kid-Friendly Inshore Fishing Adventure
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Kidfriendly 3hour inshore fishing trip in calm watersCaptain tailors experience for children ages 3 to teensSmall group fishing adventure for up to 4 guests
Getting kids hooked on fishing starts with the right trip, and Charter Boat 2nd Chance has figured out the perfect formula. This 3-hour inshore fishing adventure in Destin takes everything great about fishing and packages it specifically for young anglers. Captain Jake runs a relaxed operation where the focus is on fun, not pressure. Whether you're bringing a curious 3-year-old or a teenager ready to step up their fishing game, this trip adapts to your crew's energy and skill level. The calm inshore waters around Destin provide the perfect classroom for learning basic fishing techniques while staying comfortable on a smooth ride.
This isn't your typical charter where everyone's rushing to fill the cooler. Captain Jake designs each trip around what works best for kids - shorter attention spans, different comfort levels, and plenty of hands-on learning. The 2nd Chance heads out into Destin's protected inshore waters where the ride stays smooth and the fishing stays active. You'll spend your time in areas known for consistent action with species that fight just hard enough to get kids excited without overwhelming them. The captain handles all the heavy lifting - setting up rigs, baiting hooks, and netting fish - so parents can focus on enjoying the moment. With a maximum of 4 guests, there's plenty of room for everyone to cast without tangling lines, and each kid gets the individual attention they need to succeed.
The boat comes equipped with lighter tackle specifically chosen for smaller hands and developing coordination. You'll be using spinning reels that are easy for kids to manage, paired with rods that won't tire them out after a few casts. Most of the fishing happens with live bait or simple lures that produce steady action without requiring advanced technique. The captain adjusts the approach based on your group - maybe that means shorter drifts if attention starts wandering, or switching up locations to keep the excitement going. Circle hooks and basic bottom rigs do most of the work, letting kids focus on feeling the bite and learning proper fish-handling techniques. Safety gear is sized appropriately for younger anglers, and the boat's layout gives everyone easy access to the action without crowding.
"We had a great experience with Jake. He was kind and patient, and catered to our son who was celebrating a birthday on the trip. We got to catch several different types of fish and really enjoyed the trip. Jake was great and helpful, set everything up for us and made it a great experience. Would recommend for an enjoyable family friendly trip!" - Demeree
"I was able to get my dad as well as my two sons together for a three generation fishing trip while we were all together for spring break. Captain Jake was amazingly patient with my boys (12, 10) when they were unfamiliar with the heavier fishing than they are used to. He was on time, ready, and while it was windy, did everything he could to get us on some fish. All four of us were able to catch fish and Captain Jake made sure the boys had a great time. We will definitely be using his talents and boat again!" - Jim
"Had a great fishing experience today with Jake. He was very knowledgeable and knew where to go to catch fish. I would recommend 2nd Chance to anyone wanting to have a great day on the water." - Michael
Bluefish are one of the most exciting catches for young anglers in these waters. These aggressive feeders hit hard and put up a solid fight that gets kids pumping with adrenaline. They're most active during cooler months and early morning hours, often traveling in schools that can provide non-stop action. Blues typically run 2-8 pounds in the inshore waters around Destin, making them perfect for lighter tackle. Kids love the way they strike with authority - there's no guessing whether you've got a bite when a bluefish grabs your bait.
Black Drum offer a completely different fishing experience that teaches patience and bottom-fishing techniques. These bottom-dwellers can range from small puppy drum perfect for beginners up to larger specimens that will test a young angler's determination. They're year-round residents in Destin's inshore waters, often found around structure and oyster bars. Black drum have a distinctive way of picking up bait and slowly moving off, giving kids time to feel the bite and set the hook properly. Their steady, bulldogging fight is manageable but rewarding.
Summer Flounder add an element of finesse fishing that older kids especially enjoy mastering. These flatfish require a bit more technique - keeping bait moving along the bottom and recognizing their subtle bite. They're most productive during warmer months and are masters of camouflage, which fascinates young anglers when they see how perfectly these fish blend with the sandy bottom. Flounder fights include some head-shaking action that keeps kids engaged, and they're excellent eating if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Ladyfish earn their nickname as the "poor man's tarpon" for good reason - they jump, run, and put on an aerial show that leaves kids wide-eyed. These silver rockets are common in Destin's inshore waters, especially during warmer months. They hit fast and fight hard for their size, often clearing the water multiple times during the fight. While most ladyfish are released, they provide some of the most exciting action available on light tackle and help build confidence in young anglers.
Crevalle Jack bring pure power to the table, offering older kids a chance to experience what a real bruiser feels like. These muscular fish are built for speed and endurance, making long runs and testing drag systems. They're year-round residents that often hunt in schools, sometimes creating feeding frenzies that provide multiple hookups. Jacks teach kids about line capacity, proper drag settings, and the importance of letting the rod do the work. Their broa
Captain Jake's 2017 Parker center console is built for family fishing adventures in Destin's waters. This 22-foot boat handles beautifully with its 150HP Yamaha engine, cruising smoothly at 26 knots to get you to the fishing spots quickly and comfortably. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working the shallows for drum and bluefish, while the fish finder helps locate where they're biting. With room for up to 6 people, there's plenty of space for kids to move around safely on deck. The onboard GPS ensures you'll find the best fishing holes, and the toilet means no cutting trips short. Perfect for young anglers learning the ropes in calm inshore waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 50+ in deeper waters. These grey-black fish have powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs along muddy bottoms and oyster bars. Spring's your best bet when they school up for spawning in shallow flats and around structure. They're perfect for kids because they don't jump around - just a steady, bulldogging fight that teaches proper rod technique. The smaller ones under 15 pounds eat great, but bigger fish get tough and stringy. They'll hit live or fresh dead crab better than anything else, and they're not spooky so you can anchor right on top of them. Key trick: use enough weight to keep your bait on the bottom where they feed.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that run 3-15 pounds around Destin, with their blue-green backs and sharp triangular teeth. These fast swimmers love chasing baitfish in feeding frenzies, especially during summer and fall when they move through our waters. You'll find them in shallow bays, around piers, and along beaches where they school up to hunt. Kids love them because they hit hard and fight strong for their size - plus the smaller "snappers" are perfect for young anglers to handle. The meat's excellent when fresh, mild and flaky on fish under 10 pounds. Pro tip: use a wire leader since those razor teeth will cut through regular line in seconds. They're not picky eaters, so cut bait or silver spoons work great when you see birds diving.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of inshore waters, typically running 3-8 pounds with broad shoulders and serious pulling power. These golden-sided fighters love shallow flats, around structure, and anywhere baitfish gather. Spring through fall they're most active, often betrayed by diving birds as they push prey to the surface. Kids get a kick out of their aggressive strikes and the way they just won't give up - pure muscle and determination. They're not the best table fare, but the fight more than makes up for it. Look for birds working the water, then cast silver spoons or live bait past the school and retrieve it fast. Pro tip: when you hook one, get ready because they'll make long, powerful runs that'll test your drag settings.
Elops SaurusLadyfish are like mini tarpon - they'll jump, twist, and give your kids a real show when hooked. These silver rockets typically run 12-24 inches and are abundant year-round in shallow bays, around docks, and near beaches. They're perfect for young anglers because they're aggressive biters that hit almost anything - live shrimp, small jigs, even flies work great. While they're not great eating, the fight makes up for it as they leap clear out of the water multiple times. You'll often catch them while targeting other species since they school up and compete for food. Best tip: use a short wire leader because their small but sharp teeth will cut light line. They're excellent practice fish for kids learning to set hooks and fight jumping fish.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These "door mats" typically run 15-20 inches but can reach 5+ pounds, making them great targets for patient young anglers. Fall's prime time when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore for winter. You'll find them on sandy flats, around structure, and near inlet mouths in 10-40 feet of water. Kids love watching them change colors and the way both eyes sit on one side of their head. They're excellent eating - sweet, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. Best approach is drifting with live minnows or bucktails tipped with squid strips, keeping your bait moving slowly along the bottom where they lurk.
5.0 out of 5.0We had a great experience with Jake. He was kind and patient, and catered to our son who was celebrating a birthday on the trip. W...
I was able to get my dad as well as my two sons together for a three generation fishing trip while we were all together for spring...
Had a great fishing experience today with Jake. He was very knowledgeable and knew where to go to catch fish. I would recommend 2n...
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