Kids' Fishing Trip - Destin's Best Family Fun
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Kids fishing adventure targeting Mahi, Mackerel, and Bonito speciesInshore trolling experience with all fishing gear provided onboardSmall group capacity accommodates up to four young anglers
Getting the little ones hooked on fishing starts with the right trip, and Charter Boat Malia Ann's kids' fishing adventure in Destin delivers exactly that. This top-rated family experience puts young anglers right where the action happens - in the emerald waters off Florida's Gulf Coast. With space for up to 4 guests, it's perfect for small family groups or a special outing with just a few kids. The crew keeps things fun and educational while targeting some of the most exciting species swimming in these waters, from colorful Mahi Mahi to the hard-fighting King Mackerel.
This trip gives kids their first real taste of what serious fishing feels like without overwhelming them. You'll head out into Destin's renowned fishing grounds where the water color changes from green to deep blue - that's when you know you're in fish country. The boat is set up specifically with young anglers in mind, and the crew knows exactly how to keep kids engaged when the fish are biting and entertained during the quieter moments. Every piece of gear comes provided, so parents don't need to worry about buying rods, reels, or tackle. The crew handles all the technical stuff while teaching kids the basics - how to hold a rod properly, when to reel, and that magic moment when they feel a fish hit their line.
Trolling is the name of the game on this trip, and it's perfect for kids because it keeps the action moving. The boat cruises at just the right speed while dragging multiple lines behind, covering lots of water to find where the fish are holding. This technique works great for young anglers because they don't need to master casting or complex presentations - the boat does the work of getting their bait to the fish. The crew sets up different rigs targeting various depths and species, from surface baits that attract Mahi and Bonito to deeper presentations for Cobia and King Mackerel. Kids love watching the outriggers and seeing how the whole spread works together. When something hits, the crew quickly gets the young angler in the fighting chair and walks them through landing their catch.
Red Snapper remain the crown jewel of Destin fishing, and these bottom-dwelling beauties offer kids an excellent fight without being too overwhelming. These fish hang around structure in 60-100 feet of water and hit hard when they take the bait. Most Red Snapper caught on these trips run 15-25 inches, which is the perfect size for young anglers to handle. They're most active during summer months when the season opens, and kids love their bright red color and the way they put up a solid fight all the way to the boat.
Atlantic Sailfish provide the most spectacular show when they hit a trolled bait. These amazing fish often jump multiple times, giving kids a display they'll never forget. While they're more common in cooler months, when one shows up it becomes the highlight of any trip. The crew knows how to coach young anglers through the fight, and even smaller sailfish create memories that last a lifetime.
King Mackerel, or "Kings" as locals call them, are the speed demons of these waters. They make blistering runs that get kids' hearts pumping, and the 20-40 pound fish commonly caught here are perfect for teaching young anglers about fighting big fish. Kings are most active from late spring through fall, and they love the trolled baits this trip specializes in. The crew helps kids understand when to pump and wind, making sure they experience the full thrill of landing a real gamefish.
Sheepshead might look funny with their human-like teeth, but they're excellent table fare and give kids a chance to learn about different fishing techniques. These black-and-white striped fish hang around structure and require more finesse than the trolling targets, so the crew sometimes switches tactics to give kids variety. They're most abundant in cooler months and provide a nice change of pace from the high-speed action.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and acrobatics that make kids fall in love with offshore fishing. These brilliant gold and green fish often travel in schools, meaning when you find one, you usually find several. They love floating debris and weedlines, giving the crew specific targets to work. Mahi are most common in warmer months and their willingness to jump and their beautiful colors make them a customer favorite for family trips.
Cobia, known as "brown sharks" to some locals because of their appearance, are the bulldogs of the fishing world. These fish can get quite large, but the crew knows how to handle the situation when kids hook into something bigger than expected. Cobia are curious fish that often follow the boat, giving kids a chance to see their target before they hook up. They're most active in spring and fall, and their strong, steady fight teaches young anglers patience and technique.
This world-class kids' fishing experience books up fast, especially during peak season when families flock to Destin for vacation. Charter Boat Malia Ann has built a reputation as one of the best family-friendly operations in the area, and their crew's patience with young anglers is legendary among local guides. The 4-person capacity means you get personalized attention that larger boats simply can't provide. Whether you're introducing your kids to fishing for the first time or building on their existing interest, this trip delivers the perfect combination of education, excitement, and success on the water. Don't wait - the fish are biting and your kids' next great adventure is just a booking away.
Our GPS-equipped motorboat is perfect for getting the kids out on Destin's productive inshore waters. With a reliable fish finder onboard, we'll locate schools of Mahi, Mackerel, and Bonito while trolling the flats and nearshore structure. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 young anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to cast lines and reel in their catch. All the fishing gear is provided, so the kids can focus on learning techniques and having fun on the water. The shallow draft lets us access those prime fishing spots where the action happens, making it an ideal platform for introducing children to the sport while exploring Destin's renowned fishing grounds.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are bottom dwellers that kids love targeting around structure in 30-200 feet of water. These pink to bright red fish average 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but can grow much larger. They're found year-round in our Gulf waters, with the best action during cooler months when regulations allow. What makes them special? They're scrappy fighters that'll try to cut your line on structure, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. The firm, sweet meat is perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: Use heavy tackle and get them up quick - they'll dive straight back to the bottom and wrap you up in whatever structure they can find. Fresh squid or cigar minnows work great as bait.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes and human-like teeth. These crafty 1-8 pound fish hang tight around docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered structure in shallow water. Spring months are prime time when they move inshore to spawn. Kids love their unique look, and parents appreciate the excellent white meat - mild and sweet when prepared right. They're notorious bait thieves though, using those powerful jaws to steal your offering. The trick is getting close to structure without spooking them and keeping your bait pinned tight to the hook. Use fiddler crabs or fresh shrimp, and when you feel that subtle nibble, set the hook hard and fast before they strip your bait clean.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't actually sharks - these dark, torpedo-shaped fish average 40-60 pounds and cruise alone near the surface. They love structure like reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs in 30-100 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime when they're moving through for spawning. Kids get excited because these fish often swim right up to the boat, and they're tremendous fighters with bulldogging power. The thick, white fillets rival any fish for eating quality. Since they're solitary, it's all about sight fishing - spotting that dark shadow cruising just under the surface. Key technique: cast a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of their nose and work it naturally. They're curious fish, so sometimes they'll follow the boat before deciding to bite.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the speed demons of our waters, averaging 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds. These blue-gray beauties with the massive dorsal sail are found in 30-650 feet, usually cruising near the surface in warm water. Best fishing is during winter months when they move through our area following baitfish. Kids get a real thrill watching these fish jump and put on an aerial show when hooked - they're pure athletes that'll test your endurance. While not typically kept for eating, the fight alone makes them unforgettable. Here's the key: when trolling, keep your speed slow around 6-8 knots and use bright pink and white lures or fresh ballyhoo. Once hooked, let them run first before applying pressure.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings," are speed merchants that average 20-30 pounds and love our Gulf waters from 40-150 feet deep. These olive-backed fish with razor-sharp teeth are most active during warmer months, especially around structure and bait schools. They're popular with families because they strike hard and make blistering runs that get everyone excited. Plus, the meat is excellent when prepared fresh - firm and flavorful. The bigger fish usually hang deeper near inshore reefs and wrecks. My go-to trick: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks on live bait - one through the nose, another in the back. Kings typically bite the tail section first, so that second hook is your insurance policy for a solid hookup.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the rainbow warriors of offshore fishing, flashing brilliant gold, blue, and green colors. These 15-30 pound fish are surface dwellers found around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in deeper water. Peak season runs spring through fall when they follow warm water into our area. Families love their spectacular color changes and acrobatic fights, plus the firm white meat is restaurant-quality. They're fast growers that travel in small schools, so where you find one, there's usually more. Best trick for landing Mahi: look for floating grass, debris, or birds working the surface. Once you hook one, keep it in the water and get lines back out fast - the school will often stay around their hooked buddy, giving you multiple shots.
Destin, FL