Kids Fishing Trip in Choctawhatchee Bay, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Familyfriendly 2hour inshore fishing adventure for all agesAccommodates up to 6 guests with flexible departure schedulingProfessional captain guides families through Choctawhatchee Bay waters
Looking to get the little ones hooked on fishing? Our 2-hour family-friendly adventure in Choctawhatchee Bay is designed specifically with kids in mind. This top-rated charter gives families the perfect chance to introduce children to the sport without overwhelming them with a full-day trip. Captain coordinates departure times around your schedule, making it easy to fit into vacation plans or weekend getaways. With space for up to 6 anglers, it's ideal for families or small groups wanting quality time on the water together.
Choctawhatchee Bay offers some of the most kid-friendly fishing conditions you'll find along the Emerald Coast. The protected waters stay relatively calm, which means less seasickness and more time focused on landing fish. Your captain knows exactly where to position the boat to give young anglers the best shot at success. We're talking about shallow flats and grass beds where sea trout love to hang out, plus oyster bars and structure that attract hungry redfish. The 2-hour timeframe hits that sweet spot - long enough for kids to experience real fishing action, but short enough to keep their attention spans engaged. Most youngsters start getting restless after a couple hours anyway, so this trip length works perfectly. You'll spend time learning basic casting techniques, understanding how to read the water, and most importantly, celebrating those first fish catches that create lifelong memories.
We keep things simple but effective for the younger crew. Light spinning tackle works best for kids - it's easier to handle and doesn't require the strength needed for heavier setups. Think 6-7 foot rods with smooth-drag reels that won't jerk the rod out of small hands when a fish hits. Live shrimp is the go-to bait here in Choctawhatchee Bay, especially for sea trout and redfish. Kids love watching the live bait move around, and it's hands-down the most productive option for consistent action. We'll also have some artificial lures ready - soft plastics and small spoons that are easy for beginners to use. The captain will handle most of the technical stuff like setting up rigs and adjusting drags, letting kids focus on the fun parts. Drift fishing works great in these waters, allowing the boat to move naturally while kids keep their lines in the strike zone. When we find active fish, we might anchor up and let everyone get comfortable before the action heats up.
Sea trout are absolute crowd-pleasers for young anglers in Choctawhatchee Bay. These beautiful spotted fish typically run 12-16 inches, which is perfect size for kids to handle without getting overwhelmed. They're most active during cooler parts of the day and love to ambush prey over grass beds and sandy potholes. What makes sea trout so great for children is their aggressive strikes - when they hit, there's no mistaking it. They put up a decent fight without being too strong, and they make that distinctive drumming sound when you bring them to the boat. Kids get a huge kick out of that vibration through the rod. Spring through fall offers the best action, with September and October being particularly hot months.
Redfish bring a whole different level of excitement to the trip. These bronze bruisers are built like footballs and fight harder than anything else we target in the bay. Even smaller reds in the 16-20 inch range will give young anglers a real workout, creating those wide-eyed moments when they realize they've hooked into something special. Redfish love cruising shallow oyster bars and mangrove shorelines, often in water so thin you can see their backs sticking out. They're year-round residents, but fall months bring the most consistent action as they school up for their spawn. The copper-colored sides and distinctive black spot near the tail make them instantly recognizable. Many kids remember their first redfish long after the trip ends - there's something magical about watching that red tail thrash at the surface.
This customer-favorite trip books up quickly, especially during peak family vacation times. The flexible scheduling makes it perfect for working around other activities, whether you want an early morning adventure before the day heats up or an afternoon trip after beach time. Choctawhatchee Bay Fishing Charters has built their reputation on creating positive first experiences for young anglers, and this 2-hour format delivers exactly that. Your kids will come off the water talking about the fish they caught, the techniques they learned, and when they can go again. That's the real measure of success - turning a fun day into a lifelong passion. Don't wait too long to secure your dates, particularly if you're planning around school breaks or summer vacation. Book now and get ready to watch your children discover why fishing becomes such an addictive pursuit for so many people.
This 23' Sea Pro with tower is perfect for getting the kids out on Choctawhatchee Bay's productive waters. Built to handle up to 6 anglers comfortably, she's equipped with everything needed for a successful family fishing adventure. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when working shallow flats and grass beds where redfish and trout love to hang out. GPS navigation helps the captain find those sweet spots quickly, while the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. The tower gives your captain a clear view of the water to spot tailing reds or working birds. With plenty of deck space for casting and room to move around safely, this boat makes it easy for kids to learn the ropes while parents stay relaxed. Whether you're targeting speckled trout in the grass or hunting redfish along the shorelines, this rig has the stability and features to make your 2-hour trip productive and fun for the whole family.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are fantastic for family trips because they're aggressive feeders and give kids a real battle. These copper-colored fighters average 20-30 inches with distinctive black spots near the tail. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Look for them around oyster bars, grass beds, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action, but they bite year-round in our area. Redfish aren't picky eaters - they'll crush live shrimp, cut bait, or artificial lures. Kids love watching them "tail" in shallow water while feeding. The fight is strong but manageable for young anglers. Great table fare with firm, mild meat. Pro tip: if you see their tails or backs in shallow water, cast beyond them and work your bait back slowly - spooky fish in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are perfect for kids' trips - they're eager biters and put up a solid fight without being overwhelming. These silvery beauties with black spots run 14-24 inches typically, weighing 1-5 pounds. You'll find them over grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially around structure like oyster bars and drop-offs. They feed heavily on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. Early morning and evening produce the best action, though they bite throughout the day in cooler months. What makes trout special is their willingness to hit both live shrimp and artificial lures - great for teaching kids different techniques. The meat is white, flaky, and mild-tasting. Local tip: when the water's calm, look for nervous baitfish on the surface - trout are usually feeding underneath.
Destin