5.0(2 Reviews)Kid-Friendly Inshore Fishing in Destin Waters
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Threehour kidfocused inshore fishing charter targeting active speciesSmall group experience limited to four guests maximumTargets Black Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, and seasonal Redfish
Looking for a fishing trip that'll keep your little ones hooked from start to finish? This 3-hour private inshore charter with Dawn Patrol Charters is built around one simple idea: kids want action, and lots of it. Captain JT knows exactly where to find the species that bite often and fight hard enough to get young anglers pumped up. We're talking about targeting fish that actually want to eat your bait – Spanish Mackerel that slam lures, feisty Redfish cruising the shallows, and plenty of other willing biters that'll make sure nobody's sitting around waiting for something to happen. With space for just 4 guests, your family gets the captain's full attention, which means more fish in the boat and bigger smiles all around.
This isn't your typical "sit and wait" fishing trip. Captain JT runs a tight ship focused on keeping kids engaged every single minute you're on the water. The boat heads into Destin's productive inshore waters where the fish are hungry and the action stays consistent. You'll be fishing in protected bays and nearshore areas where the water stays calm – perfect for little ones who might get seasick in rougher conditions. The whole setup is designed around species that bite frequently, so there's always something happening. When the fish are cooperating, you might even get a bonus dolphin sighting thrown in. The captain provides all the gear, bait, and know-how, so parents can focus on helping their kids land fish instead of rigging tackle. Most of what you catch will be released to fight another day, but when it's legal and the fish are keeper-sized, you'll head home with fresh fillets for dinner.
Inshore fishing with kids requires a completely different approach than adult trips. Captain JT rigs lighter tackle that young hands can actually handle – spinning reels with smooth drags and rods that won't wear out small arms after an hour of fishing. The techniques stay simple but effective: live bait fishing with shrimp under popping corks, casting small jigs around structure, and trolling small spoons when moving between spots. The captain reads the water and adjusts tactics based on what's biting that day. If the Spanish Mackerel are running, you'll focus on faster presentations. When Redfish are tailing in shallow water, it's all about quiet approaches and precise casts. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one minute you're bottom fishing for Bluefish, the next you're sight-casting to cruising Reds. All the safety gear is provided, and the captain makes sure everyone knows how to handle fish safely before the lines go in the water.
"The family and I had such a great time with Captain JT!" - Chrissy
"Captain JT was great. Our two kids (6&8) loved it. It was all our first time on a fishing charter and it did not disappoint. We caught around 20 spanish mackerel and kept 10 of them. JT was kind enough too also take is to try and find some dolphins and we succeeded. Overall this experience was a BLAST! I would highly recommend captain JT for your next fishing charter experience." - Nicolas
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter of this trip, and for good reason. These silver bullets show up in big schools during summer and fall, hitting small spoons and live baits with aggressive strikes that'll get kids shouting. They fight hard for their size, making long runs that get drag singing – exactly what you want when teaching young anglers how to fight fish properly. Spanish Macks typically run 1-3 pounds in these waters, perfect for kids to handle without getting worn out. They're also excellent eating, so when you connect with a school, filling the cooler becomes a real possibility.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Destin's inshore waters. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the grass flats and oyster bars, often in water so shallow you can see their backs. Late summer brings the best Red fishing, when slot-sized fish between 18-27 inches patrol the shallows looking for an easy meal. Reds fight with pure power, making long runs toward structure and testing young anglers' patience. The thrill of sight-casting to a tailing Red in knee-deep water is something kids never forget – it's like hunting with a fishing rod.
Ladyfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute dynamite on light tackle. These acrobatic fighters jump repeatedly when hooked, putting on a show that gets everyone on the boat excited. They're common year-round in Destin's inshore waters and rarely refuse a well-presented bait. Kids love them because they're easy to catch but fight way above their weight class. Most Ladyfish get released to jump another day, but they serve as perfect practice fish for young anglers learning proper fighting techniques.
Channel Catfish provide steady action when other species are being finicky. These whiskered bottom-dwellers live around structure and are always willing to eat. They don't make spectacular runs or jump like other species, but their steady, bulldogging fight teaches kids patience and proper rod handling. Catfish bite year-round and often save the day when weather or tides make other fishing tough. Plus, they're excellent table fare – sweet, flaky meat that even picky eaters usually enjoy.
Bluefish are the cleanup crew of inshore waters, traveling in aggressive schools that attack baitfish with reckless abandon. When you find a school of Blues feeding, the action can be non-stop for 30 minutes or more. They hit hard, fight dirty, and their sharp teeth add an element of excitement (and respect) for young anglers. Blues typically show up during cooler months in Destin, often mixed with Spanish Mackerel
This 22-foot Cape Horn center console from 1994 is built for serious fishing in Destin's inshore waters. The Yamaha 250HP engine gets you to the fishing spots quickly, cruising at speeds up to 35 knots. Perfect for family trips with young anglers, this boat comfortably handles up to 5 people while targeting kid-friendly species like Black Snapper and Spanish Mackerel. The fish finder helps locate schools of bait fish, while GPS navigation ensures safe passage through the local waters. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons. The center console design gives everyone easy access to the fishing action, and the flybridge provides an elevated view for spotting diving birds and surface activity. Built tough for the Gulf's conditions, this boat delivers reliable performance whether you're working the grass flats for Redfish or hitting structure for snapper.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that show up in our waters during the warmer months, and they're perfect for anglers who want steady action. These blue-green predators typically weigh 3-10 pounds and are known for their razor-sharp teeth and fierce attitude. You'll find them in schools around baitfish, often creating feeding frenzies that churn the water white - we call it a "bluefish blitz." They're not picky about depth, hitting baits from the surf to 30+ feet offshore around structure and drop-offs. Kids enjoy the consistent bites and strong fights, though we always warn about those teeth. The smaller "snappers" are great eating, while the bigger ones have a stronger flavor. Cut bait, live baitfish, and metal spoons all work well. Pro tip: use a wire leader or heavy mono - they'll bite through light line in a heartbeat, and always use pliers when unhooking them.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel catfish aren't your typical saltwater target, but we occasionally find them in the brackish areas where freshwater meets the Gulf. These whisker-faced fighters average 2-5 pounds but can grow much larger, and they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table. They love deeper holes, structure, and muddy bottoms where they use those sensitive barbels to hunt for food. The best action happens during warmer months when they're most active. Kids get a kick out of their unique appearance and the way they use their "whiskers" to find food. Stink baits, worms, and cut bait work best since they rely heavily on scent rather than sight. Here's a local trick: use a longer rod (7+ feet) to help control these slippery customers, and always wet your hands before handling them - that slime coating will make them slip right out of your grip otherwise.
Elops SaurusLadyfish are the "poor man's tarpon" around Destin and perfect for keeping kids busy all day long. These silvery speedsters average 2-3 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, jumping and thrashing on the surface once hooked. You'll find them year-round in our bays, canals, and shallow coastal waters where they school up and feed aggressively. They'll hit just about anything - live shrimp, small jigs, flies, or cut bait work great. While most folks consider them more of a fun catch than table fare, they're fantastic bait for bigger fish like snook. The action can be non-stop when you find a school, which makes them ideal for young anglers who want constant excitement. My tip: use a heavy mono leader because those small, sharp teeth will cut through light line, and be ready for some serious acrobatics when they're hooked.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for our late summer trips when they move into the shallow flats around Destin. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-28 inches and are famous for that distinctive black spot near their tail. You'll find them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass beds, and muddy bottoms where they're tailing and feeding. They're not picky eaters - live shrimp, topwater plugs, and soft plastics all work great. Kids love them because they fight hard but aren't too overwhelming on light tackle. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor that grills perfectly. Pro tip: when you see their backs breaking the surface in shallow water, cast past them and work your bait back slowly - they spook easily but once hooked, they'll give you a memorable fight.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are one of our most reliable species for non-stop action, especially during spring and fall when they school up close to shore. These streamlined speedsters average 1-3 pounds and are covered in beautiful yellow spots that make them easy to identify. You'll find them around structure, over grass flats, and near baitfish schools in 10-30 feet of water. They're incredibly fast swimmers and aggressive feeders, hitting everything from live shrimp to small spoons and jigs. Kids love them because they bite readily and put up a solid fight for their size. The meat is excellent - mild flavor that's perfect grilled, smoked, or even eaten raw as sushi. They travel in schools, so where you catch one, you'll usually find more. My go-to tip: use small, shiny lures and fish them fast - these guys like their meals moving quickly, just like they do.
5.0 out of 5.0The family and I had such a great time with Captain JT!
Captain JT was great. Our two kids (6&8) loved it. It was all our first time on a fishing charter and it did not disappoint. We ca...
Destin, FL