Half Day Family Fishing Trip In Boca Grande
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour private inshore fishing trip targeting King Mackerel and Red SnapperFamilyfriendly charter accommodates up to six guests with experienced captain guidanceAll fishing equipment, rods, reels, tackle and licenses provided onboard
Looking for a fishing adventure the whole family can enjoy? This 4-hour private inshore charter with Family Traditions Charter Co. puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's best fishing waters. Boca Grande's legendary fishing grounds offer something for everyone - from kids catching their first fish to seasoned anglers chasing trophy tarpon. Your experienced captain knows exactly where the fish are biting and will have you on productive water from the moment you leave the dock.
This family-friendly fishing trip keeps things relaxed while maximizing your time on productive water. Your captain will target the best inshore spots around Boca Grande, adjusting tactics based on current conditions and what's biting. The 4-hour timeframe gives you plenty of fishing action without wearing out the kids or overwhelming first-time anglers. You'll fish from a well-equipped boat that comfortably handles up to 6 guests, making it perfect for multi-generational family outings. All fishing licenses, rods, reels, and tackle come included - just bring your camera, snacks, and drinks for the day. The captain will handle everything from rigging baits to netting fish, so parents can focus on helping their kids and enjoying the experience together.
Your captain will mix up fishing techniques to keep everyone engaged and maximize your catch potential. Expect a combination of trolling for king mackerel when conditions are right, along with bottom fishing and live bait presentations for grouper and snapper. The boat comes rigged with quality spinning and conventional tackle sized appropriately for the target species. For families with younger kids, the captain will set up lighter tackle that's easier to handle while still being capable of landing quality fish. Live bait fishing with pinfish, sardines, or shrimp produces consistent action, while artificial lures and jigs come into play when fish are actively feeding. The captain reads the water conditions daily and adjusts strategies accordingly - whether that means working structure for grouper or positioning for tarpon passes during migration seasons.
Gag Grouper are one of the most reliable catches in Boca Grande's inshore waters. These bottom-dwelling fighters average 5-15 pounds and put up a solid fight that's perfect for family fishing. They're most active during cooler months from November through March, when they move into shallower waters to feed. Kids love the steady pull of a grouper, and they make excellent table fare for a family fish fry back home.
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of Boca Grande, earning the area its reputation as the "Tarpon Capital of the World." These silver giants range from juvenile fish in the 10-30 pound class to mature tarpon exceeding 100 pounds. Peak tarpon season runs May through August, but resident fish provide year-round opportunities. The explosive jumps and long runs make tarpon a bucket-list species for any angler, and Boca Grande's waters offer some of the most consistent tarpon action anywhere.
King Mackerel provide fast-paced trolling action that keeps the whole family engaged. These speedsters typically range 10-25 pounds in local waters and are known for blistering runs and aggressive strikes. Kings are most active during spring and fall migrations, but summer fishing can be productive when conditions align. Their strong fighting ability and excellent eating quality make them a favorite target for family charters.
Redfish offer year-round action in Boca Grande's shallow waters and grass flats. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-35 inches and are famous for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style. Redfish are perfect for teaching kids proper fish-handling techniques since they're hardy and relatively easy to release. They feed actively during moving tides and are often found in skinny water where the visual excitement adds to the experience.
Tripletail are one of the more unique catches you might encounter around Boca Grande. These oddly-shaped fish hover near floating debris, channel markers, and crab trap buoys. They typically weigh 5-15 pounds and are considered excellent table fare with their firm, white meat. Tripletail fishing requires patience and precise casting, making them a fun challenge for more experienced family members while providing great photo opportunities.
Family Traditions Charter Co. has built their reputation on creating positive fishing memories for families visiting Boca Grande. This half-day trip strikes the perfect balance between serious fishing and family fun, giving everyone a chance to get involved without the commitment of a full-day charter. The experienced captain's local knowledge ensures you'll fish the most productive spots while learning about the area's rich fishing heritage. With all gear and licenses provided, booking is simple - just show up ready for a great day on the water. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly when securing your preferred date. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing or looking for a relaxed family adventure, this Boca Grande charter delivers the kind of authentic Florida fishing experience that creates lasting memories.
Your family fishing adventure awaits aboard this 23' Hanson center console, a well-maintained 2017 vessel powered by a reliable 150HP Suzuki engine that'll get you to the best Boca Grande fishing spots at a smooth 25 knots. Built for comfort and functionality, this boat easily handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of deck space for everyone to cast their lines. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure for snook and redfish, while the fish finder helps locate schools of mackerel and tarpon. Navigation is covered with GPS and VHF radio, plus there's an onboard head for convenience during your 4-hour trip. Whether you're teaching the kids to fish or chasing that trophy tarpon, this center console gives your family the perfect platform to explore Gulf Coast waters and make some great fishing memories together.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are solid fighters that'll test your gear once hooked. These guys average around 20 inches, but we've seen some push 4+ feet and 80 pounds. They love hanging around structure - reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 40-100 feet of water. What makes them tricky is they'll immediately try to pull you back into the rocks once hooked, so keep that drag locked tight. Best action happens during cooler months when they move inshore. The meat is excellent - firm, white, and mild. They change from female to male as they age, which is pretty wild. Here's a local tip: look for stone crab traps since gag grouper follow the crabs. Use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, and the second you feel that thump, crank hard to get them away from cover.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll scream line off your reel when they hit. Around here, we typically catch them in the 15-30 pound range, though bigger ones show up. They patrol depths from 40-150 feet, often following baitfish along drop-offs and ledges. Best bite happens during warmer months when they're chasing Spanish sardines and blue runners. What makes them fun is that blazing first run - they can hit 35 mph and will test your drag system. The meat is excellent when fresh, with a rich flavor that's great grilled or smoked. We usually troll with live bait or spoons, but they'll also hit jigs worked fast. Local trick: rig two hooks on a wire leader when using live bait - one through the nose, one near the tail. Kings often hit the back half of the bait first.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for families because they fight hard but aren't too crazy for kids to handle. Most run 20-30 inches and put up a steady, bulldogging fight. You'll find them in super shallow water - sometimes so skinny their backs stick out. They love grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water. Year-round fishing here, but fall and spring are prime when they school up. Kids get excited spotting that signature black spot near the tail. The meat is fantastic - mild and flaky, perfect for fish tacos. They'll eat just about anything, from live shrimp to topwater plugs. Here's what works: when you see tailing redfish in the shallows, cast well past them and work your bait back slowly. They spook easily, so quiet approaches and long casts are key.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the kings of Boca Grande waters, especially during our famous tarpon season from May through July. These silver giants average 80-100 pounds but can hit 200+. They're pure muscle and will jump clean out of the water multiple times during the fight. We find them in passes, around bridges, and rolling on the flats in 10-40 feet of water. What guests love most is watching a 6-foot fish go airborne right next to the boat - it's something you never forget. They're mostly catch and release since the meat isn't great, but the fight is world-class. Best bait is live crabs or pinfish on the bottom. Pro tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by pointing your rod tip at them - it keeps slack in the line and prevents them from throwing the hook.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our best-kept secrets around Boca Grande. These odd-shaped fish average 2-13 pounds and are absolute acrobats when hooked - they'll jump and spin like mini tarpon. You'll find them floating near the surface around weed lines, crab trap buoys, or any floating debris. They're masters of camouflage, often lying on their sides to mimic floating leaves. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them. What makes tripletail special is the meat - tastes like a cross between snapper and grouper, really excellent eating. The trick is sight fishing for them. When you spot one, don't cast right at it or you'll spook them. Cast about 10 feet past and work your shrimp or crab bait slowly toward them. They'll ambush it when it gets close. Use light tackle for more fun.
Boca Grande