Destin Kids Fishing Trip - 3 Hours of Fun
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Three-hour inshore fishing experience in Choctawhatchee Bay waters.Professional instruction teaches children fundamental angling techniques and skills.Small group capacity accommodates up to four young guests.
Looking for a way to get your kids hooked on fishing? This 3-hour kids trip with First Shot Charters is exactly what you need. We'll take your little anglers out into the protected waters of Choctawhatchee Bay, where they can learn the ropes without dealing with rough seas or intimidating open water. Captain and crew know how to work with kids - they keep things fun, educational, and safe while teaching real fishing skills that'll stick with them for life.
This trip is all about the kids having a blast while picking up solid fishing fundamentals. We launch right here in Destin and head into the calm, shallow waters of Choctawhatchee Bay - perfect for beginners who might get seasick on bigger boats in choppy conditions. The bay's protected nature means we can focus on fishing instead of fighting waves. Your kids will learn how to bait hooks, cast lines, feel for bites, and most importantly, how to reel in their catch. The crew keeps things moving with different spots around the bay, so if the fish aren't biting in one area, we'll find them somewhere else. With a max of 4 passengers, each kid gets plenty of one-on-one attention from the captain and crew.
We keep the gear simple but effective for this kids-focused trip. Light spinning rods that are easy for small hands to manage, paired with reels that won't overwhelm beginners. Most of the fishing happens with bottom rigs using circle hooks - safer for kids and better for the fish. We'll set them up with live shrimp, cut bait, or small jigs depending on what's working that day. The beauty of fishing Choctawhatchee Bay is the variety - we might be dropping baits around dock pilings for sheepshead, working grass flats for redfish, or finding structure where grouper and snapper hang out. Kids learn to read their rod tips, feel the difference between a bite and the bottom, and develop that sixth sense every good angler needs. No complicated techniques here - just solid basics that build confidence on the water.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf Coast fishing, and even in the bay, kids can connect with these beautiful pink and red fighters. These fish are smart - they'll test your young angler's patience and skill. Snapper typically run 12-20 inches in the bay, perfect for kids to handle. They fight hard for their size and make great table fare, so kids get the satisfaction of catching dinner. Best action usually happens around structure like bridge pilings or rocky bottom.
Gag Grouper are another favorite that really gets kids excited. These guys are ambush predators that hit hard and pull even harder. When a grouper grabs the bait, there's no mistaking it - the rod doubles over and the fight is on. They're chunky fish with big mouths and attitude to match. Kids love the aggressive strikes and the challenge of keeping them off the bottom once hooked. Most bay grouper run smaller than their offshore cousins, making them manageable for young anglers.
Grey Triggerfish are oddball-looking fish that kids find fascinating. They've got big teeth for crushing shellfish and a unique trigger-like dorsal fin that gives them their name. These fish are surprisingly strong fighters and have personalities - they'll actually come up and check out the boat sometimes. They're also excellent eating, though they take some skill to clean. Kids get a kick out of their weird looks and feisty attitude.
Sheepshead are the bay's resident thieves - they're notorious bait stealers that will test a young angler's patience and hook-setting skills. These black and white striped convicts have human-like teeth for crushing barnacles and crabs off dock pilings. They're finicky biters that require good technique to hook consistently. When kids finally master sheepshead fishing, they've really learned something valuable. Plus, they're fantastic eating fish.
Redfish are every kid's dream catch - they're beautiful copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots near their tails. Reds are perfect for beginners because they're aggressive feeders that aren't too picky about presentation. They fight hard with long runs that get kids pumping with excitement. The bay holds plenty of slot-size reds year-round, and they're forgiving fish that give kids a real chance at success. Nothing beats watching a kid's face light up when they see that bronze flash coming to the boat.
This top-rated kids fishing trip fills up fast, especially during summer months and school breaks when families are looking for quality time on the water. Three hours is the perfect length - long enough to really fish and learn, but not so long that kids get restless or tired. Your young anglers will come back to the dock with new skills, confidence, and hopefully some fish for dinner. First Shot Charters has built their reputation on creating positive fishing experiences, and this kids trip showcases exactly why they're a customer favorite. Don't let another season slip by - book now and give your kids a fishing adventure they'll remember forever.
Your kids will love learning to fish aboard this 20-foot Cape Horn center console that's perfect for exploring the calm waters of Choctawhatchee Bay. The boat comfortably seats up to 4 passengers and comes fully rigged with everything needed for a successful day on the water. GPS navigation keeps you on course while the fish finder helps locate the best fishing spots. The flybridge gives everyone a great view of the action. Life jackets are provided for safety, and the live bait well ensures fresh bait throughout your 3-hour adventure. This sturdy center console design makes it easy for young anglers to move around and cast their lines while staying safe and comfortable as they master the basics of fishing in Destin's productive inshore waters.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the gold standard of Gulf fishing - these bright red beauties average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though trophy fish can hit 35+ pounds. You'll find them around structure in 30-200 feet of water, especially wrecks, reefs, and ledges. They're year-round targets but fish best May through October when they're more active. Kids love the strong fight these fish put up - they'll dive straight for cover when hooked, making every catch a battle. The meat is sweet and mild, perfect for picky eaters. Pro tip: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and run a bit - Snapper are notorious for just mouthing the bait before committing to the bite.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or Red Drum, are perfect for shallow water fishing with their copper-bronze backs and signature black spot near the tail. They average 20-30 inches but can grow to 50+ pounds in deeper water. In Choctawhatchee Bay, you'll find them cruising grass flats, oyster bars, and shallow structure in 1-6 feet of water year-round, with fall being prime time. What makes them special is their powerful runs and tail-walking fights that get everyone excited. They're great eating too, with mild, sweet meat. The best part is watching them "tail" in shallow water with their backs exposed. Local tip: look for nervous water or muddy spots where they're rooting around for crabs. Cast just ahead of cruising fish with live shrimp or soft plastics, and be ready for explosive strikes.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, and they're famous for their human-like teeth that can crack barnacles and crab shells. They average 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, hanging tight around docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered structure in shallow to moderate depths. Winter and spring are peak season when they're spawning and feeding heavily. Kids get a kick out of their weird teeth and the challenge they present - these are the ultimate bait thieves. The white meat is sweet and flaky, though they're tough to clean. My go-to trick: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, and keep your bait right against the pilings. When you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, don't hesitate - set the hook hard because they'll steal your bait in seconds.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are scrappy little fighters that typically run 12-17 inches and make great targets for kids learning to fish. You'll find them around reefs, ledges, and structure in 20-180 feet of water year-round. What makes them fun is their aggressive nature - they'll hit almost any bait and put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. They're also unique looking with that leather-like skin and beak-shaped mouth. The meat is decent eating with a mild flavor. Here's the secret: these guys are notorious bait thieves who'll nibble and steal your bait all day. Use small chunks of squid about an inch wide - it stays on the hook better. When you feel them pecking at it, don't wait around. Set that hook fast and reel quickly before they spit it out.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are chunky fighters that average 20 inches but can reach monster sizes of 50+ pounds and 4 feet long. These bottom dwellers love hanging around rocky structure, wrecks, and reefs in 40-120 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily before and after spawning. What makes them special is their incredible fight - once hooked, they'll try to drag your bait straight back to their rocky hideout. The meat is firm and white, making excellent table fare. Here's the key trick: keep your reel locked tight and don't let them run. The second you feel the bite, start cranking hard and keep that rod tip low. Give them an inch and they'll disappear into a hole you'll never get them out of.
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