Kid Friendly Fishing Charter Morehead City
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour family fishing trip accommodates up to six guestsLight tackle bottom fishing targets common inshore species near Morehead CityAll equipment, fishing license, and helpful mate included onboard
Getting kids hooked on fishing starts with the right charter, and From the Bottom Charters has perfected the family-friendly formula. This 4-hour inshore adventure is designed specifically for young anglers and beginners, focusing on calm waters, simple techniques, and plenty of action to keep everyone engaged. With two convenient departure times at 7am and 1pm, you can pick what works best for your crew's schedule. The captain and mate know how to keep kids excited about every bite, making this one of the top-rated family fishing experiences on the Crystal Coast.
This charter keeps things simple and fun, targeting the protected inshore waters around Morehead City where conditions stay comfortable for families. You'll fish aboard a spacious boat with room for up to 6 guests, giving everyone plenty of elbow room to cast and reel. The crew sets you up with light tackle that's perfect for smaller hands, and they'll teach basic bottom fishing techniques that kids can master quickly. No need to worry about gear – everything's provided including rods, reels, tackle, and even the fishing license. The boat comes equipped with a 25lb ice chest and two 6-foot fish boxes, so there's plenty of space for your catch. A knowledgeable mate stays busy helping with hooks, untangling lines, and making sure everyone gets their fair share of fish time.
The technique here is all about keeping things manageable for young anglers. You'll be using light spinning gear with live bait, dropping down to structure and bottom where fish like to hang out. This method is perfect for kids because it's straightforward – drop your line, feel for the bite, and reel up your fish. The mate will handle the more complicated stuff like rigging hooks and measuring fish, while kids focus on the fun part. Live bait like shrimp and small baitfish work great in these waters, and the crew knows exactly where to find the most action. Bottom fishing around Morehead City's inshore structure produces steady catches, which means less waiting around and more fish in the box.
Spanish Mackerel are absolute favorites with young anglers because they hit hard and fight like crazy for their size. These silver speedsters typically run 1-3 pounds and show up in good numbers from late spring through early fall. They're aggressive feeders that will slam live bait, giving kids that exciting hookup they're hoping for. The best part? They're perfect eating fish that make great fish tacos or simply grilled whole.
Bluefish earn their reputation as one of the most reliable catches around Morehead City. These toothy predators range from small "snappers" perfect for kids to handle, up to larger choppers that can really test young anglers' skills. They feed aggressively in schools, so when you find them, everyone on board usually gets in on the action. Bluefish are available year-round but peak in spring and fall when they're moving through the area in big numbers.
Black Sea Bass are the perfect starter fish for kids – they're abundant, bite consistently, and don't require perfect technique to catch. These bottom dwellers typically weigh 1-2 pounds and have a distinctive black coloration with white markings. They're most active during spring and summer months around structure and artificial reefs. Sea bass are also excellent table fare, making them a favorite with families who want to bring dinner home.
King Mackerel, or "kings," are the trophy fish that get kids really excited. While smaller kings in the 10-20 pound range are most common on this type of charter, even these smaller fish provide world-class fights that will have young anglers talking for years. Kings are most active during warmer months and when you hook into one, everyone on the boat knows it. These fish make long runs and aerial displays that create memories kids won't forget.
Atlantic Bonito are the speed demons of the inshore waters, hitting baits with lightning-fast strikes that catch young anglers off guard. These streamlined fish typically weigh 2-6 pounds but punch well above their weight class when it comes to fighting power. They show up in spring and fall during their migrations, and their hard pulls and quick runs make them a customer favorite. Bonito are also great eating when prepared fresh, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
This kid-friendly charter delivers exactly what families need – patient instruction, steady action, and memories that last a lifetime. The crew's experience with young anglers shows in every detail, from the gear selection to the fishing spots they choose. With all equipment included, flexible departure times, and fish cleaning available for a small fee, it's designed to be hassle-free for parents. Veterans, first responders, and law enforcement receive a 10 percent discount, and the standard 20 percent gratuity for the mate ensures top-notch service throughout your trip. Book early because these family-friendly slots fill up quickly, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its best.
Step aboard this 27' Boston Whaler Outrage center console, built specifically for family fishing adventures around Morehead City's productive inshore waters. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of deck space for kids to move around safely while learning to fish. Modern electronics including GPS and fish finder help locate the best fishing spots, while outriggers extend your trolling spread when targeting larger species. The boat features generous fish boxes to store your catch, plus an icebox to keep drinks and snacks cold during your 4-hour trip. A wireless trolling motor allows quiet positioning over structure without spooking fish, perfect for bottom fishing with live bait. Whether you choose the 7am or 1pm departure, this well-equipped vessel provides everything needed for a successful day of light tackle fishing in calm local waters where kids can easily learn proper techniques.
Sarda SardaAtlantic bonito are small tuna relatives that pack serious speed into a 3-8 pound package. These silver bullets with dark stripes on their backs travel in big schools, often feeding right on the surface. They prefer open water but come within range during summer and fall migrations. While they're not great eating here, they're pure adrenaline on light tackle - capable of hitting 40 mph when hooked. Kids get a kick out of their acrobatic jumps and screaming runs. The real fun starts when you find a feeding school because they'll hit almost anything you throw. Watch for diving birds marking baitfish schools - that's your cue. Cast small metal spoons or soft plastics into the chaos and hang on. Once you hook one, work fast because the school won't stick around long.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, bottom-dwelling fish that usually run 1-3 pounds, perfect for young anglers. They hang around hard structure like wrecks, jetties, and rocky areas in 20-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move closer to shore. These fish have personality - during spawning season, males turn bright blue with a hump on their head. What guests love is they're steady biters and put up a scrappy fight for their size. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find. They're curious fish that will often follow your bait up from the bottom. My go-to trick is dropping squid strips or small crabs right on structure, then lifting it a foot or two off bottom. Sea bass can't resist investigating, and once one bites, keep working that same spot.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that average 3-8 pounds, though bigger ones show up regularly. They're built for speed with that blue-green back and powerful tail, and those razor-sharp teeth mean business. Look for them around jetties, piers, and sandy bottom areas from late spring through fall when they follow baitfish north. These fish put on quite a show when feeding - they'll churn the water white attacking schools of menhaden and anchovies. What makes them popular with families is their willingness to bite almost anything and their strong fight until they break the surface. The smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids to learn on. Pro tip: when you hook one, there's usually more around. Get another line in the water fast, and use a wire leader - those teeth will cut through regular line in seconds.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the big cousins of Spanish mackerel, averaging 15-30 pounds with some pushing 50-plus. These olive-backed speedsters cruise deeper waters from 40-150 feet, usually along ledges and temperature breaks. Summer and early fall bring them closest to shore when the water's warm. What gets people excited is their blistering runs - they're built for speed and will test your drag system. The fight alone makes them worth targeting, plus they're decent table fare when handled right. Kings are notorious for hitting the back half of live bait, so here's what works: rig two hooks on a wire leader, one through the bait's nose and a treble hook near the tail. Slow troll a live menhaden or blue runner along the depth changes, and hold on tight when that rod doubles over.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, flashy fish that typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 8-11 pounds around here. You'll spot their silvery sides with yellow spots as they streak through the water at impressive speeds. These fish love our nearshore waters, especially around structures and drop-offs in 15-40 feet. They show up best from late spring through early fall when the water warms up. Kids love catching them because they hit hard and fight like crazy on light tackle. The meat is excellent eating too - mild flavor that grills up perfect. Here's a local trick: when you see diving birds working bait, Spanish mackerel are usually underneath. Use a small silver spoon or live shrimp and cast just outside the feeding frenzy. They'll often hit before your lure even sinks.
undefined, undefined