Family Friendly Inshore Kids Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour private charter targeting Snapper, Trout, and Jacks inshoreCaptain provides patient instruction and childsized safety equipment includedCalm protected waters perfect for families with young anglers
Looking to get the kids hooked on fishing? This four-hour private charter out of Palmetto is designed from the ground up for families with young anglers. Captain Wayne knows exactly how to keep little ones engaged while staying in the calm, protected waters of Tampa Bay's inshore flats. We're talking about a stress-free day where parents can relax while kids actually catch fish - not just cast lines and hope for the best. With all gear provided and a patient captain who speaks kid-language, this top-rated family charter has turned countless hesitant youngsters into eager anglers who'll be begging for the next trip before you even hit the dock.
Captain Wayne runs these trips in the shallow, protected waters around Palmetto where the Gulf meets Tampa Bay. We're staying inside where it's calm - no rough seas or seasick kids to worry about. The boat stays in 3-8 feet of water most of the time, targeting grass flats and oyster bars where fish love to hang out and feed. Kids get their own child-sized life vests and rods scaled to their size, plus Captain Wayne's got decades of experience turning "I'm bored" into "Did you see that fish I caught?" The pace is relaxed, instruction is hands-on, and there's always cold water on board. Morning trips usually run 7 AM to 11 AM, while afternoon charters go from 1 PM to 5 PM - both windows offer great fishing and comfortable weather for the little ones.
We keep it simple and effective with light spinning tackle that kids can actually handle. Captain Wayne rigs everything with circle hooks for safety and uses live shrimp, cut bait, and small artificial lures that these inshore species can't resist. The technique is mostly bottom fishing and slow trolling - nothing complicated that'll frustrate a 7-year-old trying to learn. Kids learn to feel the bite, set the hook gently, and work the fish to the boat with guidance every step of the way. The captain handles all the net work and unhooking, so parents can focus on taking photos and videos. Rods are already rigged when you arrive, bait stays fresh in the live well, and everything from tackle boxes to coolers is provided. This isn't about teaching advanced techniques - it's about building confidence and creating those "fish on" moments that hook kids for life.
Snook are the crown jewel of these inshore waters and what every angler dreams about landing. These silvery fighters love hanging around mangrove shorelines and dock pilings, especially during warmer months from April through October. They're ambush predators that hit hard and make blistering runs that'll get kids' hearts pumping. A 20-inch snook feels like a monster to a young angler, and Captain Wayne knows exactly where they stack up along the Palmetto flats. The thrill of watching that distinctive black lateral line come to the surface never gets old.
Sheepshead are perfect for teaching kids patience and proper technique. These black-striped bait thieves hang around structure like bridge pilings and oyster bars year-round, with peak action from December through April. They're notorious for their light bites and quick mouth, so kids learn to stay alert and set the hook fast. Landing a 3-4 pound sheepshead gives young anglers serious bragging rights, plus these fish are excellent table fare if families want to take dinner home.
Sea Trout are the bread-and-butter species that keep rods bent and kids engaged throughout the trip. These spotted beauties cruise the grass flats in schools, especially during spring and fall months. They're aggressive biters that aren't too picky about bait, making them perfect confidence builders for first-time anglers. The distinctive spotted pattern and decent size - averaging 14-18 inches - make for great photos and memorable catches.
Redfish are the copper-colored bulldogs that provide some of the best fights pound-for-pound in these waters. Kids love their distinctive spot patterns and the way they dig deep when hooked. Fall and winter months are prime time, when reds school up in the shallows and feed heavily. Captain Wayne targets them around oyster bars and grass edges where they're actively hunting. A slot-sized red pulling drag while a young angler learns to pump and wind creates memories that last a lifetime.
Hogfish bring something different to the mix with their unique pig-like snouts and excellent eating quality. These curious fish hang around rocky bottom and structure, usually in slightly deeper water around the bay. They're most active during warmer months and provide a fun challenge since they can be finicky about bait presentation. Kids get excited about their unusual appearance, and parents appreciate that hogfish are considered one of the best-tasting fish in Gulf waters.
This family-friendly charter with Good Times Fishing Adventures fills up fast, especially during school holidays and summer months. Captain Wayne's patient teaching style and kid-focused approach have made this a customer favorite among Palmetto families looking to create lasting memories on the water. With all equipment provided, safety as the top priority, and a track record of putting fish in the boat, this four-hour adventure offers the perfect introduction to Florida's world-class inshore fishing. The combination of calm waters, cooperative fish species, and an experienced guide who genuinely enjoys working with young anglers makes this the best choice for families ready to experience why fishing becomes a lifelong passion. Book your private charter today and watch your kids discover the magic of feeling that first fish tug on their line.
Our 2021 21' Hewes Redfisher is built for family fishing adventures in Palmetto's protected inshore waters. This premier flats boat runs skinny water with ease, powered by a reliable 250HP Yamaha that gets us to the fish quickly while staying smooth for young anglers. The stable design keeps everyone comfortable while casting for Snapper, Trout, and Jacks in the calm backcountry. An icebox keeps snacks and drinks cold during your four-hour trip, while our wireless trolling motor lets us approach fish quietly without spooking them. The GPS and fish finder help locate the best bite, and there's plenty of deck space for kids to move around safely. Perfect for introducing children to saltwater fishing in a relaxed, low-stress environment where the action stays steady and everyone can enjoy being on the water.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are a real treat when we encounter them around nearshore structure. With that pig-like snout and bright orange coloring, they're unmistakable - and they happen to be some of the best eating fish in our waters. These wrasse typically run 2-8 pounds and prefer rocky bottom, hard sand, and reef edges in 10-50 feet. They use that snout to root around for crabs and shellfish, kind of like underwater pigs. Spring and summer are your best bets when water temps are up. Families enjoy the uniqueness factor - not many people have caught a fish that looks like this. The meat is sweet and firm, often compared to lobster. They're tricky to hook because of that snout, so here's the key: use a small circle hook with live or fresh dead shrimp, and be ready for a quick strike. They hit fast and light.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands-down one of the best family fish we target. These copper-colored beauties with the black "eyespot" near their tail typically run 18-30 inches and love our shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines. You'll find them in water so shallow their backs sometimes show - that's when the sight fishing gets really fun. They bite year-round but fall and spring are peak times. Kids love watching them cruise the shallows, and when one hits, they pull hard with that powerful tail. The meat is firm and mild, perfect for the dinner table. These fish are curious and will often follow your bait before striking. Here's my tip: when you spot one tailing in shallow water, cast well ahead of where it's going, not where it is. Let the bait sit still - movement often spooks them.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are perfect for families because they're eager biters and put up a fun fight on light tackle. These silvery fish with black spots typically run 14-24 inches and love our grass flats in 2-6 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months and at dawn or dusk when they come shallow to feed on shrimp and small baitfish. Kids get a kick out of their spotted pattern and the way they jump when hooked. The meat is tender and flaky - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. Winter is actually prime time here since they school up in deeper holes and channels. My local secret: fish the edges of grass beds with a popping cork and live shrimp. Let it sit for a few seconds between pops - that's when they usually strike.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters with those black and gray stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're some of the best eating around. These 1-8 pound fish hang around any structure with barnacles: docks, bridges, pilings, and reefs. Their human-like teeth are perfect for crushing shellfish, which is exactly what they're after. Spring months from February through April are peak season when they move shallow to spawn. Families love targeting them because they're always around structure, making them pretty predictable. The fight isn't flashy, but that sweet, mild white meat makes up for it. Here's the trick: these guys are notorious bait thieves. Once you feel that nibbling, set the hook hard and fast - they'll strip your bait clean if you hesitate.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most exciting inshore targets, running 1-4 feet long with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. These ambush predators love hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in shallow water, especially during warmer months from spring through fall. They're incredible fighters - that wide tail gives them explosive bursts that'll test any angler's skills. The spawning season from May to September is prime time when they gather near passes and bridges. What really gets guests fired up is their acrobatic jumps and hard runs. Plus, they make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. My go-to tip: get your bait right up against structure. Snook rarely venture far from cover, so don't be shy about casting into those mangrove roots or right next to dock pilings.
Palmetto, FL