Private 2-Hour Kids Fishing Adventure with Captain Guion
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 2hour fishing adventure designed for ages 412Captain Guion specializes in engaging young anglers safelyCatchandrelease targeting croakers, spot, and small sharks
Captain Guion gets it – keeping kids happy on the water is about action, not waiting around for that perfect fish. This 2-hour private charter is built around your young crew, ages 4-12, with a game plan that puts bent rods and big smiles first. We're talking high catch ratios on species that actually want to bite, not some wishful thinking trip where everyone stares at the water. As a father of three himself, Captain Guion knows exactly when to switch spots, how to keep little hands busy, and what it takes to send your family home with stories they'll tell for years.
This isn't your typical "let's see what happens" fishing trip. We're targeting the fish that love to cooperate – croakers that hit everything you throw at them, spot that school up thick in the shallows, and yes, even some baby sand sharks and stingrays that'll have the kids thinking they just landed Jaws. The boat stays in protected inshore waters where the ride is smooth and the fishing is consistent. Captain Guion brings all the gear sized right for small hands, plus backup rods because, let's be honest, tangles happen. Every fish goes back in the water healthy, so you're teaching the kids good conservation habits while they're learning to love fishing. The whole setup is designed around keeping everyone engaged – when one spot slows down, we move. When the kids need a snack break, we take it. This is their show.
We keep the fishing simple and effective – bottom rigs with fresh bait that the fish can't resist. Think light spinning gear that won't wear out little arms, circle hooks that hook themselves, and sinkers just heavy enough to get down without making it feel like work. Captain Guion handles all the technical stuff like reading the water, finding structure, and managing the drift. Your job is watching your kids get fired up when that rod tip starts bouncing. The beauty of targeting these inshore species is they're not picky – we're using basic techniques that work every single time. Bottom fishing with cut bait, maybe some live shrimp when the spot are being finicky, and always keeping multiple lines in the water so there's constant action. No complicated presentations or tricky timing – just good old-fashioned fishing that puts fish in the boat.
Spanish Mackerel are the speed demons of the inshore waters, hitting baits with lightning-fast strikes that'll wake up any daydreaming young angler. These silver bullets typically run 12-18 inches and fight way above their weight class, making long runs that get kids laughing and screaming. Best action usually happens during moving water, and they're most active from late spring through early fall. Kids love them because they hit hard, fight clean, and always put on a show jumping and tail-walking.
Bluefish bring the attitude – they're aggressive, hungry, and absolutely fearless when they're feeding. These choppers range from snapper blues around 6-8 inches up to larger fish pushing 2-3 pounds. They school up thick and when you find them, everybody's rod is bent at once. Peak season runs from spring through late fall, and they're famous for their hard initial run followed by that classic head-shaking fight. Kids get a kick out of their fierce reputation and those razor-sharp teeth.
Black Sea Bass are the steady producers, hanging around structure and always willing to eat. They're perfect starter fish for young anglers – they bite consistently, don't fight too hard, and have that classic "fish" look that photographs great. Most run 10-14 inches with some bigger ones mixed in during peak season from late spring through early winter. They're curious fish that often follow hooked fish up, so multiple hookups are common. Kids love their spotted pattern and the way they puff up their gills when brought to the surface.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the group, using their size and strength to test young anglers' skills. Smaller ones in the 12-16 inch range are perfect for kids, giving them a real taste of what a fighting fish feels like without being overwhelming. They're most active during cooler months and love eating crabs and shrimp around oyster beds and structure. The bigger ones can really pull drag, teaching kids the basics of fighting fish properly. They're also great eating, though we practice catch and release on this trip.
Summer Flounder are the tricksters – masters of camouflage that provide a completely different fishing experience. These flatfish can be anywhere from small throwbacks up to keeper-sized fish over 18 inches. They hit softly compared to other species, teaching kids to watch their rod tips and feel for subtle bites. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're most active during moving water. Kids are always amazed by their flat body shape and how both eyes are on one side of their head.
Look, most fishing trips aren't designed with kids in mind – they're too long, too complicated, or focused on species that just don't cooperate. Captain Guion built this trip specifically for young anglers who want action, not excuses. Two hours is the perfect sweet spot before attention spans start wandering, and targeting cooperative species means you're almost guaranteed to head home with some great photos and even better memories. The catch-and-release approach teaches good stewardship while keeping the fishing hot for the next family. With space for up to 4 guests, this works perfect for families or small groups who want a private experience tailored to their kids' energy level. Don't gamble on a trip that might work for your young crew – book with someone who specializes in making it work every single time.
Captain Guion's 23-foot Sea Chaser is built for getting kids hooked on fishing! This 2020 center console runs smooth with its 250HP Suzuki, cruising at speeds up to 40 knots to reach the best fishing spots quickly. The boat's custom sight tower gives Captain Guion a clear view to locate schools of croakers, spot, and other kid-friendly species. With room for up to 4 young anglers, the spacious deck provides plenty of casting room while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when sneaking up on fish. The GPS and fish finder help track down active feeding areas, while the icebox keeps snacks and drinks cold during your 2-hour adventure. The livewell ensures any catch stays healthy for photos before release. Perfect for ages 4-12, this setup makes fishing easy and fun while teaching kids about conservation through catch-and-release practices.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 90+. These dark, powerful fish have crushing jaws built for cracking oysters and crabs. You'll find them in shallow, muddy flats, around oyster beds, and near creek mouths in brackish water. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and are easier to target. They're known for making that distinctive drumming sound you can actually hear underwater. The fight is more about power than speed - they'll use that broad body to pull hard. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are better eating. The secret is fresh crab bait fished right on the bottom - live or peeler crabs work best since other bait stealers usually leave crab alone.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are chunky fighters that love structure and put up a solid scrap until they hit the surface. These gray-to-black fish typically run 1-4 pounds, though we've seen some 8-pounders that'll surprise you. They hang around wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottoms in 20-120 feet of water during summer months. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move closer to shore. What makes them fun is their aggressive nature - they'll hit squid strips, clams, or jigs without hesitation. The males develop a bright blue color and head bump during spawning, which is pretty cool to see. Great table fare with sweet, white meat. My go-to tip: drop your bait right to the bottom and give it a little bounce - they're opportunistic feeders that rarely pass up an easy meal.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that'll give you a real fight. These blue-green bruisers typically weigh 3-20 pounds and have razor-sharp teeth that can slice through just about anything. You'll find them around jetties, beaches, and open water from late spring through fall, often feeding in massive schools called "blitzes" that churn the water white. They're voracious feeders that'll hit cut bait, eels, or shiny lures with serious attitude. The smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids, while the bigger blues will test your drag. They're excellent eating when fresh, with mild, flaky meat. Here's the key: use a wire leader or they'll bite through your line, and watch your fingers when unhooking - those teeth are no joke.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are one of our most popular targets - fast, aggressive, and great eating. These sleek fish typically run 1-2 feet and weigh 8-11 pounds, with distinctive yellow spots along their silver sides. You'll find them in schools near the surface around structures, jetties, and piers, especially during warmer months. They're incredibly fast swimmers that hit hard and make blistering runs when hooked. Spring through fall offers the best action, with schools moving closer to shore as water warms. Their mild, flaky meat is perfect grilled or blackened. Pro tip: when you see birds diving or bait jumping, get a spoon or small jig in there fast - Spanish Macs don't stay in one spot long, but when you find them, it's game on.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are the chameleons of the sea floor, perfectly camouflaged flatfish that make for fun fishing and excellent eating. These ambush predators typically run 15-20 inches but can reach impressive sizes up to 26 pounds. They lie flat on sandy or muddy bottoms in estuaries, bays, and offshore waters, with both eyes on their left side watching for prey above. Fall fishing from September through November is peak time when they're most active before their offshore migration. What guests love is their unique appearance and sweet, white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They'll hit live minnows, sea worms, or squid strips. The trick is patience - let them grab the bait and run with it before setting the hook, since they bite sideways and need time to get it positioned right.
Wilmington