Kids Fishing Charter in Cortez, Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Twohour afternoon charter targeting snook, redfish, and troutFamilyfriendly trip in calm shallow waters and mangrovesAll gear, bait, and licenses included for three guests
Getting your kids hooked on fishing starts with the right experience, and this family-friendly charter in Cortez delivers exactly that. You'll spend two relaxed hours in the afternoon exploring the protected waters around Tampa Bay, where calm conditions and eager fish create the perfect learning environment for young anglers. Captain and crew know how to keep kids engaged while teaching them the fundamentals of inshore fishing. At $350 for up to three guests, it's a top-rated choice for families looking to introduce children to the sport without breaking the bank.
This isn't your typical high-energy fishing charter – it's designed with kids in mind. Departing at 1:00 PM when afternoon bites are prime, you'll cruise into the shallow bays and mangrove shorelines where fish are plentiful and conditions stay comfortable. The boat stays in protected waters, so you won't deal with rough seas or long runs to fishing spots. Your captain focuses on areas like grass flats and tidal creeks where fish congregate and kids can see their success in clear, shallow water. All fishing gear, bait, and licenses are covered, so you just need to bring snacks, drinks, and sunscreen. The crew keeps things simple but effective, using techniques that give kids the best shot at catching fish while learning proper angling basics.
Your captain sets kids up with light tackle that's easy to handle – spinning reels with simple drag systems and rods sized appropriately for smaller hands. Most fishing happens with live bait like shrimp and pinfish, which work great for the species you'll target in these waters. You'll learn basic techniques like casting near mangrove edges, working grass flats, and reading water for signs of fish activity. The crew teaches kids how to feel bites, set hooks properly, and fight fish without getting overwhelmed. Polarized sunglasses become essential tools for sight fishing, helping young anglers spot fish before they cast. Everything stays hands-on but stress-free, with guides adjusting techniques based on each child's skill level and attention span.
Snook are the crown jewel of these waters, and kids love their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. These ambush predators hang around mangrove roots and dock pilings, typically ranging from 18 to 28 inches in these protected areas. Fall and winter months offer the most consistent action as snook move into warmer backwaters. They hit live shrimp and small baitfish hard, giving kids that exciting jolt when the rod bends over. The fight stays manageable for young anglers while still providing plenty of excitement.
Redfish cruise these grass flats year-round and make perfect targets for beginning anglers. These copper-colored fighters average 16 to 24 inches in the shallows and provide steady, strong pulls that kids can handle. You'll often sight-fish for reds in knee-deep water, watching them tail and cruise before making your cast. They're not as jumpy as snook but offer a bulldogging fight that teaches kids patience and proper fish-fighting technique. Redfish are also forgiving – they'll often give you a second chance if the first cast spooks them.
Sea trout populate these grass beds in good numbers and bite consistently throughout the day. Most run 12 to 18 inches, perfect for kids to catch and handle safely. They're aggressive feeders that hit live shrimp and small jigs readily, often providing non-stop action when you locate a school. Trout don't fight as hard as snook or redfish, but they make up for it with numbers and willingness to bite. Cool mornings and late afternoons see the best trout fishing, though they'll feed throughout the day in deeper grass.
Sheepshead around dock pilings and structure offer kids a different fishing experience with their notorious light bites and strong runs. These black-and-white striped fighters average 10 to 14 inches and require more finesse, teaching young anglers to detect subtle bites. They're most active during cooler months and around moving tides. While trickier to hook, sheepshead reward patient young anglers with excellent eating and a sense of accomplishment from mastering a more technical bite.
This customer-favorite kids charter fills up quickly, especially during school breaks and weekends when families have more flexibility. The two-hour format keeps kids engaged without wearing them out, while the protected waters ensure comfortable conditions for the whole family. Your young anglers will leave with new skills, confidence on the water, and hopefully some great fish stories to share. The $350 rate covers everything you need for a successful day, making it an excellent value for a world-class fishing experience. Don't wait – these afternoon slots book fast during prime fishing season.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target in our shallow waters around Cortez. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails typically range 16-26 inches and provide some of the most exciting fishing you'll find. They cruise grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars in water so shallow their backs sometimes break the surface. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and winter months are prime time when they school up. What makes reds special is their powerful fight and willingness to eat almost anything - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificial lures. They're also great table fare with firm, mild meat. Local secret: look for "tailing" fish in super shallow water during low tide. When you see those copper tails waving above the surface, make a quiet approach and drop your bait right in front of them.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are perfect fish for young anglers learning the ropes. These silver-sided beauties with black spots typically measure 12-18 inches and put up a fun fight without being overwhelming. They cruise our grass flats and shallow bays in 2-8 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk when the bite really turns on. Cooler months from fall through spring provide the most consistent action as they school up in deeper pockets. What makes trout special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, making them great for teaching different techniques. They're also fantastic eating with delicate, flaky meat. Pro tip: work your bait slowly across the grass beds and watch for that telltale "thump" on the bottom - that's usually a trout picking up your offering.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our local waters, sporting those distinctive black and white stripes that earned them the nickname. Most run 1-3 pounds around here, though we occasionally see some hefty 5-pounders that'll test your gear. These crafty fish hang tight to any structure - dock pilings, bridge supports, and barnacle-covered rocks in 5-15 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but winter months offer the best fishing when they school up. Kids love the challenge because sheepshead are notorious bait thieves with those human-like teeth. They make excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat. My go-to trick is using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook immediately. They'll steal your bait faster than you can blink if you hesitate.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular targets around Cortez's mangroves and shallow flats. These golden-colored fish typically run 18-24 inches, with that distinctive black lateral line making them easy to spot. They love hanging around structure - docks, mangrove roots, and creek mouths in 2-6 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially during moving tides when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small fish. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and strong fight - they'll jump and make powerful runs that get everyone's heart pumping. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: cast your bait right into the mangrove shadows and let it sink naturally. Snook are ambush predators, so patience pays off when working those tight spots.
Cortez, FL