5.0(1 Reviews)Kids First Fishing Trip in Choctawhatchee Bay
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 3hour kids fishing charter for ages 12 and underCatchandrelease trip includes all bait, tackle, and fishing gearAdults welcome aboard with optional fishing for additional fee
Getting your little ones hooked on fishing starts with the right guide and the perfect spot. Have Fun Charters runs a top-rated kids-only fishing charter in Choctawhatchee Bay that's designed from the ground up for young anglers 12 and under. This isn't your typical fishing trip where kids get dragged along – it's their show, and our crew knows exactly how to make their first fishing experience one they'll never stop talking about. The protected waters of Choctawhatchee Bay provide the ideal learning environment, with calmer conditions that keep seasickness at bay while still offering plenty of fish to keep those little hands busy.
Your 3-hour private charter kicks off with our crew getting each kid set up with the right size rod and reel – none of that adult gear that's too heavy or complicated. We keep things simple but effective, teaching basic casting techniques and how to feel for that first bite. The beauty of fishing Choctawhatchee Bay is the variety – one minute you might be working the grass flats for redfish, the next you're dropping lines near structure for snapper. Our guides have been working these waters for years and know exactly where to find fish that are eager to bite. Since this is catch-and-release, kids get the full experience of fighting and landing fish without any pressure about keeping dinner. Parents can come along as cheerleaders, and if you want to wet a line yourself, you can join the action for an additional fee. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 people, so bring the whole family if you want.
We provide everything your kids need – rods, reels, bait, tackle, and most importantly, patience. Our approach focuses on teaching fundamental skills like proper rod holding, setting the hook, and reeling technique. In Choctawhatchee Bay, we primarily use light spinning tackle with live bait or small artificials that are easy for kids to manage. The key is matching the technique to the target – for redfish, we might have kids working soft plastics along the shoreline, while for mackerel, we'll set them up with small spoons or gotcha plugs. The bay's structure includes oyster bars, grass beds, and deeper channels, giving us multiple options depending on what the fish are doing that day. Our crew keeps things engaging by rotating between different spots and techniques, ensuring every child gets hands-on time and plenty of chances to feel that rod bend.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of Choctawhatchee Bay, and when kids hook into one, the excitement is off the charts. These fish typically run 15-30 pounds in the bay and are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Spring through fall offers the best king mackerel action, with fish moving through the bay following bait schools. What makes kings special for young anglers is the visual excitement – you can actually see these fish attack the bait, and the fight that follows gets everyone on the boat cheering.
Redfish are hands-down the best teacher fish for kids. These copper-colored fighters typically range from 18-27 inches in the bay and provide steady, manageable fights that don't overwhelm young anglers. Redfish are year-round residents, but fall offers exceptional action when they school up in huge numbers. What kids love most is that reds often feed in shallow water where you can actually see them – there's nothing like watching a child's face light up when they spot their target fish cruising the flats.
Red Snapper bring that classic bottom fishing experience that every angler should learn. In Choctawhatchee Bay, these guys typically run 12-20 inches and provide that satisfying thump-thump bite that's easy for kids to recognize. Summer months offer the best snapper action around structure and deeper holes. The appeal for young anglers is the consistency – when you find snapper, you usually find lots of them, meaning multiple hookups and plenty of action to keep everyone engaged.
Spanish Mackerel are perfect starter fish – aggressive biters that hit fast and fight hard for their size. These smaller cousins of the king mackerel rarely exceed 3-4 pounds but make up for size with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. Spanish mackerel are most active during warm months and respond well to small artificials that kids can easily cast and retrieve. The fast action keeps young attention spans focused, and the frequent bites build confidence with each catch.
This customer-favorite charter fills up quickly, especially during peak season when families are looking for that perfect introduction to fishing. Have Fun Charters has built their reputation on creating positive first fishing experiences, and their kid-focused approach shows in every detail. The 3-hour timeframe hits the sweet spot – long enough for real fishing action but short enough to keep young anglers engaged throughout. With all gear included and expert instruction provided, all you need to bring are excited kids and a camera to capture those first-fish smiles. Book your Choctawhatchee Bay kids fishing adventure today and give your little ones a fishing memory that'll last a lifetime.
Our 24-foot Proline center console is perfectly suited for getting kids hooked on fishing in Choctawhatchee Bay's calm waters. This reliable fishing platform handles up to 6 passengers comfortably, with plenty of deck space for young anglers to move around safely while learning the ropes. The wireless trolling motor lets us position quietly over productive spots without spooking the fish, while our GPS and fish finder help locate where the action is happening. Kids love watching the sonar screen light up when we find schools of fish below. The center console design keeps everyone together, making it easy for our crew to provide hands-on instruction and help with everything from baiting hooks to landing their first catch. With an onboard head for convenience during our 3-hour trips, parents can relax knowing the little ones are comfortable while discovering the excitement of inshore fishing in one of Florida's most kid-friendly fishing destinations.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that typically run 15-30 pounds, though some reach over 40. You'll find them around structure in 40-150 feet of water, especially during warmer months when they move closer to shore. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth, so they put up a serious fight once hooked. Kids love the action these fish provide - they'll peel line off the reel in a hurry. The meat is decent eating when fresh, though it's got a higher oil content than some prefer. Best fishing is usually spring through fall when water temps are up. Pro tip: use a wire leader and double-hook your live bait - kings often hit from behind and you want that back hook ready to connect when they turn the bait.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper live in deeper water, typically 30-100+ feet around hard bottom and structure. Most fish we see run 2-5 pounds, but they can grow much larger. They're bottom dwellers with that bright red color and excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. The fight is solid but manageable for kids, and they're pretty cooperative once you get them coming up. Best fishing is usually summer months when regulations allow targeting them. They'll eat cut bait, live baitfish, and bottom rigs work well. The key is getting your bait down to where they live and keeping it near structure. One thing to remember: they have sharp teeth and spines, so handle carefully. Pro tip: use circle hooks and let them swallow the bait - they're not shy biters once they find your offering.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for kids because they're found in shallow water, usually 1-4 feet deep around grass flats and oyster bars. Most fish we catch run 18-28 inches and have that distinctive black spot near the tail. They're not the fastest fish, but they're strong and will give young anglers a good fight without being overwhelming. The copper-colored backs make them easy to spot in clear water, which gets kids excited. They eat just about anything - shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. Spring and fall are prime times when they're feeding heavy in the shallows. The meat is excellent - mild and flaky. Local trick: look for nervous water or "pushing" bait in shallow areas. When you see mullet jumping or bait scattering, redfish are usually underneath feeding.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are great for kids because they're willing biters and put up a fun fight without being too overwhelming. Most run 1-3 pounds and 12-18 inches long. They travel in schools near the surface, especially around piers, jetties, and grass flats during warmer months. You'll often see them busting bait on top, which gets everyone excited. They're fast swimmers with sharp teeth, so they'll give your drag a workout. The meat is excellent - mild flavor and cooks up nice. Spring through fall are best when they're feeding actively. They'll hit small jigs, spoons, and live shrimp. Local tip: when you catch one, work the area fast because the whole school is usually there. Keep your bait moving - they like action and will chase down a quick-moving lure better than something sitting still.
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