5.0(1 Reviews)Choctawhatchee Bay Kids Fishing Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 3-hour charter designed specifically for children 12 and underCatch-and-release fishing with all bait, tackle, and gear providedAdults welcome aboard with optional fishing for additional $175
Getting your little ones hooked on fishing starts with the right trip, and this 3-hour kids-only charter on Choctawhatchee Bay delivers exactly that. Have Fun Charters has designed this experience specifically for children 12 and under, creating a safe, fun environment where young anglers can learn the ropes without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The catch-and-release format keeps things exciting while teaching conservation, and with all gear, bait, and tackle included, you just need to show up ready for some serious fun on the water. Adults can tag along to cheer on their young anglers, and if mom or dad wants to wet a line too, they can join the action for an extra $175.
Choctawhatchee Bay offers some of the most kid-friendly fishing waters along the Gulf Coast, with calm inshore conditions perfect for first-time anglers. The protected bay waters mean less seasickness and more time focused on learning how to cast, set the hook, and fight fish. Your captain and crew know exactly how to work with young fishermen, keeping the energy high and the instruction simple. They'll handle the tricky stuff like rigging tackle and unhooking fish, while letting the kids experience the thrill of feeling that first bite and reeling in their catch. The 3-hour timeframe hits the sweet spot - long enough to get some real fishing action, but not so long that little attention spans start to wander. No prior experience needed, which means even kids who've never held a fishing rod will walk away feeling like seasoned anglers.
The crew comes prepared with kid-sized rods and reels that are easier for small hands to manage, plus all the terminal tackle needed for productive bay fishing. You'll be using light spinning gear loaded with live bait like shrimp and small baitfish - the kind of setup that gives kids the best chance at success without wearing them out. The fishing techniques stay simple but effective: bottom fishing around structure, drift fishing over grass flats, and maybe some light trolling if conditions allow. Choctawhatchee Bay's shallow waters and abundant baitfish create perfect conditions for sight fishing, where kids can actually see the fish they're targeting. The captain will position the boat over productive spots like oyster bars, grass beds, and drop-offs where the target species love to hang out. Safety gear is top-notch, with properly fitted life jackets for all the young anglers, and the crew maintains constant supervision to ensure everyone stays safe while having a blast.
King Mackerel are the speedsters of Choctawhatchee Bay, and when kids hook into one of these torpedo-shaped fighters, the excitement is off the charts. These silver bullets 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, especially around bait schools near the bay mouth. What makes kings perfect for young anglers is their aggressive nature - they hit hard and fight harder, giving kids that heart-pounding experience that creates lifelong fishing memories.
Redfish are the bay's ultimate crowd-pleasers, with their bronze-colored sides and distinctive black spots making them instantly recognizable. These bruisers average 20-35 inches in Choctawhatchee Bay and provide steady, powerful fights that test young anglers without overwhelming them. Reds are year-round residents, but fall brings the best action when they school up in shallow water. Kids love redfish because they're forgiving - they'll eat almost any bait and don't require perfect presentations, making them ideal for beginners still learning their casting technique.
Red Snapper are the prize catch that gets kids talking for weeks after the trip. These crimson-colored bottom dwellers are famous for their table fare, though on this catch-and-release charter, they're all about the fight. Snapper typically weigh 3-8 pounds in the bay's structure areas and are known for their head-shaking battles and stubborn determination to reach the bottom. Summer months bring the best snapper action, and kids quickly learn why these fish are considered the gold standard of Gulf Coast fishing.
Spanish Mackerel round out the target species list as perfect starter fish for young anglers. 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 macks are spring and fall favorites, often traveling in large schools that provide non-stop action. Their smaller size makes them perfect for kids to handle independently, building confidence before moving up to the larger species. The distinctive yellow spots along their sides make for great photos, and their spirited fights on light tackle keep young anglers engaged throughout the trip.
This top-rated kids fishing charter fills up fast, especially during school breaks and summer months when families are looking for that perfect introduction to Gulf Coast fishing. Have Fun Charters has earned a reputation as the go-to outfit for young anglers, combining safety, education, and pure fishing fun in one well-designed package. Your kids will leave with new skills, increased confidence, and probably plans for their next fishing adventure. The catch-and-release format teaches responsible fishing practices while still delivering all the excitement of hooking into quality fish. With all gear included and expert instruction provided, this represents outstanding value for families wanting to share the joy of fishing with their children. Book your spot now and watch your young anglers discover why Choctawhatchee Bay fishing creates memories that last a lifetime.
Your kids will love learning to fish aboard this well-equipped 24' Proline center console that's perfect for exploring Choctawhatchee Bay's productive fishing waters. The boat's wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when we're sneaking up on fish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the best spots where young anglers can hook into their first catches. With room for up to 6 guests, there's plenty of space for the whole family to spread out and enjoy the action. The center console design gives everyone easy access to the fishing areas, and the onboard toilet means no cutting trips short. This stable platform handles the bay's gentle waters beautifully, making it ideal for kids who are just getting started with rod and reel. The boat comes fully rigged with all the tackle and gear needed for a successful day of catch-and-release fishing in one of Florida's most family-friendly fishing destinations.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are fast, aggressive fighters that typically run 10-30 pounds in our waters. These silver speedsters cruise open water and structure in 40-150 feet, though we often find them closer to shore around the bay mouth. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit 70°F+. Kids love the screaming runs these fish make - they'll test your drag and put up a real battle. The meat's great grilled or blackened too. My tip: use a wire leader and keep your bait moving. Kings hit the back half of live bait, so rig with two hooks - one in the nose, one trailing behind. When you see birds working, get there fast.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize fish of deeper waters, running 2-10 pounds around here with some real bulls pushing 20+. We find them on hard bottom, wrecks, and structure in 60-200 feet during summer months when regulations allow. These bright red fighters will give you a solid battle, diving straight for cover when hooked. Kids get a kick out of their bright colors and how they fight all the way to the boat. The eating quality is top-notch - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. Pro tip: drop your bait right to the bottom and fish it dead still. Snapper are spooky, so keep the boat quiet and use circle hooks with fresh cut bait like cigar minnows.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for kids because they hang in shallow water where we can sight-cast to them. Most run 18-28 inches and love grass flats, oyster bars, and marshes in just 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot their copper backs and that signature black eyespot near the tail. Fall and spring are prime time when they school up and feed aggressively. These fish fight hard for their size - they'll make long runs and really bend the rod. Plus they're great eating with mild, flaky meat. Here's a local secret: look for nervous water on calm days. When redfish are tailing or cruising shallow, they push little wakes that give them away from a distance.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are perfect starter fish for kids - they're aggressive, fight well, and usually run 1-3 pounds. Look for them near the surface around grass flats, channel edges, and structure from spring through fall. These silver speedsters with yellow spots travel in schools and hit fast-moving baits. Kids love how they bend the rod and make quick runs. They're also great eating - mild, flaky meat that grills up nice. Best action happens when water temps are 70°F+ and baitfish are around. My go-to trick: troll small spoons or jigs just under the surface. When you find one, stop and cast - there's usually a whole school nearby.
5.0 out of 5.0
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