Kids Fishing Charter in Choctawhatchee Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 2hour kids fishing charter in protected Choctawhatchee Bay watersAll bait, tackle, and gear included with catchandrelease focusDesigned for children 12 and under with parental accompaniment allowed
Getting your kids hooked on fishing starts with the right experience, and Choctawhatchee Bay delivers exactly that. This protected waterway offers calm conditions perfect for young anglers, while still holding plenty of fish to keep things exciting. Have Fun Charters has designed this 2-hour trip specifically for kids 12 and under, focusing on safety and fun while teaching the fundamentals of fishing. You'll be targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most popular species in waters that won't have the little ones feeling queasy or overwhelmed.
This private charter keeps things simple and stress-free for families. The captain will pick spots in Choctawhatchee Bay where the water stays calm and the fish are actively feeding. Since it's designed for kids, expect plenty of patience from the crew as they help with baiting hooks, casting lines, and landing fish. The boat stays in protected waters, so you won't deal with the bigger swells you'd find in the Gulf. Parents can jump in and help their kids, or just sit back and watch the magic happen. If mom or dad wants to wet a line too, they can add fishing privileges for an extra $175. The crew provides all the tackle, bait, and gear needed, so you just need to bring the enthusiasm and maybe some snacks to keep energy levels up during the 2-hour trip.
The crew rigs everything with kid-friendly tackle that's easy to handle but still effective for the local fish. Light spinning rods paired with simple rigs work best for young hands learning the ropes. You'll primarily use live or cut bait depending on what's biting that day - shrimp, pinfish, and squid are common choices that attract multiple species. The fishing style stays straightforward with bottom rigs and basic casting techniques. No complicated trolling or heavy tackle that might frustrate beginners. The captain will position the boat over structure, grass flats, or near docks where fish like to hang out. Kids learn to feel for bites, set the hook with a quick upward motion, and reel steadily to bring their catch to the boat. Since this is catch-and-release focused, they'll also learn proper fish handling and the importance of conservation.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of these waters, and when one hits a kid's line, the excitement is immediate. These silver bullets can reach 30-40 pounds in the Gulf, but the smaller "schoolies" in the 5-10 pound range are perfect for young anglers. They're most active during warmer months and known for their blistering runs that'll test a kid's patience and technique. The razor-sharp teeth and sleek appearance make them a favorite photo opportunity, and they put up just enough fight to be exciting without being overwhelming.
Redfish are probably the best species for teaching kids proper fighting technique. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-27 inches in the bay and are famous for their bulldog-style fights. They don't make long runs like kings, but they'll pull steady and hard, giving kids time to learn how to pump and wind. Reds are year-round residents that love shallow grass flats and structure, making them reliable targets. Their distinctive spot pattern and bronze coloring make them instantly recognizable, and they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep one within slot limits.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and even the smaller ones in the bay get kids excited. These pink and red beauties have big eyes and prominent teeth that fascinate young anglers. They're structure-oriented fish that live around rocks, reefs, and artificial habitat. Snapper are smart and sometimes finicky, which teaches kids patience and the importance of keeping their bait fresh. When federal season is open, they're highly sought after for their excellent eating quality and photogenic appearance.
Spanish Mackerel are perfect starter fish for kids learning the basics. These smaller cousins of the king mackerel rarely exceed 3-4 pounds, making them manageable for small hands. They're aggressive feeders that hit fast and fight with quick bursts of energy. Spaniards are most common in spring and fall when they move through the bay in schools. Their yellow spots and streamlined shape make them beautiful fish, and they're forgiving targets that help build confidence in young anglers.
This top-rated kids fishing charter fills up fast, especially during school holidays and summer months when families are looking for memorable activities. The 2-hour format is perfect for short attention spans, and the protected waters of Choctawhatchee Bay ensure a comfortable experience for everyone. Remember that pregnant guests can't be accommodated for safety reasons, but grandparents, siblings, and friends are all welcome as long as the group stays under 6 people total. The crew's experience with young anglers and their patient teaching approach makes this the ideal introduction to fishing for kids. Book your family's fishing adventure with Have Fun Charters and watch your kids discover the joy of feeling that first fish tug on their line.
Our 24-foot Proline center console is built for family fishing adventures on Choctawhatchee Bay's calm waters. This spacious boat comfortably handles up to 6 passengers with plenty of room for kids to move around safely while learning to cast and reel. The wireless trolling motor lets us quietly approach fish without spooking them, while our GPS and fish finder help locate the best spots where young anglers can find success. Parents will appreciate the onboard toilet during our 2-hour trips. The center console design gives everyone clear sight lines to watch their lines and provides easy access for assisting little ones with their catches. Perfect for introducing children to the joy of fishing in protected bay waters.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are fast-moving predators that typically run 15-30 pounds, though we occasionally see them bigger. They cruise open water and structure edges in 40-150 feet, hunting schools of baitfish with razor-sharp teeth. These silver speedsters with olive backs put up a serious fight once hooked, making long runs that test your drag. Summer through early fall is prime time when they move closer to shore following bait schools. Kids love the action - these fish don't mess around when they hit your line. The meat is excellent grilled or blackened, though it's got higher mercury so we practice catch and release. Pro tip: use a wire leader and let them take some line on that first run before setting the hook hard.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper live around bottom structure in deeper water, typically 30-100 feet on reefs, wrecks, and rocky areas. These bright red fish average 2-4 pounds but can grow much larger. They're true bottom dwellers with strong jaws and sharp teeth. Summer is prime season when regulations allow fishing for them. What guests love is that hard initial pull and head-shaking fight as they try to get back to their structure. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the Gulf - mild and sweet. These fish are smart and will test your tackle, often diving straight back toward cover when hooked. The trick is getting them up quickly with steady pressure. Use fresh cut bait or live pinfish, and don't hesitate when you feel that thump.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for kids because they hang in shallow water where we can sight-fish them. These copper-colored fish with the distinctive black spots near their tail typically run 18-28 inches in the bay. They love grass flats, oyster bars, and shallow structure in 1-4 feet of water. Spring and fall are best when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes them special is that determined fight - they'll make strong runs and stay deep. The meat is mild and sweet, great for families. These fish are smart though, so we use light tackle and natural presentations. My go-to trick is watching for their backs breaking the surface when they're tailing in skinny water. Once you spot one, cast past them and work your bait slowly back.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are perfect starter fish for kids - they're aggressive, fight hard for their size, and are fun to catch. These silver speedsters with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and travel in schools near the surface. You'll find them around grass flats, channel edges, and anywhere baitfish are present. Spring through fall they're active in the bay, especially on moving water. What makes them exciting is their speed and acrobatics when hooked. They make fast runs and often jump, which kids love. The meat is excellent - mild flavor that grills up nicely. Since they school up, once you find them you can catch several. Keep your lures moving fast and use light tackle. When you see birds diving, head that direction - that's where the Spanish are.
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