Private 2-Hour Inshore Fishing | Kids (PM)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Perfect calm bay fishing for kids and beginnersCaptain Wayne provides professional tackle and expert guidanceTarget speckled trout, redfish around grass flats and docks
Looking for the perfect way to get your young angler hooked on fishing? Captain Wayne's afternoon inshore trip in Choctawhatchee Bay is exactly what you need. This kid-friendly charter keeps things calm and productive, working the protected waters where speckled trout, redfish, and mangrove snapper cruise the grass flats and hang around structure. With just three guests max, your little ones get personalized attention from one of Niceville's most experienced fishing guides. All tackle is provided, so you just show up ready to make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime.
This afternoon trip is designed specifically for junior anglers and first-timers who want to experience real Florida Panhandle fishing without the rough stuff. Captain Wayne keeps you inside the bay's protected waters, where conditions stay comfortable even when the Gulf gets choppy. You'll glide across shallow grass flats where redfish tail in knee-deep water, then work your way to productive docks and pilings where speckled trout ambush baitfish. The real highlight is exploring those hidden mid-bay wrecks that most folks never find – these underwater structures are absolute magnets for mangrove snapper and other bottom fish. The calm environment means kids can focus on learning proper technique instead of fighting seasickness, and the consistent action keeps everyone engaged throughout the two-hour trip.
Captain Wayne runs pro-grade gear that's perfectly suited for inshore targets, but he'll scale everything down to kid-friendly sizes when needed. You'll primarily use live bait and soft plastics, working them around structure and over grass beds where these fish love to hunt. The technique is straightforward – cast near cover, let your bait work naturally, and stay ready for that telltale thump. Around the docks, you might vertical jig or drift live shrimp under the pilings where snapper stack up during the day. Over the grass flats, it's all about reading the water and placing your bait where cruising redfish and trout patrol their feeding lanes. The captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, plus he'll teach proper casting technique and help kids learn to feel the difference between a bite and bottom contact. This hands-on instruction builds confidence fast, and before you know it, even first-timers are setting hooks like pros.
Little Tunny are the speed demons of Choctawhatchee Bay, and when you hook into one of these mini-tunas, you'll know it instantly. They typically run 8-15 pounds and fight way above their weight class, making blistering runs that'll test your drag and your patience. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're absolute dynamite on light tackle. Kids love the non-stop action once you find a school, and these fish are perfect for teaching proper fighting technique since they don't give up easy.
Gag Grouper are the heavy hitters that hang around those mid-bay wrecks and hard bottom areas. These bruisers can push 20+ pounds in the bay's deeper holes, and they're notorious for making one powerful run straight back to their rock pile. The trick is keeping them up in the water column once hooked – let a big gag get back to structure and you'll be retying. They're most active during cooler months, and landing one is a real accomplishment for any young angler.
King Mackerel patrol the bay's edges and channels, especially where current brings baitfish through. These toothy speedsters can exceed 30 pounds and make screaming runs that'll have kids squealing with excitement. Wire leaders are a must since their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Spring and fall are prime time for kings in the bay, and they're perfect for teaching kids about proper fish handling since those teeth demand respect.
Mahi Mahi occasionally push into the bay's deeper areas, particularly during summer months when baitfish are thick. These colorful fighters put on an amazing aerial show, and their brilliant yellows and greens make for fantastic photos. They're relatively rare in the bay compared to offshore waters, so landing one is extra special. Mahi are also excellent table fare, making them a favorite among families looking to take dinner home.
Greater Amberjack are the workhorses of the wreck sites, and these powerful fish will give young anglers a real workout. They typically range 15-40 pounds in the bay and fight with pure muscle, making steady, punishing runs toward bottom structure. Amberjack are available year-round but peak during warmer months. They're perfect for teaching kids about patience and endurance since the fight can last several minutes, and the sense of accomplishment after landing one builds serious confidence on the water.
Captain Wayne's afternoon inshore trips book up fast, especially during peak season when families are looking for that perfect introduction to Florida fishing. This two-hour format is ideal for younger attention spans, and the protected bay waters ensure everyone stays comfortable while learning the ropes. Whether you're dealing with first-time anglers or kids who've caught a few fish but want to step up their game, this trip delivers the perfect mix of education, action, and fun. The personalized instruction and small group size mean everyone gets hands-on time with the gear, and you'll leave with both fish stories and the skills to back them up. Don't wait – these customer-favorite trips fill up quickly, and you don't want to miss out on creating those special fishing memories that'll have your kids asking "when can we go again?" before you even get back to the dock.
Meet "Just Add Water," your floating fishing headquarters on Choctawhatchee Bay. This 26-foot NauticStar center console runs on twin 150 HP Yamahas, giving you smooth rides to the best fishing spots around Niceville's grass flats and hidden mid-bay wrecks. The boat's built for serious angling with dual bait tanks, fish finder, GPS, and a wireless trolling motor that lets Captain Wayne position you silently over those trophy redfish and speckled trout. Between fishing runs, grab cold drinks from the icebox or use the onboard head and freshwater shower. With room for up to 3 guests, this rig handles everything from dock fishing to wreck exploration, making it perfect for kids and first-timers ready to experience real Florida Panhandle fishing with professional tackle and expert guidance.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are ambush predators that love hanging around structure - docks, wrecks, and rocky bottoms in our bay. They typically run 20 inches but can grow much larger, and they're famous for that initial dive straight back to cover once hooked. What guests love is the combination of challenge and reward - these fish fight hard but make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. They're structure-oriented year-round, though spring and fall tend to be most productive when they're more active. Here's a local trick: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get their head down. The moment you give them slack, they'll wrap your line around whatever structure they can find and you'll lose them every time.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldozers of the reef, averaging 39 pounds and growing up to 6 feet long. These blue-grey bruisers live around deep structure - wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs where they ambush smaller fish. April through May is prime time during their spawn, but they're catchable year-round. What guests love is the pure power - amberjack will test your tackle and your back with long, punishing runs straight to the bottom. They're also excellent table fare, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. The secret is heavy tackle and no mercy - use at least 50-pound line and keep constant pressure. The moment you let up, they'll dive straight into the structure and cut you off. Work them up fast and don't give them time to think.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that cruise our deeper waters, typically in 40-150 feet. These fish average around 30 pounds but can hit 90+, and they're built for one thing - pure speed. Spring through fall brings the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot of 68-84°F. What makes them so popular is the explosive strike and blistering runs that'll peel line off your reel. They're also excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. The key to landing kings is using a wire leader - their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. When trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface. Kings love to attack from below, and that surface commotion triggers their predatory instincts perfectly.
Euthynnus AlletteratusThese smaller members of the tuna family pack a serious punch despite averaging 10-12 pounds. You'll find them schooling in our nearshore waters, especially around jetties and sandbars where baitfish gather. Little tunny are migratory, so fall and winter bring the best action as they head south. What makes them special is that fight - they're incredibly strong swimmers that'll test your drag and give kids a real battle. The meat is darker and stronger-flavored than regular tuna, but it's actually quite good when prepared fresh. Pro tip: listen for feeding activity when you're near structure. These fish get loud and messy when they're chasing bait, and that commotion will lead you right to the school.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure eye candy with their brilliant gold and green colors that shift like a light show when they're brought to the boat. These surface dwellers average 15-29 pounds and love hanging around floating debris or weed lines in warm water. Spring through fall brings the best shots at them offshore. What makes mahi special is the acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a real show. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, firm white meat. When you find one mahi, there's usually more around since they often travel in small groups. Here's the trick: once you hook up, have someone immediately throw out another bait. The hooked fish will often call in the rest of the school.
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