5.0(1 Reviews)Private 2-Hour Inshore Fishing | Kids AM Trip
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Two-hour morning inshore fishing adventure in Choctawhatchee BayExpert guide targets grass flats, docks, and mid-bay wrecksAll catches professionally cleaned and bagged at dock
Looking for the perfect way to get your kids hooked on fishing? Our top-rated morning inshore adventure is designed specifically for families and first-time anglers who want to experience the best of Choctawhatchee Bay without the rough Gulf waters. Captain Wayne and his team know exactly where the fish are hiding, and they'll make sure your little ones come home with big smiles and even bigger fish stories. This world-class charter keeps things simple, fun, and productive – plus we clean and bag all your catches right at the dock so you can focus on making memories instead of messy work.
Your morning starts early when the fish are most active and the bay is calm as glass. We'll cruise out to the productive grass flats where redfish love to cruise and sea trout stack up in the cooler months. The beauty of inshore fishing in Niceville is that we're working protected waters – no seasick kids, no big waves, just steady fishing in some of Florida's most fish-rich shallows. We'll hit the shadows under productive docks where Spanish mackerel ambush baitfish, then work our way to mid-bay structure that holds everything from keeper trout to surprise catches like grouper. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading the tides and baitfish movements to put you on the fish when they're feeding hardest. The whole experience is hands-on but relaxed, perfect for kids who are just learning to cast or families who want to enjoy some quality time together on the water.
We keep the gear simple and effective – light spinning tackle that's easy for kids to handle but strong enough to land quality fish. You'll be using live shrimp under popping corks over the grass beds, which is one of the most productive and easy-to-learn techniques for inshore fishing. When we're working the docks, we'll switch to jigs or small spoons that mimic the baitfish that Spanish mackerel can't resist. The captain will teach proper casting techniques, how to work different lures, and most importantly, how to fight and land fish without losing them at the boat. All tackle, bait, and terminal gear is included, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except sunscreen and a camera. The boat is equipped with a live well to keep your catches fresh, plus all the nets, gaffs, and other tools needed to make sure every fish makes it safely from the water to the cooler.
"We had a great time fishing with captain Wayne. We catch a variety of 🐟 🐠 and brought home a big Grouper. We highly recommend fishing with Just Add Water" - Brandy
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Choctawhatchee Bay inshore fishing, and for good reason. These silver-sided beauties average 14-18 inches but can stretch well over 20 inches when you find the right school. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March, when they stack up over grass beds and around structure. What makes trout so exciting for kids is their aggressive strike – they'll absolutely hammer a shrimp under a popping cork, and the fight is just strong enough to be fun without being overwhelming. The best part is they're excellent table fare, with flaky white meat that even picky eaters love.
Redfish are the ultimate inshore trophy, and Choctawhatchee Bay has some real bulls that'll test your drag. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-27 inches in our area, with their distinctive black spot making them easy to identify. Reds are year-round residents but fish best during warmer months when they're actively cruising the flats. What gets anglers excited about redfish is their fighting style – they make long, powerful runs that'll have your kids hanging on tight. They're also incredibly smart fish that require stealth and good presentation, making them perfect for teaching young anglers patience and technique.
Spanish Mackerel bring the action when you need it most, especially during summer months when they flood the bay chasing baitfish. These sleek speedsters rarely exceed 2-3 pounds but what they lack in size they make up for in pure energy. Mackerel are perfect for kids because they school heavily, meaning once you find them, everyone gets in on the action. They hit fast-moving lures with authority and make screaming runs that'll get everyone on the boat excited. Plus, they're fantastic eating when properly handled and prepared, with firm flesh that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Morning trips fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is red-hot and families are looking for that perfect outdoor adventure. This customer favorite trip gives you everything you need for a successful day on the water – expert guidance, quality gear, and access to some of the most productive inshore waters on Florida's Gulf Coast. Your kids will learn real fishing skills, you'll come home with a cooler full of fresh fish, and everyone will have stories to tell for years to come. Don't wait to secure your spot with Just Add Water Charters – Captain Wayne and his team are ready to show your family why Niceville's inshore fishing is some of the best in the business.
The 26' NauticStar "Just Add Water" is your ticket to productive morning fishing on Choctawhatchee Bay's calm waters. This center console handles beautifully whether you're drifting over grass flats or sneaking up to productive docks. Twin 150 HP Yamahas get you to the fish quickly, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when working those prime spots. The fish finder helps locate schools hiding around mid-bay wrecks, and dual bait tanks keep your shrimp and pinfish lively. With a full head onboard, an icebox for drinks, and freshwater shower to rinse off the salt, up to 4 anglers fish in comfort. Kids love this boat - plenty of room to move around safely while learning to cast. After two hours of steady action targeting redfish, trout, and flounder, you'll dock with cleaned fish ready for tonight's dinner.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are the crown jewel of our bay fishing. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches inshore and are famous for that distinctive black spot near their tail. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and around docks feeding on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're most active, but they bite year-round here. What guests love most is the fight - redfish are bulldogs that make long, powerful runs. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, mild meat. They're also sight-fishing targets, which adds excitement when you can actually see them before casting. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing in shallow water, cast your bait well ahead of where it's moving - they spook easily but will eat aggressively if you don't surprise them.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are one of our most consistent catches in Choctawhatchee Bay. These silver beauties with black spots average 14-24 inches and love our grass flats and shallow waters, especially around docks and structure. They feed heavily on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish, making them perfect targets for live shrimp or soft plastics. Spring through fall are prime time, but they school up in deeper channels during winter. What makes them special is their delicate white meat - excellent table fare that's tender and flaky. They're also great fighters for their size, especially the bigger ones. Here's a local tip: fish the grass edges at dawn or dusk with a popping cork and live shrimp about 18 inches below. The sound attracts them from a distance, and that setup lets the bait move naturally in the current.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that show up in good numbers during warmer months, especially spring through early fall. These sleek, silver fish with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and are some of the fastest swimmers you'll encounter. They travel in schools and love open water around structure, channel edges, and anywhere baitfish congregate. What makes them fun to target is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and make screaming runs on light tackle. They're also excellent eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. The key is finding the schools, which often feed near the surface and create visible commotion. Once you locate them, the action can be non-stop. Local trick: use small, shiny spoons or jigs and retrieve them fast - these fish won't chase slow-moving baits. Wire leaders help too since they have sharp teeth that'll cut through regular line.
5.0 out of 5.0We had a great time fishing with captain Wayne. We catch a variety of 🐟 🐠 and brought home a big Grouper. We highly recommend fi...
Destin