Private 2-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip | Kids (AM)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 2hour morning inshore fishing trip for familiesGuided exploration of Choctawhatchee Bay's grass flats and docksProfessional fish cleaning and bagging service included
Looking for the perfect introduction to saltwater fishing for your family? This morning inshore adventure in Niceville's Choctawhatchee Bay delivers exactly what first-time anglers and kids need—calm waters, plenty of action, and a guide who knows every honey hole from here to Crab Island. We're talking about a relaxed two-hour window where everyone gets their hands dirty, learns the ropes, and actually catches fish worth bragging about back home.
Forget about rough seas and seasick kids—Choctawhatchee Bay keeps things mellow while serving up some of the most consistent fishing on the Emerald Coast. Your guide will motor you across sprawling grass flats where the water's so clear you can watch fish cruise beneath the boat. We'll slip under productive docks where redfish love to ambush baitfish, then work our way to those secret mid-bay structure spots that hold Spanish mackerel and hungry sea trout. The beauty of inshore fishing here is that we're always protected from Gulf swells, so even your most motion-sensitive family members can focus on fighting fish instead of fighting their stomachs. Every fish you keep gets the full treatment back at the dock—cleaned, filleted, and bagged so you can head straight home for a fresh fish dinner.
We keep the gear simple but effective on these family trips. Light spinning rods paired with live shrimp, cut bait, and artificial lures do the heavy lifting while your guide handles the technical stuff like reading water depth and current flow. The grass flats call for different tactics than dock fishing—sometimes we're drifting with the tide, letting baits settle naturally into pockets where sea trout feed. Other times we're making precise casts under overhanging docks where redfish patrol in the shadows. When Spanish mackerel are running, we might switch to small spoons or jigs that flash through the water column. Your captain will adjust techniques based on what's biting that morning, but the focus stays on keeping things fun and educational for younger anglers who are still learning how to feel a bite or set the hook.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of Choctawhatchee Bay, and for good reason. These spotted beauties love the grass flats and oyster bars scattered throughout our fishing grounds. They hit live shrimp with authority and put up a scrappy fight that gets kids hooked on saltwater fishing. Most trout here run 14 to 18 inches, with keeper-sized fish showing up consistently during morning hours when the water's still cool. What makes sea trout special is their willingness to bite year-round, though spring and fall bring the best action as they move shallow to feed.
Redfish are the prize catch that every angler wants to tangle with at least once. These copper-colored bulldogs cruise dock lines and shallow flats, often giving themselves away with nervous water or that distinctive black spot near their tail. A slot-sized redfish will test your drag system and teach young anglers what real fishing pressure feels like. They're ambush predators that slam baits hard, making for memorable hooksets and photo opportunities. Fall months bring the best redfish action as they school up for their spawning runs.
Spanish mackerel add speed and excitement to any inshore trip. These torpedo-shaped fish travel in schools and attack small baits with blazing speed, often providing non-stop action when conditions align. They're perfect for kids who want to catch fish quickly—no patience required when Spanish are firing. Summer and early fall bring peak mackerel fishing as they follow baitfish into the bay's cooler waters. Their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast runs make every hookup an adventure.
This morning inshore adventure hits the sweet spot for families wanting quality fishing without the commitment of a full-day charter. Two hours gives everyone enough time to learn, catch fish, and build confidence on the water without wearing out younger crew members. With Niceville's renowned fishing guides handling all the details and a maximum of four anglers per trip, you get personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. Book your spot now and discover why Choctawhatchee Bay ranks as one of Florida's top family fishing destinations.
Meet "Just Add Water," your floating fishing headquarters for exploring the productive inshore waters around Niceville. This 26-foot NauticStar center console gives you and up to 3 fellow anglers plenty of room to work the grass flats and dock structure of Choctawhatchee Bay. Twin 150 HP Yamaha engines get you to the honey holes fast, while the wireless trolling motor lets you drift quietly over shallow spots where redfish and trout like to hang out. The fish finder helps locate baitfish schools and bottom structure, and GPS keeps you on productive spots trip after trip. Two live bait tanks keep your shrimp and pinfish frisky, while the icebox handles your catch and cold drinks. After a morning of pulling in keeper-sized fish, rinse the salt off with the freshwater shower and use the onboard head before heading back to the dock. Perfect setup for families—kids fish free and always catch something to brag about back home.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing here in Niceville. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails average 20-30 inches and put up a serious fight. You'll find them cruising the shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water, often with their backs nearly out of the water. They love oyster bars, grass edges, and dock pilings. Spring through fall are prime times, but they're catchable year-round. What guests love most is watching them "tail" in skinny water and the strong, steady pull when hooked. They're excellent table fare with mild, white meat. Pro tip: when sight fishing, cast well ahead of moving fish and let your bait settle - they spook easily in shallow water.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are perfect for family trips in Choctawhatchee Bay. These silvery fish with dark spots run 14-24 inches and love our grass flats, especially during spring and fall. They're ambush feeders that hit shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish around dawn and dusk. What makes them special is their gentle fight - great for kids - and their white, flaky meat that's excellent eating. They hang in 2-6 feet of water around structure and grass beds. My tip: use a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below. When you see them "popping" bait on the surface, cast just beyond the disturbance and work back slowly.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are some of the most fun fish to catch in our bay - fast, aggressive, and always ready to eat. These streamlined speedsters with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and travel in schools near the surface. You'll find them around structure, grass flats, and open water from late spring through early fall when the water warms up. They hit hard and make blistering runs that get everyone excited, especially kids. The meat is rich and perfect for the grill or smoker. They're not picky eaters - small spoons, jigs, or live bait all work. Here's the key: when you hook one, keep your rod tip up and reel fast - they'll throw the hook if you give them slack.
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