Kids' Florida Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 2hour fishing trip designed specifically for childrenTarget smaller species like Croaker, Pinfish, Trout, and SnappersCatchandrelease policy promotes conservation while maintaining excitement
Getting your kids hooked on fishing starts with the right trip, and this 2-hour private charter with Lindy Lou Charters hits the sweet spot. At $400 for up to 4 young anglers, you're looking at a custom-tailored experience that won't wear out short attention spans or break the bank. Florida's inshore waters are absolutely perfect for introducing kids to the sport – calm, protected, and loaded with willing fish that'll bend a rod without putting up a fight that's too much for little hands to handle.
This isn't your typical "throw 'em in the deep end" fishing trip. Captain and crew know exactly how to work with kids, keeping things moving at just the right pace. You'll cruise Florida's shallow inshore waters, flats, and backcountry spots where the action stays consistent and the scenery keeps everyone engaged. The boat stays in protected waters, so no one's dealing with rough seas or seasickness – just pure fishing fun. Your little anglers will be working with light tackle that's perfectly sized for smaller hands, and the crew handles all the technical stuff while keeping safety as the top priority. Two hours is the magic number here – long enough to get into fish but short enough before anyone gets cranky or loses interest.
The beauty of this setup is in the simplicity. Light tackle means spinning reels with easy drag systems and rods that won't tire out young arms. The crew switches between bottom fishing with simple rigs when the fish are holding tight to structure, and slow trolling when it's time to cover water and find active schools. Kids love trolling because they can watch their lines trailing behind the boat, and when a fish hits, there's no mistaking it. The catch-and-release approach means everyone gets to see their fish up close, learn a bit about what they caught, then watch it swim away healthy. It's fishing with a conscience, and kids absolutely eat up the conservation angle when you explain it right.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 18-30 inches in the shallows, and they're absolute bulldogs on light tackle. What makes reds perfect for kids is their predictable behavior – they cruise shallow flats and mangrove shorelines looking for crabs and small baitfish, often in water so shallow you can see their backs. Fall through early spring offers the best action when cooler water temps get them feeding aggressively. Kids love reds because they pull hard enough to feel like a "real" fish but don't make crazy runs that strip line and cause panic.
Spanish Mackerel bring the speed and flash that gets kids absolutely fired up. These silver rockets rarely exceed 3 pounds, but they hit lures like lightning and make blistering runs that get everyone yelling. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they school up in impressive numbers. What's fantastic about Spanish macs is their willingness to hit almost anything – small spoons, jigs, even live bait. They're also excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few, though most of these fish swim away to fight another day.
Bluefish might not win beauty contests, but they make up for it with pure attitude. These aggressive feeders school up and attack baitfish with a ferocity that's both exciting and a little scary. Florida blues typically run 2-5 pounds, perfect for light tackle fishing. Spring and fall migrations bring the best numbers, and when you find a school, it's often non-stop action. Kids love blues because they're almost guaranteed to bite, and their aggressive strikes make for plenty of excitement. Just watch those teeth – blues don't call them "choppers" for nothing.
Black Drum are the gentle giants of the inshore world, and they're absolutely perfect for young anglers. These bottom feeders use their pharyngeal teeth to crush shells, so they're usually found around oyster bars and hard bottom areas. Juvenile drums, called "puppy drum," run 12-20 inches and provide steady, manageable fights that build confidence. Larger fish push 30+ inches and give kids a real taste of what it feels like to battle a serious fish. Black drum feed year-round in Florida waters, but spring spawning aggregations create the most consistent action. They're not glamorous, but they're reliable, and that's exactly what you want when fishing with kids.
Two hours of dedicated fishing time with professional crew, kid-friendly gear, and Florida's most cooperative inshore species adds up to exactly what you're looking for in a family fishing experience. The noon and afternoon time slots work perfectly with kids' schedules – no pre-dawn wake-up calls or late evening returns. At $400 for a private charter accommodating up to 4 kids, you're getting world-class fishing instruction, safety, and memories that'll last long after the trip ends. Lindy Lou Charters has built their reputation on delivering exactly this type of customer-favorite experience, and Florida's inshore waters provide the perfect classroom for young anglers ready to learn what fishing is all about.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldogs of inshore fishing - these gray-black bruisers can weigh anywhere from 5-50 pounds and fight like they're twice their size. They love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and creek mouths in brackish water, using those powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring spawning season brings the best action when they school up in predictable spots. What guests enjoy is the steady, powerful fight - no fancy jumps, just pure muscle pulling drag. Smaller drum under 15 pounds are good eating with firm white meat. Here's the key: use fresh blue crab or cut mullet on a carolina rig, keep your bait on the bottom, and be patient. When you feel that steady thump-thump, let them run with it before setting the hook.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that put up a serious scrap once hooked. These blue-green predators typically weigh 3-15 pounds and travel in hungry schools that can turn the water into a washing machine when they're feeding. You'll find them around structure like piers and jetties, plus sandy beaches and inlet mouths, especially during spring and fall migrations. They're famous for their "bluefish blitz" feeding frenzies that create amazing action for anglers. The fight is strong and determined - they don't give up easy. Smaller blues make decent eating, though the meat is oily and strong-flavored. Fair warning: those razor-sharp teeth mean business, so use a wire leader and handle with care. Best tip: when you see birds diving, get there fast - that's where the blues are feeding.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for shallow water adventures, typically running 20-40 pounds with that classic copper-red color and distinctive black eyespot near the tail. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and muddy bottoms in 1-4 feet of water around Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is that explosive strike when they hit topwater lures - pure adrenaline for anglers of all ages. The fight is strong and steady, and smaller reds make excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat. Pro tip: when you spot them tailing in skinny water, cast your shrimp or gold spoon well ahead of where they're headed and let it settle to the bottom before they get there.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes - these silver bullets with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and hit like lightning. They travel in schools near the surface around piers, jetties, and nearshore reefs during warmer months from late spring through early fall. What kids love about them is the instant action - no waiting around when a school shows up. They're fantastic eating too, with mild white meat that's perfect grilled or fried. The fight is fast and furious, with plenty of jumps and runs that keep young anglers engaged. Here's the trick: use small silver spoons or jigs and retrieve them fast - these fish won't chase a slow bait. When you hook one, get it in quick because the rest of the school will follow.
Okaloosa Island, FL