5.0(3 Reviews)Kids Fishing Adventure at Anclote River Park
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Kids ages 7-15 learn fishing techniques with USCG Master CaptainSix-hour inshore trips targeting multiple fish species at Anclote RiverEquipment and expert guidance included for $125 per child
Looking for the perfect way to get your young angler hooked on fishing? Captain Josh's kids-only fishing trips at Anclote River Park are designed specifically for ages 7-15, creating an environment where kids can learn, laugh, and land their first big catch without any adult competition for the best fishing spots. These small-group charters keep things intimate with just 4-6 young anglers per trip, ensuring every child gets plenty of hands-on instruction and personal attention from our USCG Master Captain.
Your fishing adventure kicks off bright and early at 8 AM from Anclote River Park, where Captain Josh will have all the gear ready and waiting. This isn't your typical "throw a line and hope" kind of trip - kids will spend six full hours learning proper fishing techniques while targeting some of Florida's most popular inshore species. The boat comes stocked with ice and water, but you'll want to pack sunscreen, snacks, lunch, and plenty of drinks for the crew. Weather permitting, you'll be out until 2 PM, giving everyone plenty of time to master different techniques and hopefully fill the cooler. Captain Josh has built his reputation on patience and teaching, making sure even first-time anglers feel confident handling their rod and reel by the end of the day.
The beauty of fishing around Anclote River Park lies in the variety of techniques kids can learn in a single trip. Captain Josh focuses on inshore methods that are both effective and easy for young hands to manage - live bait fishing with shrimp and pinfish, casting soft plastics around structure, and working the grass flats with topwater plugs during the right conditions. All fishing equipment is provided, from kid-sized rods to tackle boxes full of proven lures. The boat is specifically set up to be kid-friendly, with safety railings and plenty of space to move around without tangling lines. You'll learn to read the water, understand tidal movements, and recognize the signs that fish are feeding - skills that will serve any young angler for life.
"I have gone with captian Josh quite a few times. Not only is he super knowledgeable about fishing honey holes. He is also very entertaining and alot of fun with adults and kids a like. Can I also add how well he works with kids! He is so passionate about passing knowledge on to the next generation. It is very admirable. Nordic is the ONLY charter I use and tell all my friends and family about." - Brett
"My son had a great time on the fishing trip with Captain Josh! We would definitely book this again in the future." - Jolene
"Where do I even start! Captain Josh was so caring and loving to my three kids. He understood that this wasn't just any other day for us. My son is on the spectrum and has multiple diagnosis, Josh was very patient with not just my son but my other two girls. The boat is kid friendly as well. I'd give more stars if I could. Thank you for having us and giving my kids this experience!!!" - Rachel Weisberg
Southern Kingcroaker are one of the most reliable catches around Anclote River Park, especially for young anglers learning the ropes. These bottom-dwellers love live shrimp and make that distinctive croaking sound when you pull them up - something kids absolutely love hearing. They're typically 8-12 inches long, perfect for smaller hands to handle, and they bite consistently throughout the day once you find a school. The best part about targeting croaker is they often travel in groups, so when one kid hooks up, there's usually enough fish for everyone to get in on the action.
Snook are the holy grail for many Florida anglers, and Anclote River Park offers some fantastic opportunities for kids to tangle with these silver-sided fighters. These ambush predators love to hang around docks, mangrove shorelines, and bridge pilings where they can dart out to grab unsuspecting baitfish. During warmer months, they're more active and willing to chase lures, making them perfect targets for teaching kids about structure fishing and lure presentation. A good-sized snook will give any young angler an arm workout they'll never forget, and the photos always look great.
White Grunt might not sound glamorous, but these reef dwellers are fantastic fish for building confidence in young anglers. They're aggressive biters that respond well to bottom fishing with cut bait or small live shrimp, and they're found year-round in the deeper holes and channels around the park. Kids love the way grunts make noise when they're brought to the surface - they literally grunt by grinding their pharyngeal teeth together. They're also excellent table fare, so families often take home a nice mess for dinner.
Sea Trout are probably the most sought-after species for inshore fishing around Anclote River Park, and for good reason. These spotted beauties are found over grass flats and sandy bottoms throughout the year, though they're most active during cooler months. Trout are perfect for teaching kids about soft plastic fishing and working different retrieval speeds. They have a soft mouth, so young anglers learn quickly about setting the hook properly and fighting fish without pulling too hard. A 15-inch speckled trout is a trophy for any kid, and they're common enough that most young anglers will get multiple shots during a six-hour trip.
Redfish are the ultimate inshore game fish, and the waters around Anclote River Park hold some beautiful specimens. These copper-colored fighters are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights that can test even experienced anglers. Kids love targeting reds because they're visual feeders that often cruise shallow water where you can actually see them before casting. They're also hardy fish that handle catch-and-release well, teaching young anglers about conservation while still providing plenty of
Your kids will cast lines from our spacious 26-foot Carolina Skiff, perfectly sized for small groups of young anglers aged 7-15. This fishing-focused boat keeps everyone comfortable during the 6-hour adventure with plenty of deck space, a live bait well to keep your catch fresh, and even an onboard restroom for convenience. The wireless trolling motor lets us glide quietly through prime fishing spots without spooking the fish, while our fish finder helps locate schools beneath the surface. Captain Josh, a USCG Master Captain, provides all fishing gear and teaches proven techniques as your group targets various species around Anclote River Park. The boat's GPS navigation ensures we hit the best inshore spots, and the VHF radio keeps us connected for safety. Kids learn hands-on fishing skills while parents drop off at 8 am and pick up at 2 pm. With multimedia entertainment during travel time and ice-cold water provided, this floating classroom gives young fishermen real experience on productive waters where learning meets action.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of shallow water fishing around here. These copper-colored bruisers with the distinctive black spot near their tail typically run 18-27 inches in the shallows. You'll find them tailing in 1-3 feet of water over grass flats, around oyster bars, and in the back country. They feed year-round but fall and spring offer the best action when they're really aggressive. What makes them special is that powerful fight - they'll make long runs and test your drag. Plus they're great eating in the slot size. The trick is staying quiet and watching for tails or wakes in shallow water. Gold spoons and soft plastics work great, but don't overlook live shrimp. When you hook one, keep steady pressure and let them run - trying to muscle them just straightens hooks.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks," are some of the most popular fish we target. They typically run 14-18 inches with beautiful spotted sides and that soft mouth that gives them their reputation. Look for them over grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially near drop-offs and potholes. They're most active during cooler months and love moving water around dawn and dusk. What guests love is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they're fantastic eating with delicate, sweet meat. The challenge is that soft mouth - you'll lose some if you horse them. My go-to setup is a 1/8 oz jig head with a soft plastic tail worked slowly over the grass. Keep your drag light and let them run when they want to. Patient anglers catch more trout.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most exciting targets around the mangroves and docks. These silver-sided fish with that bold black lateral line typically run 18-24 inches, but the big females can hit 30+ inches. They're ambush predators that love structure - think docks, mangrove roots, and creek mouths where current flows. Spring through fall are best, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes them special is that explosive strike and the way they fight with those gill-rattling jumps. Plus they're excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. The key with snook is being quiet - they spook easily in shallow water. Cast past the structure and work your bait back through the strike zone. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but soft plastics work great too.
Menticirrhus AmericanusSouthern Kingcroakers run 9-12 inches typically, though we've seen some push 20 inches. They're bronze-colored with a distinctive barbel under their chin, and you'll hear them "grunt" when you bring them up - they grind their throat teeth against their swim bladder. These fish love sandy bottoms where they root around for shrimp, crabs, and clams. Spring and summer are prime time when they move closer to shore. Kids love catching them because they're willing biters and make great table fare with firm, mild white meat. They hit fresh cut bait better than artificials - squid strips and bloodworms work best. Here's the trick: use a fish-finder rig with just enough weight to hold bottom. When you feel those subtle taps, don't set the hook hard - just lift steady and reel.
Haemulon PlumieriiWhite Grunts are perfect for kids learning to fish - they're eager biters running 6-12 inches with that distinctive red snout and yellow stripes. You'll find them around any structure: docks, reefs, even grass flats in 10-40 feet of water. They school up and once you find one, there's usually more. These fish are active year-round but really turn on during warmer months. Kids get a kick out of the grunting sound they make when brought to the boat - they literally grind their teeth! They're also excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. The secret is using small hooks with cut shrimp or squid pieces. Fish right on the bottom and when you get a bite, reel fast - where there's one grunt, there's usually a dozen more waiting.
5.0 out of 5.0I have gone with captian Josh quite a few times. Not only is he super knowledgeable about fishing honey holes. He is also very ent...
My son had a great time on the fishing trip with Captain Josh! We would definitely book this again in the future.
jay was awesome cant wait tomhave him out again!
Where do I even start! Captain Josh was so caring and loving to my three kids. He understood that this wasn't just any other day f...
Tampa, FL