Kids Fishing Trip in Fort Walton Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
2-3 hour family-friendly fishing adventure in Choctawhatchee BayCatch-and-release format designed specifically for children's enjoymentSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests per charter
Looking to get your little ones hooked on fishing? This 2-hour kids fishing adventure in Fort Walton Beach delivers exactly what busy parents need - a fun, low-pressure trip that keeps the children engaged while giving you quality family time on the water. Captain and crew at Panhandle Fishing Charters know how to work with kids, making this a customer favorite for families visiting the Emerald Coast.
We'll spend our time fishing the protected waters of Choctawhatchee Bay, where the conditions stay calm and kid-friendly. This isn't about filling coolers or breaking personal records - it's all about keeping those smiles coming and maybe teaching your children why fishing becomes a lifelong passion. The bay offers plenty of structure and grass flats where fish love to hang out, giving us multiple spots to try if the kids get restless. Most catches will be released, though don't be surprised if we hook into something worth keeping for a photo. The focus stays on fun, not necessarily dinner, but these waters can surprise you with some quality fish when you least expect it.
We'll rig up light spinning gear that's perfect for small hands to manage. Think basic bottom rigs with circle hooks and just enough weight to get down to where the fish are feeding. Shrimp and cut bait work best here - kids love watching the bait disappear when a fish takes it. The captain handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so parents can focus on helping with the actual fishing part. We'll move around the bay targeting different structure - oyster bars, grass edges, and shallow flats where the action tends to be steady. No complicated techniques needed - just drop it down, feel for the bite, and reel it up. Perfect for beginners and experienced young anglers alike.
Southern Flounder are the sneaky stars of Choctawhatchee Bay, laying flat in the sand waiting to ambush whatever comes by. These flatfish can grow decent size here, with some pushing 3-4 pounds during peak season from fall through early spring. Kids get a kick out of how weird they look with both eyes on one side of their head. They fight harder than you'd expect for a flat fish, making several strong runs before coming to the boat. What makes them special is how they strike - often just a subtle weight on the line that suddenly comes alive when you set the hook. Black Drum cruise these flats in good numbers, especially around oyster bars where they root around for crabs and shellfish. The smaller ones, called puppy drum, are perfect for kids to handle and fight like crazy for their size. You'll hear them drumming when they get excited - it's pretty cool to experience. Most run 2-6 pounds in the bay, though bigger bulls show up during their spawning runs. Sheepshead are the bait stealers of the group, using their human-like teeth to pick baits clean without getting hooked. When you do connect with one, they're excellent eating and put up a solid scrap for their size. They love hanging around structure, so we'll target them near dock pilings and oyster bars. Kids enjoy the challenge of trying to outsmart these sneaky fish. Sea Trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are probably the most consistent biters we'll encounter. They school up in good numbers throughout the bay and are aggressive feeders when conditions are right. Spring and fall offer the best action, with fish ranging from keeper size up to some nice gator trout that'll test your drag. Their soft mouths mean you have to fight them carefully, which teaches kids patience and proper technique. Redfish are the crown jewel of the bay - copper-colored bulldogs that can show up anywhere from shallow grass flats to deeper channel edges. The smaller reds are perfect for kids, while the bigger bull reds provide excitement that'll have everyone talking for years. They're year-round residents but really turn on during their fall spawning run when big schools push through the area.
This top-rated family fishing experience books up fast, especially during school breaks and summer months when families flock to Fort Walton Beach. The 4-person capacity keeps things intimate and manageable for the captain while ensuring each child gets plenty of attention and coaching. No meals are provided, but two hours flies by quickly when the fish are biting and the kids are having fun. The memories you'll create introducing your children to fishing in these productive waters make this trip worth every penny. Ready to get your family on the water and maybe start a new tradition? Give Panhandle Fishing Charters a call and secure your dates - the fish are waiting, and your kids deserve this adventure.
This 2006 Carolina Skiff 198 DLX is built for families wanting to get kids hooked on fishing in Fort Walton Beach's calm inshore waters. The completely custom 19-foot skiff runs on a reliable 2018 Suzuki 115 HP four-stroke that'll get you to the fishing spots quickly and quietly. The raised deck gives everyone a great view for spotting fish cruising the shallows, while the jack plate lets us work those skinny flats where the reds like to hang out. Six bright LED lights help with early morning or evening trips, and the fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools. The wireless trolling motor keeps things peaceful when we're sneaking up on fish, and there's an icebox to keep drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons. With GPS navigation and VHF radio for safety, plus a sound system for the ride, this skiff comfortably handles up to 4 people. Perfect for exploring Choctawhatchee Bay's protected waters where young anglers can learn the ropes without fighting big waves or strong currents.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Choctawhatchee Bay, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some giants pushing 50-plus. These gray-black bruisers love oyster beds, muddy flats, and around bridge pilings where they crunch up crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. They make distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning. Kids get a kick out of the fight these fish put up - they're strong, stubborn bottom-fighters. The smaller ones under 15 pounds eat great, but the big bulls are better released. Here's the key: use fresh crab or cut bait right on the bottom. When you feel that steady pull (not a quick bite), lift into them firmly - their mouths are tough as leather.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are the stars of our shallow water fishing. These copper-colored bruisers with the distinctive black eyespot near their tail range from slot-size 18-27 inchers to massive "bull reds" over 30 pounds. They cruise grass flats, oyster bars, and shorelines in water so shallow their backs sometimes show. Year-round fishing is good, but fall brings the big schools. Kids love watching them "tail" in shallow water and the strong fight they put up. They're excellent eating in the slot, with firm, mild flesh. The fun is sight-fishing - spotting their copper backs or tails in skinny water. Throw a gold spoon or live shrimp ahead of cruising fish, not right on top of them. They spook easy but hit hard.
Salmo TruttaAlso called speckled trout, these silvery fish with dark spots are a bay favorite. They typically run 14-20 inches and love grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are comfortable. What makes them special is that aggressive strike - they'll absolutely hammer a lure or live shrimp. Kids love the fight and the satisfying bend they put in a rod. They're excellent table fare too: tender, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. The trick is finding the grass beds and working your bait slowly. In cooler weather, they school up in deeper channels. Try a popping cork with live shrimp or small jigs that mimic the glass minnows they feed on.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but what really sets them apart are those human-like teeth - kids always get amazed when they see them. These 1-3 pound fish hang tight around any structure: docks, pilings, rocks, anywhere barnacles grow. They're year-round residents but really active in cooler months. What makes them challenging is they're master bait thieves - they'll nibble and steal your shrimp before you know it. The payoff is some of the best eating in the bay: sweet, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat fried or grilled. My secret: use small hooks with fresh shrimp, get right against the structure, and the moment you feel them pecking, set that hook hard. They've got tough mouths, so don't be shy.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flat, oval-shaped fish are masters of disguise - both eyes sit on their left side and they can change color to match the bottom. You'll find them buried in sand or mud in shallow bay waters, ambushing shrimp, crabs, and small fish that swim by. Most run 15-18 inches, but we occasionally hook keepers up to 2 feet. They're active year-round in our area, though cooler months tend to be better. Kids love the surprise factor when these "pancake fish" suddenly appear from nowhere. The meat is excellent - white, flaky, and mild. Pro tip: use a slow drift with live shrimp or finger mullet near the bottom, and when you feel that subtle tap, give it a second before setting the hook - they like to mouth the bait first.
Fort Walton Beach, FL