2-Hour Evening Kids Fishing Trip—Santa Rosa Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Kids learn fishing basics with included gear and baitTwo-hour evening trip accommodates up to four guestsBeautiful sunset views over Santa Rosa Beach waters
Picture this: the sun's starting to dip toward the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, while your kids cast their first lines into the emerald waters off Santa Rosa Beach. This isn't just any fishing trip—it's designed specifically for the little ones who've been begging to try their hand at reeling in the big one. At Pharmasea Outfitters, we know that getting kids hooked on fishing (pun intended) starts with the right experience, and our 2-hour evening trips deliver exactly that. With all gear and bait included, you don't need to worry about anything except watching your young anglers light up when they feel that first tug on the line.
We keep things simple and fun, which is exactly how kids learn best. Your family of up to four will head out into the calm inshore waters where Santa Rosa Beach meets the Gulf, targeting spots where sea trout and redfish like to hang out during the cooler evening hours. The beauty of this timing is twofold—the fish are more active as the sun goes down, and the scenery is absolutely stunning. Your captain will start with the basics, showing the kids how to hold their rods, when to set the hook, and most importantly, how to stay patient when the fish aren't biting right away. Don't worry though, these waters are productive, and we've got plenty of tricks to keep those lines tight. The boat stays close to shore in protected waters, so even the youngest anglers feel comfortable and confident.
We've got everything rigged and ready before you even step on the boat. Light tackle spinning reels loaded with 15-pound test line are perfect for small hands, and we'll have multiple rods set up so there's no waiting around. Live shrimp and cut bait are the go-to choices here—they're easy for kids to handle and irresistible to our target species. The technique is straightforward: cast out, let the bait settle near grass flats or oyster bars, and wait for the magic to happen. Your guide will teach the kids how to feel for the subtle taps that mean a fish is checking out their bait, and when to give it a firm hookset. We'll also try some simple popping cork setups, which are fantastic because kids can actually see the cork disappear when a fish hits. It's visual, exciting, and gives them something to watch while they're learning the patience that fishing requires.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of these evening trips, and for good reason. These spotted beauties are abundant in the grass flats around Santa Rosa Beach, especially during the warmer months from spring through fall. They typically run 12 to 18 inches in this area, which is perfect size for young anglers—big enough to feel like a real fish, but not so heavy they can't handle the fight. Sea trout are aggressive feeders in the evening hours, and they'll hit live shrimp like it's their last meal. What makes them so exciting for kids is their distinctive spotted pattern and the way they jump when hooked. Plus, they make excellent table fare if your family decides to keep a few within the legal limits.
Redfish are the other star of the show, and catching one is something your kids will talk about for months. These copper-colored fighters are built like tanks and known for their powerful runs that can really test a young angler's skills. Around Santa Rosa Beach, most of the reds we encounter are in the 20 to 30-inch range—slot-sized fish that are perfectly legal to keep and absolutely delicious. Redfish love to cruise the shallow oyster bars and grass edges during evening hours, looking for crabs and shrimp. When a red hits your kid's bait, there's no mistaking it. They'll feel that solid weight and watch their rod tip bounce as the fish tries to head for deeper water. The fight is steady and strong, giving kids time to work the fish properly while learning how to use the reel's drag system.
This top-rated evening trip fills up fast, especially during peak season when families are looking for that perfect blend of fishing action and natural beauty. There's something magical about being on the water as the day winds down—the pace slows, the colors in the sky change by the minute, and kids get to experience the Gulf Coast in a way that creates lasting memories. Whether your little ones are complete beginners or have thrown a line in the neighborhood pond a few times, our experienced captains know how to adjust the experience to match their skill level. The 2-hour timeframe is perfect for keeping young attention spans engaged without overdoing it, and including all the gear means you can focus on what really matters—watching your kids discover the joy of fishing. Book now and give your family an evening on the water that combines the best of Santa Rosa Beach's natural beauty with the excitement of landing their very first saltwater catch.
Your family's fishing adventure starts aboard our 23-foot Pathfinder, perfectly sized for an intimate evening on the water with up to 4 guests. This reliable motorboat cuts smoothly through Santa Rosa Beach's coastal waters while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when we're positioning over the best fishing spots. The onboard GPS keeps us on course to productive areas, while our fish finder helps locate where the fish are holding. As the sun starts to set, your kids will have everything they need to land their first catch – all gear and bait included. The Pathfinder's stable platform gives young anglers confidence while casting and fighting fish, and there's plenty of room to move around safely. Whether we're drifting over grass flats or anchored near structure, this boat gets your family right where the action is for an evening they'll talk about long after the lines are reeled in.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect inshore target for kids - they're found right in our shallow waters, sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. These copper-colored fish with the signature black spot near their tail typically run 20-30 inches around here and give kids a real thrill without being unmanageable. They hang around oyster bars, grass flats, and dock pilings in 1-4 feet of water. What kids love most is watching them "tail" in the shallows and that explosive strike when they hit. The meat is firm with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that even picky eaters enjoy. They're active year-round but really fire up during our evening trips when they move into the shallows to feed. Pro tip: cast your shrimp just past where you see them tailing and let it settle - they'll find it.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are perfect for kids getting started - they're found in our shallow grass flats, usually in 2-4 feet of water. These silvery fish with distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and put up a solid fight without being too much for young anglers. They feed on shrimp and small baitfish, making them pretty cooperative when the bait's right. Evening trips work great since they're more active as the sun goes down. What makes them special is that beautiful speckled pattern and how they'll hit both live shrimp and artificial lures. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - great for kids who are picky eaters. Local tip: look for them around any grass patches where the water's moving slightly. They love those edges where clean water meets the flats.
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