Fort Lauderdale Kids Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Familyfriendly 3hour fishing charter for beginners and kidsCaptain James provides handson guidance for firsttime anglersAccommodates up to six guests with relaxed nearshore fishing
Captain James knows exactly what it takes to get kids hooked on fishing – literally. This 3-hour charter out of Fort Lauderdale is built from the ground up for families who want their first taste of offshore action without the commitment of a full day on the water. You'll head out into some of Florida's most productive nearshore waters, where the fish are biting and the memories come easy. Perfect for parents looking to introduce their little ones to the sport, or beginners who want to test the waters before diving into longer trips.
This isn't your typical hardcore fishing charter – and that's exactly the point. Captain James keeps things relaxed and fun while still delivering real fishing action. Depending on weather and sea conditions, you'll work either the nearshore reefs or slip into some protected inshore spots where the water stays calm and the fish are cooperative. The boat accommodates up to four guests, which means everyone gets plenty of personal attention and coaching. You're not just along for the ride here; you're learning the ropes from a captain who genuinely loves teaching the next generation of anglers. The three-hour window hits that sweet spot where kids stay engaged without getting restless, and parents don't have to worry about seasickness or meltdowns.
Captain James keeps the fishing techniques simple but effective, focusing on one or two methods that work best for beginners. You'll likely spend time bottom fishing over reefs, where the action stays consistent and kids can feel every bite. This technique involves dropping baited hooks down to where fish like to hang out around structure – think of it as fishing in their living room. The captain handles all the complicated stuff like reading the fish finder and positioning the boat, while you focus on the fun part: reeling them in. Live bait fishing is another favorite, especially when targeting species like cobia and amberjack that can't resist a frisky pinfish or pilchard. The gear is sized appropriately for smaller hands, but still has enough backbone to handle the bigger fish that Fort Lauderdale waters are famous for.
King mackerel are the bread and butter of Fort Lauderdale fishing, and they're perfect for kids learning the ropes. These silver bullets typically run 10-20 pounds in our nearshore waters, providing just enough fight to get hearts racing without being overwhelming. They hit hard and make strong runs, giving young anglers a taste of what real offshore fishing feels like. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with early morning trips often producing the best results.
Mahi mahi are the golden boys of the offshore world, and when they show up in our area, magic happens. Also called common dolphinfish, these beauties light up in brilliant yellows and greens when hooked. They're acrobatic fighters that jump and dance across the surface, putting on a show that kids never forget. Most of the mahi we see range from 5-15 pounds – perfect for younger anglers to handle. They're more seasonal visitors, typically showing up in warmer months when floating sargassum weed drifts close to shore.
Greater amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, and they'll teach kids what real fish power feels like. These guys typically run 15-30 pounds in our waters and fight like fish twice their size. They live around wrecks and reefs, making them reliable targets when weather keeps us closer to shore. Amberjack hit hard, dive deep, and test both tackle and angler endurance. They're excellent table fare too, which means families often go home with coolers full of fresh fillets.
Great barracuda add excitement to any trip with their aggressive strikes and impressive size. These toothy predators patrol the flats and reef edges, often following other hooked fish right up to the boat. Kids love their prehistoric appearance and the way they rocket through the water when hooked. Most barracuda caught on these charters run 3-8 pounds, though larger specimens always lurk nearby. They're year-round residents, making them reliable backup when other species aren't cooperating.
Cobia are the wild cards that can turn a good day into a great one. These brown sharks (they're actually not sharks at all) cruise near the surface and often approach boats out of curiosity. When one shows up, Captain James will have everyone ready with live bait or jigs. Cobia fight with surprising strength for their size, often running 10-25 pounds in our area. They're most common in spring and fall, but curious individuals show up year-round to investigate boats and structures.
Fort Lauderdale's fishing scene stays hot year-round, but the best family-friendly conditions typically occur during calmer weather periods. This charter fills up fast, especially during school holidays and weekends when families are looking for that perfect introduction to saltwater fishing. Captain James has built his reputation on creating positive first experiences for young anglers, and that's exactly what you'll get. The affordable price point makes it easy to say yes, while the shorter duration ensures everyone stays comfortable and engaged. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so pick your dates carefully. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, introducing kids to fishing for the first time, or just need a fun family activity that gets everyone off the screens, this charter delivers exactly what Fort Lauderdale fishing is all about – good times, great fish, and memories that last long after you return to shore.
Step aboard this gorgeous 38' Hatteras sportfisher, your floating base camp for an awesome day chasing fish off Fort Lauderdale. Twin 330hp Cummins diesels deliver serious power to get you to the fishing grounds fast, while the spacious cockpit gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. The boat's equipped with everything young anglers need - fish finder to locate schools, outriggers for spreading baits, and a livewell to keep your catch fresh. When the Florida sun gets intense, duck into the air-conditioned salon for a break, grab cold drinks from the icebox, or let the kids enjoy the multimedia system between bites. The flybridge offers great visibility for spotting diving birds and feeding fish, while GPS and radar keep you safe on the water. With a clean restroom onboard, comfortable seating for the whole family, and Captain James running the show, this Hatteras is perfectly set up for introducing kids to offshore fishing in style and comfort.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - dark bronze fish with lighter bellies that often get mistaken for small sharks cruising the surface. They average 30-50 pounds and can reach 6 feet long. We find them around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-70 feet, often just under the surface where you can sight-fish them. Spring through summer during their migration north gives us the best opportunities. These are solitary fish, so finding one is always exciting. They're fantastic eating - firm, white meat that rivals grouper, and they're prized in restaurants. The fight is strong and steady rather than flashy, but they've got serious pulling power. Bucktail jigs work great, and color doesn't seem to matter much. Here's what I've learned: when you spot a cobia, make your first cast count. They're curious but spook easily, so one bad presentation often means game over.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the silver torpedoes of our waters, built for speed with that long, sleek body and razor-sharp teeth. Most run 2-4 feet, but we see plenty that stretch past 5 feet. They cruise shallow reefs, grass flats, and structure from just under the surface down to 30 feet. Year-round fishing is good here, but spring brings some real monsters during spawning season. What makes cuda fishing fun is their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps - they'll clear the water multiple times trying to throw your lure. They're sight hunters with serious curiosity, often following lures right to the boat. The meat's decent but can carry ciguatera, so most folks release them. Use wire leaders always - those teeth will cut through anything else. Local tip: when a cuda follows your lure without striking, speed up your retrieve suddenly. That change in pace often triggers them to attack.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - thick-bodied fish that average 30-40 pounds and can stretch past 6 feet. They hang around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet of water. You'll recognize them by that dark amber stripe running down their bluish-grey sides. Spring spawning season from April to May brings the best action, but they bite year-round in our warm waters. These fish are pure power - they'll test your tackle and your arms with those bulldogging runs straight down to the bottom. The meat is excellent eating, firm and white, though larger fish can carry ciguatera risk. For landing amberjack, bring heavy tackle - 50-pound gear minimum. My local trick: when they make that first dive for the reef, keep them moving up with steady pressure. Let them sulk down there and they'll wrap you around every piece of structure they can find.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are fast, powerful fish that typically run 15-30 pounds, though bigger ones can hit 50+ pounds. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water around Fort Lauderdale, cruising along reefs and structure. They're olive-colored with silver sides and razor-sharp teeth similar to bluefish. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps stay between 68-84°F. Kids love the speed of these fish - they'll scream line off your reel in seconds. The meat is good eating but has higher mercury content, so limit consumption. For catching kings, use wire leaders and troll ballyhoo or live bait. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - their mouths are soft and they'll throw the hook if you get too aggressive with the drag.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most colorful fish in our waters, flashing brilliant gold, blue, and green when hooked. Most run 15-30 pounds and average around 39 inches long. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in blue water. Spring through summer gives us the best shots when they move closer to shore. What makes mahi special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a real show for the kids. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. They mature fast and spawn year-round, so the population stays healthy. Pro tip from years out here: when you spot one mahi, slow down and work the area thoroughly. They often travel in small schools, and where there's one, there's usually more.
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