Florida Kids Fishing Charter with Redfish Cowboys
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Twohour family fishing trip designed for kids under 12Educational focus on casting, fish handling, and boater safety basicsCaptain teaches about local dolphins, manatees, and native birds
Getting kids hooked on fishing starts with the right captain and the perfect setting. Our Florida Kids Fishing Charter delivers both in spades. This isn't your typical rushed fishing trip where little ones get overwhelmed – we've crafted a 2-hour adventure specifically designed for young anglers under 12, though families of all ages love what we do out here. Captain's a dad himself, so he knows exactly how to keep kids engaged while teaching them the fundamentals of angling in Florida's productive inshore waters.
Picture this: your kids learning to cast without tangled lines everywhere, handling fish like pros, and actually understanding why we do things a certain way on the boat. That's what happens when you fish with someone who gets it. We keep things moving at a kid-friendly pace, mixing in lessons about local wildlife between fish catches. Don't be surprised when dolphins show up to check out what we're doing – happens more often than you'd think, and the kids absolutely lose their minds (in the best way). Manatees cruise by occasionally, and we'll spot plenty of native birds working the shallows for baitfish. The whole experience becomes this cool nature lesson that doesn't feel like school at all. We're running light tackle and practicing catch-and-release, so everyone gets plenty of action without wearing out little arms.
We're talking spinning reels that kids can actually manage, not heavy gear that'll frustrate them before they even get started. Light tackle means more fight from the fish, which equals more excitement for young anglers. Plus, they can feel everything that's happening down there – every head shake, every run. Captain takes time to show proper casting techniques, starting close and working up distance as they get comfortable. Fish handling gets special attention because that's where kids either fall in love with fishing or get spooked. We teach them how to hold different species safely, support the fish properly for photos, and release them quickly so they swim away strong. Basic boater safety gets woven in naturally – where to stand, how to move around the boat, what all those sounds mean. By the end, they're talking like little fishing guides themselves.
Spanish Mackerel are absolute dynamite on light tackle and perfect for kids. These silver bullets typically run 12-16 inches and fight way above their weight class. They're most active during cooler months, roughly October through April, and they love to school up in 8-15 feet of water. Kids get a kick out of how fast these fish take off when hooked – like someone shot them out of a cannon. They're also pretty forgiving when it comes to bait presentation, so beginner casters still get bites.
Black Drum might not be the prettiest fish in our waters, but they're fantastic for teaching young anglers about patience and bottom fishing techniques. These copper-colored fighters can range from keeper-sized juveniles around 14-16 inches to massive adults pushing 30+ pounds. Spring and fall bring the best action, and they love hanging around oyster bars and grass flats where crabs and shrimp hide. When a drum picks up the bait, kids learn to feel that subtle tap-tap before setting the hook – great lesson in reading what the fish is telling you.
Sea Trout (Spotted Seatrout) are probably the most cooperative fish we target with families. They bite consistently year-round, though spring and fall definitely produce better numbers. These beautiful spotted fish typically run 14-20 inches in our area and they're suckers for well-presented shrimp or small artificials. What makes them perfect for kids is how they announce their presence – that distinctive head-shaking fight lets everyone know something's happening down there. Plus, they're delicious table fare if families want to keep a few within regulations.
Redfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishery and every kid's favorite target once they hook their first one. These bronze bulldozers can range from slot-sized fish around 18-27 inches to oversized bulls that'll test everyone's strength. They're year-round residents, but fall typically brings the most consistent action as they school up for their spawning runs. What kids love most is that initial bulldogging run when a red realizes it's hooked – pure power that bends rods and gets hearts pumping. They're also smart fish, so landing one feels like a real accomplishment.
This top-rated kids fishing charter fills up fast, especially during school breaks and weekends when families want to get out on the water together. Captain's patient teaching style and genuine love for introducing young anglers to Florida fishing has made this trip a customer favorite among families visiting our area. You're not just buying a fishing trip – you're investing in memories that'll have your kids talking about "that time we caught all those fish" for years to come. The 4-person capacity keeps things intimate and ensures everyone gets plenty of attention. Just remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before committing. Ready to get those kids hooked on fishing? Let's make it happen.
This 22' Blazer Bay is built for family fishing adventures in Florida's beautiful inshore waters. With room for up to 4 anglers, she's equipped with everything young fishers need - quality rods, reels, and fish-finding electronics to help locate the catch. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet as you move between fishing spots around Okaloosa Island, while GPS navigation ensures you stay on course. The spacious deck gives kids plenty of room to practice their casting and safely handle their catch. Perfect for teaching the basics of fishing and exploring local marine life like dolphins and manatees that call these waters home.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are bottom-dwelling bruisers with powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs. Most range 5-30 pounds, though giants over 50 pounds patrol deeper waters. They love shallow mudflats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in 2-15 feet of water. Spring brings the best fishing when they school up to spawn in March and April. Kids love the steady, strong pull these fish provide - no crazy jumps, just pure muscle. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with flaky white meat. Here's the key: use fresh blue crab on a circle hook and fish dead on the bottom. When you feel that steady thump-thump, let them eat it before setting the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect starter fish for young anglers - they're aggressive, fight hard, and that distinctive black spot near the tail makes them easy to identify. Most run 18-27 inches in our shallow waters, preferring grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer peak action. These copper-colored fighters give kids that arm-burning battle they'll remember forever. The smaller "slot" fish make excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. Watch for "tailing" redfish in super shallow water - you'll see their tails sticking up as they root around for crabs and shrimp in the grass.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "Specks," are gorgeous fish with silver sides covered in dark spots. They typically run 12-20 inches and 1-3 pounds in our waters. Look for them over grass flats, around docks, and near drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water. They bite best during spring and fall when water temps are moderate, especially early morning and evening. Kids enjoy their spirited fight and the satisfying strikes on light tackle. The white, flaky meat is delicious and mild - perfect for the dinner table. My best advice: use live shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds. Work it slow with gentle pops, and when you see the cork disappear, count to three before setting the hook.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are built for speed, with sleek silver bodies marked by golden spots. Most fish we catch run 1-2 feet and weigh around 3-8 pounds, though bigger ones swim offshore. You'll find them schooling near the surface, especially around structure and baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps climb above 68°F. These fish make great targets for kids - they bite aggressively, fight hard for their size, and you can spot the schools from a distance. The meat's excellent eating with a mild flavor that's perfect grilled or blackened. Pro tip: when you see diving birds or bait jumping, get ready - Spanish Mackerel are likely feeding underneath.
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