5.0(1 Reviews)Family-Friendly Destin Inshore Fishing Adventure
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Two-hour family fishing trip targeting multiple inshore speciesAll fishing gear, licenses, snacks and drinks includedCaptain Josh provides hands-on learning experience for kids
Looking to get the kids hooked on fishing? Captain Josh's 2-hour family charter out of Destin is the perfect way to introduce young anglers to the sport without overwhelming them. This isn't your typical long day on the water – it's a carefully crafted experience designed to keep kids engaged, learning, and most importantly, catching fish. The inshore waters around Destin are teeming with beginner-friendly species like sheepshead, trout, and redfish that fight just hard enough to get hearts pumping without being too much for small hands to handle.
This trip is all about making fishing fun and accessible for families. Captain Josh provides all the gear, snacks, and drinks, so you can focus on what matters – watching your kids light up when they feel that first tug on the line. The 2-hour timeframe is no accident; it's the sweet spot that keeps kids engaged without hitting that wall where they get restless or tired. You'll be fishing Destin's productive inshore waters where the action stays consistent and the fish are willing to bite. Parents can come along as observers or jump in on the action for a small additional fee after the charter wraps up. All fishing licenses are included, which takes one more thing off your plate when planning this family adventure.
Inshore fishing around Destin means working the grass flats, oyster bars, and channel edges where these target species love to hang out. Captain Josh uses light tackle setups that are perfect for kids – not too heavy, but sturdy enough to handle the fish they'll be targeting. You'll likely be using live or cut bait, depending on what's working best that day. The captain knows exactly where to position the boat to put you on fish quickly, and he's got the patience to teach proper casting techniques, how to set the hook, and the right way to fight a fish. Don't worry if your kids have never held a rod before – that's what makes this trip so special. The focus is on learning the basics while actually catching fish, not just practicing casting into empty water.
"This trip was absolutely amazing! Captain Josh did a fantastic job with our kids (7 yr old boy and 10 yr old girl) and showed them exactly how to fish in a way that I am sure has them hooked for life. His patience and demeanor with them was well beyond expectations. I was worried we would have a grouchy old captain based off of my past charter fishing experiences and that was not the case at all. He made sure they stayed busy catching fish after fish after fish. I could not believe how quickly he could put them on another fish almost as if he and the fish had a deal worked out! It was the perfect amount of time too! It wasn't too short nor too long and left us all extremely happy. This was by far the best time we had on our entire trip to Destin! I would post photos, but they are all on my wife's phone sorry, which by the way was also amazing that he took the time to let us take photos of every fish the kids caught (approximately 20!)." - Matthew
Spanish Mackerel are one of the most fun fish for kids to catch around Destin. These silvery speedsters hit baits hard and make screaming runs that get everyone on the boat excited. They're most active during the warmer months and love to school up near structure and bait pods. What makes them perfect for young anglers is their willingness to bite and their manageable size – usually running 1-3 pounds. Kids love the way they fight, and they're actually pretty good eating if you want to take a few home for dinner.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of this trip, and when a big one grabs the bait, kids know they're connected to something special. These bottom-dwellers love to hang around oyster bars and grass flats, using their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush shellfish and crabs. They can range from small "puppy drum" perfect for kids to handle, all the way up to 20-30 pound bulls that will test young anglers' determination. The fight is more of a steady, powerful pull rather than flashy jumps, which teaches kids patience and proper fish-fighting techniques.
Sheepshead are the trickiest fish on this list, earning them the nickname "convict fish" for their black and white stripes and their reputation for stealing bait. They hang around structure like pilings, docks, and oyster beds, where they use their human-like teeth to pick off barnacles and small crustaceans. What makes them great for teaching kids is that they require a gentle touch and quick reflexes to hook up. When kids master catching sheepshead, they've really learned something about fishing finesse.
Sea Trout are probably the most reliable fish you'll encounter on this trip. These spotted beauties are found throughout Destin's grass flats and provide consistent action that keeps kids engaged. They hit both live and artificial baits readily and put up a respectable fight without being overwhelming. Trout are also excellent table fare, so if the family wants to cook up their catch, these are your best bet. They're most active during cooler parts of the day and love to ambush prey from their hiding spots in the grass.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and hooking into one of these copper-colored beauties is something kids will remember forever. These fish are built like bulldogs and fight with incredible determination, making multiple runs and using their broad tails to great effect. Reds love shallow water and can often be spotted cruising the flats with their backs out of water. They're year-round residents in Destin's waters, though they're most active during the cooler months. What makes them special for young anglers is their size – big enough to be impressive but not so large they can't handle the fight.
This 22-foot Century motorboat is your perfect fishing platform for exploring Destin's inshore waters with the family. Built for comfort and performance, she handles four anglers with ease while you target sheepshead, trout, and redfish in the shallow flats. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into those productive spots without spooking the fish, while the GPS keeps you on course to the hottest fishing grounds. When the bite gets tough, fire up the fish finder to locate schools holding tight to structure. At 22 feet, there's plenty of deck space for everyone to cast without tangling lines, and the kids will love having room to move around between catches. This sturdy motorboat cuts through chop smoothly and gets you to the fish faster, leaving more time with lines in the water. Whether you're working the grass flats for reds or casting around docks for trout, this Century delivers the reliability and fishability that makes for successful family fishing adventures on the Gulf Coast.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the shallow flats, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 50+. They cruise muddy bottoms and oyster bars in 2-8 feet, using those powerful jaws to crush shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning. Families love targeting them because they're great fighters that don't require deep water - plus the smaller ones make fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky meat. The big ones are better released since the meat gets tough. My go-to trick is using fresh cut crab on a Carolina rig. Drop it right on the bottom near oyster beds and wait for that steady, heavy pull that means a drum found your bait.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bronze beauties of shallow water, known for that distinctive black spot near the tail. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, perfect for eating with firm, sweet meat. They cruise 1-4 feet of water around grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges year-round, though fall brings the best action. Families love them because they fight hard, stay shallow where kids can see them, and that eyespot makes them easy to identify. The aggressive strikes and bulldogging runs keep everyone engaged. Local secret: look for "tailing" reds in super shallow water - their tails stick up while they root around for crabs. Approach quietly and drop a gold spoon right in front of their nose.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks," are a staple around Destin's grass flats and shallow bays. Most run 12-18 inches, with nice ones hitting 2-3 pounds. They love 3-6 feet of water over grass beds, especially during warmer months when baitfish are active. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action. Kids enjoy them because they bite readily and have a pretty spotted pattern. The meat is tender and mild - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. Best local tip: fish the grass flats early morning or evening with a popping cork and live shrimp. Work it slowly over the grass, giving it gentle pops to attract their attention.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with those black bars and famous human-like teeth. They typically run 2-5 pounds and live around any structure - docks, bridges, pilings covered in barnacles. Winter through early spring is peak season when they gather to spawn. Guests get a kick out of seeing those weird teeth, and the challenge keeps things interesting since they're notorious bait thieves. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating around. My trick for landing more sheepshead: use the smallest hook you can with fresh shrimp, get as close to structure as possible, and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight. They'll steal your bait all day if you're not quick.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, silver bullets that usually run 1-3 pounds around Destin. You'll spot them by their yellowish spots and that sleek build built for speed. They school up near the surface, especially around structure and baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps are right. Kids love these fish because they hit hard and fight like crazy for their size. The meat is excellent - mild and perfect for the grill. Here's a local tip: when you see diving birds, get there fast. Spanish Mackerel will be slashing through baitfish underneath, and you can catch them on small spoons or jigs worked quickly through the school.
5.0 out of 5.0This trip was absolutely amazing! Captain Josh did a fantastic job with our kids (7 yr old boy and 10 yr old girl) and showed them...
Choctawhatchee Bay