5.0(3 Reviews)2 Hour Private Family Fishing Charter in Destin Waters
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Twohour family fishing trip targeting multiple inshore speciesAll gear, licenses, snacks and drinks included aboardPrivate charter accommodates four anglers with captain guidance
Want to get the kids hooked on fishing? This 2-hour family weekday charter with Captain Josh is exactly what you're looking for. Based out of Destin, this top-rated fishing experience gives your little ones the perfect introduction to inshore angling while targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most exciting species. We're talking Sheepshead, Trout, Redfish, and whatever else is biting in these productive waters. All fishing gear comes included, plus snacks and drinks to keep everyone happy on the water. No fishing licenses needed – we've got that covered too.
This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip. Captain Josh knows these Destin waters like the back of his hand, and he's got a real knack for working with kids. The 2-hour window is perfect for young anglers – long enough to get some solid fishing action without losing their attention. You'll be fishing the inshore flats and structure where the fish are holding, not just hoping for luck in open water. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers, so parents can join in the action for a small additional fee after the charter wraps up. If you're looking to get out earlier than the scheduled time, Captain Josh is flexible – just give him a call at 850-699-3091 to check availability.
We're fishing light tackle here, which means your kids can actually feel every bite and fight these fish properly. Captain Josh provides all the rods, reels, bait, and tackle you'll need. We're primarily using live and cut bait – shrimp, pinfish, and whatever the fish are demanding that day. The techniques are straightforward but effective: bottom fishing around structure for Sheepshead, working the grass flats for Trout, and sight fishing for Redfish when conditions are right. Josh handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so the kids can focus on the fun part – catching fish. He'll also help with casting when needed, making sure everyone gets their line in the water and stays engaged throughout the trip.
"We had an excellent experience. Captain Josh put us on a lot of fish and was great with the kids. We hope to go with Josh again in the future. Highly Recommend" - Nathan
"Captain Josh was amazing with my kiddos. He was friendly & made us feel welcome on his boat as soon as we stepped on. He went above & beyond to make sure my 11yo son caught a fish. He knew lots of great spots & if the fish were not bitting he did not hesitate to move. He was on top of baiting our hooks & casting out for us when needed. Highly recommend!! Best money spent our entire trip. Even my 15 yo daughter had a blast!!" - JACKIE
"Captain Josh was AWESOME! I encourage everyone looking to fish in the Destin/Niceville area to contact him to set-up your trip. He was so friendly and most importantly he knew all the spots where the fish were biting. He was so patient and helped my son catch over 5 different types of fish. We will definitely use him again on our next trip to the area. Thank you Captain Josh!" - Stacy
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Destin inshore fishing, and they're perfect for getting kids excited about the sport. These speckled beauties typically run 14-20 inches in our waters and put up a solid fight on light tackle. They love the grass flats and can be caught year-round, though spring and fall offer the most consistent action. What makes Trout special for young anglers is their willingness to bite and the satisfying way they shake their heads when hooked. Plus, they make excellent table fare when you keep a few within slot limits.
Redfish are the prize catch that every angler wants to experience. These copper-colored bruisers are famous for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. In Destin's inshore waters, you'll typically encounter fish ranging from 20-30 inches, with some real bulls mixed in during certain times of year. Redfish are most active in fall and early winter, but we catch them consistently throughout the fishing season. Kids love the visual aspect of Redfish – they're often cruising in shallow water where you can actually see them before casting.
Ladyfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute dynamite on light tackle. These silver rockets jump repeatedly when hooked, giving young anglers an action-packed fight they'll never forget. Most Ladyfish in our area run 12-16 inches and are present from late spring through early fall. They're excellent for building confidence in new anglers because they're aggressive biters and provide non-stop action once you locate a school.
Hardhead Sea Catfish get a bad rap, but they're actually fantastic fish for kids to learn on. They bite readily, fight hard for their size, and are virtually guaranteed catches when other species might be finicky. These whiskered fighters typically range from 8-14 inches and are present year-round in Destin's inshore waters. While they're not table fare, they teach young anglers proper fish handling techniques and help build that crucial confidence every new angler needs.
Mutton Snapper are the wild cards that can really make a trip memorable. These colorful snappers are less common than our other target species, but when they show up, they provide world-class light tackle action. Muttons typically run 12-18 inches in our inshore waters and are most active during warmer months. They're structure-oriented fish with excellent eyesight, so catching one requires a bit more finesse – making them perfect for kids who are ready to level up their fishing skills.
Step aboard this reliable 22-foot Century motorboat, your floating fishing platform for exploring Destin's productive inshore waters. Built for family adventures, this 2007 vessel comfortably handles up to 4 anglers while you target Sheepshead, Trout, and Redfish in the shallows. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on skittish fish, while the GPS navigation system ensures you'll find those honey holes every time. The built-in fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, so you can spend more time with lines in the water instead of searching empty spots. Perfect for getting kids hooked on fishing, this boat provides a stable casting platform whether you're working the grass flats or dropping lines near structure. Captain Josh knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with all gear provided plus snacks and drinks included, all you need to bring is your appetite for catching fish.
Ariopsis FelisHardhead catfish are the opportunists of the Gulf - they'll eat anything and show up when you're targeting other species. These whiskered scavengers typically run 8-12 inches but can reach up to 28 inches. You'll find them on muddy or sandy bottoms in shallow bays, around docks, and near river mouths. They're year-round residents but more active in warmer months. While many anglers consider them a nuisance, they're actually decent fighters on light tackle and kids get excited catching anything that pulls. Handle with extreme care - those dorsal and pectoral spines are venomous and can puncture right through shoes even after the fish is dead. My advice: use pliers to handle them and watch those spines. They hit shrimp and cut bait hard, so at least they keep the action going between target species.
Elops SaurusKnown as the "poor man's tarpon," ladyfish are pure adrenaline on light tackle. These silver rockets average 12-20 inches and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. You'll find them in bays, near beaches, and around inlets where they hunt in schools. They're year-round residents here and bite aggressively on just about anything - live shrimp, jigs, or small topwater plugs. While most folks don't keep them for dinner, they're perfect for kids learning to fish because they're willing biters and fight way above their weight class. When hooked, they'll jump, tail-walk, and thrash like crazy. Pro tip: use a heavier leader than you think - those small teeth are sharp and they'll bite through light line when they're going wild.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are the prize catch of reef fishing - beautiful pinkish fish with blue streaks around their eyes and that telltale black spot. Most run 15-20 inches, but the big ones can hit 30+ inches and really test your drag. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom in 80-200 feet, though smaller ones come into shallower waters near mangroves and inlets. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're feeding aggressively. These fish are smart and fight hard - they'll try to get back to the structure and break you off. The meat is absolutely top-shelf, making them a favorite for the dinner table. My secret: use the freshest bait you can get and let it drift naturally in the current. When you see that pink flash coming up through clear water, you know you've got a good one.
Sciaenops OcellatusReds are built like bronze bulldozers with that signature black spot near their tail. Most inshore fish run 20-30 inches, but we catch them from schoolie size up to bulls pushing 40+ inches. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves. Spring and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding in the shallows. What makes reds special is their fight; they'll make long, powerful runs and use that broad tail to their advantage. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. The key is staying quiet - these fish are spooky in skinny water. I always tell folks to look for nervous water or tailing fish, and keep your bait moving naturally with the current.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout run 14-24 inches and typically weigh 1-5 pounds, making them perfect for lighter tackle. You'll find them hanging around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night when they're most active. During winter months, they school up and move to deeper channels. These silvery fish with their distinctive black spots put up a solid fight and make excellent table fare - their flaky white meat is some of the best eating you'll find inshore. Kids love catching them because they're aggressive feeders and will hit everything from live shrimp to soft plastics. My tip: work your bait slow along the grass edges at dusk using a popping cork - the noise drives them crazy and you'll get some explosive strikes.
5.0 out of 5.0We had an excellent experience. Captain Josh put us on a lot of fish and was great with the kids. We hope to go with Josh again in...
Captain Josh was amazing with my kiddos. He was friendly & made us feel welcome on his boat as soon as we stepped on. He went abo...
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that Captain Josh made your fish...
Captain Josh was AWESOME! I encourage everyone looking to fish in the Destin/Niceville area to contact him to set-up your trip. He...
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