Half Day Morning Kid-Friendly Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4hour morning fishing adventure designed specifically for childrenTargets Snapper and Jacks inshore, Mahi and Tuna offshoreAll fishing gear included with handson crew guidance
Picture this: your kids' faces lighting up as they feel their first fish bite, the rod bending in their small hands while Key Biscayne's crystal-clear waters stretch out around you. This 4-hour morning fishing adventure with Reel'n Tails Charters isn't just another fishing trip – it's where young anglers discover their passion for the sport. We've spent years perfecting these family-friendly charters, keeping group sizes small at just 3 guests so every kid gets the attention they deserve. Whether we're working the shallow flats for Jacks or heading out to deeper waters where Mahi and Tuna cruise, our crew knows exactly how to make fishing fun and accessible for little ones.
Your morning starts early – and trust me, it's worth the wake-up call. Key Biscayne's inshore waters come alive at dawn, and that's when fish are most active and hungry. We'll pick our spots based on conditions and what's biting, but you can count on crystal-clear visibility and relatively calm seas that won't have the kids (or parents) feeling queasy. The beauty of fishing these waters is the variety – one minute you might be sight-fishing for Tarpon rolling on the surface, the next we're dropping lines near structure where Snappers and Jacks hang out. Our crew handles all the technical stuff like reading the water, finding fish, and setting up rigs, so families can focus on what matters: watching kids experience the magic of their first real fishing adventure. We keep safety gear sized for children on board, and our captain maintains constant communication about what we're doing and why, turning every moment into a learning opportunity.
We run light tackle specifically chosen for young anglers – no heavy gear that'll tire out small arms before the fish even bite. Depending on what we're targeting, we might use live shrimp under popping corks for Snappers, or switch to small jigs and artificials when Jacks are schooling. For the bigger stuff like King Mackerel and Mahi, we'll set up simple trolling spreads with downriggers, letting kids take turns on the rods when fish hit. The key is matching the technique to the kid's skill level – beginners might start with bottom fishing using circle hooks (much safer for little fingers), while more experienced young anglers can try their hand at sight-casting to cruising fish. All gear comes included, from properly sized rods and reels to terminal tackle, bait, and even backup equipment in case something goes overboard. We also carry a full first-aid kit and maintain radio contact with the Coast Guard, because safety always comes first when kids are on board.
Blackfin Tuna are absolute dynamite on light tackle, and Key Biscayne's offshore waters hold good numbers year-round. These smaller cousins of Yellowfin typically run 10-20 pounds, making them perfect for kids who want to experience a real fight without getting completely worn out. They're fast, acrobatic, and tend to travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, especially during early morning hours when they're feeding on baitfish near the surface. Kids love how these fish take off on screaming runs the moment they feel the hook.
Tarpon fishing around Key Biscayne is legendary, and for good reason. These "silver kings" can range from juvenile fish perfect for young anglers (20-40 pounds) to massive adults that'll test even experienced fishermen. What makes them special for kids is their incredible jumping ability – watching a Tarpon leap clear out of the water is something no child ever forgets. Peak season runs May through August, when warm water brings them into our shallow bays and channels. They're catch-and-release only, which teaches kids about conservation while still providing that lifetime memory of battling one of fishing's most prized gamefish.
King Mackerel, or "Smoker Kings" as locals call them, are speed demons that patrol Key Biscayne's deeper waters. These toothy predators typically range 15-30 pounds in our area, though bigger fish show up during winter months. They're perfect for teaching kids about different fishing techniques – we might troll for them with live bait or artificial lures, or even slow-troll with downriggers when they're holding deeper. Kings fight hard with powerful runs, but they don't jump like Tarpon, making them more manageable for young anglers still learning fish-fighting basics.
Mahi Mahi, also called Common Dolphinfish, are hands-down one of the most exciting fish kids can catch. Their brilliant gold and green colors are stunning in the water, and they're incredibly acrobatic fighters that'll jump, dive, and make long runs. Most of our Mahi range 10-25 pounds, perfect for young anglers using appropriate tackle. They're also excellent eating, so kids get the full experience from hook to table. Best fishing typically happens spring through fall when they follow floating sargassum and debris lines, though we see them year-round in Key Biscayne's blue water.
Crevalle Jack might be one of the most underrated gamefish in South Florida waters. These bruising fighters are built like linebackers and fight twice as hard as their size suggests. Most run 5-15 pounds, making them ideal for kids who want to feel what a serious fish fight is all about. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit both live bait and artificials, and they're around year-round in our inshore waters. Jack fishing teaches kids about structure fishing, since these fish love to ambush prey around docks, bridges, and reef edges.
This isn't just another fishing charter – it's an investment in your child's lifelong love of the sport.
Your family fishing adventure starts aboard our beautifully restored 21-foot Dusky center console, perfectly sized for an intimate morning on Miami's inshore waters. This reliable boat cuts through the waves at a comfortable 35 knots, powered by a smooth 175HP Suzuki engine that gets you to the fishing spots quickly and quietly. The wireless trolling motor lets us sneak up on schools of Snapper and Jacks without spooking them, while our fish finder helps locate where they're hiding. With an icebox to keep drinks cold and snacks fresh, plus GPS navigation for safe travels around Key Biscayne's prime fishing areas, this boat has everything needed for a successful kids' fishing trip. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to cast lines and reel in their catches, making it ideal for teaching young anglers the ropes while creating lasting family memories on the water.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest in the tuna family, averaging 15-25 pounds but can reach up to 46 pounds. These beautiful fish have dark backs with yellow finlets and a distinctive gold stripe along their sides. You'll find them in offshore waters around 40-150 feet deep, especially near continental shelves in warm water above 68°F. They're most active during fall, winter, and spring here in the Keys. What makes them special is their fierce fighting spirit - they'll give you a real workout despite their smaller size. The meat is excellent for sashimi or grilling. My tip: scale down your tackle and use fluorocarbon leaders since these fish have sharp eyesight. Live pilchards work great, and don't be surprised when they school up with skipjack tuna.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the flats, typically running 3-8 pounds with occasional bruisers hitting 20+ pounds. These brassy-colored fighters inhabit shallow grass beds, sandy bays, and around structure both inshore and offshore. They're year-round residents but feed most aggressively during spring and fall. What makes jacks special is their raw power - pound for pound, few fish fight harder or make longer runs. They're not great table fare, but the battle more than makes up for it. Jacks hunt in schools and push bait to the surface, so watch for diving birds. Cast beyond the school and retrieve fast - these fish love the chase. Silver spoons and topwater plugs work well, and don't be surprised if you smell something like watermelon when they're feeding nearby.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kingfish," are fast, aggressive predators that average 20-30 pounds but can top 50 pounds. These olive-backed speedsters with white bellies cruise offshore waters from 40-150 feet deep, especially around structure and temperature breaks. They're most active during cooler months when baitfish are thick. What makes kings popular is their blistering runs - they're built for speed and will test your drag system. The white, flaky meat is excellent grilled or blackened, though larger fish can have higher mercury levels. Kings have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are essential. My go-to technique is slow-trolling live bait with a two-hook rig - one in the nose, one trailing behind since they often attack the tail first.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most colorful fish in the ocean, flashing gold, green, and blue when hooked. They average 15-30 pounds but can reach 50+ pounds. These surface dwellers love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water. Spring through fall offers the best action when they follow warm currents close to shore. Kids love them because they fight hard but tire quicker than tuna, plus they're absolutely beautiful. The white, firm meat is some of the best eating fish in the sea - mild and sweet. Mahi are curious fish that often travel in schools, so when you hook one, keep lines in the water. Look for frigate birds diving on bait - that's your sign to start trolling or casting to the feeding zone.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "Silver King" is South Florida's ultimate game fish, averaging 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, though giants over 200 pounds roam our waters. These prehistoric fish live in shallow coastal waters, harbors, and flats, preferring temperatures above 68°F. Peak season runs April through July when they migrate through the Keys for spawning. What draws anglers worldwide is their aerial show - tarpon can launch 10 feet out of the water and reach 35 mph. They're catch-and-release only since the meat isn't great due to heavy bones and mercury content. The fight is what counts - watching a massive tarpon explode from the water is pure magic. Pro tip: bow to the fish when it jumps to give slack line, or it'll throw the hook during those acrobatic leaps.
Key Biscayne