Kids Fishing Charters In Destin, FL | 2-3 HR Private Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 2-3 hour inshore fishing trip for families with kidsCaptain Nick Kirby guides through Choctawhatchee Bay watersAccommodates up to 4 guests on kid-friendly fishing adventure
Getting kids hooked on fishing is one of the best gifts you can give them, and there's no better place to start than the calm, fish-rich waters around Fort Walton Beach. Captain Nick Kirby and the Scallywag Charters crew have perfected the art of turning young landlubbers into passionate anglers with their top-rated Kids Edition Inshore Fishing Charters. These aren't just fishing trips – they're hands-on adventures where your little ones learn the ropes while having a blast reeling in their first (or fiftieth) fish. With a maximum of 4 guests, every kid gets the personal attention they need to build confidence on the water.
Captain Nick knows exactly how to keep young anglers engaged for the full 2-3 hours without overwhelming them. You'll cruise the protected waters of Choctawhatchee Bay and Santa Rosa Sound, where the fish are plentiful and the conditions stay comfortable for kids. The shallow flats and grass beds in these areas are perfect nurseries for the species we target, meaning consistent action that'll keep everyone excited. Nick takes time to explain everything – from how to hold the rod properly to reading the water for signs of fish. He's got a knack for making each catch feel like the fish of a lifetime, whether it's a kid's first redfish or their tenth ladyfish. The crew brings all the tackle sized appropriately for smaller hands, plus they'll bait hooks and help with every step until the kids are ready to go solo.
We keep things simple but effective with light spinning tackle that won't wear out young arms. The rods are perfectly balanced for kids, usually 6-7 foot medium-light action setups spooled with 10-15 lb test line – strong enough for our target species but light enough that kids can feel every bite. Most of our fishing involves live bait like shrimp or small pinfish, which are irresistible to the fish in these waters. We'll also throw some artificial lures when the action allows – kids love the instant gratification of a fish hammering a spoon or small jig. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – we might start by drifting over grass beds for Spanish mackerel, then move to deeper structure for black drum, or work the oyster bars where redfish love to feed. Captain Nick reads the conditions and adjusts our approach throughout the trip to keep the bite going strong.
Redfish are the crown jewel of our inshore waters and absolute customer favorites for young anglers. These bronze beauties typically run 16-24 inches around here, with enough fight to get kids pumping but not so much that they can't land them. Fall through spring offers the best redfish action, when they school up in the shallows and feed aggressively. What makes reds so special is their willingness to eat – they're not picky, and that distinctive thump when they grab your bait gets kids squealing with excitement every time.
Ladyfish might be the perfect starter fish for kids new to the sport. They're abundant year-round in our area, rarely weigh more than 2-3 pounds, and put on an aerial show that rivals tarpon. These silver rockets will jump repeatedly once hooked, giving young anglers a taste of what sport fishing is all about. They're also forgiving – ladyfish aren't leader-shy, so kids don't need perfect presentations to get bit. Many families end up catching a dozen or more during a single trip.
Spanish mackerel bring speed and excitement to every outing, especially during their peak season from April through October. These 1-3 pound speedsters have razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast runs that teach kids to keep their rod tip up and maintain steady pressure. They're also excellent table fare, so families often take a few home for dinner. The key with Spanish is finding the bait schools – where you see diving birds and surface activity, you'll find mackerel feeding underneath.
Bluefish are the bulldogs of our inshore waters, and kids love their hard-pulling, no-nonsense fight. These toothy predators typically run 2-5 pounds around Fort Walton Beach and are most active during spring and fall migrations. What's great about blues is their aggressive nature – they'll often hit artificial lures just as readily as live bait, giving kids a chance to experience different fishing techniques. Just watch those teeth when bringing them aboard!
Black drum are the gentle giants that often surprise young anglers with their size and power. While most of our drum run 5-15 pounds, their slow, steady fight gives kids time to work the fish properly without getting overwhelmed. These bottom-feeders love structure like bridge pilings and oyster bars, and they're most active during cooler months. The thrill of hooking into your first "big" fish is something every young angler remembers, and black drum deliver that experience perfectly.
Captain Nick's Kids Edition charters fill up quickly, especially during school breaks and summer months when families are looking for that perfect bonding experience. The 2-3 hour format is ideal for keeping young attention spans engaged without pushing past their comfort zone. You'll head home with tired, happy kids who can't stop talking about the fish they caught and the techniques they learned. This world-class fishing experience creates memories that last a lifetime and often sparks a passion that kids carry into adulthood. Don't wait – these trending family charters book fast, and the fish are biting now. Give Scallywag Charters a call and let Captain Nick show your family why Fort Walton Beach is quickly becoming known as one of the best places on the Gulf Coast to introduce kids to the sport of fishing.
This 22-foot Cape Horn center console is perfect for getting your young anglers out on the water around Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island. Built in 2002 with a reliable 225HP Mercury engine, she'll cruise at 32 knots to get you quickly to the best fishing spots in Choctawhatchee Bay and Santa Rosa Sound. The boat comes equipped with everything you need for a successful family fishing trip - GPS to navigate the inshore waters, fish finder to locate where the fish are hiding, VHF radio for safety, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The flybridge gives Captain Nick a great vantage point to spot feeding fish and shallow areas. With room for up to 4 guests, there's plenty of space for the whole family to cast lines and reel in their catch without getting in each other's way. This setup is ideal for introducing kids to saltwater fishing in the calm, protected waters where they can actually catch fish and have fun doing it.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the gentle giants of our inshore waters, perfect for family fishing. These bottom-dwelling bruisers range from 5-30 pounds around here, though we occasionally see monsters over 40. They hang around oyster beds, mud flats, and creek mouths in shallow water, using their powerful jaws to crush shellfish and crabs. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning. What's cool is hearing them "drum" underwater - they actually make noise to communicate. They're not flashy fighters but provide steady, powerful pulls that wear you down. Fresh crab or cut mullet on the bottom is your best bet. Local secret: look for them in super shallow water during moving tides where they root around oyster bars.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that provide non-stop action when they're around. These blue-green fighters typically weigh 2-8 pounds in our area and have razor-sharp teeth that mean business. You'll find schools working baitfish along beaches, near inlets, and around structure during their seasonal runs from late spring through fall. They're famous for their "blitz" feeding frenzies that churn the water white. Kids get a kick out of their hard strikes and strong fights. Smaller blues make decent eating, but handle them carefully - those teeth aren't for show. When targeting them, cut bait like mullet works great, but here's my go-to trick: use a wire leader and keep your fingers clear when unhooking.
Elops SaurusKnown as "poor man's tarpon," ladyfish are perfect for getting kids hooked on fishing. These silver rockets average 12-24 inches and put on quite a show once hooked, jumping and thrashing across the surface. You'll find schools of them in our bay waters year-round, especially around grass flats and drop-offs in 3-15 feet of water. They're aggressive biters that hit just about anything - live shrimp, small jigs, or cut bait. While they're not great eating, they make fantastic bait for bigger fish like snook. The real fun is watching young anglers experience their first jumping fish. Here's the trick: use a heavy mono leader since their small but sharp teeth will cut through light line in seconds.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 18-28 inches in our local waters, with that signature black spot near their tail. You'll find them cruising shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near grass beds in 1-4 feet of water throughout Choctawhatchee Bay. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're actively feeding. Kids love watching their backs break the surface in skinny water. They fight hard with strong runs and make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. Pro tip: when sight fishing, cast well ahead of cruising fish and let your bait settle to the bottom - redfish are notorious for spooking if you land too close.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that make our inshore trips exciting. These streamlined fish with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and 14-20 inches around here. Look for schools near the surface around grass beds, channels, and structure in 8-25 feet of water. They show up strong in spring and fall when baitfish are thick. What makes them special is their blazing speed and acrobatic jumps - they'll test any angler's reflexes. Plus, they're outstanding on the dinner table with sweet, mild meat that grills perfectly. The key to consistent success is trolling small spoons or casting jigs into feeding schools. Watch for diving birds - they'll lead you right to the action every time.
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