Kid-Friendly Beach Fishing in Melbourne, FL
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
Kidfriendly shore fishing targeting Pompano, Whiting, and Sheepshead speciesFourhour morning session includes gear, coolers, and fish cleaningPrivate beach experience accommodates families and beginner skill levels
Nothing beats watching your kids light up when they feel that first tug on their line. This half-day shore fishing adventure at Ponce De Leon Beach gives families the perfect chance to introduce young ones to the sport while targeting some of Florida's most accessible inshore species. Captain Slayer takes the stress out of family fishing by providing everything you need for a successful morning on the sand. Starting at 7 AM, you'll spend four hours learning proper techniques while chasing Pompano, Whiting, Sheepshead, and maybe even some bigger surprises like Snook or Black Drum. The early start means cooler temperatures for the kids and prime feeding times for the fish.
This isn't your typical charter boat experience - it's all about surf fishing from the beautiful shores of Ponce De Leon Beach and nearby Indian River spots. The relaxed pace makes it perfect for families with kids who might get restless on a boat. You'll be casting from the beach, learning to read the water, and understanding how fish move in the surf zone. Captain Slayer keeps things engaging by rotating between different spots and techniques throughout the morning. The private nature of this trip means your family gets personalized attention, and the captain can adjust the pace based on your kids' energy levels and interest. Plus, there's something special about feeling that connection to the water with your feet in the sand.
All your tackle is provided, which is a huge relief for families just getting started. You'll be using medium-action rods perfect for smaller hands, with circle hooks and appropriate weights for surf conditions. The captain will teach basic casting techniques, how to set the hook properly, and most importantly, how to be patient between bites. Bait selection varies based on target species - expect to use shrimp, sand fleas, and small pieces of cut bait. Kids love learning about different baits and why certain fish prefer specific offerings. The setup includes coolers with ice-cold water to keep everyone hydrated during the Florida morning heat. One major bonus: all fish cleaning is included, so you can focus on the fun parts while the captain handles the messy work.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing around Melbourne, and these copper-colored bruisers put up a fight that gets kids hooked on fishing for life. They typically run 18-27 inches in these waters and feed aggressively in the morning hours when the water is cooler. What makes Redfish special is their willingness to take live and cut bait, plus they're abundant year-round in the Indian River system. Kids get excited about their distinctive black spot near the tail and the way they pull drag when hooked. Blacktip Sharks bring serious excitement to family trips, especially when targeting them from shore. These sleek predators average 3-4 feet and are known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. Spring and early summer offer the best shot at Blacktips, as they move into shallow water to feed. The thrill of fighting a shark from the beach creates memories that last forever. Bull Sharks represent the ultimate shore fishing challenge, though they're less common than other species on this list. When one takes your bait, you'll know immediately - these powerful fish can reach 6-8 feet and test every piece of tackle. Summer months bring Bulls closer to shore, particularly around dawn and dusk. Landing one from the beach is a trophy-worthy achievement that gets the whole family involved in the fight. Snook are Florida fishing legends, with their distinctive black lateral line and aggressive strikes. They love structure and moving water, making the Indian River area perfect habitat. These fish are incredibly photogenic, which kids love when it's time for pictures. Spring through fall offers consistent Snook action, and they're known for dramatic surface strikes that get everyone's attention. Black Drum might not be the flashiest fish, but they're perfect for teaching kids patience and proper technique. These bottom-dwellers can surprise you with their size - specimens over 20 pounds are possible from shore. They feed year-round but are most active during cooler months. Kids enjoy the steady, determined fight these fish provide, and they're excellent table fare when kept within slot limits.
This top-rated family fishing experience books up quickly, especially during peak season when visiting families want to create lasting memories on the water. The 4-hour format is perfect for keeping kids engaged without wearing them out, and the morning timing means you'll still have the afternoon free for other activities. Remember that all adults need a valid Florida saltwater fishing license, but kids under 16 fish for free. The 2-week cancellation policy gives you flexibility for planning around weather or family schedules. With gear, bait, ice, and fish cleaning all included, you're getting world-class value for a private family experience. Captain Slayer's kid-friendly approach and local knowledge of Melbourne's best fishing spots make this the kind of trip that turns children into lifelong anglers. Don't wait - these morning slots fill up fast, and you don't want to miss out on introducing your family to the magic of Florida shore fishing.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of our flats - chunky, powerful fish with serious pulling power. Most run 5-15 pounds, but don't be surprised if you tie into a 30-40 pounder that'll test your drag. They're bottom feeders with crushing jaws, perfect for munching oysters and crabs around shell bars and muddy flats. Spring spawning season brings the best action when they school up in shallow water. What's cool is hearing them "drum" underwater - they actually make croaking sounds you can hear from the boat. They fight hard and steady, great for kids who want to feel a strong fish. Smaller ones under 15 pounds eat well, but the big ones get tough. Best tip: fresh blue crab on a circle hook fished right on the bottom near oyster beds - they can't resist it.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are the acrobats of our local waters, known for those spectacular jumps that can reach 20 feet in the air. Most run 3-5 feet long with distinctive black-tipped fins, and they're surprisingly social fish that often travel in small groups. You'll find them cruising in 30-100 feet of water around reefs and drop-offs, but they also come into shallower areas when chasing baitfish. Summer months bring the best action when water temps heat up. What guests love most is watching these sharks leap completely out of the water during the fight - it's pure adrenaline. They're also great for kids since they're not too intimidating size-wise. Pro tip: use fresh, oily bait like mackerel or sardines, and don't be afraid to chum the water to bring them in close.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the powerhouses of our inshore waters - thick, muscular fish that average 8-10 feet and pack serious strength. What makes them unique is their ability to move between salt and fresh water, so you might hook one in the Indian River or right off the beach. They prefer warmer months and tend to hang in deeper channels, around structure, or near river mouths where fresh water meets salt. The fight is what gets people hooked - these fish are pure muscle and won't give up easy. They're not great table fare, but catching one is a bucket list experience most anglers never forget. Here's the key: use big, fresh cut bait like mullet or mackerel on heavy tackle, and fish near the bottom where they cruise looking for an easy meal.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most popular targets here in the shallows around Melbourne. These copper-colored fish typically run 18-30 inches and love cruising in just 1-4 feet of water where you can actually see their backs. Look for that distinctive black spot near their tail - it's like nature's bullseye. They hang around oyster bars, grass flats, and dock pilings in the Indian River. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially on moving tides. What makes them special is that explosive strike when they hit topwater lures, plus they're excellent table fare with that mild, sweet flavor. My go-to tip: when you spot one tailing in the shallows, cast your shrimp or soft plastic about three feet ahead of where they're headed and let it sink to the bottom.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's premier gamefish - sleek, silver beauties with that unmistakable black lateral line running down their sides. Most fish run 20-30 inches, but the big females can push 40+ inches since they actually change from male to female as they mature. They're structure junkies, hanging around docks, mangroves, and bridge pilings in both salt and brackish water. Best fishing happens during warmer months, especially around the full and new moon spawning periods. What makes them special is that aggressive strike and strong fight in shallow water, plus they're fantastic eating with white, flaky meat. They're also great on light tackle and flies. Local secret: work your lure slowly around dock lights at night, or cast soft plastics right up against the mangrove roots where they ambush prey.
Melbourne, FL