Destin Family Fishing with Southern Country
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Familyfriendly catch and release fishing in Destin watersTwohour inshore trips with local fish species educationSmall group experience accommodating up to three guests
Looking for a fun way to get your kids hooked on fishing? Southern Country Charters runs some of the best family-friendly inshore trips in Destin, and this 2-hour catch and release adventure is perfect for little anglers just starting out. We keep groups small – just 3 guests max – so your kids get plenty of hands-on attention while they learn the ropes. The emerald waters around Destin are loaded with fish, and there's nothing quite like seeing a kid's face light up when they feel that first tug on their line.
This trip is all about getting your young crew comfortable with fishing basics while having a blast doing it. We'll head out to some of our favorite shallow water spots where the fish are active and the bite is consistent. The beauty of inshore fishing here is that we're usually in calmer, protected waters – perfect for kids who might get seasick on longer offshore runs. Your captain knows exactly where to find the action, whether that's around grass flats, near dock pilings, or along the shoreline structure where fish love to hang out. We provide all the gear, keep it simple with easy-to-use tackle, and make sure everyone gets plenty of chances to cast, reel, and hopefully land some fish. The catch and release format means we're teaching conservation right from the start, showing kids how to handle fish properly before sending them back to grow bigger.
We keep the gear kid-friendly on these trips – think light spinning rods that are easy for small hands to manage, and tackle that won't intimidate beginners. Most of our fishing involves simple bottom rigs with live or cut bait, maybe some artificial lures if the kids want to try casting. The technique is straightforward: drop your line, feel for the bottom, and wait for that telltale tap that means a fish is checking out your offering. We'll teach proper rod handling, how to set the hook without yanking too hard, and the steady retrieve that brings fish to the boat. If conditions are right, we might try some sight fishing in the shallows where kids can actually see the fish they're trying to catch – that visual element really gets them excited. The whole approach is low-pressure and educational, focusing on building confidence and fish sense rather than filling a cooler.
Destin's inshore waters are home to a fantastic variety of fish that are perfect for young anglers. Pinfish are probably the most common catch – these feisty little guys are abundant year-round and put up a good fight for their size. They've got sharp dorsal spines, so we teach kids proper handling techniques, but they're forgiving fish that bite readily and help build confidence. Red drum, or redfish as we call them locally, are the crown jewel of inshore fishing here. These copper-colored beauties can range from puppy drum around 16 inches up to bull reds pushing 30 pounds or more. Spring through fall is prime time, and they're notorious for that powerful run once hooked – kids love the way a redfish peels line off the reel.
Spotted seatrout are another favorite, especially during the warmer months when they move into the grass flats to feed. They're beautiful fish with distinctive spots along their sides, and they hit both live bait and lures with enthusiasm. Trout have a softer mouth than most fish, so we teach kids to play them gently – it's a great lesson in finesse fishing. Sheepshead show up around structure like dock pilings and bridges, and while they can be tricky to hook due to their bait-stealing habits, landing one is always satisfying. These black and white striped fish have human-like teeth that fascinate kids, and they're common enough that we usually encounter a few on every trip.
Spanish mackerel make appearances during their seasonal runs, typically spring through fall, and they're absolute rockets when hooked. These silver speedsters provide some of the most exciting action for young anglers – they jump, make blistering runs, and really test a kid's ability to keep up with a fast fish. We also regularly see various species of snapper, flounder hiding in the sand, and the occasional jackfish that'll give everyone on the boat a show with their acrobatic jumps.
A 2-hour family fishing trip might sound short, but it's actually the sweet spot for keeping kids engaged without wearing them out. Southern Country Charters has built a reputation around Destin for patient, knowledgeable guides who genuinely enjoy teaching young people to fish. The small group size means your family gets personalized attention, and the catch and release approach ensures great fishing for years to come. Whether your kids are complete beginners or have some experience, this trip adapts to their skill level while showing them what makes Destin such a special fishing destination. Book early, especially during peak season, because these family-friendly trips fill up fast once word gets out about how much fun they are.
Destin, FL