Family Inshore Fishing with Straw Hats
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Professional angler guides families to prime fishing spotsAll fishing equipment provided for up to 4 guestsInshore fishing adventure designed for family bonding
Nothing beats getting the whole family out on the water for some quality time together. This family-friendly inshore fishing trip with Straw Hats Fishing Charters gives you and up to three loved ones the chance to chase redfish and snook in productive shallow waters. Your professional captain knows exactly where these fish hang out and will put you right on top of them. All your gear comes included, so just bring yourselves and get ready for some serious fun on the flats.
Your day starts with meeting your experienced guide who's been working these inshore waters for years. They'll brief you on the game plan and get everyone set up with the right tackle for the conditions. This trip accommodates up to four guests, making it perfect for parents with kids or two couples looking to share a great day of fishing. The boat heads to prime inshore spots where redfish cruise the shallows and snook ambush baitfish around structure. Your captain reads the water like a book, adjusting tactics based on tides, weather, and what the fish are doing that day. Expect to move between several productive areas, maximizing your chances at hooking into quality fish while keeping everyone engaged and learning.
Your guide provides all the necessary equipment, from spinning rods perfectly matched to the target species to a tackle box full of proven lures and baits. Live bait like shrimp, pinfish, and mullet often produce the best results, but artificial lures shine when fish are actively feeding. You'll learn sight fishing techniques for redfish in skinny water, watching for tailing fish and subtle wakes that give away their location. For snook, the approach changes to working structure like docks, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars where these ambush predators wait for an easy meal. Light tackle makes the fights more exciting and gives smaller anglers a real chance to battle these fish successfully. Your captain handles the boat positioning and net work, letting you focus on the fishing fundamentals and enjoying the experience.
Redfish are the bread and butter of inshore fishing, and these copper-colored fighters never disappoint. Also called red drum, they range from schooling rats around 16-20 inches up to bull reds that can stretch over 30 inches and weigh 20+ pounds. These fish feed aggressively in shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and along mangrove edges throughout the year, though fall and winter often produce the most consistent action. What makes redfish so popular with families is their willingness to eat both live bait and artificials, plus they put up a strong fight without the acrobatics that might snap a line. Kids love watching their distinctive black spots and bronze sides as they come to the boat.
Snook bring a different kind of excitement to your fishing day. These silver-sided predators with their distinctive black lateral line are ambush feeders that explode on baits with spectacular strikes. They average 18-28 inches in most inshore areas, though bigger fish over 30 inches show up regularly. Snook are structure-oriented fish, holding tight to docks, bridges, mangrove points, and inlet mouths where current brings them food. Summer months see them most active, though they bite year-round in warmer climates. What anglers love about snook is their aggressive nature and the challenge they present - they're notorious for cutting you off in structure or making blistering runs toward cover. Landing a quality snook requires skill and a little luck, making each one feel like a real accomplishment.
This family fishing adventure delivers exactly what you're looking for - quality time together away from screens and distractions, learning new skills, and creating memories that last long after you're back on dry land. Your professional guide handles all the details while you focus on enjoying the experience with your loved ones. The combination of productive fishing for exciting species and family-friendly atmosphere makes this a top-rated choice for groups wanting to try inshore fishing. Straw Hats Fishing Charters has built their reputation on putting guests on fish while ensuring everyone has a great time on the water. Don't wait too long to secure your date - the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when both redfish and snook are most active.
This well-equipped motorboat is perfect for your family fishing adventure on the water. Built to handle inshore waters comfortably, she's got everything you need for a successful day of angling with up to 4 people aboard. The onboard fish finder will help locate those prime fishing spots while the GPS keeps you on course. Between bites, enjoy the multimedia system and keep your catch fresh in the spacious ice box. Your professional captain knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you right where the fish are biting. All fishing gear comes included, so just bring your family and get ready to make some great memories reeling in your dinner.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most reliable targets, running 20-35 inches on average with that distinctive black spot near the tail. You'll find them in super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. They love oyster bars, grass flats, and muddy bottoms around 1-4 feet deep. Best fishing happens during warmer months when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is that explosive strike when they hit topwater lures, plus they're fantastic table fare with mild, sweet meat. They'll eat just about anything - live shrimp, soft plastics, or topwater plugs. Pro tip: look for nervous water or tail fins sticking up in the shallows. Cast past them and work your bait back slowly - they spook easy but hit hard once committed.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are ambush predators that average 18-30 inches, with that unmistakable black lateral line running down their golden sides. They're structure junkies - find them around mangroves, docks, bridges, and creek mouths in both salt and fresh water. May through September is prime time, especially around new and full moons when they spawn. What gets anglers hooked is their lightning-fast strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and run for cover. Temperature sensitive though, so cold fronts shut them down quick. They're excellent eating but check local regulations first. Bass lures work great - try soft plastic swimbaits or topwater plugs around cover. Here's the key: cast tight to structure and be ready for that initial run back to cover.
Port Charlotte, FL