Kids' Groundfish Adventure | 4-Hour Private Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4hour private groundfish trip accommodates up to 4 guestsCaptain Noah provides familyfriendly instruction for young anglersTarget species include Black Seabass, Flounder, Scup, and Tautog
When you're looking to get the little ones hooked on fishing, there's nothing quite like a day targeting groundfish with Captain Noah. This 4-hour private charter is built from the ground up for families, focusing on species that bite consistently and fight just hard enough to keep kids engaged without wearing them out. We're talking about the bread-and-butter bottom dwellers that make for perfect first catches – Black Sea Bass, Summer Flounder, Scup, and Tautog. Your group of up to 4 anglers will have the boat to yourselves, which means Captain Noah can tailor the pace and instruction to your family's needs.
Captain Noah knows how to work with young anglers, and that makes all the difference when you're introducing kids to the sport. The trip starts with a quick rundown of basic safety and fishing fundamentals – how to hold a rod, when to set the hook, and what to do when that first fish hits. The beauty of groundfish is they're forgiving targets. They hang around structure and aren't too picky about presentation, which gives kids plenty of opportunities to feel that telltale thump on the line. The 4-hour window is perfect for maintaining attention spans while giving everyone enough time to get comfortable with their gear and technique. Captain Noah brings the patience and know-how to turn nervous first-timers into confident young anglers by the end of the trip.
This trip focuses on bottom fishing techniques that are perfect for beginners. We're using simple high-low rigs with circle hooks and just enough weight to hold bottom in the current. Captain Noah provides all the tackle, so you don't need to worry about rigging up or losing expensive gear. The technique is straightforward – drop your bait to the bottom, reel up a turn or two, and wait for the bite. Kids love this style of fishing because they can feel every nibble and bump. We're typically fishing in 20 to 50 feet of water over rocky bottom, wrecks, and structure where these groundfish like to hang out. The captain will handle all the boat positioning and fish finding, so families can focus on the fun part – catching fish and learning the ropes.
Summer Flounder are the crowd-pleasers on these trips. These flatfish can range from keeper-sized 18-inchers up to doormat-sized fish that'll have the whole family gathered around the rail. Fluke are ambush predators that bury themselves in the sand and gravel, waiting for baitfish to swim by. They hit hard and make solid runs that get kids pumping with excitement. The best action typically happens from late spring through early fall when they're actively feeding in the shallows. What makes fluke special for young anglers is their distinctive flat shape and the way they fight – not too crazy, but with enough pull to make it interesting.
Scup, also known as Porgy, are the perfect starter fish for kids. These silver, pan-shaped fish school up in good numbers and aren't shy about biting. They typically run 8 to 14 inches and have just enough fight to bend the rod without overpowering small hands. Scup are curious fish that investigate baits quickly, so kids don't have to wait long between bites. They're most active during the warmer months and can be found around the same structure as the other groundfish species. Parents love scup trips because the action stays consistent, keeping everyone engaged and building confidence with each catch.
Tautog, or "tog" as the locals call them, are the bulldogs of the bottom. These dark, thick-bodied fish have powerful jaws designed for crushing crabs and mussels off the rocks. They don't make long runs like other species, but they use their broad bodies and strong swimming muscles to try to get back into the structure. Tog are most active in the cooler months – spring and fall – when they're feeding heavily before and after their summer slowdown. Kids get a kick out of their prehistoric look and the solid, steady pull they put up. Captain Noah knows the best tog spots and when to time the bite for maximum success.
Black Sea Bass round out the target species list and they're absolute favorites with young anglers. These fish have personality – they're curious, aggressive, and put up a scrappy fight that's perfectly sized for kids. Sea bass typically run 12 to 16 inches on these trips, with the occasional larger fish mixed in. They're structure-oriented fish that live around wrecks, rocks, and reefs, often hanging in the mid-water column above the bottom. What makes them special is their willingness to bite and their acrobatic fighting style. They'll shake their heads, make short runs, and generally put on a show that keeps kids entertained from hook-up to boat-side.
This family-friendly groundfish trip delivers exactly what parents want – a relaxed, educational day on the water that gets kids excited about fishing. Captain Noah's experience with young anglers shows in every aspect of the trip, from the species selection to the patient instruction style. With your private group of up to 4, you'll have the flexibility to move at your own pace and focus on what your family enjoys most. The 4-hour format keeps things manageable while providing plenty of time for everyone to get their lines wet and build some confidence. These groundfish species offer the perfect combination of consistent action and manageable fights that create positive first experiences. Don't wait to get your kids started – these trips book up quickly during the prime fishing months.
Get ready to hit the water with Captain Noah aboard our beautifully restored 26-foot Regulator Center Console! This fishing machine was given a complete makeover in 2022 and packs twin 225HP Yamaha engines that'll cruise at 30 knots to get your family to the best fishing spots fast. Built for up to 5 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for a successful day targeting groundfish - GPS navigation to find prime locations, radar for safety, and fish finders to locate those Black Seabass, Flounder, Scup, and Tautog hiding below. The spacious center console design gives everyone room to cast and fight fish comfortably, while the onboard facilities keep the whole crew comfortable during your 4-hour adventure. Perfect for introducing kids to the excitement of bottom fishing while still delivering the performance serious anglers expect. This boat combines family-friendly features with serious fishing capability!
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are chunky, scrappy fighters that love hanging around structure like wrecks, rocks, and jetties in 30-120 feet. These grouper cousins typically run 1-3 pounds with dark bodies marked by white-centered scales. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to feed and spawn. What makes them fun for families is their willingness to bite and their surprising fight for their size - they'll make several strong runs before giving up. They're also top-notch table fare with firm, white meat that's hard to beat. Here's something cool: they're all born female and change to males as they grow larger. My go-to technique is dropping squid strips or pieces of clam on a simple two-hook rig. Keep your bait moving near the bottom - sea bass like active prey.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgies as the old-timers call them, are perfect starter fish for young anglers. These silver-scaled beauties typically run 1-2 pounds and have small mouths with surprisingly strong jaws for crushing shells. You'll find them around rocky bottom and structure in 20-80 feet of water, especially near pilings and jetties. They're most active from late spring through early fall when water temps warm up. What makes scup great for kids is they're eager biters and pretty forgiving - most get caught by accident while targeting other species. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: use small pieces of clam or squid on a size 6 hook and jig it slowly near the bottom. When you feel that distinctive tap-tap-tap, set the hook quick - they're notorious bait stealers.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are the "chameleons of the sea" - these flatfish can actually change colors to match the bottom they're lying on. Most run 15-20 inches, but we've seen some real doormat-sized ones push over 20 pounds. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sandy bottom near structure, waiting for baitfish to swim by. Late summer through fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily before their offshore migration. Kids love how these fish bite sideways and the way their eyes are both on one side of their head. They're also some of the best eating fish we catch. My tip: when you feel that first tap, count to three before setting the hook - flounders like to grab bait and swim off with it before really committing to the bite.
Tautoga OnitisTautog, or blackfish, are the bulldogs of the bottom - thick, powerful, and surprisingly smart. These dark, mottled fish average 2-4 pounds but can grow much larger around deep structure. They live in rocky areas, wrecks, and jetties where they hunt crabs and mussels with their crushing teeth. Spring and fall are your best shots when they're most active. What guests love about tog fishing is the challenge - they're notorious for stealing bait and require patience and skill. But when you hook one, they fight like they're twice their size, making short, powerful runs. The meat is firm and sweet, worth the effort. Pro tip: use fresh green crabs, remove the legs and claws, and fish right on the rocks. Keep your rod tip high and be ready to pull them away from structure fast once hooked.
Hyannis