Kids Fishing Charter in Panama City FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Twohour morning trip designed specifically for kids and familiesLight tackle fishing in calm waters targeting Redfish and FlounderAll equipment, bait, licenses, and catch cleaning included
Getting your little ones hooked on fishing starts with the right trip, and this 2-hour morning charter in Panama City is designed just for that. We're talking calm, protected inshore waters where kids can actually catch fish without dealing with rough seas or complicated techniques. Your young anglers will be working the flats and grass beds where Redfish cruise and Flounder hide, all while learning the basics from a guide who knows how to keep kids engaged. Everything's included – rods, reels, tackle, live bait, and even the fishing license – so you just show up ready to make some memories.
This isn't your typical all-day grind that leaves kids bored and cranky. We're talking a focused 2-hour window that hits the sweet spot for young attention spans. The morning bite is usually active, and we'll be fishing in skinny water where the action happens fast. Your guide will set up light tackle rigs that kids can actually handle – no heavy gear that'll wear them out in five minutes. We're targeting areas like St. Andrews Bay and the protected backcountry where the water stays calm and the fish are cooperative. The boat stays in close, so if someone needs a snack break or gets restless, we're never far from shore. Plus, your guide will be hands-on with teaching knot tying, bait presentation, and how to feel for that first bite.
We're keeping things simple with techniques that work and won't frustrate young anglers. Most of the fishing happens with live shrimp under popping corks or small jigs bounced along the bottom. Kids love watching that cork disappear when a Redfish takes the bait – it's visual and exciting. We'll also throw some soft plastics on light jigheads around oyster bars and grass edges where Flounder like to ambush prey. The tackle stays light, usually 10-15 pound test, so even smaller fish feel like monsters when kids are reeling them in. Your guide will handle the net and unhooking duties, but kids get to do all the fun stuff – casting, setting the hook, and fighting the fish. Live bait wells keep the shrimp and finger mullet fresh, and we'll have a variety of artificial lures as backup when the live stuff runs out.
Southern Flounder are the ultimate kids' fish because they hit hard and put up a solid fight without being too overwhelming. These flatfish love to bury in sandy bottoms near grass beds and oyster bars, and they're active year-round in our protected waters. Most Flounder you'll catch run 12-16 inches, perfect eating size, and kids get a kick out of seeing those eyes on top of their head. They're ambush predators, so when that jig bounces past their hiding spot, the strike is usually aggressive and unmistakable.
Black Drum might not be the prettiest fish, but they're absolute bulldogs that give kids a real workout. These bottom feeders cruise the oyster bars and deeper holes, and they're suckers for fresh shrimp. You'll know you've got one when that rod tip starts bouncing and the fish makes that classic head-shaking run. Black Drum in our area typically run 2-8 pounds, which is perfect for young anglers – big enough to be exciting but not so big they can't handle the fight.
Sheepshead are the tricksters of the inshore world, and landing one teaches kids about patience and technique. These black-and-white striped fish hang around structure like dock pilings and oyster bars, nibbling baits with their human-like teeth. They're notorious bait stealers, but when kids figure out how to set the hook at just the right moment, it's a real confidence builder. Sheepshead are excellent table fare and usually show up when the water temps drop in fall and winter.
Redfish are Panama City's poster child for inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters love our grass flats and shallow bays, and they're aggressive enough to give kids plenty of action. Slot-size Reds (18-27 inches) are common, and they make screaming runs that'll have young anglers grinning ear to ear. They hit both live bait and artificials, and seeing that bronze flash in the clear water never gets old. Best part is they're around year-round, so kids can count on some Redfish action no matter when they book.
Tripletail are the bonus fish that make trips memorable. These odd-looking fish float near structure and debris, mimicking leaves or trash until unsuspecting prey swims by. They're not always around, but when conditions are right – usually summer months near channel markers and crab trap floats – they provide some of the best light tackle action you'll find. Tripletail hit live shrimp like freight trains and jump repeatedly, putting on a show that kids talk about for months.
Morning trips book up fast, especially during summer months when families are looking for activities that beat the heat. This charter maxes out at 2 guests, so you're getting personalized attention that larger boats can't provide. Your guide will clean whatever you catch, and kids leave with both fish for dinner and new skills they'll use for years. The remaining balance is due in cash or CashApp on the day of the trip, keeping things simple. Don't wait until you're already in town – Panama City's inshore bite is consistent, but the best guides fill their calendars quickly. Book now and give your young anglers a fishing experience that'll have them begging to come back.
This 2006 Tracker bay boat is built for family fishing adventures in Panama City's calm inshore waters. The 20-foot center console design gives everyone plenty of room to cast lines and move around safely while the 150HP Johnson engine gets you to the fish quickly. Perfect for teaching kids the basics, this boat handles like a dream in shallow bays and protected areas where young anglers can focus on learning without rough seas. The wireless trolling motor lets your guide position the boat quietly over fishing spots, while the fish finder shows exactly where Redfish and Spotted Seatrout are hiding. An onboard icebox keeps drinks cold and your catch fresh, plus GPS ensures smooth navigation back to the dock. With stable footing and easy-to-reach rod holders, this reliable boat makes those first fishing memories comfortable and fun for the whole family.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldogs of our inshore waters and can really test your tackle. These chunky, gray-black fish typically run 5-15 pounds around Panama City, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 30-pounder. They love oyster bars, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crunch on crabs and shellfish with their powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to find. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater - that's how they got their name. Kids love the strong, steady fight they put up. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating, but the big ones get tough. Pro tip: use fresh crab or shrimp on a Carolina rig and fish it right on the bottom - they're not coming up to chase anything.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our shallow water fishing, and there's nothing quite like watching one cruise through knee-deep water with its back exposed. These copper-colored beauties typically run 18-27 inches inshore, with that distinctive black spot near their tail. They love our grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring are peak times when they school up. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fight - they'll pull drag and make kids feel like they caught a monster. Plus, they're excellent on the table with mild, sweet meat. My go-to tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish, then make a quiet cast past them and work your bait back slowly. They spook easily in shallow water.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convicts of our waters with their black and white stripes, and they've got human-like teeth that'll surprise you every time. These crafty fish typically run 2-5 pounds and love hanging around any structure - docks, pilings, bridges, and oyster bars. They're year-round residents, but winter through early spring is when they stack up thickest around structures. What makes them fun is they're notorious bait thieves with a light bite, so you've got to stay sharp. The payoff is some of the best-eating fish in our waters - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. Here's my secret: use a small hook with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, keep your line tight, and set the hook at the first sign of weight. They'll steal your bait clean if you hesitate.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise that lie flat on sandy and muddy bottoms, waiting to ambush prey. These weird-looking fish have both eyes on one side of their head and can change colors to match the bottom. Most run 15-18 inches around here, but we catch some nice ones up to 25 inches. They love our shallow bays, grass flats, and channel edges in 2-8 feet of water. Fall and winter are prime time when they're moving toward deeper water to spawn. Kids get a kick out of how strange they look, and they make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. Here's the trick: once you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook. Flounder are notorious for just mouthing the bait at first.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our most unique catches - they look like floating leaves until they turn sideways and show their true colors. These oddball fish typically run 2-8 pounds and have this weird habit of laying on their sides near the surface, mimicking debris. You'll find them around channel markers, floating grass lines, and structure from spring through fall when water temps are warm. They're becoming a favorite with fly fishers because they're surprisingly acrobatic for such a chunky fish. The meat rivals grouper - firm, white, and delicious. They're spooky, so sight fishing is the name of the game. Here's the secret: when you spot one, cast well past it and work your bait slowly back toward the fish. Let them come to you rather than dropping it right on their head.
Panama City, FL