July 15th and 16th 2026 Kids Fishing Camp
Shared Trip
Two-day kids fishing camp teaches casting, knots, and species identificationFour hours guided fishing daily with beach lunch break includedBeginners welcome, all skill levels accommodated with expert instruction
This two-day kids fishing camp with Marco Fishing Company isn't your typical summer activity. We're talking about real fishing education where young anglers actually learn skills they'll use for life. Your kid will spend four solid hours each day on the water, learning everything from reading tide charts to identifying what's on the end of their line. We keep groups small and focused, so every camper gets hands-on attention from experienced guides who know how to keep kids engaged while teaching them proper techniques.
Each morning starts with a 7:45 AM drop-off where we cover safety basics and go over the day's plan. By 8:00 AM, we're heading out for four hours of guided fishing that combines instruction with real action. Kids learn practical skills like throwing a cast net properly, tying essential knots that actually hold, and reading tide charts so they understand when fish are most active. This isn't just casting lines and hoping for the best - we teach them to think like anglers. Around midday, we anchor up at a local island where campers can stretch their legs, explore the shoreline, and enjoy their packed lunch while staying immersed in the backcountry environment. We're back at the dock by 1:00 PM, giving parents a predictable schedule while ensuring kids get maximum time learning on the water.
We provide all the fishing gear, but the real value is in the techniques we teach. Cast netting is a skill that separates serious anglers from weekend hobbyists, and we make sure every camper gets comfortable throwing a net and understanding how to read bait movement. Knot tying goes beyond the basic improved clinch - we teach kids the knots that actually matter in different fishing situations. Reading tide charts becomes second nature when you understand how water movement affects fish behavior, and we explain it in ways that stick. Live bait fishing, bottom fishing, and understanding how different species feed at different times all become part of their toolkit. These aren't just camp activities - they're skills that make kids more successful and confident anglers whether they're fishing from a pier, kayak, or boat with family.
Snook are the holy grail for many young anglers, and for good reason. These silver-sided fighters are ambush predators that love structure and moving water. During summer months, they're often feeding in the early morning hours, making them perfect targets for our camp schedule. Kids love snook because they fight hard and jump, creating those memorable moments that get them hooked on fishing for life. We teach campers to look for snook around docks, mangrove edges, and anywhere baitfish are getting pushed around by current.
Grey Snapper are another camp favorite because they're abundant, eager to bite, and teach kids about bottom fishing techniques. These fish hang around structure and are perfect for teaching proper bait presentation and patience. Summer is prime time for grey snapper, and they're forgiving enough for beginners while still providing a satisfying fight. Kids learn to feel the difference between a snapper bite and other species, developing that sixth sense all good anglers need.
Sea Trout are excellent teaching fish because they're common, responsive to different techniques, and help kids understand grass flats fishing. These spotted beauties are most active during moving tides, giving campers real-time lessons in reading water conditions. They're also great for teaching proper fish handling since sea trout require gentle treatment if you're planning to release them.
Redfish are the species that really get kids excited about backcountry fishing. These copper-colored bruisers are built for fighting and often feed in shallow water where kids can actually see them. Summer reds are aggressive and give campers that bend-the-rod experience that creates lifelong fishing memories. We teach kids to spot redfish tails and understand their feeding behavior in different water depths.
Goliath Grouper encounters are the stories kids tell for years afterward. These massive fish aren't something we target specifically with young anglers, but when one shows up, it becomes an educational moment about conservation, fish behavior, and respecting marine ecosystems. Kids learn that not every fish comes home, and sometimes the biggest thrill is just witnessing these giants in their natural habitat.
This camp fills up fast because parents know we deliver real fishing education, not just babysitting with fishing poles. Your kid will come home with skills they can use anywhere - from neighborhood ponds to family beach trips. The confidence they build handling fish, understanding marine environments, and mastering techniques like cast netting sets them apart from other young anglers. We keep it fun and action-packed while building a foundation that creates lifelong anglers. Don't wait on this one - July dates book solid, and we only take small groups to ensure every camper gets the attention they deserve. Pack their lunch, bring some snacks, and get ready for some serious fishing education that your kid will remember long after summer ends.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the gentle giants of our reefs - massive fish that can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds, though most we see are 100-300 pounds. These prehistoric-looking fish live around coral reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 20-150 feet of water. Summer months bring the best opportunities when they gather near spawning areas. Remember, these are strictly catch-and-release only - they're protected by law. What makes targeting them special is the sheer power and size - it's like hooking into a submarine. They'll test your gear and your arms with short, powerful runs. The key to success is heavy tackle - 80-pound class gear minimum - and getting them away from structure quickly. Use big live baits like jacks or rays on 20/0 circle hooks. Anchor uphill from the reef so you can pull them away from their rocky home.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snappers, also called mangrove snappers, are perfect fish for learning proper technique. These copper-red beauties typically run 10-14 inches and 1-2 pounds inshore, though open water can yield 20-pounders. They're opportunistic hunters that love hanging around docks, piers, and any structure in 10-60 feet of water. Night fishing during warmer months produces the best results since they're naturally nocturnal feeders. Kids love them because they're aggressive biters, and adults appreciate their excellent white, flaky meat. The challenge is their wariness - they'll inspect your bait carefully before committing. My go-to tip: use a 4/0 hook with live shrimp, hook it through the tail to keep it lively, and let it sink naturally to the bottom. Don't jig it too much - these fish prefer a patient approach.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect inshore game fish - bronze-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails. Most range from 18-30 inches, though the big "bull" reds can push 40+ inches and 30+ pounds. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface - around oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What makes reds special is their powerful fight and willingness to eat almost anything. They're also excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. These fish use their tails like a shovel to root out crabs and shrimp from the bottom, so look for muddy water or "tailing" fish. My best advice: use topwater plugs in shallow water early morning for explosive strikes, or bounce a gold spoon along the bottom.
Salmo TruttaSea trout, or speckled trout, are beautiful spotted fish that make great targets for all skill levels. Most run 14-24 inches and weigh 1-5 pounds, perfect for light tackle action. They love grass flats and shallow bays, especially in 2-6 feet of water during warmer months. Spring through fall offers consistent fishing, with early morning and evening being prime times. What guests love about trout is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their excellent eating quality - tender, white meat that's hard to beat. They're also great fighters for their size, making long runs when hooked. The trick is finding them on the flats at dawn or dusk when they're actively feeding. Soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork works magic, but don't overlook topwater plugs during low-light periods. Work the edges of grass beds where they ambush baitfish.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most sought-after inshore species, and for good reason. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 1-3 feet long, though the big girls can push 4 feet. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in shallow water - they love structure and ambush spots. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around the new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and use every trick to throw your hook. Plus, they make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. Here's the key: work your lure slow and keep it close to cover. Snook are ambush predators, so let them think they're getting an easy meal.
Marco Island