Get ready for a fishing adventure that's tailor-made for the little ones! Our 3-hour private bay fishing trip on Choctawhatchee Bay is the perfect way to introduce kids to the joys of angling. We've designed this trip with young anglers in mind, focusing on safety, fun, and hands-on learning that'll have them hooked on fishing in no time.
This isn't your average fishing charter – it's a kid-centric experience that puts smiles on young faces. We'll cruise the calm waters of Choctawhatchee Bay, where the fish are plentiful and the excitement is nonstop. Our catch-and-release policy means kids can feel good about their catches while learning about conservation. The whole family's welcome aboard, with space for up to four guests. Adults can join in the fishing fun for an extra $175, or just sit back and watch the kiddos reel 'em in. Our experienced crew is all about making sure every child has a blast, whether they're casting a line for the first time or showing off their budding angler skills.
We keep things simple and fun out here on the bay. Our crew will show the kids the ropes – literally! They'll learn how to bait a hook, cast a line, and the proper way to reel in a fish. We use kid-friendly gear that's easy for small hands to handle. The bay's calm waters make for a smooth ride, so even the littlest fishers can find their sea legs. As we drift along, we'll point out local wildlife and share fun facts about the bay ecosystem. It's not just fishing – it's an on-the-water classroom where learning feels like play.
There's something special about seeing a kid's face light up when they feel that first tug on the line. Parents love how our trips create lasting memories and spark a passion for the outdoors. The catch-and-release approach teaches kids about responsible fishing, and our patient guides make sure every child feels like a champion angler by the end of the trip. Plus, the bay's variety of fish means there's always a chance for a surprise catch that'll have everyone talking.
Choctawhatchee Bay is home to a diverse cast of fish characters, each with its own personality. Here's a look at some of the stars your kids might meet on their fishing adventure:
King Mackerel: These speedsters of the sea are a thrill to catch, even for experienced anglers. Kids love the excitement of reeling in a "king" – they're fast, they fight hard, and they can grow up to 5 feet long! We typically see them more in the warmer months, and their acrobatic jumps make for great photo ops.
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a bay staple. They're perfect for young anglers because they put up a good fight but aren't too tough to reel in. Redfish hang out near structures like docks and oyster beds, so we'll teach the kids how to cast accurately to catch these clever fish.
Red Snapper: These guys are like underwater treasure – bright red and delicious (though we're catch-and-release on this trip). Red snapper are curious fish that often travel in schools, so when we find them, it can be non-stop action. Kids love their big eyes and how they seem to glow in the water.
Spanish Mackerel: Smaller cousins to the king mackerel, these fish are fast and feisty. They're great for teaching kids about using lures, as Spanish mackerel love to chase shiny, fast-moving bait. We often spot them by looking for birds diving into the water – nature's own fish finder!
Ready to give your kids a taste of the fishing life? This 3-hour bay trip is the perfect intro to angling, packed with fun, learning, and the thrill of the catch. It's more than just a fishing trip – it's a chance to bond as a family, create lasting memories, and maybe even spark a lifelong passion for the outdoors. Our experienced crew is standing by to ensure your little ones have the time of their lives out on Choctawhatchee Bay. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't let this opportunity slip away. Grab your sunscreen, pack some snacks, and let's get your kids hooked on fishing! Book your family's adventure today and watch those young faces light up with every catch.
Spanish mackerel are speedy swimmers that'll give kids a real thrill. These silver fish with yellow spots usually run 1-2 feet long and hang out near the surface in big schools. You'll find them around structures in open water, especially as it warms up in spring and summer. They're fun to catch because they put up a good fight and make tasty eating too. To target Spanish mackerel, try trolling or drifting with light tackle. Use shiny lures like spoons or live bait like shrimp or small fish. A local trick is to look for diving birds - that often means there's a school of mackerel feeding below. Once you find them, cast beyond the school and retrieve quickly through it. These fish are lightning-fast, so be ready for some excitement when they strike!
Red snapper are a prized catch in our deeper Gulf waters. These beautiful crimson fish usually run 1-2 feet long but can grow much bigger. You'll find them hanging around reefs, wrecks and other structure in 60-300 feet of water. They're most active in warmer months from late spring through fall. Snapper put up a scrappy fight and are one of the tastiest fish in the sea, so they're always a favorite target. To catch them, we'll use heavy tackle with cut bait or live pinfish. Here's a local trick: once you hook one, reel quickly to get it away from the structure or it'll likely break you off. Red snapper have sharp teeth, so be careful handling them. There are strict regulations on these fish, but when in season, they make for some of the best eating around.
Redfish are a popular catch in Choctawhatchee Bay, especially for kids. These copper-colored fish with a distinctive black spot near the tail typically run 20-30 inches. You'll find them in shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep, around oyster beds, grass flats, and muddy bottoms. They love to hang out near structure like old piers or jetties too. Redfish put up a great fight and are delicious to eat, so they're always a crowd-pleaser. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. To catch one, try working topwater lures or soft plastics slowly across the shallows. A local tip: on sunny days, look for their tails sticking up out of the water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. Cast beyond them and drag your lure right into their path for an exciting strike.
King mackerel are hard-fighting fish that'll really test your skills. These sleek, torpedo-shaped predators typically run 10-20 pounds but can get much bigger. You'll find them in open water from 30-150 feet deep, often around bait schools. They're most active in warmer months, especially late summer and fall as they migrate. Kings are famous for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. To catch one, we'll troll with live bait like blue runners or mullet. Here's a pro tip: use a stinger rig with two hooks, as kings are known for short-striking baits. Once you hook up, hang on tight - these fish can strip line faster than almost anything else out there! Kings make great eating too, especially when smoked.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300