Get ready for a laid-back fishing adventure perfect for the whole family! Our 3-hour private trip is tailor-made for young anglers, with a gentle cruise through Destin's protected waters. Whether you've got energetic toddlers or curious teens, Captain Mike knows just how to keep things fun and safe for everyone on board.
Picture this: You're out on the water with your kiddos, lines in the water, and big smiles all around. That's what we're all about on this trip. We keep things nice and easy – no pressure, just good times. The boat's got plenty of room for up to 4 guests, so bring the whole crew. We've taken out kids as young as 3, and let me tell you, watching their faces light up when they reel in their first fish? That's what it's all about. And don't worry about packing snacks – while we don't provide meals, you're welcome to bring your own munchies to keep those little tummies happy.
We'll cruise out to some of Destin's best inshore spots where the fish are biting and the water's calm. I'll set you up with all the gear you need – rods, reels, bait, the works. We use simple techniques perfect for beginners, like bottom fishing or light casting. I'll show the kids how to bait their hooks, cast their lines, and reel in their catch. And hey, if they just want to watch for a bit, that's cool too. We might troll around some structure or anchor up in a honey hole. The best part? We can switch things up on the fly. If the little ones get antsy, we'll move to a new spot or try a different technique. It's all about keeping it fun and flexible.
Parents love this trip because it's stress-free. No worries about rough seas or long runs offshore. We stay in the protected waters where it's smooth sailing. Plus, with just your family on board, you can relax and enjoy quality time together. Kids dig it because they get hands-on experience without feeling overwhelmed. They might start off shy, but by the end of the trip, they're usually reeling in fish like pros and begging to come back. And let's be real – seeing your kid's face when they catch their first fish? That's a memory you'll cherish forever.
Bluefish are a blast for kids to catch. These feisty fighters put up a good scrap, even at smaller sizes. They've got a mouthful of sharp teeth (don't worry, I'll handle them!), which always gets the kids excited. Bluefish show up in big schools, so when we find them, it's often non-stop action.
Black Drum are like the gentle giants of inshore fishing. They're not too picky about bait, which makes them great for beginners. When a big one takes the line, it's like reeling in a tire – a real test of strength for young anglers. The cool part? Black drum make a croaking sound when you catch them, earning them the nickname "puppy drum."
Summer Flounder, or "fluke" as we call 'em, are perfect for teaching kids patience. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending right into the sandy bottom. We'll drift along, bouncing baits off the bottom. When a flounder hits, it's a subtle tap-tap. Teaching kids to feel for that bite and set the hook at just the right moment is a valuable skill they'll use their whole fishing lives.
Ladyfish are like the acrobats of the sea. They're slim, silvery, and boy can they jump! Kids love watching these fish leap out of the water when hooked. They're not the biggest fish out there, but what they lack in size they make up for in excitement. Ladyfish are also great for teaching catch-and-release, as they're not typically kept for eating.
Crevalle Jack, or "jacks" for short, are the muscle cars of the inshore world. These guys are pure power. Even a small jack will give kids a run for their money. They hit hard and fight harder, often making blistering runs that'll have the drag singing. Catching a jack is like hooking a little tornado – it's an experience your kids won't forget!
Look, I know planning family activities can be a headache. But this trip? It's a no-brainer. You get 3 hours of quality time with your kids, away from screens and distractions. They'll learn new skills, gain confidence, and maybe even catch dinner (though catch-and-release is always an option). Plus, you're creating memories that'll last a lifetime. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so check your calendar and lock in your date. Destin's waters are calling, and the fish are waiting. Let's get your crew out here and start making some fishing stories of your own!
Ladyfish are a blast for kids to catch. They're usually 1-2 feet long and put on an acrobatic show when hooked. You'll find them in bays, canals, and along beaches year-round. They like warmer, shallow waters and often school up. These silver torpedoes are aggressive and will hit just about any small lure or bait. Try small jigs, spoons, or live shrimp. The best part is watching them jump and skip across the surface after you hook one. They're not great eating, but the action makes up for it. Spring and fall are especially good times to target ladyfish. Look for them chasing bait schools in the shallows. Here's a tip: use light tackle to really enjoy the fight. A 7-foot spinning rod with 10-pound test line is perfect. Just watch out for those small, sharp teeth when unhooking them!
Crevalle Jack are hard-fighting fish that'll give kids a real thrill. They usually run 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but can get up to 4 feet and 60 pounds. You'll find them in both shallow and deeper waters - from grassy flats to offshore reefs. These aggressive predators love to chase bait, so watch for birds diving on the surface. That's a sure sign Jack are pushing bait up top. Spring through fall is prime time for Jacks. They hit just about any lure that mimics baitfish - spoons, crankbaits, topwater plugs. Live bait works great too. The fight is what makes them fun - they pull hard and don't give up easily. Here's a local tip: If you see a school feeding on the surface, cast beyond them and retrieve fast. Jacks love the chase, so a quick, erratic retrieve often triggers strikes. Just be ready to hold on tight when they hit!
Black drum are a great target for kids - they're plentiful, put up a good fight, and aren't too picky about bait. You'll find them in brackish waters around oyster beds, pier pilings, and along channel edges. Most run 5-30 pounds, but they can get huge - up to 90 pounds! Spring is prime time for drum fishing, especially around spawning season when they school up. Listen for their distinctive grunting sound - that's how they got the name "drum." Fresh crab, shrimp, or cut bait on the bottom is your best bet. Here's a local tip: if you're after bigger drum, use larger baits and heavier tackle. But for kids, target the smaller "puppy drum" using light spinning gear. They're more manageable and better eating too. The bigger ones can get tough and wormy. Black drum aren't the fastest fish, but they pull hard and steady. It's a great way to teach kids patience and proper fighting technique. Plus, you might just catch dinner!
Summer flounder, or fluke, are perfect for introducing kids to bottom fishing. These flat, camouflaged fish usually run 15-20 inches and hang out on sandy or muddy bottoms in bays and along the coast. They're ambush predators, so they'll wait for bait to come to them. The best time to target flounder is late summer through fall as they move towards deeper water. Use a fish finder to locate drop-offs or channels where they like to feed. Live bait like minnows or strips of squid work great. Let it drift along the bottom with just enough weight to keep contact. Kids love the challenge of setting the hook at just the right moment. Flounder have a soft mouth, so a slow, steady retrieve works best. As a bonus, they're excellent eating if you decide to keep a few for dinner. Just remember to check current size and bag limits before your trip.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 26
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 15