Get ready for a day of fun and fishing designed just for the young anglers in your family! This 8-hour inshore trip is the perfect way to introduce kids to the joys of casting a line and reeling in their very own catch. We'll cruise through calm waters, keeping things safe and exciting as we hunt for a variety of inshore species. Our captain's got a knack for working with kids, offering patient guidance and plenty of encouragement along the way. Whether your little ones are total beginners or budding fishing enthusiasts, this trip promises to create lasting memories and maybe even spark a lifelong passion for the sport.
We'll set out early, when the fish are most active and the day is still cool. Our inshore waters are nice and protected, so you won't have to worry about big waves making anyone queasy. We've got all the gear your kids will need – lightweight rods that are easy for small hands to handle, and simple techniques that even first-timers can master quickly. Throughout the day, we'll hit up several prime fishing spots, targeting species like Sheepshead, Redfish, and Trout. Your kiddos will learn how to bait a hook, cast their line, and the pure excitement of feeling that first tug. And don't worry, parents – you're welcome to join in on the action too!
This trip is all about making fishing fun and accessible for young anglers. We'll start with the basics, showing kids how to hold a rod, tie a simple knot, and safely handle their catch. Light tackle is our go-to, which means less frustration and more action. We might try a bit of bottom fishing for Sheepshead around structures, or cast lures for Redfish in the shallows. The captain's always got a few tricks up their sleeve to keep things interesting – like using a popping cork to attract Trout. It's hands-on learning at its best, with plenty of laughs and high-fives to go around.
Parents rave about how this trip turns fishing from a grown-up hobby into a family adventure. Kids who've never held a rod before often end up begging to go again. It's not just about catching fish (though that's pretty awesome) – it's about building confidence, learning patience, and connecting with nature. Plus, there's nothing quite like seeing your child's face light up when they reel in their very first fish. The calm inshore waters mean everyone stays comfortable, and with a max of 4 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention from the captain.
California Flounder: These flat fish are masters of camouflage, blending in with the sandy bottom. Kids love trying to spot them before we cast. They put up a good fight for their size, and they're a tasty dinner option if you decide to keep your catch. Spring and fall are prime times to target these sneaky fish.
Largemouth Bass: The rock stars of freshwater fishing, largemouth bass are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They're active year-round but really fire up in the warmer months. Catching one of these guys is always a thrill, especially when using topwater lures that create exciting splashes on the surface.
Black Drum: These bruisers can grow to massive sizes, but we usually target the smaller "puppy drum" that are perfect for young anglers. They love to hang out near structures and put up a great fight. Kids get a kick out of feeling the drum's signature thumping vibrations when they're on the line.
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these fish are a favorite for their beautiful spots and willingness to bite. They're most active in the cooler months and early mornings. Light tackle and artificial lures make catching these guys a blast for kids who are ready to try more advanced techniques.
Redfish: With their distinctive spot near the tail, redfish are like the treasure hunt of inshore fishing. They love shallow waters and can often be spotted "tailing" – with their tails sticking out of the water as they feed. The "bull reds" can be huge, but we'll focus on the smaller ones that are perfect for young anglers to battle.
This 8-hour inshore trip is more than just a fishing charter – it's a chance to create lasting memories with your kids and maybe even spark a lifelong passion for angling. With patient guidance, calm waters, and plenty of fish to catch, it's the perfect introduction to the world of fishing for young adventurers. Whether your little ones are casting their first line or looking to level up their skills, this trip offers something for every young angler. Don't let this opportunity slip away – book your family's spot today and get ready for a day of fun, learning, and hopefully some impressive catches to brag about!
Black Drum are the heavyweight champs of the drum family, packing a punch up to 90 pounds. You'll spot these silver-grey bruisers by their distinctive chin barbels. They love hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats in brackish water, using those barbels to feel for crabs and shellfish. Spring's your best bet when they school up to spawn. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating, with sweet, firm meat. The big ones? They're tough fighters but better for photos than the table. To hook one, use fresh crab or shrimp on a bottom rig. Fish slow and steady - these guys aren't known for speed. Listen close and you might hear their trademark drumming sound. It's a cool party trick they use to communicate. For a real thrill, try sight-casting to tailing drum in shallow water. Just be ready for a battle when that rod bends!
California Flounder are odd-looking fish that lie flat on the ocean floor. They start life with eyes on both sides, but one eye migrates as they grow. Adults are greenish-brown or grey on top to blend in with sand, with a white underside. You'll find them in coastal waters up to 330 feet deep, but most hang out around 100 feet. These flatfish use camouflage and sharp teeth to ambush prey like squid and sardines. They're not known as fighters, but can put on a show once on the boat. Watch those teeth when handling! For the best chance at a California Flounder, try drift fishing with light tackle. Live bait like bull minnows or squid works great. Use a trap hook to combat their nibbling style. Late spring during spawning is prime time. While not as prized as some other species, smaller ones under 10 pounds make good eating with a mild, buttery flavor when prepared simply.
Largemouth Bass are the rockstars of freshwater fishing. These olive-green bruisers with their signature black stripe can grow up to 2 feet long and weigh over 10 pounds. You'll find them lurking around submerged logs, weed beds, and dock pilings in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. They're ambush predators, so look for cover near deeper water. Spring and fall are prime seasons when bass move shallow to feed. These fish put up a great fight, leaping and thrashing when hooked. It's why anglers can't get enough of them. To land a big one, try working a plastic worm slowly along the bottom near structure. Early mornings and evenings are best, especially with topwater lures. The explosion when a bass hits your lure on the surface is unforgettable. Just remember, in hot summer months, go deeper or fish at night when the big ones come out to play.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the bulldogs of inshore fishing. These copper-colored brutes with a trademark black spot near the tail can push 50 pounds, though most are in the 5-15 pound range. You'll find them cruising shallow flats, tailing in marshes, or hanging around oyster bars. They're not picky eaters, which makes them a blast to catch. Live bait like shrimp or mullet works great, but artificial lures can be just as effective. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in skinny water is a heart-pounding experience. These fish pull like freight trains, so hold on tight! Fall is prime time when big schools invade the flats to feed. For a local tip, try a gold spoon on cloudy days - it mimics a fleeing baitfish and reds can't resist. Whether you're after a tasty dinner (smaller ones are best) or a trophy catch, Redfish deliver consistent action and memories.
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite for inshore anglers. These silvery fish with dark spots can reach 24 inches and 5 pounds, though most are smaller. Look for them around grass flats, oyster bars, and channel edges in 3-6 feet of water. They're suckers for live shrimp or small baitfish, but artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs work great too. Sea Trout are most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. They put up a decent fight and make some impressive jumps. What really sets them apart is their taste - mild, flaky, and perfect for the grill. One local tip: on cold days, find deeper holes where trout stack up to stay warm. Drift slowly, working soft plastics near the bottom. When you find the school, it's game on! Just remember to release the big breeders to keep the population healthy.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 60
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 425