Expert-Guided Family Inshore Fishing | Gulf Coast

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Destin
$320 - $960 price range

Summary

Captain Wayne's 3-hour inshore fishing trip is ideal for families and first-timers looking to dip their toes into saltwater angling. You'll cruise the calm bay waters or venture to nearby gulf reefs, learning the ropes in a laid-back setting. The Captain's expertise shines as he walks you through fishing basics, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and has a good time. Depending on where you cast your line, you might reel in bay favorites like mangrove snapper, seatrout, or redfish. If you're trying your luck at the reefs, expect the possibility of hooking vermillion snapper, red snapper, grouper, or mackerel. With a max of three guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention and hands-on practice. It's a great way to spend a morning, whether you're aiming to spark a new hobby or just enjoy some quality time on the water with loved ones.

Expert-Guided Family Inshore Fishing | Gulf Coast

Catch of the Day

5 people fishing with 3 big fish in Niceville

null

null

null

4 greater amberjack fish caught by 3 people in niceville

null

Family-Friendly Inshore Fishing Adventure

Hey there, fishing enthusiasts and curious first-timers! Ready for a laid-back morning on the water that's perfect for the whole family? Captain Wayne's got you covered with this top-rated 3-hour inshore trip. Whether you're showing the kids the ropes or looking to reel in your first catch, we'll cruise the calm bay waters and nearshore reefs for a fun, no-pressure intro to saltwater fishing. With years of local know-how and a boat full of quality gear, we're set up for a morning of non-stop action and plenty of "fish on!" moments.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll kick things off bright and early, meeting at the marina as the sun's coming up. After a quick safety rundown and intro to the basics, we'll motor out to some of my favorite inshore honey holes. The bay's usually like glass in the morning, so it's smooth sailing all the way. I'll get you set up with rods, show you the ropes on casting and retrieving, and before you know it, you'll be feeling those first bites. We'll hit a mix of spots – from grass flats where the sea trout hang out to mangrove edges where snapper love to hide. If the bite's on fire nearshore, we might even run out to some close reefs for a shot at bigger game. The best part? You never know what might grab your line next!

Fishing 101: Inshore Style

Inshore fishing's all about variety and adapting to what's biting. We'll use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what the fish are in the mood for. I'll show you how to work a popping cork for trout, flip jigs under the mangroves for snapper, or even try some light bottom fishing if we hit the reefs. Don't worry if you've never held a rod before – by the end of the trip, you'll be casting like a pro. We keep things simple with light spinning gear that's easy to handle, even for the youngest anglers. And hey, if someone in your crew just wants to relax and enjoy the ride, that's cool too. This trip's all about having a good time on the water, fish or no fish.

What Anglers Are Saying

"Captain Wayne did a fantastic job taking us to numerous fishing sites. We caught trigger fish, Mahi Mahi, and vermillion snapper. Very successful day. His snapper taco recipe was amazing! Highly recommend him." - Ditmar

"Captain Wayne knows his stuff!! Great trip at a great price!! His boat held all 4 of us easy! He has over 15 years of experience in the area! 10/10 would recommend Captain Wayne and Just add water Charters!!! We will use him next time we are out!" - Hunter

"Wanted to go on a charter boat for my 62nd birthday and captain Wayne was the best!! We had a blast and caught plenty of fish. Highly recommended! Thanks Wayne!!" - Brian

Top Catches This Season

Sea Trout: These sneaky predators are a blast to catch and perfect for beginners. They love to hang out in grassy flats and around oyster bars, ambushing bait fish. We'll target them with popping corks and soft plastics, and when they're biting, it's non-stop action. Trout put up a great fight for their size, with head shakes and surface splashes that'll get everyone excited. Plus, they're delicious if you want to keep a few for dinner.

Red Snapper: The rockstars of the Gulf, red snapper are every angler's dream catch. We might run into some juveniles inshore, but the big boys live on the reefs. They're known for their strong initial run, so hold on tight when you hook one! Red snapper season is strictly regulated, but when it's open, it's like a holiday around here. Even if we're catch-and-release, pulling up one of these beautiful red fish is always a highlight.

Lane Snapper: These colorful little fighters are often overshadowed by their red cousins, but they're a blast to catch. Lane snapper hang around rocky bottoms and reefs, and they're suckers for small jigs or cut bait. What they lack in size, they make up for in numbers – when you find a school, it's game on! They're also excellent eating fish if you're looking to bring home dinner.

Spanish Mackerel: Speed demons of the nearshore waters, Spanish mackerel will test your reflexes. These fish hunt in schools, chasing bait fish near the surface. We'll troll for them or cast lures into feeding frenzies. When they hit, it's like lightning – your reel will scream as they make blistering runs. Mackerel fishing is all about fast action and quick thinking, perfect for keeping kids (and adults) entertained.

Grey Snapper: Also known as mangrove snapper, these wily fish are the ultimate test of an angler's finesse. They love to hang around structure – mangrove roots, docks, or any underwater debris. Grey snapper are notoriously shy biters, so we'll use light tackle and small baits to fool them. It's a game of patience and precision, but when you hook one, the fight is on. They might not be the biggest fish in the bay, but outsmarting a grey snapper is always satisfying.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, there you have it – a morning of laid-back fishing, stunning views, and the chance to create some awesome family memories. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing or just want a chill day on the water, this trip's got something for everyone. We keep the group small, so you'll get plenty of one-on-one instruction and a personalized experience. And remember, in fishing, every day's different – that's what keeps us coming back for more! So why not grab the family, pack some sunscreen, and join Captain Wayne for a morning of inshore adventure? The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Let's make some fishing stories you'll be telling for years to come!

Customer Reviews

FISH FEAST WITH WAYNE

Captain Wayne did a fantastic job taking us to numerous fishing sites. We caught trigger fish, Mahi Mahi, and vermillion snapper. Very successful day. His snapper taco recipe was amazing! Highly recommend him.

Ditmar Krein

May 21, 2025

WAYNE KNOWS BEST

Captain Wayne knows his stuff!! Great trip at a great price!! His boat held all 4 of us easy! He has over 15 years of experience in the area! 10/10 would recommend Captain Wayne and Just add water Charters!!! We will use him next time we are out!

Hunter Weakley

September 25, 2021

BIRTHDAY FISH BONANZA

Wanted to go on a charter boat for my 62nd birthday and captain Wayne was the best!! We had a blast and caught plenty of fish. Highly recommended! Thanks Wayne!!

Brian Large

May 6, 2023

Learn more about the species

Grey Snapper

Lane Snapper

Grey Snappers, or Mangrove Snappers, are crafty fish that love structure. You'll find them around docks, mangroves, and reefs in 10-100 feet of water. Inshore, they usually run 1-3 pounds, but offshore they can hit 20 pounds. These opportunistic feeders will take live shrimp, pinfish, or cut bait. They're most active at night and during full moons when spawning. Grey Snappers put up a good scrap for their size and make excellent eating with their white, flaky meat. Summer through fall is prime time to target them. For best results, fish near structure with a live shrimp hooked through the tail. Let it sink to the bottom, then reel up slightly to avoid snags. Be patient - these fish ambush their prey, so avoid too much movement. When you feel a bite, don't jerk the rod. Instead, reel steadily to set the hook before slowly bringing them up. Using a fluorocarbon leader can help fool these sharp-eyed snappers.

Red Snapper

Spanish Mackerel are speedsters, clocking over 12 mph. You'll spot them in large schools near the surface, usually in 20-40 feet of water around structures like reefs or wrecks. They average 1-2 feet long and 2-4 pounds, but can reach 25 pounds. These fish are migratory, showing up in our waters from spring to fall. They're aggressive feeders, which makes for exciting fishing. Anglers love targeting them for their hard fights and tasty meat that's great for grilling or smoking. Spanish Mackerel hit fast-moving lures like spoons or jigs. Try trolling at 4-6 knots with small, shiny lures. If you see them feeding on the surface, cast into the frenzy with a gotcha plug or silver spoon. A local trick: use a long fluorocarbon leader to prevent cut-offs from their sharp teeth. Remember, these fish spoil quickly, so get them on ice right away for the best eating.

Sea Trout

Grey Snappers, also called Mangrove Snappers, are sneaky little fighters that hang out around structure. You'll find them near docks, mangroves, and reefs in 10-100 feet of water. Most run 1-3 pounds inshore, but offshore they can hit 20 pounds. These guys are opportunistic feeders, so they'll hit live shrimp, pinfish, or cut bait. They're most active at night and during full moons when they spawn. Grey Snappers put up a good fight for their size and make excellent table fare with their white, flaky meat. The best time to target them is summer through fall. For the best luck, fish near structure with a live shrimp hooked through the tail. Let it sink to the bottom, then reel up slightly so it doesn't snag. Be patient - these fish like to ambush their prey, so avoid too much movement. When you feel a tug, resist jerking the rod. Instead, reel steadily to set the hook before slowly bringing them up.

Spanish Mackerel

Lane Snappers are feisty little fish, usually 10-14 inches long and 1-3 pounds. You'll find them over coral reefs and sandy bottoms with vegetation in 60-200 feet of water. They're most active at night, which is when we often target them. These fish are a blast to catch on light tackle. They put up a scrappy fight and make excellent table fare. The best time to fish for them is March through September during their spawning season. Lane Snappers will hit a variety of baits - live shrimp, squid, cut bait, or small jigs all work well. When you're after them, look for areas with a mix of sand and coral. Drop your bait to the bottom and be ready for a quick bite. They're not as wary as some other snappers, but they can still be tricky. Here's a local tip: try chumming with cut bait to get them fired up. Once they start feeding, it can be non-stop action. Just remember to check your regulations - there are often size and bag limits to help protect the population.

About the Just Add Water

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Hop aboard for a laid-back 3-hour fishing trip that's perfect for newbies and families looking to dip their toes into the world of angling. Captain Wayne knows these waters like the back of his hand and is ready to show you the ropes in a chill, no-pressure setting. Whether you're casting lines in the calm bay or venturing to nearby gulf reefs, you'll get hands-on experience trying to land some local favorites. In the bay, you might reel in mangrove snapper, seatrout, or redfish. If you head out to the reefs, keep an eye out for vermillion snapper, red snapper, grouper, and mackerel. Don't sweat it if you've never held a rod before – this trip is all about learning the basics, having fun, and maybe even bringing home dinner if luck is on your side. With room for up to 3 guests, it's a great way to spend a morning on the water with family or friends.

Sitemap