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Kid-Friendly Inshore Fishing | Choctawhatchee Bay

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Destin
  • $320 - $960 price range

Summary

Looking for a fun afternoon fishing trip with the kids? This 2-hour inshore adventure in Choctawhatchee Bay is perfect for young anglers and first-timers. You'll cruise the calm waters with Captain Wayne, one of Niceville's top fishing guides, as he shows you the best spots for speckled trout, redfish, and mangrove snapper. Glide over grass flats, check out lively docks, and explore hidden wrecks in the middle of the bay. The captain provides all the pro-grade gear you'll need, so just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to experience real Florida Panhandle fishing. With room for up to 3 guests, it's an ideal outing for families or small groups looking to wet a line and make some memories on the water. Whether you're aiming to catch dinner or just enjoy some quality time outdoors, this trip offers a great taste of what makes fishing in the Emerald Coast so special.
Kid-Friendly Inshore Fishing | Choctawhatchee Bay

Hooked in the Bay

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Two people fishing in Niceville

Colorful combo haul!

Fisherman in Niceville catching one fish while angling

Solid snapper action!

One fisherman holding a 10-inch fish in FL

Powerful grouper bite!

4 bluefish caught while fishing in Niceville

Loaded and smiling!

5 people fishing with 3 big fish in Niceville

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A person fishing in Florida

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Lone angler fishing in FL

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4 greater amberjack fish caught by 3 people in niceville

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1 person fishing in Niceville

Vibrant mahi catch offshore!

Angler fishing in Florida

Massive jack landed!

Two people fishing in Niceville

Colorful combo haul!

Fisherman in Niceville catching one fish while angling

Solid snapper action!

One fisherman holding a 10-inch fish in FL

Powerful grouper bite!

4 bluefish caught while fishing in Niceville

Loaded and smiling!

5 people fishing with 3 big fish in Niceville

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A person fishing in Florida

null

Lone angler fishing in FL

null

4 greater amberjack fish caught by 3 people in niceville

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1 person fishing in Niceville

Vibrant mahi catch offshore!

Angler fishing in Florida

Massive jack landed!

Two people fishing in Niceville

Colorful combo haul!

Fisherman in Niceville catching one fish while angling

Solid snapper action!

One fisherman holding a 10-inch fish in FL

Powerful grouper bite!

4 bluefish caught while fishing in Niceville

Loaded and smiling!

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Kid-Friendly Fishing Fun in Choctawhatchee Bay

Hey there, future anglers! Ready for a laid-back afternoon on the water that's perfect for kiddos and first-timers? Our 2-hour private trip in Choctawhatchee Bay is just the ticket. We'll cruise the calm waters, hit up some primo fishing spots, and get those lines wet without any fuss. It's all about having a good time and maybe catching your first fish – no pressure, just fun!

What's in Store

Picture this: You and your crew (up to 3 people) hop aboard our comfy boat with Captain Wayne at the helm. He's a local legend when it comes to fishing these parts. We'll putter around the bay, checking out grass flats where fish love to hang out, sneaking up to lively docks that are like fish hotels, and even swinging by some hidden shipwrecks that are basically underwater fish cities. The bay's got a mix of speckled trout, redfish, and mangrove snapper – all fun to catch and perfect for beginners. And don't sweat the gear – we've got top-notch rods and reels all set up and ready to go.

Fishing 101 for the Kiddos

Alright, let's talk fishing basics. We keep it simple out here. We might do a bit of bottom fishing, where you drop your line straight down and wait for a nibble. Or we could try some light casting – it's like gently tossing your line out and reeling it back in slowly. Captain Wayne's got a few tricks up his sleeve to make sure even the littlest anglers can get in on the action. He'll show you how to hold the rod, when to reel, and how to know if you've got a bite. And hey, if the fish aren't biting, no worries – we'll cruise around and enjoy the scenery. Sometimes just being out on the water is the best part!

Fish You Might Meet

Let's chat about some of the cool fish swimming around Choctawhatchee Bay. First up, we've got the Little Tunny. These guys are like the sports cars of the sea – fast and fun to catch. They're not huge, which makes them perfect for young anglers to reel in. You'll find them zipping around from spring to fall.

Next on the list is the Gag Grouper. These fellas like to hang out near the bottom, often around those sunken wrecks we mentioned. They're chunky fish with big mouths, and they put up a good fight when you hook one. Kids love catching these because they look so cool – kind of like a big, grumpy fish with a face only a mother could love!

King Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call 'em, are the speedsters of the bay. They're long, silvery fish that can really make your reel sing when they take off. We usually see them more in the warmer months, and they're a blast to catch – even if they sometimes get away!

Mahi Mahi, also known as Dolphinfish (but don't worry, they're not actual dolphins!), are like the rainbows of the sea. They've got beautiful blue and green colors that shimmer in the sun. These fish are known for their acrobatics – they'll jump and flip when you're reeling them in, which is super exciting for kids to see.

Last but not least, we've got the Greater Amberjack. These are the musclemen of the bunch. They're strong fighters that live near reefs and wrecks. When you hook one, it's like playing tug-of-war with a submarine! They're a bit tougher to catch, but even if the kids just feel the pull, it's an experience they won't forget.

Why Families Love This Trip

Look, we know taking kids fishing can sometimes be, well, interesting. But this trip? It's designed to keep things easy and fun. The bay's usually pretty calm, so you don't have to worry about seasickness. We keep the trip short – just long enough to have a blast without anyone getting bored or cranky. And Captain Wayne? He's got the patience of a saint and knows how to keep kids engaged. Whether it's pointing out dolphins, telling silly fish jokes, or helping untangle lines (it happens to the best of us), he's all about making sure everyone has a good time.

Time to Cast Off!

So, what do you say? Ready to make some memories on the water? This 2-hour trip is the perfect way to introduce kids to fishing without overwhelming them. It's laid-back, it's fun, and who knows – you might just spark a lifelong love of fishing. Plus, there's nothing quite like seeing a kid's face light up when they reel in their very first fish. Give us a shout to book your spot – the fish are waiting, and so are we!

Learn more about the species

Gag Grouper

King Mackerel, or Kingfish, are speedy predators that'll test your gear and skills. They average 20-40 pounds but can top 100. Look for them from spring through fall in 20-150 feet of water near reefs, wrecks, and bait schools. Kings are built for speed with a torpedo-shaped body - they can hit 60 mph chasing prey. Trolling with live bait or spoons is the go-to method. Wire leaders are a must to prevent bite-offs from their razor sharp teeth. The fight is fast and furious with blistering runs. Kings make great smoked fish dip too. For the best shot at a big one, slow-troll a live blue runner or mullet on a stinger rig. My local tip: watch for diving birds to find feeding kings, then get your baits in their path quickly. When a king skyrockets on your bait, it's a sight you won't forget!

Gag Grouper

Greater Amberjack

Greater Amberjack

King Mackerel

Mahi-mahi, also called dolphinfish, are one of the prettiest fish in the ocean with their neon blues, greens and yellows. They grow fast but don't live long, averaging 15-30 pounds with some topping 50. You'll find them offshore near floating debris and weed lines from spring through fall. Mahi are super acrobatic fighters - they'll jump and tailwalk across the surface. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm white meat. To catch 'em, troll ballyhoo or artificial lures, or pitch live bait to fish you spot. My tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water to keep the school around. Mahi are curious and will often stay with their hooked buddy, letting you catch multiples. Just be ready for chaos when several are hooked at once! It's nonstop action that's perfect for getting kids excited about fishing.

King Mackerel

Little Tunny

Greater Amberjacks are real brutes - these fish can grow up to 6 feet long and over 100 pounds. You'll find them hanging around offshore wrecks and reefs in 60-250 feet of water. They're aggressive predators that hunt smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans. Spring and fall are prime seasons to target AJs when water temps are right. Anglers love 'em for the powerful fight they put up - it's like hooking into a freight train. Their firm white meat is good eating too. To land one, use heavy tackle with 50+ pound test line. Live bait like blue runners works great, or try jigging with metal lures. My tip: once hooked, crank hard and fast to pull them away from structure before they can break you off. It's a battle, but man is it fun when you get one of these bruisers to the boat.

Little Tunny

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Greater Amberjacks are hard-fighting bruisers that'll test your stamina. These powerful fish average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around deep wrecks and reefs in 60-250 feet of water year-round, but spring and fall are prime. AJs are aggressive predators that hunt smaller fish and squid. Anglers love 'em for the crazy strong fight - it's like arm wrestling a bulldozer. Their firm white meat is good eating too, just watch for ciguatera in big ones. To catch AJs, use heavy tackle with 50+ pound test. Dropping live bait or vertical jigging works great. My local tip: once you hook up, crank hard and fast to pull them away from the wreck before they can break you off. When that drag starts screaming, hold on tight - it's gonna be a battle!

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

About the Just Add Water

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Get ready for a laid-back afternoon of fishing in beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay! This 2-hour trip is perfect for kids and first-timers who want to try their hand at catching some of Florida's famous inshore species. Captain Wayne, a top-notch local guide, will take you to all the best spots around the bay. You'll glide across grass flats, check out lively docks, and explore hidden wrecks where speckled trout, redfish, and mangrove snapper love to hang out. No need to bring any gear - the boat is stocked with quality rods and tackle for everyone. It's a great way to experience real Florida Panhandle fishing without venturing too far from shore. With room for up to 3 guests, this calm bay trip is ideal for families or small groups looking to make some fun fishing memories together.
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Ready to reel in unforgettable memories on the beautiful Gulf Coast? Book your adventure today with Just Add Water Charters in Niceville—serving Destin and beyond with passion, experience, and nonstop action on the water!

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