Hey there, families! Ready to get your little ones hooked on fishing? Our Kids Trip is tailor-made for young anglers looking to reel in some excitement. We've designed this adventure to be perfect for kiddos 6 and up, but don't worry if you've got a younger fish-enthusiast at home – just give the Captain a shout, and we'll see what we can do to make it work for your whole crew.
Picture this: Your family out on the water, lines in, waiting for that first tug. We're talking about a private trip that's all about you and your kids. No rushing, no pressure – just pure fishing fun. We'll be targeting some real crowd-pleasers like sharks and stingrays, plus a whole bunch of cool bottom-dwellers that'll have your kids' eyes popping. It's the kind of trip that turns "Are we there yet?" into "Can we stay longer?"
Don't sweat it if your kids have never held a rod before – we've got you covered. We provide all the gear, sized just right for small hands. We'll show them the ropes, from baiting the hook (if they're brave enough!) to reeling in their catch. We use simple techniques that are easy for kids to grasp, like bottom fishing or light trolling. And hey, half the fun is just being out on the boat, so we make sure there's plenty of time for looking out for dolphins or spotting seabirds diving for their own fishy lunch.
Let's talk about what's really got the kids pumped – the fish! We're going after some real crowd-pleasers on this trip. Imagine the look on your kid's face when they feel that first tug and realize they've hooked a shark! Don't worry, we're talking about the smaller, friendlier kinds like bonnetheads. These little guys put up just enough of a fight to give your young angler a thrill without overwhelming them. Then there are the stingrays – flat and funny-looking, these guys are always a hit with the kids. And let's not forget all the other bottom-dwelling fish we might catch – each one a new discovery for curious young minds.
Southern Stingray: These flat, pancake-shaped creatures are a favorite among our young anglers. They glide through the water like underwater kites and can grow up to 5 feet across! Kids love watching them "fly" through the water when we catch and release them. The best part? They're around all year, so there's always a chance to see one.
Blacktip Shark: Don't let the name scare you – these sharks are more bark than bite. Growing up to about 5 feet long, they're the perfect size to give kids a real shark experience without any danger. They're quick and known for their acrobatic jumps, which always gets a "wow" from the boat. We see them most in the warmer months, making them a summer vacation highlight.
Bonnethead Shark: These little cousins of the hammerhead are a big hit with kids. They only grow to about 3-4 feet, making them the perfect "starter shark" for young anglers. With their distinctive shovel-shaped head, they're easy to identify and fun to watch. They're around most of the year but are especially active in the spring and fall.
Look, we know kids can have shorter attention spans than a goldfish, so we keep things moving. We might switch up spots if the fish aren't biting, or take a break to watch for wildlife. Safety's our top priority – life jackets are a must, and we've got plenty of shade and water on board. We're all about creating those "Remember when we..." moments that your family will be talking about for years.
Alright, parents, here's your checklist: Snacks (trust us, fishing makes kids hungry), sunscreen (lots of it), hats, and maybe a light jacket if it's breezy. Oh, and don't forget the camera – you're gonna want proof when your little one outfishes you! We've got the rods, reels, and tackle covered. Just a heads up – live bait isn't included in the price, but we can sort that out if you want the full experience.
Every family's different, right? That's why we're all about flexibility. Got a budding marine biologist who wants to learn more about fish habitats? A future boat captain who's curious about navigation? Let us know, and we'll weave that into the trip. We can even adjust the length of the trip to match your kids' stamina – because let's face it, sometimes a 2-hour trip is plenty for the little ones.
Here's the thing – this isn't just about catching fish. It's about that look on your kid's face when they reel in their first catch. It's about the stories they'll tell their friends at school. It's about sparking a love for the outdoors that could last a lifetime. We've seen plenty of kids start with us and grow up to be passionate anglers and conservationists. Who knows? This could be the start of a whole new family tradition.
Ready to make some waves with your kids? Our calendar fills up fast, especially during school breaks, so don't wait to lock in your spot. Give us a call or shoot us a message – we're happy to answer any questions and help you plan the perfect outing for your crew. Trust us, there's nothing quite like seeing your kid's face light up when they're out on the water. So what are you waiting for? Let's get your young angler hooked on fishing!
Bonnethead Sharks are perfect for young anglers. These small hammerheads only grow to about 4 feet long, with a unique shovel-shaped head. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, hanging around sandy beaches and grass flats. They often swim in small schools, munching on crabs and small fish. Summer's the best time to catch Bonnetheads as they move north. In fall, they head back to warmer southern waters. Kids love these sharks because they're not too big or scary, but still put up a good fight. Plus, their weird head shape is always a hit. To catch one, use fresh cut crab or shrimp on a circle hook. Fish near the bottom in 5-15 feet of water. A medium spinning setup with 20-pound line works great. Here's a local secret: try fishing during incoming tides when Bonnetheads move into shallows to feed. Just be ready for a spunky battle when you hook up!
The Southern Stingray is a cool catch for kids. These flat, kite-shaped rays can grow up to 5 feet wide for females, much bigger than the 2-foot males. You'll find them cruising sandy bottoms and seagrass beds in shallow coastal waters. They use their "wings" to uncover small fish and crustaceans hiding in the sand. Southern Rays are most active in warmer months. They're not aggressive, but watch out for that venomous barb on the tail. The real thrill is seeing them glide gracefully through clear water. Some spots even let you hand-feed them, though we don't recommend it. To hook one, use live bait like small fish on a sturdy line. Let it sit on the bottom, then give subtle tugs to mimic prey movement. Be patient - these rays can put up a good fight once hooked. A local trick is to fish from a pier or wade carefully in the shallows to spot them. Just shuffle your feet to avoid surprises!
Blacktip Sharks are a blast for kids to catch. These streamlined predators usually run 4-5 feet long but can hit 9 feet. Look for them patrolling near beaches, in bays, and around reefs in waters up to 100 feet deep. They're known for incredible aerial displays, leaping fully out of the water when chasing bait fish. Spring and summer are prime Blacktip seasons as they follow warming waters. While they can be timid around boats, their curiosity often wins out. Once hooked, they put up an exciting fight with long runs and acrobatic jumps. To target Blacktips, use oily fish like mackerel or herring as bait. Chum the water to draw them in, then float your bait under a balloon. A stout rod with 50-pound test should handle most specimens. Pro tip: when you feel the bite, let the shark run with the bait for a few seconds before setting the hook. This improves your chances of a solid hookup.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Yahmaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
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Horsepower per Engine: 175