A family trip out on the water can be one of the most fun things to do in Florida. Watching children learn about fishing and catch their first fish, or a new species can make it a magical day for everyone.
When you are planning a charter fishing trip for your family there are a few important things to consider. First, you will want to speak to your prospective charter captain to see what suggestions and recommendations they have for a family trip. We recommend selecting a captain that is a parent to young children and has plenty of experience teaching children how to fish.
As you know patience is key to teaching kids. The right captain will tailor their tactics to accommodate the family’s needs. Most often, an inshore charter trip will be the right fit for a young family. These trips will have shorter runs, smoother water, less wind, lots of fishing location options, and plenty of species to target.
Since charter trips will include several hours on the water, think about if your children are old enough to enjoy the full day’s activities. This depends a lot on the individual child, so there is no specific age recommendation, however preschool age (4-5 years) may be a good place to start. Talk with your captain about any questions or concerns you have about the trip.
In Florida, children under the age of 6 years old must wear a personal flotation device while boats are underway and parents may wish to have any child wear one to ensure their safety. Talk with the captain to ensure a quality PFD is available for your children. If you will be on the water often, you may want to invest in one to ensure the best fit.
Consider the weather during the chosen time of year, the milder temperatures in the spring and fall may be most comfortable for children, and fish should be very active during these months.
As a family man, Capt. Kevin truly enjoys the opportunity to fish with families on charter trips. For him, a child’s endless curiosity is a highlight of these days on the water. He has years of experience teaching children how to catch fish and how to make the most of a family day on the water.
Now is the time to book your peak season (spring and fall) dates for your family fishing adventure with Capt. Kevin.
