What parents need to know before taking kids fishing on the Emerald Coast
Booking your first family fishing charter can feel a little intimidating, especially if you’re bringing kids.
You might be wondering:
Will they get bored?
Will they get seasick?
What should we bring?
How long should we book?
What if we’ve never fished before?
Is it actually worth it with younger kids?
The good news is that a private family fishing charter in Destin can be one of the most memorable parts of your Emerald Coast vacation. Especially when you choose the right type of trip for your family.
Destin is known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” and fishing is a huge part of the area’s history and culture. But you don’t have to be an experienced angler to enjoy it. A good family-friendly charter is designed to help beginners, kids, and parents relax, have fun, and make memories on the water.
Here’s what to know before booking your first family fishing charter in Destin.
1. Choose the Right Length of Trip for Your Kids
One of the biggest mistakes families make is booking too long of a trip for younger kids.
If your kids are new to fishing, younger in age, or you’re not sure how they’ll do on a boat, a shorter trip is usually the best choice.
A 2–3 hour kids fishing trip can be the perfect introduction. It gives children enough time to experience the boat, catch fish, take pictures, and enjoy the water without getting too hot, tired, or overstimulated.
Longer trips can be great for older kids, teens, or families who already know they love fishing. But for a first-time family trip, shorter is often better.
Local mom tip:
Don’t feel like you have to book the longest trip to make it special. For kids, a shorter trip with fast action is usually more fun than a long trip where everyone gets tired.
2. Know the Difference Between Kids Fishing, Bay Fishing, Nearshore Gulf Fishing and Offshore Gulf Fishing
Not all fishing trips are the same, and the best option depends on your family’s ages, comfort level, and goals.
Kids Fishing Trips
Kids fishing trips are usually shorter, easier, and focused on keeping the experience fun. These are great for younger kids, first-timers, and families who want a relaxed introduction to fishing.
The goal is usually action, smiles, and memories, not necessarily bringing home a cooler full of fish.
Bay Fishing Trips
Bay fishing is a great option for families who want a little more of a “real fishing” experience while still staying in calmer waters. These trips are often a good fit for families with school-age kids, teens, or adults who want to catch fish without heading far offshore.
Nearshore Gulf Fishing Trips
Nearshore Gulf fishing usually means heading out into the Gulf while staying closer to shore.
On Florida’s Gulf Coast, state waters extend from shore out to 9 nautical miles, while federal waters begin beyond state waters and extend farther offshore.
Nearshore Gulf trips can offer a little more adventure, different fish, bigger water, and a more “out in the Gulf” feeling without necessarily committing to a long offshore day.
These trips can be a good fit for older kids, teens, and families who are comfortable on boats and want a step up from bay fishing.
Offshore Gulf Fishing Trips
Offshore Gulf fishing typically means going farther out into the Gulf, often beyond the nearshore/state-water range and into federal waters, depending on the trip, boat, captain, conditions, and fishing goals.
These trips are usually longer and more serious fishing trips. They may include longer boat rides, deeper water, bigger waves, more time in the sun, and a longer day overall.
Some gulf fishing boats are larger and may have extra comforts like a cabin, restroom, galley, air conditioning, or more covered seating. Other boats are smaller, faster, and more open, with fewer amenities. Neither is automatically “better". It really depends on your group, your budget, your comfort level, and the type of experience you want.
For certain federally managed species, charter boats may also need the proper federal permits to take paying clients into federal waters. NOAA Fisheries manages fishing in federal waters off Florida’s Gulf Coast, and federal for-hire reef fish permits apply to certain Gulf reef fish charter/headboat trips.
Offshore Gulf trips are usually best for adults, teens, experienced anglers, or families who already know they enjoy being on the water for several hours.
Local mom tips:
- If this is your child’s first fishing trip, start with the option that gives them the best chance of having fun — not necessarily the biggest boat, the farthest run, or the longest fishing experience. You can always work your way up to longer Gulf or offshore trips once they’re hooked.
- If this is your child’s first time, start with the trip that gives them the highest chance of having fun — not necessarily the most intense fishing experience.
Another thing to ask before booking:
Ask what kind of boat you’ll be on and what amenities it has. Some boats have a bathroom, cabin, shade, air conditioning, or more space to move around. Others are smaller open boats with a more simple, hands-on fishing setup. For families with young kids, grandparents, or anyone who may need a restroom, shade, or extra comfort, that can make a big difference.
3. Private Charters Are Great for Families
A private fishing charter means it’s just your group and the captain. For families, this can make a huge difference.
You don’t have to worry about your kids bothering strangers, keeping up with a crowded boat, or feeling rushed. The pace can be adjusted to your group, and the captain can help kids learn, catch fish, and feel included.
Private charters are especially helpful for:
Families with younger kids
First-time anglers
Kids who need extra help
Parents who want a more relaxed experience
Grandparents joining the trip
Families who want photos and memories without the crowd
Local mom tip:
If your child is shy, nervous, or easily overwhelmed, a private trip can make the whole experience feel much calmer.
4. Ask About Passenger Limits Before Booking
Every charter boat has passenger limits, and they matter.
Before booking, make sure you know how many people can safely and legally come on the trip.
Passenger limits can depend on the boat, the type of charter, and whether the group includes kids.
For Scallywag Charters, the general passenger guideline is:
Up to 6 total passengers, regardless of age or participation.
Local mom tip:
Always count everyone who will be on the boat, even little kids. If you’re unsure, call or text before booking so you choose the right trip for your group.
5. Morning Trips Are Usually Best in the Summer
During the warmer months, mornings are usually the best time to fish with kids.
It’s cooler, the water is often calmer, and kids usually have more energy before the heat of the day sets in.
Afternoon trips can still be fun, but summer afternoons on the water can feel hotter, especially for younger kids.
Local mom tip:
If you’re visiting Destin in June, July, or August, try to book a morning trip if your schedule allows. You can fish early, grab lunch after, and still have time to rest or go to the beach later.
6. Don’t Overpack, But Bring the Essentials
Most fishing charters provide the fishing gear, bait, tackle, licenses, and everything needed to fish.
That means you do not need to bring rods, hooks, tackle boxes, bait, or a bunch of extra fishing supplies unless your captain specifically tells you to.
For a family charter, bring:
A small cooler with drinks and snacks
Sunscreen applied before boarding
Polarized sunglasses
Hats
Comfortable clothes
Non-slip shoes or sandals
Motion sickness medicine if anyone is prone to seasickness
A good attitude and patience with the kids
Avoid bringing huge bags, oversized coolers, messy sprays, or anything that takes up too much space.
Important sunscreen tip:
Apply sunscreen before getting on the boat when possible. Spray sunscreen can make the deck slippery, so it’s best to use lotion sunscreen or spray it on before boarding.
7. Pack Snacks Like You’re Going to a Sports Game
Kids can go from “this is the best day ever” to “I’m starving” very quickly.
Even on a short trip, bring easy snacks and drinks.
Good boat snacks include:
Granola bars
Crackers
Fruit
Sandwiches
Cheese sticks
Trail mix
Pretzels
Applesauce pouches
Water
Sports drinks
Try to avoid snacks that melt easily, make a big mess, or require a lot of cleanup.
Local mom tip:
Bring more drinks than you think you’ll need, especially in summer. Kids get thirsty fast on the water.
8. Prepare Kids Before the Trip
You don’t need to give a big speech, but it helps to set expectations before you arrive.
Tell kids:
The captain is in charge on the boat
They need to listen to safety instructions
They may have to wait their turn
Fishing takes patience
Not every fish is a keeper
Some fish may be released
The goal is to have fun, not control every minute
This helps kids understand that fishing is exciting, but it also requires listening, patience, and flexibility.
Local mom tip:
Tell kids ahead of time that the captain will help them. A lot of kids relax once they know they don’t have to already know what they’re doing.
9. Understand That Catching Fish Is Never 100% Guaranteed
A good captain will work hard to help your family catch fish, but fishing is still fishing.
Weather, tides, water conditions, seasons, and fish behavior all matter.
Some days are nonstop action. Some days are slower. Some days kids catch fish after fish. Other days, the experience is more about being on the water, learning, seeing wildlife and dolphins, and making memories.
That’s part of the adventure!
Local mom tip:
Go into it with the mindset that the experience is the memory. The fish are the bonus.
10. Ask What Kind of Trip Is Best for Your Family
If you’re not sure what to book, ask.
A family-friendly charter should be able to help you choose the right option based on your kids’ ages, your group size, your comfort level, and what kind of experience you want.
Helpful things to mention when asking include:
Your kids’ ages
How many adults are coming
Whether anyone has been on a boat before
Whether anyone gets motion sick
Whether you want to keep fish or just have fun catching
Whether your family prefers calm water
How long you think your kids can comfortably handle
This makes it easier to recommend the best trip.
11. Consider a Catch-and-Release Kids Trip for Younger Children
For younger kids, a catch-and-release trip can be a great first experience.
These trips are usually more relaxed and focused on fun, action, and confidence-building. Kids get to catch fish, learn the basics, take pictures, and enjoy the boat without the pressure of making it a serious fishing day.
This is especially helpful for families with kids who are very young, easily bored, or new to fishing.
Local mom tip:
A child’s first fishing trip doesn’t have to be fancy. It just needs to be fun enough that they want to go again.
12. Know What Happens with the Fish
If you book a trip where you can keep fish, ask ahead of time what is included.
Many charters clean the fish for you on eligible keep-your-catch trips, so you can take your fish back to cook later or bring it to a local restaurant that offers cook-your-catch options.
On kids catch-and-release trips, the focus is usually on catching, learning, photos, and releasing the fish safely.
Local mom tip:
If your family really wants to eat what you catch, ask about keep-your-catch trip options before booking.
13. Be Flexible with Weather
Weather is part of life on the Emerald Coast.
A sunny beach day does not always mean perfect boating weather, and a cloudy/rainy morning does not always mean the trip is canceled. Captains pay close attention to wind, storms, lightning, sea conditions, and overall safety.
If weather becomes an issue, your captain will guide you on the safest option.
Local mom tip:
Try not to save your fishing charter for the very last day of vacation if it’s something your family really wants to do. Booking earlier in your trip may give you more flexibility if weather causes changes and you need to reschedule.
14. Tips Are Customary
Just like many guided activities, gratuity is customary on fishing charters.
A common tip is around 20% for good service, especially when the captain works hard to help kids, teach beginners, clean fish, handle bait, untangle lines, and make the trip enjoyable.
Local mom tip:
Plan for the tip in your vacation budget so it doesn’t surprise you at the end of the trip.
15. Book Early During Busy Season
Destin gets busy, especially during spring break, summer, holidays, and fall break.
If fishing is high on your family’s vacation list, book early.
The best morning times and family-friendly trips can fill quickly, especially during peak travel weeks.
Local mom tip:
If you know your vacation dates, don’t wait until the night before to look for a charter. You’ll have more options if you plan ahead. Once you've booked lodging, go ahead and start booking your activities, especially when visiting Memorial Day - Labor Day.
What to Bring on a Family Fishing Charter
Here’s a quick checklist:
Small cooler
Drinks
Easy snacks
Sunscreen, applied before boarding
Polarized sunglasses
Hats
Comfortable clothing
Non-slip shoes
Motion sickness medicine, if needed
Phone or camera
A small towel
Hair ties for long hair
Light jacket in cooler months
Cash or payment method for gratuity
A good attitude
What Not to Bring
Large coolers
Giant beach bags
Glass bottles
Spray sunscreen used on the boat deck
Bananas, they're seriously NOT allowed!
Expensive items that could get wet
Too many extra personal belongings
Fishing gear unless your captain tells you to bring it
Is a Family Fishing Charter Worth It?
For many families, yes.
A fishing charter gives you a chance to do something different from the usual beach routine. Kids get to experience the water, learn something new, catch fish, see local wildlife, and spend time together without screens or crowds.
It’s part adventure, part outdoor classroom, part family memory.
And for a lot of kids, catching their first fish on vacation becomes one of the stories they talk about long after the trip is over.
Final Thoughts
If you’re visiting Destin with kids, a family fishing charter can be one of the most memorable parts of your trip.
The key is choosing the right trip for your family.
For younger kids or first-timers, start with a shorter, family-friendly trip. For older kids or families who already love fishing, consider a longer bay, nearshore, or Gulf trip. Bring snacks, listen to the captain, stay flexible, and focus on the experience.
You don’t have to know anything about fishing before you go.
You just have to show up ready to make a memory.
Ready to Book a Family-Friendly Fishing Trip in Destin?
Scallywag Charters offers private, family-friendly fishing trips in Destin and the surrounding Emerald Coast area.
We specialize in helping families, kids, and first-time anglers have a fun, relaxed day on the water.
Whether you’re looking for a short kids fishing trip, a bay fishing adventure, or a longer keep-your-catch experience, we can help you choose the right trip for your group.
Book online or call/text us to find the best option for your family.
Scallywag Charters
Destin, Florida