Get ready for a day of laughter, learning, and non-stop action on the waters around Tiki Island! This 6-hour fishing trip is tailor-made for young anglers, giving them a chance to reel in some serious fun (and fish) without overwhelming the little ones. Captain John knows just how to keep kids engaged, teaching them the ropes of inshore fishing while targeting some of the area's most exciting species. It's the perfect way to introduce your kiddos to the joys of fishing and make some unforgettable family memories.
From the moment you step aboard, Captain John's got everything dialed in for a kid-friendly adventure. The boat's equipped with sturdy, easy-to-use gear that's sized right for smaller hands. You'll cruise to some of Tiki Island's best inshore spots, where the fish are always biting and the water's nice and calm. This isn't about sitting around waiting for a bite – expect plenty of action to keep short attention spans fully engaged. Whether it's reeling in a feisty redfish or marveling at a colorful flounder, there's always something exciting happening on deck.
Don't worry if your kids have never held a rod before – that's what Captain John is here for. He'll break down the basics of inshore fishing in a way that's easy for kids to grasp and fun to learn. They'll get hands-on practice with baiting hooks, casting lines, and the all-important art of reeling in a catch. The captain's got a knack for explaining things at just the right level, mixing in fun facts about the local marine life that'll have your kids feeling like junior marine biologists by the end of the day. And when it comes time to land a fish, he'll be right there to lend a hand (and snap that perfect photo for the family album).
This isn't just another day of fishing – it's an experience that creates lasting bonds and ignites a passion for the outdoors. Parents love watching their kids light up with excitement as they reel in their first fish. The pride on a child's face when they master a new skill or learn something cool about the local ecosystem is priceless. Plus, with a 6-hour trip, there's plenty of time for everyone to get in on the action without it feeling too long for younger attention spans. It's the kind of day that kids (and let's be honest, adults too) will be talking about for years to come.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are a favorite for kids because of their unique appearance. They're masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. Catching a flounder is like solving a puzzle – you've got to outsmart them with the right technique. They're most active in the cooler months, making fall and winter prime time for flounder fishing. Kids love the thrill of spotting these well-hidden fish and the challenge of reeling them in.
Black Drum: These bruisers are like the heavyweight champions of Tiki Island's inshore waters. They put up a great fight that'll have kids whooping with excitement. Black drum use their sensitive barbels to root around the bottom for food, so you'll often find them in areas with lots of structure. They're around all year, but spring is when they really start to school up. The "drumming" sound they make underwater is always a hit with curious young anglers.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth, sheepshead are a crowd-pleaser for sure. These crafty fish are known as the "convict fish" due to their striped appearance, and they're just as tricky to catch as their nickname suggests. They love hanging around structures like jetties and pilings, using their strong teeth to crunch up barnacles and crabs. Watching a kid's face light up when they see those chompers is always a highlight of the trip.
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these fish are a staple of Tiki Island fishing. They're great for kids because they often travel in schools, meaning when you find one, you've likely found many. Sea trout are known for their beautiful spotted pattern and their willingness to strike at lures, making them perfect for teaching kids how to work artificial baits. The "speckled" nickname comes from the dark spots covering their backs, which kids always find fascinating.
Redfish: No Tiki Island fishing trip would be complete without targeting the iconic redfish. These copper-colored beauties are known for their strength and the distinctive black spot on their tail. Kids love the excitement of spotting a group of reds "tailing" in shallow water – when their tails break the surface as they feed. Redfish can be caught year-round, but fall is especially good when they school up in big numbers. The satisfying "thump" when a redfish takes the bait is something every young angler should experience.
Ready to give your kids a day they'll never forget? This 6-hour inshore trip with Dean's Guide Service is the perfect way to introduce them to the joys of fishing. With patient instruction, steady action, and the chance to catch a variety of exciting species, it's a recipe for family fun that can't be beat. Spaces are limited to ensure each child gets plenty of personal attention, so don't wait to lock in your adventure. Grab your sunscreen, pack some snacks, and get ready to create some lifelong memories on the waters of Tiki Island. Book now and watch your little ones transform into proud anglers before your eyes!
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, ranging from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. Look for them in shallow, brackish waters around oyster beds and mudflats. They've got a distinctive croaking sound and those telltale whiskers on their chin. These fish are most active in spring during spawning season when they school up. That's when you'll have your best shot at landing a big one. Black Drum are popular targets because they put up a strong fight and the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make great eating. To catch Black Drum, use fresh crab or clams as bait. They're bottom feeders, so a simple fish-finder rig works well. Here's a local tip: if you're sight-fishing in shallow water, look for their tails sticking up as they root around for food. Cast just ahead of them and hold on tight - these guys can really pull!
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of inshore fishing. They typically run 20-30 inches, but can grow much larger. Look for them in shallow water, often so shallow their backs break the surface. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and mangroves. These copper-colored beauties with the distinctive tail spot are most active in fall and spring. Anglers prize them for their strong fights and excellent table fare. Nothing beats the excitement of seeing a tailing redfish in skinny water. To catch reds, try sight-fishing with gold spoons or soft plastics. They'll hit topwater lures too, making for some explosive strikes. Here's a local secret: on hot days, look for redfish tailing in flooded grass during high tide. Ease up quietly and make a precise cast - it's a challenge, but the payoff is worth it. Once hooked, hang on tight - these guys can really pull!
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite among inshore anglers. These silvery fish typically range from 14 to 24 inches and weigh 1 to 5 pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, often around grass flats and oyster beds. They're most active in cooler months, especially at dawn and dusk. Sea Trout are popular targets because they're abundant, put up a good fight, and make excellent table fare. Their delicate, flaky white meat is a real treat. To catch Sea Trout, try using soft plastic lures or live shrimp under a popping cork. Work the edges of grass flats or drift over oyster bars. Here's a local tip: on calm mornings, look for subtle surface disturbances called "nervous water" - that's often a sign of feeding trout. Cast your lure just beyond the commotion and retrieve slowly. When you feel that telltale thump, set the hook and enjoy the fight!
Sheepshead are the convicts of the sea with their distinctive black and white stripes. They typically run 1-8 pounds but can reach up to 20 pounds. You'll find them hanging around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs where they feast on barnacles and crustaceans. These fish are a blast to catch, especially in winter and early spring when they school up. Anglers love targeting them for their tasty white meat and the challenge they present. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers with their human-like teeth, so hooking them can be tricky. To land a Sheepshead, use small hooks baited with fiddler crabs or oysters. Fish as close to the structure as you can without getting snagged. Here's a local secret: when you feel a bite, wait a second before setting the hook. Sheepshead like to nibble before committing, so patience is key. Once hooked, be ready for a strong fight - these fish punch above their weight class!
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms. They typically run 15-18 inches long, but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. These ambush predators lie in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they move to deeper waters. Anglers love targeting them for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking these sneaky bottom-dwellers. They put up a good fight once hooked too. To land a flounder, try drifting or still fishing near structure with live bait like mullet or shrimp. Use a light touch - they're notorious bait stealers. A local trick is to use a slip sinker rig with a long leader, letting your bait sit right on the bottom where flounder hang out. When you feel that distinctive tap-tap, set the hook hard and reel in your catch.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 48
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 225