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Family-Friendly Bay Fishing in Santa Rosa Beach

  • Published Date: July 18, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Santa Rosa Beach, FL
  • $430 - $700 price range

Summary

Looking for a fun morning activity for the kids? This 2-hour fishing trip in Santa Rosa Beach is perfect for young anglers. We'll head out on Choctawhatchee Bay, where the calm waters are ideal for beginners. The kids will get hands-on experience with catch and release fishing, learning new skills along the way. Our guide from Rising Son Expeditions knows all the best spots and will make sure everyone has a great time. There's room for up to 6 guests, so bring the whole family. No need to worry about fishing licenses for the little ones – we've got that covered. It's a relaxed, safe environment to introduce kids to inshore fishing. You'll enjoy beautiful scenery while the kids try their luck at reeling in some local fish. It's a great way to spend a morning and maybe spark a lifelong love of fishing.
Family-Friendly Bay Fishing in Santa Rosa Beach

Kids' Fishing Fun

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Redfish, 32-inch catch at Santa Rosa Beach

Great catches and even greater river views.

2 redfish caught during fishing trip in Santa Rosa Beach

Fresh air, fun vibes, and fishing lines.

A huge black drum fish caught in Santa Rosa Beach

Calm water, productive day.

Three redfish caught during fishing trip in Santa Rosa Beach

Redfish hiding in Choctawhatchee Bay.

Two redfish, 16 inches, fishing in FL

Casting lines on Ottawa’s peaceful river today.

Redfish caught in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Scenic waters, big catches, happy anglers.

Catch of the day: A single summer flounder fish measuring 21 inches, caught in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Smiles and fish—perfect day on the river.

Spotted Weakfish, 25-inch fish caught while fishing in Santa Rosa Beach

Catching trout never felt this rewarding before.

Two people fishing at Santa Rosa Beach

Ottawa’s fishing spots never disappoint anglers

Redfish caught in FL

Expert-guided trips for anglers of every level.

Redfish, 32-inch catch at Santa Rosa Beach

Great catches and even greater river views.

2 redfish caught during fishing trip in Santa Rosa Beach

Fresh air, fun vibes, and fishing lines.

A huge black drum fish caught in Santa Rosa Beach

Calm water, productive day.

Three redfish caught during fishing trip in Santa Rosa Beach

Redfish hiding in Choctawhatchee Bay.

Two redfish, 16 inches, fishing in FL

Casting lines on Ottawa’s peaceful river today.

Redfish caught in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Scenic waters, big catches, happy anglers.

Catch of the day: A single summer flounder fish measuring 21 inches, caught in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Smiles and fish—perfect day on the river.

Spotted Weakfish, 25-inch fish caught while fishing in Santa Rosa Beach

Catching trout never felt this rewarding before.

Two people fishing at Santa Rosa Beach

Ottawa’s fishing spots never disappoint anglers

Redfish caught in FL

Expert-guided trips for anglers of every level.

Redfish, 32-inch catch at Santa Rosa Beach

Great catches and even greater river views.

2 redfish caught during fishing trip in Santa Rosa Beach

Fresh air, fun vibes, and fishing lines.

A huge black drum fish caught in Santa Rosa Beach

Calm water, productive day.

Three redfish caught during fishing trip in Santa Rosa Beach

Redfish hiding in Choctawhatchee Bay.

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Kid-Friendly Fishing Fun in Santa Rosa Beach

Get ready for a morning of family fishing adventure on the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay! Our 2-hour kids special is the perfect way to introduce young anglers to the joys of inshore fishing. We've designed this trip with families in mind, focusing on creating memorable experiences for kids ages 4-17. Whether your little ones are casting a line for the first time or looking to level up their skills, our patient guides will ensure everyone has a blast out on the water.

Trip Overview

This laid-back charter kicks off bright and early, when the fish are biting and the bay is calm. We'll cruise out to some of our favorite kid-friendly fishing spots, where the action is steady and the catches are exciting. Our seasoned captains know just where to find the fish that'll keep young anglers engaged. We've got room for up to 6 guests, so bring the whole family along! No need to stress about licenses either - kids fish for free in Florida. We'll provide all the gear, bait, and know-how to get those lines in the water and fish on the hook.

Casting & Catching

We keep things simple and fun for our young guests. Our guides will show everyone the ropes, from baiting hooks to proper casting techniques. We use light tackle that's easy for kids to handle, and focus on species that are eager to bite. Expect to do some bottom fishing and maybe even try your hand at sight casting if conditions are right. The shallow, protected waters of Choctawhatchee Bay are ideal for beginners, with plenty of structure to hold fish without the challenges of open water.

What Families Are Saying

"We had a great time on the water with Captain James. He was so kind and patient with our kids (6 and 8). They had so much fun reeling in fish on their own and the experience was truly a blessing to our family. We caught about 15-16 fish in 2 hours and had a blast. Can't wait to book another trip with Rising Son Expeditions. Thanks again!" - Kevin

"Captain Trey took our kids out and literally made life long memories with these two anglers. Couldn't recommend a better captain." - Mike

"We had a great time - Captain Trey was great with my boys. Very patient, kind & fun!" - Rachel

Fish You'll Want to Hook

Sheepshead: These stripy, buck-toothed fish are a favorite for kids. They hang around structures like pilings and jetties, using their chompers to munch on barnacles and crabs. Sheepshead put up a good fight for their size, and they're known for being tricky to hook - making it extra exciting when you land one! They're most active in cooler months, so fall through spring is prime time to target these "convict fish."

Sea Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these sleek predators are a staple of inshore fishing. Kids love their silver bodies and dark spots. Sea trout hunt in schools, so when you find one, you've often found many! They're known for their delicate bite, which can be a fun challenge for young anglers learning to feel for strikes. We target them year-round, but the bite is especially good in spring and fall.

Redfish: With their copper color and distinctive spot near the tail, redfish are always a crowd-pleaser. These hard-fighting fish can be found in the shallows, often revealing their location by "tailing" as they feed on the bottom. Sight-casting to redfish is an exciting way to fish that even beginners can enjoy. Fall is the peak season, but we catch them all year in the bay.

Ladyfish: Don't let their slender size fool you - ladyfish are pound-for-pound some of the most acrobatic fish in the bay! Kids get a kick out of watching these "poor man's tarpon" leap and dance across the water when hooked. They're abundant in the warmer months and often travel in schools, making for fast-paced action that's perfect for keeping young anglers engaged.

Book Your Family's Fishing Adventure

Ready to make some waves and memories? Our 2-hour kids special is the perfect way to introduce your family to the joys of inshore fishing. With patient guides, calm waters, and plenty of eager fish, it's a recipe for smiles all around. Don't miss out on this chance to share the thrill of the catch with your little ones. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so grab your rods and reels and let's get fishing!

Customer Reviews

Family Fish Fest Fun

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We had a great time on the water with Captain James. He was so kind and patient with our kids (6 and 8). They had so much fun reeling in fish on their own and the experience was truly a blessing to our family. We caught about 15-16 fish in 2 hours and had a blast. Can’t wait to book another trip with Rising Son Expeditions. Thanks again!

Read More
KL
Kevin L

August 13, 2024

Captain Cheer

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Captain James is a great guy. He was very nice to my three kids (12, 8 and 6). Although the fish were not biting, his friendliness and positivity ensured all of us still enjoyed the trip. Going out again in two days with Captain Trey because they are such nice captains!

Read More
MB
Michael B

July 8, 2024

Kids Catch Success

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Trey was patient and worked with the 2 kids we had on the trip. Despite the weather not being perfect conditions for fishing, he tried several spots for us to fish. Each of the kids caught fish and had a great time. Would definitely do again!

Read More
KJ
Kevin J

March 28, 2024

Trey Makes Our Day

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Captain Trey, was so helpful, kind, and fun! He knew what he was doing! Thanks so much for the experience! Will look you up next time! Renee, Dianna, Levi, Lucas!

RR
Renee R

August 6, 2024

Memory Making Trip

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Captain Trey took our kids out and literally made life long memories with these two anglers. Couldn’t recommend a better captain.

MB
Mike B

June 4, 2024

Captain Kid Whisperer

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We had a great time - Captain Trey was great with my boys. Very patient, kind & fun!

RA
Rachel A

March 30, 2024

Family Fish Delight

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Our family had a great time fishing with Captain Trey.

MB
Matthew B

August 3, 2024

Learn more about the species

Ladyfish

Ladyfish might not be the biggest catch, but they sure know how to put on a show. These skinny, silver missiles usually run 1 to 3 pounds and love to jump when hooked. You'll find them in bays, canals, and along beaches - pretty much anywhere there's moving water. They're around all year, but really fire up in summer. Anglers get a kick out of ladyfish for their acrobatics and how easy they are to catch. They'll hit just about any lure or bait you throw. My favorite way to target them is with a light spinning rod and small jigs. Just be ready for some wild action - these fish earned their nickname "poor man's tarpon" for a reason! Perfect for kids or anyone who wants non-stop action.

Ladyfish

Redfish

Redfish are a real treasure in our local waters. These copper-colored beauties usually run 20 to 30 inches, but can grow much bigger offshore. Look for them in super shallow flats, often with their backs sticking out of the water. They love hanging around oyster beds and grass edges. Fall's prime time when they're fattening up, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers go nuts for redfish because they fight hard and taste great. They'll hit just about anything when they're hungry - from topwater lures to live shrimp. Here's a local secret: on really sunny days, look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the mud. Cast just ahead of them and hold on tight!

Redfish

Sea Trout

Sea trout are a favorite around here, typically running 14 to 24 inches and 1 to 5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're active year-round, but winter's when they school up in deeper channels. Anglers love 'em for their fight and tasty, mild-flavored meat. These silvery beauties hit hard on artificial lures - try topwater plugs or soft plastics that mimic shrimp. My go-to trick is trolling slowly along grass edges when they're being stubborn. Just remember, they've got soft mouths, so go easy on the hook set. Whether you're after a fun catch or a delicious dinner, sea trout deliver on both counts.

Sea Trout

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are real characters of the sea, with their human-like teeth and prison-stripe bodies. They usually hang out around 1-8 pounds, but can grow up to 20 pounds if you're lucky. You'll find them near structures like docks, bridges, and reefs - anywhere with barnacles to munch on. Spring's the best time to catch 'em when they're spawning. Folks love targeting sheepshead because they put up a good fight and taste great. Just be ready for some frustration - these guys are notorious bait stealers. My top tip? Use a small, sharp hook and set it fast when you feel that telltale nibble. Patience is key with sheepshead, but landing one of these toothy critters is always a blast.

Sheepshead

About the Tran Sport Boats

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 46

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Looking for a fun morning activity for the kids in Santa Rosa Beach? This 2-hour inshore fishing trip is perfect for young anglers ages 4-17. You'll cruise the calm waters of Choctawhatchee Bay, where the little ones can try their hand at catch-and-release fishing. The friendly crew will teach fishing basics and help kids reel in their catches. With room for up to 6 guests, it's ideal for families wanting to share a laid-back fishing experience together. The bay offers scenic views and plenty of fish to keep kids engaged. No need to worry about licenses for the kiddos, making this an easy intro to fishing. Whether it's their first time holding a rod or they're budding fishing enthusiasts, this morning trip provides a safe, fun environment for children to enjoy being out on the water and potentially catch their first fish.
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Rising Son Expeditions is here to make your fishing trip the very best it can be. All necessary fishing gear will be provided. Plus, all anglers and ages are welcome. Make reservations today!

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