Flats Fishing For Kids

When in Florida, you've got to go fishing. There is nothing more relaxing than throwing a line in the water and there's nothing more exciting than when a fish hits your bait and you start reeling!

Kids love fishing but if you've been hesitant to take them out in a boat, flats fishing may be your ideal solution. Flats-fishing is perfect for children of all ages: The water’s shallow; there’s plenty of marine life to spy and action on the rods keeps boredom at bay.

Where to go:

Destin

Nicknamed the “world’s luckiest fishing village,” Destin offers everything from speckled trout on the flats to cobia near shore. Do “hook & cook” at Fisherman’s Wharf (bring your catch; they’ll cook it). Nothing better than fresh fish you’ve caught yourself!

Everglades City

On the west coast of Florida, about 35 miles from Naples, you’ll find the stone crab capital of the world! But you’ll also find amazing fishing on winding creeks choked full of redfish, trout, snapper, and more. The scenery is Old Florida and fabulous. Stay in the cabins at Miller’s World and walk across the street to Everglades National Park.

Florida Keys

From Key Largo to Key West, flats fishing here is not only a thrill, it’s educational – and it’s year round.  Glide along the mangroves and keep your eyes open for rays and manatees. Hook & cook at Hog Heaven in Islamorada, or most any restaurant in the Keys.

Fort Myers Beach

Kids will love reeling in catfish, ladyfish, snapper, redfish…and bottlenose dolphin are known to swim right up to the boat to say hello in Estero Bay. They’ll even play in the wake of the boat. Camera ready!

St. Augustine

Discover something new in the nation’s oldest city! Kids will love looking for creatures above and below the water (which is generally only 8 inches to 5 feet deep on the flats). What a great city to explore on land and by sea.

Stuart

The areas of Fort Pierce, Stuart, Jensen Beach and Jupiter are synonymous with some of the world's best inshore flats fishing, every month of the year. Hook up with trout, snook and redfish on the grassy flats. 

Tampa

Did you know that Tampa Bay is one of the country's largest estuaries? It’s not only excellent for flats fishing, you just might spot bobcats walking the mangrove shores or manatees surfacing for air. There is so much see here, your kids will love it, and so will you.