Kids Fishing Trips
As the first charter company to offer kids fishing charters in Destin and Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Scallywag Charters' Kid-Friendly Fishing Trips are the highest rated in Destin! But don't just take our word for it—come and see for yourself. Let us help your kids fall in love with fishing! Our charters are designed to introduce fishing and boating to your children without spending the entire day out on the water.
We aim for your kids to enjoy their first boat experience. There's nothing like seeing them get excited about fishing and that's exactly what these trips are about! We treat your kids like our own, understanding that younger anglers have shorter attention spans and we've geared these trips around that. We do everything we can to ensure their time on the water is amazing, making them eager to return for more.
Our kids' trips, perfect for all ages, are shorter and more flexible, especially for families with younger children or first timers. These trips take place in the calm waters of Destin Harbor and Choctawhatchee Bay, maximizing fishing time and providing a firsthand fishing experience. Expect light tackle fishing and beautiful scenery, with regular sightings of dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, sharks, and marine birds. These trips are fun for the whole family and offer incredible photo opportunities!
Add-Ons:
We strive to keep the action and excitement high. If the kids feel they’ve caught enough fish, that’s perfectly fine. Our goal is to keep the action and excitement as fast as possible while aiming to keep the drive time to a minimum. We target the best biting species at the time of your charter, which can vary by season.
We catch multiple species, including but not limited to Bluefish, Pinfish, Ladyfish, Redfish, Black Drum, Trout, Mangrove Snapper, Catfish, Permit, Pompano, and Spanish Mackerel.
Note: Kids fishing trips are catch and release. Ask us about adding an extra hour for a dolphin cruise. Our most popular trips are 3 hours long.
We aim for your kids to enjoy their first boat experience. There's nothing like seeing them get excited about fishing and that's exactly what these trips are about! We treat your kids like our own, understanding that younger anglers have shorter attention spans and we've geared these trips around that. We do everything we can to ensure their time on the water is amazing, making them eager to return for more.
Our kids' trips, perfect for all ages, are shorter and more flexible, especially for families with younger children or first timers. These trips take place in the calm waters of Destin Harbor and Choctawhatchee Bay, maximizing fishing time and providing a firsthand fishing experience. Expect light tackle fishing and beautiful scenery, with regular sightings of dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, sharks, and marine birds. These trips are fun for the whole family and offer incredible photo opportunities!
Add-Ons:
- Add an extra hour for a dolphin cruise, sunset cruise, or a trip around Crab Island to enjoy the emerald green waters.
We strive to keep the action and excitement high. If the kids feel they’ve caught enough fish, that’s perfectly fine. Our goal is to keep the action and excitement as fast as possible while aiming to keep the drive time to a minimum. We target the best biting species at the time of your charter, which can vary by season.
We catch multiple species, including but not limited to Bluefish, Pinfish, Ladyfish, Redfish, Black Drum, Trout, Mangrove Snapper, Catfish, Permit, Pompano, and Spanish Mackerel.
Note: Kids fishing trips are catch and release. Ask us about adding an extra hour for a dolphin cruise. Our most popular trips are 3 hours long.
Bay Fishing Charters
On our Inshore Fishing Charters, you can expect to fish with light spinning tackle in the Choctawhatchee Bay, the Intercoastal Waterway, the Santa Rosa Sound, and surrounding bayous and inlets. If you’re worried about getting seasick, these trips are the perfect solution! Bay fishing trips are conducted in the calm backwaters surrounded by land and gorgeous scenery. These trips are ideal for all ages. Whether you're an avid angler or just looking for family fun, fishing in the calm backwaters of the Choctawhatchee Bay is a perfect choice!
Most of the fishing on these charters takes place over grass flats, docks, bridges, jetties, and oyster beds using live bait, with occasional use of artificial bait. We typically use lightweight rods and light tackle spinning reels. Our equipment is top-notch and suitable for all experience levels! If you prefer using your own gear, feel free to bring your fly rod or camera equipment. Just remember, space is limited on board the fishing vessel.
Our fishery changes throughout the year. The most common year-round species are Redfish, Black Drum, and Speckled Trout. Other species you might encounter include Mangrove Snapper, Black Snapper, Sheepshead, Pompano, Permit, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, Bluefish, Ladyfish, and Jack Crevalle. These species are targeted seasonally and vary month to month.
Don't be fooled by the light tackle—there’s always a chance to hook into some real sea monsters! Bull Redfish are one of the top apex species we commonly target, and these Redfish will give you the ride of your life, testing every ounce of your skill!
Our most popular trips are 5-hour excursions.
Most of the fishing on these charters takes place over grass flats, docks, bridges, jetties, and oyster beds using live bait, with occasional use of artificial bait. We typically use lightweight rods and light tackle spinning reels. Our equipment is top-notch and suitable for all experience levels! If you prefer using your own gear, feel free to bring your fly rod or camera equipment. Just remember, space is limited on board the fishing vessel.
Our fishery changes throughout the year. The most common year-round species are Redfish, Black Drum, and Speckled Trout. Other species you might encounter include Mangrove Snapper, Black Snapper, Sheepshead, Pompano, Permit, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, Bluefish, Ladyfish, and Jack Crevalle. These species are targeted seasonally and vary month to month.
Don't be fooled by the light tackle—there’s always a chance to hook into some real sea monsters! Bull Redfish are one of the top apex species we commonly target, and these Redfish will give you the ride of your life, testing every ounce of your skill!
Our most popular trips are 5-hour excursions.
Nearshore and Offshore Gulf Fishing Charters
Nearshore Gulf Fishing Trips take place within 9 miles of the shore and typically last anywhere from 4-12 hours, with 6 hours being the most common duration. Offshore Gulf Fishing Trips start at a minimum of 6 hours and extend beyond 9 miles, ranging from half-day to multi-day trips depending on the vessel.
On Scallywag's Nearshore Gulf Fishing Charters, you can expect:
Offshore Destin, the Gulf’s bottom contour drops quickly, offering abundant fishing opportunities year-round. While there are seasonal species closures that prevent harvesting, catch and release remains an option.
Our 6-8 hour trips are the most requested trip lengths
On Scallywag's Nearshore Gulf Fishing Charters, you can expect:
- Bottom Fishing: Fish in 60-120 feet of water for species such as Red Snappers, Vermillion Snappers, Pogies, Grey Triggerfish, Amberjacks, and various Groupers using live, dead, or artificial baits over natural and artificial wrecks.
- Trolling: Done over wrecks or natural bottoms with natural or artificial baits for pelagic species like King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Blackfin Tuna, Wahoo, and Sailfish.
- Sight Fishing: One of the most exciting ways to target Bull Redfish, Cobia, Jack Crevalle, and Tarpon. Spotting and casting at fish along the beach is thrilling as you watch them take the bait.
Offshore Destin, the Gulf’s bottom contour drops quickly, offering abundant fishing opportunities year-round. While there are seasonal species closures that prevent harvesting, catch and release remains an option.
Our 6-8 hour trips are the most requested trip lengths
Shark Fishing Charters
You'll be AMAZED at the sheer power of larger Reef Sharks and Tiger Sharks and the agility and acrobatic displays of Spinner Sharks and Black Tip Sharks! We catch sharks on medium to heavy spinning gear in shallow waters. Let this be the experience of your lifetime! These pelagic species never fail to impress with their full display of power as apex predators of the Gulf of Mexico!
Shark fishing is generally better from May to early October, with the best months typically being May through August. In the colder winter months, these species tend to move offshore into deeper waters and are tougher to find close by.
Trip Options
Fishing Methods
The bottom contour offshore Destin, FL, drops off relatively quickly, offering more fishing opportunities than other parts of the Gulf. Fishing in the Gulf Offshore and Nearshore is excellent year-round, with seasonal species closures for harvesting but still allowing for catch and release.
Experience the thrill of shark fishing with us and create unforgettable memories!
Shark fishing is generally better from May to early October, with the best months typically being May through August. In the colder winter months, these species tend to move offshore into deeper waters and are tougher to find close by.
Trip Options
- 5-6 Hour Trips: Our most requested trips. Perfect for those who can't decide between shark and gulf fishing. These trips allow enough time for gulf fishing and finding a few sharks to chum in and fight.
Fishing Methods
- Anchoring and Chumming: Soak large baits (usually stingray or bonito slabs) for 200+lb sharks. Typically, we fish 2-3 rods dedicated to shark fishing. If conditions allow, we may fish for other species while waiting for sharks.
- Sight Fishing: Target smaller 60-120lb sharks with pitch baits in shallow water, especially in summer. This method is a great introduction for kids to shark fishing but not for massive sharks.
The bottom contour offshore Destin, FL, drops off relatively quickly, offering more fishing opportunities than other parts of the Gulf. Fishing in the Gulf Offshore and Nearshore is excellent year-round, with seasonal species closures for harvesting but still allowing for catch and release.
Experience the thrill of shark fishing with us and create unforgettable memories!
Custom Fishing Charters
Scallywag Charters offers the best fishing experiences in one of the top vacation destinations! Whether you're looking to fish off the white sand beaches in the crystal-clear, emerald green gulf waters along the beautiful Emerald Coast, or prefer inshore fishing in the numerous bayous and waterways of Choctawhatchee Bay and Santa Rosa Sound, the surrounding scenery is breathtaking! Our Kids Fishing Trips are the highest rated in Destin.
Each fishing vessel has a maximum occupancy of 6 passengers. For parties of 6 or more, we can arrange multiple boats. If you’re unsure of which type of trip to choose or simply want to fish for whatever is biting best, we recommend a Bay/Gulf Fishing Trip. Let us know your preference when booking, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Call or text Marisa directly to book your trip at 850-218-6827. You can also fill out the contact form with custom requests or book online.
Each fishing vessel has a maximum occupancy of 6 passengers. For parties of 6 or more, we can arrange multiple boats. If you’re unsure of which type of trip to choose or simply want to fish for whatever is biting best, we recommend a Bay/Gulf Fishing Trip. Let us know your preference when booking, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Call or text Marisa directly to book your trip at 850-218-6827. You can also fill out the contact form with custom requests or book online.
Captain's Choice Fishing Charters
Formerly known as our Bay/Gulf Trip, Captain's Choice Fishing Charters offer a unique and flexible fishing experience. Perfect for those who don’t have a specific preference, these trips allow your captain to decide the best fishing spot based on current conditions, recent catches, and their expert knowledge.
Whether it’s bottom fishing for Red Snappers and Groupers, trolling for King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel, or sight fishing for Bull Redfish and Tarpon, Captain’s Choice Fishing Charters ensure an exciting and rewarding day on the water.
Our captains' expertise and flexibility mean you'll always have the best chance for a great catch, no matter what’s biting. Book your adventure today and let us tailor the perfect fishing experience for you!
- Inshore Fishing: Your captain may choose to fish in the calm and scenic waters of Choctawhatchee Bay, the Intercoastal Waterway, Santa Rosa Sound, and surrounding bayous and inlets. Inshore trips are ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed fishing experience without the concerns of seasickness.
- Nearshore Fishing: Alternatively, your captain might opt for the nearshore waters of the Gulf within 9 miles of the coast. These trips offer the chance to target a variety of species using light to medium tackle in the beautiful emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Whether it’s bottom fishing for Red Snappers and Groupers, trolling for King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel, or sight fishing for Bull Redfish and Tarpon, Captain’s Choice Fishing Charters ensure an exciting and rewarding day on the water.
Our captains' expertise and flexibility mean you'll always have the best chance for a great catch, no matter what’s biting. Book your adventure today and let us tailor the perfect fishing experience for you!
Dolphin Cruises - Sunset Cruises - Fireworks Cruises
1 - 1.5 Hour Cruise
Are you looking to leave the fishing poles at home? Take a relaxing cruise on a private boat with your own designated driver. Adventure along the beautiful Florida Coast! Perfect for all ages.
On your Dolphin Cruise, enjoy the beautiful scenery and crystal-clear emerald green waters of Destin, Florida. Be on the lookout for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, stingrays, and more! Get ready to relax and enjoy your beach vacation to the fullest. Capture the perfect photo opportunities with your camera, GoPro, or drone! Alcohol is allowed on board, but NO glass containers are permitted. Book a late afternoon dolphin cruise and enjoy breathtaking sunset views on your own private vessel.
Sunset Cruises and Dolphin Cruises can also be added to your fishing charter with advance notice and pending availability. Contact us for details!
Experience a magical evening while you cruise the Destin Harbor, with the best seats in the house, to see the Emerald Grande and HarborWalk Village Fireworks Show on your own private Fireworks Cruise. Private parties for up to 6 passengers. Join us on select summer nights for a fireworks cruise in Destin, FL! (Dolphins not included)
Contact Us directly at 850-218-6827 for specific dates and times. Reservations must be made in advance with a deposit.
On your Dolphin Cruise, enjoy the beautiful scenery and crystal-clear emerald green waters of Destin, Florida. Be on the lookout for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, stingrays, and more! Get ready to relax and enjoy your beach vacation to the fullest. Capture the perfect photo opportunities with your camera, GoPro, or drone! Alcohol is allowed on board, but NO glass containers are permitted. Book a late afternoon dolphin cruise and enjoy breathtaking sunset views on your own private vessel.
Sunset Cruises and Dolphin Cruises can also be added to your fishing charter with advance notice and pending availability. Contact us for details!
Experience a magical evening while you cruise the Destin Harbor, with the best seats in the house, to see the Emerald Grande and HarborWalk Village Fireworks Show on your own private Fireworks Cruise. Private parties for up to 6 passengers. Join us on select summer nights for a fireworks cruise in Destin, FL! (Dolphins not included)
Contact Us directly at 850-218-6827 for specific dates and times. Reservations must be made in advance with a deposit.
When To Visit The Beaches of Destin, FL:
Scallywag Charters offers fishing trips throughout the year. The most popular times to visit Destin, Florida are during Spring Break, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and in October for the Destin Fishing Rodeo! We run fishing trips multiple times each day and are located within about a 1-hour drive or less to the following areas: Fort Walton Beach, Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Pensacola, Destin, Miramar Beach, 30A, and Panama City Beach. We recommend visiting in the Spring or Fall to avoid heavy crowds while still enjoying the warm beach weather. Even November and December can host mild and pleasant fishing opportunities, but it can get cold early in the morning and after the sun sets.
Our vessels are located 3.5 miles west of the Destin Bridge in Destin, FL. We are on Okaloosa Island, just south of Fort Walton Beach and Brooks Bridge. Scallywag Charters is tucked along Choctawhatchee Bay and minutes from the Gulf of Mexico. We are next to Destin West Bay Resort and Destin West RV Resort, right behind Rick's on the Island restaurant. We're about 1 mile from Santa Rosa Blvd in Fort Walton Beach and directly across the street from The Island Resort and Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier.
Address: 1318 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Our vessels are located 3.5 miles west of the Destin Bridge in Destin, FL. We are on Okaloosa Island, just south of Fort Walton Beach and Brooks Bridge. Scallywag Charters is tucked along Choctawhatchee Bay and minutes from the Gulf of Mexico. We are next to Destin West Bay Resort and Destin West RV Resort, right behind Rick's on the Island restaurant. We're about 1 mile from Santa Rosa Blvd in Fort Walton Beach and directly across the street from The Island Resort and Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier.
Address: 1318 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548