Looking to go on a kid-friendly fishing trip? Try flats fishing for a fun-filled day of nature, relaxation and hopefully, some catching.
If you’ve been hesitant to take your kids fishing, this is your ideal solution. Flats fishing is perfect for children of all ages: The water is shallow, there’s plenty of marine life to spy, and action on the rods keeps boredom at bay.
Nicknamed the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin offers everything from speckled trout on the flats to cobia near shore. Try “hook & cook” at Fisherman’s Wharf — bring your catch; they’ll cook it. fishermanswharfdestin.com
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. hookedupfishing.net
Kids will love reeling in trout, ladyfish, snapper and redfish. Bottlenose dolphin are known to swim right up to the boat to say hello in Estero Bay. facebook.com/soulmatecharters/
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. stuartinshorefishing.com
From Key Largo to Key West, flats fishing here is not only a thrill, it’s also 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. keysflatsguide.com
Did you know that Tampa Bay is the largest open water estuary in the state of Florida? Not only is it excellent for flats fishing, you just might spot bobcats walking the mangrove shores or manatees surfacing for air. inshoretampabay.com
