What age can kids go on a Destin fishing charter?

Most operators welcome ages 5+. Some accept younger children on private charters (at the captain's discretion). Half-day trips are best for young kids (ages 5-8). The crew handles all bait, tackle, and instruction -- no experience needed.

How much does a Destin fishing charter cost?

Party boat (shared, 4 hours): $75-100/person, includes rod and bait. Private charter (4 hours): $800-1200 for the boat. Private full-day: $1200-2000. Party boats are the most affordable. Tip captain/mate 15-20%.

Will kids actually catch fish in Destin?

Very likely, yes. Destin's proximity to deep water means productive fishing grounds are close to shore. On a typical half-day trip, multiple species are caught. The crew ensures beginners are set up for success.

What about seasickness on fishing charters?

Take motion sickness medication (Dramamine, Bonine) 30 minutes before departure. The Gulf is typically calm, but some motion is inevitable. Kids are more susceptible. Stay on deck and watch the horizon. Half-day trips are less likely to cause issues than full-day.

Pompano Fishing Charters

Name: Pompano Fishing Charters
Address: 314 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL, 32541, US
Telephone: (850) 837-2102
Rating: 4.7

Rating

4.7(2,200)

Family of 4

$300-800 depending on trip type.

Duration

4-8 hours

Best Ages

Best for ages 5-17

About

Destin earned the nickname 'World's Luckiest Fishing Village' because of its proximity to deep water. The 100-fathom curve (600-foot depth) is closer to shore here than almost anywhere else in the Gulf of Mexico, which means productive fishing grounds are accessible on short boat rides. For families, this translates to: your kids will catch fish.

Fishing charter options range from affordable shared party boats to premium private charters. Party boats carry 20-50 anglers and operate on a fixed schedule (typically 4-hour or 6-hour trips). Rods, bait, tackle, and instruction are included.

The crew finds fish spots, baits hooks, and assists anglers -- no experience necessary. Kids regularly catch red snapper, grouper, amberjack, king mackerel, and pompano on party boats.

Private charters provide a dedicated boat and captain for your group. Half-day private charters (4 hours) run $800-1200, which splits reasonably among families or groups. Private charters offer a personalized experience -- the captain focuses on your group, adjusts plans for kids' attention spans, and targets species based on conditions.

Longer trips can target bigger game fish (tuna, wahoo, sailfish).

For families with young children (ages 5-8), half-day trips are ideal. Four hours on a boat is enough to catch fish, see dolphins, and enjoy the Gulf without the fatigue and sun exposure of a full day. Older kids and teens can handle full-day trips that go further offshore for bigger fish.

Motion sickness is the primary concern. The Gulf is typically calm, but some rocking is inevitable. Take motion sickness medication 30 minutes before departure. Ginger chews and wristbands help some children. Staying on deck and watching the horizon reduces nausea.

Destin has dozens of charter operations. Harbor Walk Marina, Destin Fishing Fleet Marina, and independent captains all operate from Destin Harbor. Quality is generally high across operators -- the captains are experienced and the fishing is productive. Book in advance for weekends and peak season.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Nursing / Changing

Not Available

Kid Meals

Not Available

Setting

Outdoor

Rainy Day

Not ideal

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Year-round fishing in Destin. Spring and fall for the most comfortable weather. Summer for the best variety of species. Half-day trips (4 hours) are best for families with young kids. Book in advance for weekends.

Wait Times

Trips run on a scheduled departure. Book in advance, especially for weekends and peak season. Walk-on party boats (shared) are available same-day from several operators.

Nearby Food

Charters depart from Destin Harbor. Post-fishing: AJ's Seafood, Harbor Docks, Brotula's, Dewey Destin's -- all on the harbor. Ask your captain which restaurants will cook your catch.

Why Kids Love It

Destin calls itself the 'World's Luckiest Fishing Village,' and taking a fishing charter lets kids experience why. Even on a half-day trip, kids regularly catch red snapper, grouper, amberjack, king mackerel, and the prized pompano. The thrill of feeling a fish pull on the line, fighting it to the surface, and seeing a big fish come over the rail is visceral and unforgettable.

The crew does all the hard work -- baiting hooks, finding fish, instructing kids on technique, and handling the catch. Kids just need to hold the rod and reel when told. Deckhands are typically excellent with children, patient with tangles, and enthusiastic about every fish caught.

The boat ride is part of the fun -- cruising out of Destin Pass into the emerald-green Gulf of Mexico, seeing dolphins alongside the boat, and feeling the ocean breeze. Many charters let you keep your catch, and local restaurants will cook it for you (for a fee) -- eating fish your kid caught is a peak family experience.

Pro Tips from Parents

Half-day (4-hour) trips are ideal for families with young kids -- full-day trips can be long and tiring
Motion sickness is common -- take medication 30 minutes before departure (Dramamine or Bonine for kids)
The crew handles everything: bait, tackle, instruction, and fish handling. No experience needed.
Party boats (shared trips) are the most affordable and perfectly good for a first-time fishing experience
Many Destin restaurants will cook your catch for you -- ask the crew for recommendations

What to Bring

sunscreen SPF 50
hat with strap
polarized sunglasses
motion sickness medication
snacks and water
camera
dry clothes

Cost Info

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

$300-800 depending on trip type.

Party boat (shared, 4 hours): $75-100/person.

Private charter (4 hours): $800-1200 for the boat (split among passengers).

Math: party boat 4 x $85 = $340.

Private charter: $900 / 4 people = $225/person.

Tip captain/mate 15-20%.

Tips to Save

Party boats (shared trips) are the most affordable option: $75-100/person for a half-day trip, rod and bait included.
Private charters cost $800+ but are split among your group -- better value with 6 people.
Half-day (4-hour) trips are sufficient for families with young kids.
Tip 15-20%.