%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F950%2Fimages%2Fpng_horizontalblack.png&w=1200&q=100)
Expert-Guided Kids' Fishing Trip in North Carolina
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Topsail Beach, NC
- $75 - $1,750 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F3a7d1885-5754-4d72-a7bb-03742a524a75%2Fratecard%2Fimage95.png&w=1200&q=75)
Little Anglers in Action
null
null
Skipjack the fishing dawg approves of this trip!
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
Skipjack the fishing dawg approves of this trip!
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
null
Skipjack the fishing dawg approves of this trip!
null
Kid-Friendly Fishing Fun in North Carolina
Hey there, parents! Looking for a way to introduce your little ones to the joy of fishing without overwhelming them? Our 3-hour Kids' Fun Fishing Trip is just the ticket. We've designed this trip with young anglers in mind, focusing on creating smiles and memories rather than chasing trophy fish. It's the perfect way to get your kiddos hooked on fishing without the challenges of a full day at sea.
Trip Overview
This isn't your typical hardcore fishing charter - we're all about making sure the kids have a blast. We'll stay in calm, protected waters where the little ones can get their sea legs without any worry. Our experienced crew knows how to keep things light, fun, and engaging for young fishers. We'll teach them the basics of baiting a hook, casting a line, and the thrill of reeling in their very first catch. And don't worry about bringing life jackets - we've got you covered with kid-sized PFDs on board (though if you've got a comfy one at home, feel free to bring it along).
Fishing 101 for the Littles
We keep things simple and age-appropriate on this trip. We'll use light tackle that's easy for small hands to handle, and focus on species that are fun to catch and plentiful in our waters. Think bottom fishing for flounder or dropping lines for pinfish - nothing too complicated, but guaranteed to get some tugs on the line. We might even troll for some Spanish mackerel if conditions are right. The key here is hands-on learning and lots of encouragement. Our crew is patient and knows how to make every catch feel like a big win, even if it's just a tiny pinfish!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Summer Flounder: These flatfish are a kid-favorite because they're just so darn cool looking! They're masters of camouflage, blending in with the sandy bottom. When you hook one, it feels like you're reeling in a kite - they put up a fun little fight that's perfect for young anglers. Plus, their bug-eyes and ability to change color never fail to get a giggle out of the kids.
Pinfish: Don't let their small size fool you - pinfish are the perfect "starter fish" for kids. They're abundant, easy to catch, and have a feisty attitude that makes for an exciting catch. Their shimmery scales and distinctive dorsal fin spines make them interesting to look at, and they're often the first fish many kids catch on their own.
Spanish Mackerel: If we're lucky enough to spot a school, we might try for these speedy swimmers. Spanish mackerel are known for their quick runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked, which can be thrilling for kids to experience. They're most common in the warmer months and provide a great chance to teach kids about fish migration patterns.
Bluefish: These guys are the bullies of the sea, but in a size that's manageable for kids. Bluefish are known for their aggressive strikes and strong fights, which can really get the adrenaline pumping for young anglers. They travel in schools, so when we find them, everyone on board usually gets in on the action.
Black Sea Bass: With their striking black color and white-tipped fins, sea bass are a cool-looking catch that kids love. They're usually found around structure like reefs or wrecks, so catching them can be a bit like a treasure hunt. They don't grow too big in the inshore waters, making them perfect for kids to reel in without too much struggle.
What to Expect on the Water
Our 3-hour trip is the perfect length for kids who might get antsy on longer excursions. We'll cruise out to some known hotspots where the fish are biting, but we're always ready to move if the action slows down. The beauty of fishing with kids is in the moments between catches - watching for dolphins, spotting seabirds, or even just enjoying the rocking of the boat. We'll make sure there's never a dull moment, even if the fish decide to take a lunch break.
Why Families Keep Coming Back
Parents love our Kids' Fun Fishing Trip because it's stress-free and tailored for success. We provide all the gear, bait, and know-how, so you can focus on making memories with your little ones. Plus, our smaller group size (max 4 guests) means plenty of personal attention from our guides. It's not about filling the cooler - it's about filling your camera roll with proud smiles and maybe sparking a lifelong passion for fishing.
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to give your kids a taste of life on the water? Our Kids' Fun Fishing Trip is a customer favorite that often books up fast, especially during school breaks and summer weekends. Remember, this isn't just a fishing trip - it's a chance to bond with your kids, teach them about nature, and maybe even catch dinner (if you're lucky!). So why wait? Grab your sunscreen, pack some snacks, and let's get those kiddos out on the water for some good old-fashioned fishing fun. Book your spot with Katfish Kayak and Fishing Adventures today, and let's make some waves (and memories) together!
Learn more about the species
Black Sea Bass
Pinfish might be small, but they're perfect for getting kids hooked on fishing. These little guys usually run 4-8 inches long, rarely over a pound. You'll find them in shallow waters around grass flats, oyster bars, and pilings. They're here year-round but are most active in warmer months. What's fun about pinfish is how easy they are to catch - great for building confidence in young anglers. We'll use light tackle, maybe even cane poles for the real little ones. Small hooks baited with bits of shrimp or squid do the trick. Kids love how these fish put up a scrappy little fight despite their size. While they're too small to eat, pinfish make excellent live bait for bigger fish. It's a great way to teach kids about the food chain in action. A local tip: if you're catching a bunch of pinfish, try using one as live bait - you might hook into something bigger!
Bluefish
Summer Flounder, or fluke as we call 'em, are crafty ambush predators that kids get a kick out of catching. These flatfish usually run 2-5 pounds, though big doormats can hit 20+. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms, often near structures like wrecks or reefs. They're most active here from late spring through early fall. What's neat about fluke is how they change color to blend in with the bottom. We'll drift or slowly troll, bouncing baits or jigs along the bottom. Light to medium tackle works well - I like to use circle hooks to make releasing easier for the kids. Fluke put up a decent fight, with some head shaking and short runs. The fun part is seeing their weird shape when they come up. They're also delicious eating, with sweet white meat. A local tip: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Let the fish take it and start reeling - they often grab the tail of the bait first before turning to swallow it.
Pinfish
Bluefish are the bad boys of the coast - aggressive, toothy, and always ready for a fight. These guys usually run 3-10 pounds, but can get up to 20. You'll find them in our bays and along the beaches from summer through fall, often churning up the water in feeding frenzies we call "blitzes." Blues are fast swimmers and voracious eaters, chasing schools of smaller fish. They'll hit just about any lure or bait that moves. For the kids, we'll use medium tackle with wire leaders - those teeth are no joke! Oily baitfish like mullet or menhaden work great. What makes blues fun is their aggressive strikes and hard runs. Even smaller ones put up a good fight. Just be careful handling them - I'll show the kids how to grip them safely. While they're not the best eating when big, smaller "snappers" are pretty tasty grilled fresh. A local tip: if you see birds diving, there's a good chance blues are feeding below.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel are speedy little rockets that'll give kids a thrill. These silver torpedoes usually run 2-4 pounds and about 20 inches long. We find them near the surface in open water, often in big schools chasing bait fish. They're here in the warmer months, typically from spring through fall. What's fun about Spanish is how fast they hit - blink and you'll miss it. We'll use light tackle, maybe 7-foot rods with 12-20 pound line. Small shiny lures like spoons work great, or we can try live bait like small mullet. Kids love how these fish zip and jump when hooked. Spanish are perfect for young anglers because they're not too big to handle, but still put up an exciting fight. They're also excellent eating - some of the best-tasting fish out there. A local trick: if you see fish skipping across the surface, that's often Spanish chasing bait. Cast just beyond them and reel fast for some action.
Summer Flounder
Black Sea Bass are feisty little fighters that'll give kids a fun challenge. These plump, dark-colored fish usually run 2-4 pounds, though some big boys can hit 8 pounds or more. You'll find them hanging around underwater structures like jetties, wrecks, and rocky bottoms. Late spring to summer is prime time, when they move inshore. The bigger males tend to stay deeper, so we'll target 30-120 feet of water. What's cool about these guys is they're all born female and some switch to male later. They put up a good scrap until they break the surface. We'll use medium rods with 20-30 pound line and bottom rigs baited with squid or cut fish. A local trick: try a two-hook rig to double your chances. Kids love catching these, and they make for some tasty eating too. Just remember, there are seasonal restrictions we'll need to follow.
