Hey there, fellow anglers! If you're looking to get the kiddos hooked on fishing, I've got just the trip for you. Captain Geoff Horowitz's full-day adventure in Fort Pierce is tailor-made for young anglers, mixing excitement with education in the beautiful Indian River Lagoon. With 8 hours on the water, your little ones will have plenty of time to reel in some memories (and hopefully a few fish too)!
Picture this: calm waters, a gentle breeze, and the excited chatter of kids as they spot their first fish. That's what you're in for on this trip. Captain Geoff knows his stuff when it comes to keeping kids engaged. He'll set them up with easy-to-use tackle and show them the ropes at a pace that's just right. No pressure, just pure fun. You'll be cruising the protected waters of the Indian River Lagoon, a hotspot for snapper, trout, and other cool catches. And parents, you can kick back and relax – Captain Geoff's got the fishing part covered.
This isn't your hardcore fishing trip – it's all about introducing kids to the joy of the catch. Captain Geoff will break down the basics, from baiting hooks to reading the water. He's got a knack for explaining things in a way that keeps kids interested. They'll learn about different types of fish, how to handle their catch safely, and maybe even pick up a thing or two about conservation. It's hands-on learning at its best, and before you know it, they'll be showing you how it's done!
I've seen plenty of kids step off the boat at the end of the day, grinning from ear to ear. It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. It's the whole experience: the thrill of being on the water, learning new skills, and spending quality time together. Plus, the Indian River Lagoon is like a giant aquarium. Even when the fish aren't biting, there's always something to see, from dolphins to manatees. It's the kind of day that turns into favorite family stories for years to come.
Let's talk about the stars of the show – the fish! First up, we've got snook. These guys are like the rock stars of inshore fishing. They're sneaky, putting up a good fight, and kids love the challenge. Best time to catch 'em? Early morning or late afternoon when they're out hunting.
Next, there's the grey snapper. Don't let their name fool you – these fish are anything but dull. They're smart cookies, so it takes a bit of skill to catch them. But when you do, it's totally worth it. They're around all year, but summer's when they really come out to play.
Sheepshead are another fun catch. With their distinctive black and white stripes, they look like they're wearing prison uniforms. They love hanging around structures like docks and bridges. Winter's the prime time for these guys, and they're a blast for kids to catch because they nibble the bait in such a funny way.
Sea trout, or spotted seatrout as we sometimes call them, are a favorite among young anglers. They're not too hard to catch, which means more excitement and less frustration for the kids. Spring and fall are great seasons for trout fishing.
Last but not least, we've got the tripletail. These oddballs of the fishing world are a real treat to catch. They have this weird habit of floating sideways near the surface, looking like floating debris. It's like a game of I-spy on the water, and kids get a kick out of spotting them. Summer's your best bet for tripletail action.
Alright, folks, if you're ready to create some lasting memories with your kids, this is the trip for you. Captain Geoff's full-day adventure is more than just a fishing trip – it's a chance to spark a lifelong passion in your little ones. With his patient teaching style, the amazing variety of fish in the Indian River Lagoon, and the laid-back vibe of Fort Pierce, you've got all the ingredients for an awesome family day out. So grab your sunscreen, pack some snacks, and get ready for some serious fun on the water. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner!
Grey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are a fun target for anglers of all skill levels. These fish usually run 1-3 pounds but can reach up to 20 pounds in deeper waters. You'll find them hanging around structures like docks, reefs, and mangroves in the lagoon. They're opportunistic feeders, so live shrimp or small baitfish work well. Grey snapper are most active at night, making them a great species for evening fishing trips. Anglers enjoy targeting them for their tasty white meat and the challenge of pulling them away from structure. A local tip: when you feel that telltale nibble, don't set the hook right away. Let the snapper take the bait and start to run before reeling. It's all about timing with these clever fish. And keep your drag set light - they're known for making quick dashes back to cover.
Sea trout, also known as spotted seatrout, are a favorite target in the Indian River Lagoon. These silvery fish typically range from 1-5 pounds, though some monsters can reach 15 pounds or more. Look for them in grassy flats and around deeper channels, especially at dawn and dusk when they're feeding. Sea trout are most active in spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate. Anglers love chasing them for their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. To land a nice one, try using live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastic lures that mimic small baitfish. Here's a local trick: on calm mornings, listen for their distinctive "popping" sound as they feed on the surface. This can clue you in to where a school is hanging out. Just remember to work your lure slowly – sea trout often prefer a more subtle presentation.
Sheepshead are a unique-looking fish with distinct black and white stripes, earning them the nickname "convict fish." They typically weigh 1-8 pounds and hang out around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs. These fish are notorious bait stealers thanks to their human-like teeth, which they use to crunch barnacles and crabs. Spring is prime time for sheepshead fishing as they gather to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their tasty white meat and the challenge they present. To catch one, use small hooks baited with fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp. Here's a pro tip: when you feel a nibble, wait a second before setting the hook. Sheepshead are masters at stealing bait, so give them time to really take it. Patience is key with these crafty fish!
Snook are one of the most sought-after gamefish in Florida. These hard-fighting predators typically run 1-2 feet long but can reach over 4 feet. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and other structures in the Indian River Lagoon. Snook are ambush feeders, so look for them in areas with moving water and cover. They're most active spring through fall when water temps are warm. Anglers love targeting snook for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. The meat is excellent eating too, with a mild, flaky texture. To land a big one, try live bait like mullet or pinfish near structure during incoming tides. Just be ready for an explosive hit - snook are known for their lightning-fast attacks and powerful runs. It's a rush when you hook into one of these bruisers!
Tripletail are odd-looking but delicious fish that offer a unique challenge for anglers. They typically weigh 2-13 pounds and have a distinctive rounded shape. You'll often find them floating near the surface around buoys, channel markers, or floating debris. Tripletail are ambush predators, so they'll often look like floating leaves until they strike. They're most active in warmer months when water temps are above 70°F. Anglers love targeting them for their firm, tasty white meat and the sight-fishing opportunities they provide. To catch one, try casting live shrimp or small crabs near floating structure. Here's a pro tip: approach slowly and quietly. These fish spook easily, so stealth is key. Once you spot one, cast past it and slowly retrieve your bait into its field of vision. The strike can be explosive, so be ready!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Johnson
Maximum Cruising Speed: 38
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115