West Central Florida's salt water options are many. Monster breeder redfish, 50 pound Kingfish, Mackerel by the thousands and Little Tunny until your arms fall off. The bite is awesome with water temps in the mid 70's. But often trips target smaller species such as trout, flounder, snapper, mackerel. Many of Captain Steven's charters are family's with small children not a group looking for battle. Its more about quality family time than the quarry.
Children being introduced into fishing is one of Captain Steven's favorite trips. Often I have the pleasure of witnessing their first fish! I use the KISS method keeping this simple and fun. For starters the live well is full of baitfish as it becomes an adventure for many children. I purposely carry a spare net just for kids to play with or as a back up when for when the net goes missing J.
Shallow grass flats loaded with spotted sea trout is a kid friendly zone and by the way adults love it to. Once the action starts its like Disney World with cheering, hollering and tons of excitement. The smile on the children's faces tell the entire story. I am often impressed how quickly children learn after catching a few.
Often these flats offer other species that keeps things exciting. I have had trips where kids have caught upwards of 10 species in a day. Be ready as salt water flats also hold bigger fish. I love watching Mom or Dad holding on. Mix in watching dolphin, manatees and Egrets to keep things interested. Catch a small shark and Captain Steven becomes a hero.
I encourage Mom and Dad to bring the kids favorite CD's as these trips don't require stealth mode. Small lightweight spinning gear is important as to not be to heavy for kids to hold or use comfortably. I use a baits under a float (for me to see) and circle hooks so all that's needed is to reel and enjoy. Keep initial trips to 4 hours until their attention span grows.
Captain Steven Markovich
www.onthemarkcharters.com
