Fishing With Kids in Key West

Fishing With Kids in Key West

Yes, kids can go fishing in Key West aboard the Gulfstream IV, and there is no minimum age for our regular fishing trip. We welcome families with everyone from infants and toddlers to teenagers, and you don't have to charter an entire boat to bring your children fishing - families simply reserve individual seats on our shared 6-hour trip.

Is There a Minimum Age?

There is no minimum age on our regular fishing trip. Babies and toddlers are welcome aboard.

One thing parents should know: every passenger aboard counts toward the vessel's permitted passenger capacity, regardless of age. That's why an infant needs a ticket even though they may not be fishing at all.

What It Costs to Bring Kids Fishing

- Adult (age 13+) - $69.95
- Child (age 12 and under) - $42.95
- Infant (under age 5) - $39.95

The infant fare is simply a lower fare inside the 12-and-under group: if your child is under 5, you pay $39.95 rather than $42.95. Bait, tackle and the fishing license are included, and rod rental is $5 if you'd rather not bring your own. Full booking details and what's included are on our Key West party boat trip page.

What the Trip Is Like for Kids

Our regular trip leaves at 10 AM and returns at 4 PM - six hours, fishing roughly 3-10 miles offshore in about 20 to 100+ feet of water depending on conditions and where we're fishing. We anchor up and fish, rather than running long distances, so there's steady action at the rail instead of a long ride.

We've taken kids of all ages fishing aboard the Gulfstream IV. Babies often sleep through a surprising amount of the trip with the motion of the boat, while little kids tend to get a kick out of seeing what's coming over the rail. Older kids usually settle right into the fishing itself.

Fishing isn't non-stop action, though. It helps to tell kids ahead of time that there's some waiting involved, and that the payoff comes when something finally pulls back. Curious what your family might catch? Our Key West species guide shows the snapper, grouper and other reef fish that come over the rail, and the latest fishing report covers what's been biting recently.

How Our Crew Helps Young Anglers

Our mates work the rail all day, and that includes the kids. They'll:

- Bait hooks
- Show your child how to hold and use the rod
- Walk them through the fishing process
- Take fish off the hook

This is the normal crew assistance every passenger gets on board - not a separate children's program - and it's the reason parents can actually fish too.

What Parents Should Bring

- Sunscreen - apply before boarding and bring extra
- Hats and sunglasses - wide brims protect little faces
- A small cooler - bring your own food and drinks; familiar snacks work best
- Water - the Florida sun is no joke
- A change of clothes - fishing is a wet, messy business
- A camera or phone - for the fish photos you'll actually keep

Restrooms, Cabin & Seating

The Gulfstream IV is a 56-foot vessel with 2 restrooms, an enclosed interior cabin and partially covered outdoor seating, so families can get out of the sun or step inside for a break. There is currently no air conditioning aboard. Strollers are allowed, and parking is free directly behind the boat.

Life Jackets

The vessel carries the required adult life jackets and currently has 7 children's life jackets aboard. If you're bringing a very young child or an infant and have questions about appropriate life jacket sizing or availability for your child, please contact us before your trip so we can talk it through.

Seasickness and Kids

Beyond that, the usual preparation helps: a light meal beforehand, plenty of water, fresh air and a spot where they can watch the horizon. Our general seasickness preparation guide covers what tends to work for adults on the water.

A Few Simple Rules on Board

- Listen to the crew's instructions
- Stay seated while the boat is moving
- Keep hands away from hooks and fish teeth
- Let the mate handle anything toothy coming over the rail

Frequently Asked Questions

Can children go fishing in Key West?
Yes. Children are welcome aboard the Gulfstream IV's regular 6-hour Key West fishing trip, which departs at 10 AM and returns at 4 PM. Families reserve individual seats, so there's no need to charter a whole boat.

Is there a minimum age to fish on the Gulfstream?
No. There is no minimum age for children on our regular fishing trip. Babies and toddlers are welcome aboard.

Can I bring a baby or toddler?
Yes. Infants and toddlers are welcome. Every passenger aboard counts toward the vessel's permitted passenger capacity regardless of age, so infants still need a ticket even if they aren't fishing.

How much does it cost for kids?
Adults age 13 and up are $69.95. Children age 12 and under are $42.95. Infants under age 5 are $39.95. Rod rental is $5 if you need one, and bait, tackle and the fishing license are included.

Will the crew help my child fish?
Yes. Our mates bait hooks, show kids how to use the rod, walk them through the fishing process and take fish off the hook. This is the normal crew assistance every passenger gets.

Are there restrooms on the boat?
Yes, the Gulfstream IV has 2 restrooms, plus an enclosed interior cabin and partially covered outdoor seating. There is currently no air conditioning aboard.

Can we bring food and drinks?
Yes. Families are encouraged to bring a small cooler with their own food and drinks.

Can I bring a stroller?
Yes, strollers are allowed aboard. Parking is free directly behind the boat, so it's a short walk from your car to the dock.

What should I do if my child gets seasick?
For questions about seasickness medication for children, ask your child's doctor or pharmacist what is appropriate for their age and health. Our general seasickness preparation tips cover things like eating a light meal beforehand and staying in the fresh air.

Ready to Take the Kids Fishing?

Grab seats on the shared 6-hour trip from our party boat trip page - that's the easiest and best-priced way to get the family on the water. If you'd rather have the whole vessel to yourselves and set your own pace, families can also book a private charter.