Ready to get your kids hooked on fishing? Our 2-day youth fishing camp in Cape Coral is the perfect chance for young anglers to dive into the exciting world of Southwest Florida fishing. From inshore grass flats to nearshore reefs, we'll cover it all, giving your kids a comprehensive taste of what makes our local waters so special.
This isn't your average summer camp - we're talking two full days of non-stop fishing action! We kick things off bright and early at 8 AM, wrapping up at 1 PM both days. It's the perfect schedule to beat the heat and catch the morning bite. Your young anglers will be in for a treat as we bounce between different fishing spots, targeting everything from snook in the mangroves to grouper on the reefs. We've designed this camp for kids 12 and up, striking the perfect balance between fun and learning. Don't worry about packing a lunch or bringing gear - we've got it all covered, from rods and reels to snacks and drinks. By the time you pick them up, they'll be bursting with fish stories and begging to come back for more!
This isn't just about catching fish (though we'll do plenty of that). We're talking a full-on crash course in all things fishing. Day one might find us throwing cast nets to catch bait, then hitting the grass flats for some skinny water action. On day two, we could be offshore, dropping lines on wrecks and reefs. Your kids will learn the ins and outs of different techniques, from sight fishing for redfish to battling tarpon in the passes. But it's not just about landing the big one - we'll cover boating safety, conservation, and even touch on the leadership skills that fishing can teach. By the end of camp, they'll be junior anglers with a whole new set of skills and stories.
"Our son did a summer camp fishing trip with Captain Keith and had a great time. Captain Keith comunicated through out the day and sent pictures of the kids. He was prepared, knowledgeable and well-liked by the kiddos. We will repeat as soon as the next opportunity arises. Thank you" - Nathan
Southwest Florida is an angler's paradise, and we'll be targeting some of the most exciting species in these waters. Let's break down what your young anglers might be reeling in:
Snook: These hard-fighting fish are a Florida favorite. Snook love to hang out around mangroves and structure, so we'll teach the kids how to cast accurately to these spots. The thrill of seeing a snook bust out from cover to grab a lure is something they won't forget! Best of all, snook fishing is great year-round in our area.
Redfish: With their distinctive spot and copper color, redfish are a blast to catch. We might find them tailing in shallow water, giving the kids a chance to try their hand at sight fishing. Redfish put up a great fight and are perfect for teaching the importance of a smooth drag system. Fall is prime time for reds, but we catch them all year.
Tarpon: Known as the "Silver King," hooking into a tarpon is the thrill of a lifetime. These acrobatic fish can reach over 100 pounds, and their leaps are spectacular. We'll target them in the passes, usually in late spring and summer. Even if the kids don't land one, just seeing a tarpon jump will have them hooked!
Grey Snapper: Also known as mangrove snapper, these tasty fish are a great species for kids to target. They're abundant around structure and reefs, providing consistent action. We'll teach proper techniques for fishing near bottom structure and the importance of using the right bait. Grey snapper fishing is good year-round but really heats up in summer.
Blacktip Shark: Nothing gets kids more excited than the chance to catch a shark! Blacktips are common in our waters and provide an awesome fight on light tackle. We'll use this opportunity to teach about shark conservation and safe handling practices. These sharks are most active in our waters during the warmer months.
This isn't just another day at summer camp - it's a chance for your kids to fall in love with fishing and the great outdoors. Parents rave about how much their kids learn, from practical fishing skills to broader lessons about patience and respect for nature. Plus, with our experienced guides keeping a watchful eye, you can relax knowing your kids are in safe hands. The memories made during these two days will last a lifetime, and don't be surprised if your young angler comes home with a new favorite hobby!
Spots for our Cape Coral Youth Fishing Camp fill up fast, so don't wait to get your kids on board! Whether they're complete beginners or already have some fishing experience, this camp will take their skills to the next level. With hands-on instruction, diverse fishing experiences, and the chance to catch some of Florida's most exciting species, it's an opportunity they won't want to miss. Ready to give your kids the fishing adventure of a lifetime? Book now and watch them reel in memories that'll last forever!
August 2, 2023
Blacktip sharks are a feisty target that'll give you a run for your money. These streamlined predators average about 5 feet long but can push 9 feet. You'll find them cruising the shallows near beaches, but they also hang around reefs and wrecks in waters up to 200 feet deep. Spring and fall are prime times to hook into blacktips as they migrate through our area. They're known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps – don't be surprised if one launches clear out of the water! Blacktips put up a great fight on medium tackle, and their meat is pretty good eating too. To land one, we'll use oily fish like mackerel or sardines for bait. Chumming helps draw them in, but be ready – these sharks can get worked up into a feeding frenzy. Here's a local tip: if you see them finning on the surface, try sight-casting with a topwater plug. The reaction strike can be insane! Remember, blacktips are quick and excitable. Stay alert and keep a firm grip on your rod. It's an awesome rush when that line starts screaming off the reel!
Grey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are a favorite target for our younger anglers. These fish typically hang around structures like docks, mangroves, and reefs in our inshore waters. Most of what we catch are 1-2 pounders, but they can grow up to 20 pounds in deeper water. These guys are opportunistic feeders, so we'll often use live shrimp or small baitfish to entice them. They're most active at night, but we can still catch them during the day with the right approach. Summer and fall are prime seasons when the water's warm. Kids love Grey Snapper because they put up a good fight for their size and are pretty easy to catch once you find them. Plus, they're delicious - their white, flaky meat is perfect for a fresh fish fry. Here's a local tip: When fishing docks, let your bait sink all the way down, then slowly reel it up. Grey Snapper often hide in the shadows, waiting to ambush prey. Patience is key - resist the urge to constantly move your bait, and you'll have a better shot at hooking one of these tasty fish.
Redfish are one of our top targets here in Cape Coral. These copper-colored beauties with their distinctive tail spots love hanging out in shallow water – we're talking 1 to 4 feet deep. You'll find them cruising grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines, often with their backs sticking out of the water. Most reds we catch are in the 20-30 inch range, but they can grow over 40 inches and 50 pounds. They put up a great fight, especially in skinny water where they'll try to wrap you around every obstacle. Fall and winter are prime redfish seasons when big schools push into the flats. But you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. Anglers love targeting reds for their hard-pulling fights and excellent table fare. Here's a local tip: On cloudy days, throw gold spoons or copper-colored jigs. Reds seem to key in on that flash when the light's low. Work those lures slowly along the bottom and hang on tight when one slams it!
Snook are one of the most prized catches in our area. These sleek predators average 1-2 feet long but can grow up to 4 feet. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and grass flats, ambushing prey with lightning-fast bursts of speed. Their protruding lower jaw and distinctive lateral line make them easy to spot. Spring through fall is prime snook season, especially around new and full moons when they gather to spawn. That's when you might hook into a real monster - the world record topped 59 pounds! Anglers love targeting snook for their hard-fighting spirit and delicious white meat. They'll smash topwater lures, but my go-to trick is working a soft plastic jerk bait slowly along mangrove edges. Just be ready for explosive strikes and blistering runs. Interestingly, most big snook are actually females. They start life as males but can change sex as they grow larger. Pretty cool adaptation for these awesome gamefish. Whether you're casting lures or fly fishing, hooking into a big snook is always a thrill.
Tarpon are the rock stars of inshore fishing here in Cape Coral. These silver giants can reach 6 feet long and put on quite a show, leaping clear out of the water when hooked. You'll find them cruising our grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and passes from spring through fall. May to July is prime time as they gather to spawn. Tarpon aren't prized for eating, but man, do they fight. Even a 4-footer will test your arms and your gear. They're smart too - you've got to present your bait just right or they'll ignore it. Most folks use live bait like pinfish or crabs, but fly fishing for tarpon is popular too. Either way, patience is key. These fish can be finicky. Here's a local tip: On incoming tides, look for tarpon "rolling" at the surface to gulp air. That's your cue to cast. Just remember to bow to the silver king when it jumps - it helps keep your hook set. Landing one of these prehistoric beasts is an experience you won't forget.
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Our son did a summer camp fishing trip with Captain Keith and had a great time. Captain Keith comunicated through out the day and sent pictures of the kids. He was prepared, knowledgeable and well-liked by the kiddos. We will repeat as soon as the next opportunity arises. Thank you