Inshore Fishing on Choctawhatchee Bay: Half-Day Family & Veteran-Friendly Trips from Niceville
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Light-to-moderate fitness: you should be able to stand and cast intermittently and manage a rod during a fight.
Overview
Spend a half-day aboard “Dress Blues” on Choctawhatchee Bay with Captain Rob Hansill—a veteran-run, family-friendly inshore fishing charter that prioritizes veterans and newcomers. Expect shallow flats, live bait, and opportunities for redfish, trout, and snapper within easy reach of Niceville and Destin.
Inshore Fishing on Choctawhatchee Bay: Half-Day Family & Veteran-Friendly Trips from Niceville
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The engine hushes and the bay opens: a shallow, shifting plain of green and glass that pushes and pulls at the hull. Dawn on Choctawhatchee Bay tastes like salt and citrus; the horizon is a thin pencil line where clouds lean low and pelicans quarter the water. Captain Rob Hansill steadies Dress Blues, a 25-foot Dorado center-console that feels new enough to make the aluminum glint. He talks quietly about tides and target fish while the crew rigs Penn rods and checks live bait—small, intense rituals that make the day feel purposeful.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Fishing license included
A Florida fishing license is provided by the charter—no need to purchase one separately for your trip.
Motion sickness precautions
If you’re prone to sea-sickness, take medication or wrist bands before boarding; short runs and sheltered waters reduce but don’t eliminate rolling.
Sun protection
Bring polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and a brimmed hat—glare off the bay is intense even in morning hours.
Children and safety
All children must wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets at all times; the boat is family-configured with shade and seating.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Brown pelican
- dolphin pods
History
Choctawhatchee Bay has supported indigenous peoples and coastal settlers for centuries; its tidal flats were later central to the region’s commercial shrimping and fishing industries.
Conservation
Practice catch limits and use circle hooks where appropriate; the operator offers fish cleaning and encourages sustainable handling and release of undersized fish.
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Adventure Hotspots in Niceville
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Polarized sunglasses
Reduces glare and helps you spot fish and structure in the shallow water.
summer specific
Sun hat with brim
Protects face and neck during long sun exposure on the flats.
summer specific
Motion-sickness medication or bands
Useful if you’re sensitive to rolling or choppy conditions.
Closed-toe deck shoes
Provide grip on wet surfaces and protect feet during boarding and fishing.