Florida Captain: Keep Fishing Simple to Hook Kids for Life

Jonathan Moss caught his first fish at age 3 with his dad, using earthworms to catch bream in Florida waters. That simple day sparked a lifelong passion that eventually led him to leave his elementary school PE teaching job to become a full-time charter captain.

"I was teaching every day, and every day I was like, 'Man, it's beautiful weather. I should be on the water,'" Moss told OutKick Outdoors. After praying about the decision, he took the leap 10 years ago and never looked back.

Now the owner of Go Cast Away and host of The Captain's Log on Waypoint, Moss spends his days guiding families from around the world through Central Florida's waterways. But his favorite moments aren't about landing monster fish.

"Seeing a kid catch their first fish, families creating memories together on the water, that is the best part of my job," Moss said. He knows firsthand how those early experiences shape a lifetime because his own dad started him on that path decades ago.

His wife Brooke, who taught herself fishing through YouTube videos, now hosts her own outdoor show called Trail to Tide. Their two sons, ages 4 and 6, are growing up the same way, constantly outside and exploring.

Moss's advice for parents who want their kids to love fishing is refreshingly simple: don't overcomplicate it. Short trips work better than marathon sessions, especially in summer heat.

"If they're there an hour and they're ready to go, go," Moss said. Pack snacks, maybe plan a swim at a sandbar, grab ice cream afterward, and let those positive associations build naturally.

Forget about targeting trophy fish with young children. Let them catch catfish and ladyfish. Let them play with shrimp in the bait bucket. The goal is engagement and fun, not impressive catches.

On his charters with kids, Moss often targets 10-inch speckled trout all day. "Are they big? No. Do they tug? Yes, they do," he said. "Can the kid do it on their own? Yes, they can. And you know what? They're hooked."

Why This Inspires

In a world where screens dominate childhood, Moss offers a refreshing alternative rooted in simplicity. He doesn't battle technology with strict rules. Instead, he and Brooke simply live outdoors, whether working in the garden, playing with dogs, or fishing, and their kids naturally follow.

His approach proves that creating outdoor enthusiasts doesn't require expensive gear or exotic destinations. It requires patience, reasonable expectations, and the willingness to end a trip when kids are ready, even if the fish are biting.

The memories matter more than the size of the catch, and those early positive experiences on the water can hook a child for life.