Thinking about taking my kids for their first time chasing reds & specs but with one away at college the absolute earliest in Dec we could go would be Dec 20th. Is that too late to be productive? I'd think maybe yes for specs but maybe not for reds?

We'd go with a guide so would hope a good guide could put us on fish kind of regardless but wondering the OB's thoughts?

Do it. You will be fine.

Perfect time of year for a blast and cast

Lots of Redfish and Drum that time of year.

Weather will be your biggest factor (fronts blowing through), but fishing can be phenomenal. Water also cleans up quite a bit. Do it!

You can catch fish year round inshore. Winter fishing is a blast if you know where they hole up

Deeper channels leading to/from flats are a ton of fun when the water is moving. You can catch specs on every cast and even if under sized your kids will love it.