Damn Good Ruskin Fishing Charters

On this epic inshore trip, you'll be able to go after the best sportfish species that Florida has to offer, including Snook, Redfish, Speckled Trout, and more! Each of these fish offer different challenges, and on this 3, 4, 6, or 8-hour trip, you'll be able to take a shot at catching all of them! If this is your first time fishing Tampa Bay, here's a brief rundown on each of your target species. Snook: First off, a big Snook is a sight to behold, with its bold stripe and its glimmering gray scales. This fish grows up to 50 inches long and lives between four and five decades. When caught, the fish makes showy leaps and will put up a fight before you can reel it in. Snook are powerful fish, and they won’t make it easy for you to catch them, especially in shallow water. Captain Jarrod loves to see the look in an angler’s eyes when they make their big catch. Snook are plentiful in the Tampa Bay area, which makes them an ideal target for anglers. On especially plentiful days, you won’t leave the boat without multiple catches, even if you fish with a group. Redfish: One of Tampa Bay's best-known sportfish, Redfish make great catches for all anglers, regardless of experience. You’ll find the largest of these feisty and formidable fish inshore and nearshore. A relative of the Black Drum, Redfish have a unique ability to smell their prey, as opposed to relying solely on sight. They can weigh up to 12 pounds and live for 40 years, and these fish are prime fighters. You’ll never see a dull moment during your search for these magnificent creatures. Catching Redfish is a breeze when you know where to look, how they search for prey, and what they like to eat. Redfish like to stay in underwater grass, and you’ll find them easy to spot in shallow waters, depending on the tide. Redfish like to eat shellfish but won’t hesitate to take a chunk off a larger fish that passes by them. Speckled Trout: Trout have many names and species, including sea trout, spotted seatrout, speckled trout, and specks. As the various names imply, this type of trout has black spots along its sides and back over a silver underbelly. An average adult trout ranges between 12 and 24 inches long. Once a trout gets past 22-24 inches, we call it a "gator" trout. Trout typically weigh between 10 and 12 pounds, though the record for the biggest trout caught in Florida tips the scales at 17 pounds 7 ounces. You’ll typically find Trout in grass flats in about 1-6 feet of water. They like to stick close to mangroves near the shore, though you may also find them hidden in deep grass holes. During the winter, Trout sometimes venture into water as deep as 15 feet. Regardless of which species you hook, you'll have a blast on the water with Captain Jarrod! On the day of your trip you will launch from the boat ramp next to Hook's Waterfront Bar and Grill. If you need to launch from a different area, Captain Jarrod is flexible and has several options—please let him know what works best for you. You'll be fishing from the deck of Captain Jarrod's 25' Sportsman 234 bay boat. This puppy comes equipped with a 250 Yamaha SHO engine for speed and maneuverability, plus a range of amenities including a multimedia system, PowerPoles for exploring shallow flats, trolling motor, multiple live wells for your bait, Yeti coolers for your drinks, and more! This boat is perfect for a family fishing trip. Jarrod will provide you with all the equipment, tackle, and bait you need, plus he'll supply ice for your food, drinks & fish, artificial lures, photos of your catch, secret techniques and instruction for artificial bait fishing, and he will even clean and bag your fish for you at the end of the day! All you need to bring is your sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, any food & drinks you'd like to enjoy onboard. Beer is welcome, but please—no hard liquor or wine, and no glass containers. If you've got Captain Jarrod at the wheel, your fishing adventure will surely be one to remember! Gratuties are never expected, but are always greatly appreciated! If your captain did a good job and you had an enjoyable trip, please consider rewarding his efforts with a 15-20% tip. Read More

On this inshore fishing adventure in Tampa Bay, you'll get out there and enjoy the great fishing and natural beauty this area has to offer! Captain Phil runs these trips aboard his 24' Dorado "hybrid" bay boat, which has a 10" draft and is perfect for navigating the shallow waters of Tampa Bay, where you'll be targeting Mangrove Snapper, Redfish, and Snook. As you depart the marina, Captain Phil will provide a brief safety orientation and explain the fishing techniques you'll be using to target these species. Once you reach your fishing grounds, Captain Phil will use his knowledge of the local area to find the best spots to drop your lines. As you work your way through the mangrove-lined channels, you'll be targeting Mangrove Snapper, a delicious and feisty species that thrives in the shallow waters of Tampa Bay. You'll use both live bait and lures to entice these fish, and once they take the bait, you're in for a fight! Next, you'll move on to target Redfish, a prized game fish known for its powerful runs and flaky filets! Finally, you'll switch gears to target Snook, another popular inshore species that is known for its stealthy behavior and explosive strikes. You'll use live bait to lure these fish into biting, and when they do, you'll need to be ready for a battle that will test your angling skills. As you reel in your catches, Captain Phil will be there to help you land them and keep them fresh for the ride back to the marina. At the end of your inshore fishing adventure, you'll have a cooler full of delicious fish that you can take home to cook up for dinner. You'll also have memories of a thrilling day on the water that you'll never forget. All passengers 12 and under must wear a life jacket at all times while onboard the boat. Read More

If you're looking to get on some spectacular inshore and nearshore sportfish in the Tampa Bay area, there's no better guide than Captain Daryll. He's been fishing these waters his whole life, and he's studied the prime spots and best holes in order to put you on record-setting fish! On this trip, you can target both classic inshore species such as Mangrove Snapper, Snook, Redfish, and Speckled Trout. If you opt to go further out, you can also chase nearshore species such as Black and Gag Grouper, Cobia, and even Blacktip Sharks! These fish are a blast to hook and fight, and taste great as well! You'll be chasing bites using light-tackle techniques, fishing both live bait and lures depending on the season, water conditions, and weather. Captain Daryll is a pro, and he's got an array of tips and tricks to help you hook a personal best! Thomas runs his trips aboard his 24' Skipjack bay boat—an ideal vessel for hunting lunkers in inshore waters. She's fast, with a 200-HP Yamaha engine, and a hull profile that's sharp enough to cut through chop and shallow enough to get into backcountry channels where big fish like to congregate. She's also equipped with a wireless trolling motor to help you sneak up on your targets, plus a live well for bait and an ice box for your keepers. Everything you need will be provided for you, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. All you need to bring is sunscreen (lotion only, no spray!), a hat, and a pair of sunglasses to cut the surface glare. Get out there and have a blast! Read More

If you thought that you have to go 3, 4, or 5 hours offshore to catch big fish, think again! On this trip with Captain Robert, you'll have the opportunity to chase hard-fighting and great-eating species such as Cobia, Black Grouper, Mangrove Snapper, Hogfish, and more—all within a quick ride from the dock. On this trip, you'll use a couple of different techniques to get the fish. Sightcast to cruising Cobia, troll for Kingfish, and finally drop your bait and lures deep and jig to get the bottom-dweller's attention. Captain Robert knows how to put you on the fish, but once you're hooked up, it's your strength, stamina, and skill versus some of the brawniest nearshore fish that the Gulf has to offer. Not only are these fish fun to catch, they're also delicious on the grill, in fish tacos, or any other way you can think of! You'll be fishing from the deck of Captain Robert's 23' C-Hawk center console—a perfect vessel for these waters. She sports a 250-HP Susuki engine to get you out there in a hurry, plus standard electronics. Captain Robert will provide everything you need for a great day, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. All you need to remember is proper clothing, sunscreen, a pair of polarized sunglasses to help see the fish, and a cooler with your snacks and drinks. Read More

Sight cast redfish, snook and tarpon with light tackle or fly aboard a beautiful Floyd skiff. Captain Tyson is a local guude of 20 years in the Clearwater area. All top notch equipment is provided. Read More

Head out for an awesome fishing adventure around Sarasota, FL with Captain Darius! Though he loves running further from shore to bottom fish the reefs for grouper, snapper, and pelagic species, the weather conditions have to be pretty stellar to allow this kind of trip. Thus, aboard his 23' Parker, he spends a lot of time hammering the inshore with his clients, and there are no shortage of fish (and big ones at that!) to catch! Lush grass flats abound in this area. These shallow grass flats are full of crabs, shrimp, and baitfish which in turn attract the game fish. Snook, Speckled Trout, and Redfish are the most sought after species, but you can also expect to hook into Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalle, Flounder, Bluefish, Ladyfish, and others! Fishing the shallow flats requires patience and attention to detail. Fish are spooky in water that is only a couple of feet deep. The beauty of Captain Darius' 23' Parker is that it has a shallow enough draft to get you good shots up on the flats and in the back bays and inlets, while also having enough room and stability to haul it further offshore on a nice day! All of Captain Darius' trips include ice, bottled water, tournament grade fishing gear, live bait, licenses, and fish cleaning at end of the trip. There is plenty of room in the cooler as well for your favorite snacks and drinks if you'd like to bring them along as well. Captain Darius' main pick-up location is on Siesta Key, but depending on where you are staying he can also meet up with you at Hart's Landing or Ken Thomspon Park Boat Ramp. Read More

If you're looking for that next level fishing trip, you've come to the right spot. Our 35' Contender Pro Tournament Series vessel is operated under the direction of the exorbitantly credentialed pelagic expert, Captain Brian and his 1st Mate. Get ready for an epic day fishing with one of the most elite outfits in the St. Pete-Clearwater Tampa Bay area! Equipped with all the possible federal permits, credentials, and years of on the water experience, Master Licensed Captain Brain & 1st Mates are here to go above and beyond to do whatever it takes to ensure you have an incredible experience! You'll be riding out aboard a beautifully maintained Contender 35ft Tournament boat is equipped with triple 300 horsepower Yamahas and a deep-V that get you to and from the fishing grounds quickly and safely. This vessel’s ride has a reputation in the fishing community as being one of the smoothest and driest on the water. These specialized trips benefit from the Contender’s ability to minimize the amount of time cruising and maximize the amount of time spent fishing for Hogfish. You will depart from the beautiful Tierra Verde Marina Resort in St. Pete, right alongside mega-yachts and classy sportfishing vessels. Captain & 1st Mate will help load your gear aboard the boat and ensure you are comfortable and properly briefed for your day before you depart. We suggest that you arrive 30 mins prior to departure time for all trips aboard his boats to ensure your Captain has enough time to get all your gear onboard and properly orient you on the day ahead! His boat is docked at the Tierra Verde Resort Marina but if you are looking to get picked up from a nearby location, Captains are often more than happy to accommodate! All fishing essentials are provided along with a cooler with ice and water. Bring your own lunch and beverages, and a small personal cooler is fine as well. Safety, Health, Welfare is PARAMOUNT! We Deliver The Results & Exceed Expectations. Read More

Head out for a sweet 4 or 6 hour inshore/nearshore excursion with Captain Matt or one of his professional guides in Captain Phil and Captain Darius. These three run some of the best charters in Sarasota and are absolute experts at making sure you have a blast out there on the water. These 4 hour trips are one of their most popular options as it gives their clients time to hook into some rod-bending action and bring some tasty filets back to the dock in time for lunch (dinner if you leave in the afternoon)! For these trips you can opt to stick close to the shore to explore the inlets, channels, and mangroves to chase Snook, Redfish, Trout, and more. OR, you can choose to poke it a little further from shore to troll the nearshore waters of Sarasotas beautiful beach to troll for Mackerel and chase some snapper species. The 6 hour option is for anglers who are looking to spend more time catching fish! If you want to travel a little further and have a few more shots at some trophy fish then this is the charter for you! You have the same options listed above, but with the extra time there is an opportunity to do a little of both! No matter which option you choose, Captain Matt and his two expert Captains provide themselves on providing a family-friendly atmosphere for all ages and skill levels, and bait, fishing license, rods, reels, and tackle are always included. All they recommend you bring are your favorite snacks and drink, your sun protection (Suntan lotion, long sleeve shirts, sunglasses), and your camera to snap some pics! Read More

Get ready for a thrilling day out with Captain Juan as you go after a range of exciting and delicious fish that call these waters home. These shallow waters can be difficult to navigate for some boats, but not when you have a 21’ Carolina Skiff, though. This light vessel will stay afloat in pretty much any body of water. Powered by a 150 HP Mercury engine, you’ll speed off along the bay, before the wireless trolling motor helps you steer in the skinny waters. She comes fitted with all the necessary safety equipment, including an EPIRB, and the captain is fully CPR-trained, for that extra peace of mind. When out on the fish, try bottom dropping, popping the tops, or trolling while you drift along. With the latest Penn rods and reels, you’ll have the best chance of hooking some of these tough-fighting species aboard. Battle it out with the notorious Snook, along with Redfish, and Seatrout. While you’ll also go after a range of tasty fish to fill up your fridge. Take home Sheepshead, Tripletail, Snapper, and Mackerel, among many more. At the end of your trip, Captain Juan will clean and prepare your catch for you to take home for a delicious dinner, and beyond! With water provided and your license taken care of, all that’s left for you to do is bring some snacks and drinks aboard and get ready for a productive day with Captain Juan. An incredible day’s inshore fishing in stunning surroundings awaits! **Captain Juan requires a 48 hour advance on bookings. So even if the date is open on the calendar, know that it is at his discretion to accept the trip on such short notice.** Read More

Get ready for an unforgettable fishing experience in Bradenton, FL on this trip with Captain Austin! You'll be on board his 26' Stapleton center console, hunting down inshore sportfish such as Redfish, Snook, Trout, Tarpon, and more! Captain Austin is a local expert with years of experience fishing the inshore waters of Bradenton, FL. He knows the best spots to catch a variety of fish and with his expert guidance, you'll have the opportunity to reel in some truly impressive catches. As soon as you step aboard his 26' boat, you'll be greeted by top-of-the-line gear and electronics, giving you the best possible opportunity to stack fish or find your new personal best! But it's not just about the fishing; Captain Austin will share his knowledge of the local waters and wildlife, pointing out different marine species such as dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles that may be swimming around. He'll also take you to the most scenic spots where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico. Don't miss out on the fishing trip of a lifetime with Captain Austin! Get out there for an action-packed day of inshore fishing, fun, and adventure in Bradenton, FL. Read More

Are you ready for a fish that will test your strength, stamina, and fishing skill? If you can handle the challenge, the “Silver King” is the fish for you. The majestic Tarpon has become the most sought-after game fish in Florida—especially between May and July. During this short window, these huge saltwater predators migrate up and down the coast, hunting for food. Tides, weather, and the phases of the moon play essential roles in Tarpon behavior, but in the spring and early summer these kings of the inshore are always hungry, biting on both live and artificial bait. Get out there and test yourself against these prime gamefish with Captain Zach, an experienced Tarpon fisherman and one of our top guides in the Tampa area. Tarpon can get up to 200 pounds in this area, so bring your A-game! On the day of the trip, you'll set out aboard Captain Zach's 27' Sea Hunt center console—the perfect boat for fishing the Florida inshore. It's equipped with everything you could possibly need for a successful and comfortable trip, including GPS, Fishfinder, and a Live Bait Well. Captain Zach will provide everything you need, including top-of-the-line rods, reels, bait, and tackle, so that all you have to do is cast out, hook up, and then hold on for the fight of your life! To maximize your time on the water, make sure to bring proper clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera! Any trip with Captain Zach is sure to be picture-worthy, and Tarpon are a particularly photogenic fish. Read More

Climb aboard with Joseph and enjoy a memorable day of fishing outside of St. Petersburg, Florida! On this 4-hour adventure, you’ll be fishing aboard Captain Joseph’s 25-foot C Hawk. She is a versatile vessel, capable of running through shallow inshore waters, as well as cruising offshore. As a 2019 custom rebuild, she is equipped with a toilet within the console, which has more than 6 feet of headroom. Don’t forget to bring a cooler with ice to take home your day’s catch, sunscreen, and a hat. Feel free to bring food and beverages of your choice as well. Captain Joseph will provide all rods, reels, tackle, lures, licenses, and live bait (free of charge). A first mate will also be on board. He’ll be assisting you throughout your trip. Come on down to St. Petersburg, Florida, and make some memories with Captain Joseph! Read More