- Location
- Ruskin, Florida
- Trip Types
- Inshore, nearshore, tarpon, goliath grouper and custom group fishing
- Phone
- 813-205-2327
Badfish Charters is Captain Matt Santiago's Tampa Bay fishing operation, supported by a team that includes Captain Carl Snodgrass. Its trips range from family inshore fishing to specialized tarpon and goliath grouper outings, with custom arrangements for larger parties.
Contact and booking details
| Operator | Badfish Charters |
|---|---|
| Area | Ruskin, Florida |
| Departure / address | Published contact address: 3520 West Shell Point Road, Ruskin, Florida 33570; confirm the boarding dock. |
| Phone | 813-205-2327 |
| Badfishtampabay@gmail.com | |
| Website / reservations | Visit Badfish Charters |
| Trip options | Inshore, nearshore, tarpon, goliath grouper and custom group fishing |
Captains and business identity
Santiago's biography describes a Tampa upbringing and extensive full-time guiding experience. Snodgrass's profile describes more than thirty years fishing Tampa Bay. Santiago also appears at fishingguidetampa.com with the same booking phone; these related presentations are covered as one operation rather than separate charter listings.
Fleet
The boat page lists three vessels, led by a custom-built 2023 Sabalo 27. Published equipment includes Simrad electronics and Shimano fishing tackle. Boats are described as accommodating four to six people, but the standard rate packages cover up to four anglers. Ask which boat and captain are assigned.
Published trip prices
Four-hour inshore fishing is $700 and six-hour inshore fishing $900, each for up to four anglers. Six-hour nearshore fishing is $950, tarpon fishing $1,000 and goliath grouper fishing $900. Larger groups and custom plans require a quote. Confirm the current price directly because related websites display different figures.
Targets and inclusions
Inshore trips focus on redfish, snook and trout. Nearshore listings mention grouper, hogfish and kingfish; dedicated tarpon trips may fish areas such as Bean Point and the Skyway. Rods, reels, bait, fishing-license coverage, ice, cooler space and dry storage are provided, with preparation of legal keeper fish.
Booking logistics
Call, text or email with the date, guest count and desired fishing style. The website gives a Ruskin contact address, but confirm the actual departure dock and arrival instructions. Obtain the deposit, weather and cancellation terms and ask what food and drinks to bring.
Details checked September 28, 2026, using the operator’s published information. Rates, boats, meeting points and policies can change; confirm the final trip details directly. Listed species describe possible targets, not a guaranteed catch or an open harvest season.
Sources and photos
- Badfish Charters — Official website
- Badfish Charters — Tarpon fishing charter
- Badfish Charters — Nearshore fishing charter
- Badfish Charters — Inshore fishing charter
- Badfish Charters — Rates
- Badfish Charters — Our captains
- Badfish Charters — Our boat
- Badfish Charters — Tripletail
- Badfish Charters — Official website
Featured photo: Badfish Charters anglers holding a tarpon alongside the boat. Photo from Badfish Charters.