Skyway Seafaris with Capt. Russell 

5.0
(9 reviews)
 
State licensed
 857-899 Riverside Drive, Palmetto, FL 34221, United States–

Skyway Seafaris with Capt. Russell 

Palmetto, FL, United States
–
23 ft
4
5.0
(9 reviews)

Make an adventure out of your next trip in Palmetto and go fishing with Skyway Seafaris. Captain Russell will be your guide, so you’ll benefit from years of fishing experience and local knowledge.

These waters are known for Redfish, Red Grouper, Gag Grouper, Flounder, Mangrove Snapper, Tarpon, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Speckled Trout, African Pompano Jack, Tripletail, Sheepshead, and more – with any luck, it won’t be long before "Fish on!"

You can expect to do some fishing around the mangroves in 1-4 feet of water, bottom fishing in the Tampa Bay Channel, or maybe something more specialized in this area. Capt. Russell also offers fly fishing, but you may need to bring your own fly gear.

Planning a family adventure? Kids are absolutely welcome! Children must wear life vests, so find out if the appropriate size is available on board. Don’t forget to bring snacks for a boost of energy when needed!

You’ll be dropping lines from a 23’ Hydra-Sports Bay Bolt center console with capacity for 4 passengers. It has everything you need for a productive day on the water. You’ll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you, along with lures. Live bait is on offer, but it’s good to ask about this so you know if you’ll be catching it yourself.

There’s no need to buy a fishing license, just show up ready for some fishing! Keep in mind that you may release some fish due to regulations. Simply ask and your captain can tell you more.

It’s always wise to bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunblock (non-spray). Waters will be available for you. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, so long as you avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Go ahead and treat yourself to a day on the water with Skyway Seafaris with Capt. Russell.

(I enjoy sharing my Knowledge- Teaching my customers some fishing tricks/tips. This charter business is relatively new but I know the area well and I have run charters in Australia and South Africa before this.)

Make an adventure out of your next trip in Palmetto and go fishing with Skyway Seafaris. Captain Russell will be your guide, so you’ll benefit from years of fishing experience and local knowledge.

These waters are known for Redfish, Red Grouper, Gag Grouper, Flounder, Mangrove Snapper, Tarpon, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Speckled Trout, African Pompano Jack, Tripletail, Sheepshead, and more – with any luck, it won’t be long before "Fish on!"

You can expect to do some fishing around the mangroves in 1-4 feet of water, bottom fishing in the Tampa Bay Channel, or maybe something more specialized in this area. Capt. Russell also offers fly fishing, but you may need to bring your own fly gear.

Planning a family adventure? Kids are absolutely welcome! Children must wear life vests, so find out if the appropriate size is available on board. Don’t forget to bring snacks for a boost of energy when needed!

You’ll be dropping lines from a 23’ Hydra-Sports Bay Bolt center console with capacity for 4 passengers. It has everything you need for a productive day on the water. You’ll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you, along with lures. Live bait is on offer, but it’s good to ask about this so you know if you’ll be catching it yourself.

There’s no need to buy a fishing license, just show up ready for some fishing! Keep in mind that you may release some fish due to regulations. Simply ask and your captain can tell you more.

It’s always wise to bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunblock (non-spray). Waters will be available for you. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, so long as you avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Go ahead and treat yourself to a day on the water with Skyway Seafaris with Capt. Russell.

(I enjoy sharing my Knowledge- Teaching my customers some fishing tricks/tips. This charter business is relatively new but I know the area well and I have run charters in Australia and South Africa before this.)

Russell Newman
Captain
Russell Newman
27 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
4 Hour Half Day Trip – Inshore (AM)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
Redfish
+7
US $500
Entire boat: up to 4 people
5 Hour Half Day Trip – Inshore (AM)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
5 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
Redfish
+7
US $600
Entire boat: up to 4 people
5 Hour Half Day Trip – Ins (copy)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
5 hour trip starts at 3:00 PM
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
Redfish
+7
US $600
Entire boat: up to 4 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
9 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (21)

Reviews (9)

  • Joseph Holland
    Joseph Holland
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    lots of heavy bites!!

    4 Hour Half Day Trip – Inshore (AM) on March 27, 2026 • 2 adults

    My fiance and I came from NY and the captain was able to hook us on to some good ones! He knows what to use and where, and that helped us pull multiple fish out that were over a foot and a half long. He helped me target some grouper when I asked so he is very knowledgable of what species live where. We all had a blast!

  • Allen Walker
    Allen Walker
    us
    Tennessee, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Excellent!

    4 Hour Half Day Trip – Inshore (AM) on June 25, 2026 • 3 adults

    Excellent trip with an exceptionally great captain! Couldn’t keep a bunch of fish due to regulations, but we caught A BUNCH!!!

  • Lisa Peel
    Lisa Peel
    Member since 2025
    5.0

    Fishing With Captain Russell

    5 Hour Half Day Trip – Inshore (AM) on May 10, 2025

    This was my first experience on a fishing charter and had a Wonderful time! Captain Russell was kind and patient with me during our excursion. He baited my hook, taught me different techniques to use and educated me on the different fish we caught. I would highly recommend Captain Russell for all first timers and experienced fisherman. Thank you Captain Russell!

  • Devin Herz
    Devin Herz
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2019
    5.0

    Multiple Charters & Multiple Memories

    5 Hour Half Day Trip – Inshore (AM) on March 7, 2025

    I have been out with many great captains but have to say that hitting the water with Captain Russell is always a joy. I have been on multiple charters and the array of nature to the variety of fish, he really provides a taste of what the west coast of Florida is all about. We highly recommend him to anyone in the Palmetto, Bradenton, Ann Maria area.

  • Sean Comer
    Sean Comer
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0

    Multiple trips with Captain Russ

    5 Hour Half Day Trip – Inshore (AM) on July 9, 2024

    Russ always puts us on the fish!! I have gone on dozens of trips, and always come home with a bag full of filets. What I enjoy most is the varied species and locations. Reds, gags, mangroves, flounder, grunts, and many more. I can't wait for gag season in September. The season is only a couple weeks, so I suggest you get your spot!! The fall/winter will bring the sheepsheads, extremely fun fish to catch. Highly recommended Captain with tons of knowledge and top notch equipment!

  • Bob Jaynes
    Bob Jaynes
    Member since 2024
    5.0

    half and than a full day

    5 Hour Half Day Trip – Inshore (AM) on March 13, 2023

    Russell is a great captain and guide. He is also a pleasure to be with. Another fishing trip with Captain Russell will be on top of my list when I return to Florida this Fall. He actually hunts the fish changing baits and locations. On my charter we caught 6 different species of game fish. We fished the mangroves and the Bay. He will fillet our catch to perfection. He will make your day on the water as enjoyable as possible. He caters to all of your needs.

  • Dan Babilla
    Dan Babilla
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Fishing day and the Best Captain

    4 Hour Half Day Trip – Inshore (AM) on March 15, 2026 • 2 adults

    This was our first fishing trip on the west coast of Florida and we couldn't have found a better charter or Captain for our trip. Captain Russell was very accommodating and a perfect host. We found all the fish we wanted and good sized fish as well. He took good care of us with the great working equipment, tackle and skill catching those fish. He is well versed in the area and know where to go to catch all the types of fish in the area amd how to carch them including probiding the right bait and coaching needed to have a successful fishing trip. We will take his charter again soon. He captured our best moments as well. .

  • Alyssa Costlow
    Alyssa Costlow
    Member since 2024
    5.0

    Fun day of fishing with Captain Russell

    5 Hour Half Day Trip – Inshore (AM) on July 27, 2024

    My kids and I (ages 10 & 11) had an incredibly enjoyable & adventurous day with Captain Russ. My kids have only fished a couple of times before so he took them through a lot of the basics and made the learning fun for them! We spent 4 hours inshore fishing and caught some grouper, a red fish, flounder and a few mangrove snappers! The experience overall was SO FUN and we give him 5 stars. Highly recommend. Captain Russell is skilled & fun & has so many great fishing stories from his time in other countries as well as Florida. There are so many charters out there to pick from, you will not be disappointed with Capt Russell. He knows the area & is extremely fun to boot.

  • Dawn Jackson
    Dawn Jackson
    Member since 2025
    5.0

    May fishing trip

    4 Hour Half Day Trip – Inshore (AM) on May 13, 2025

    The Captain was professional, knowledgeable and friendly, which made for an enjoyable experience.

FAQs about Skyway Seafaris with Capt. Russell

Skyway Seafaris with Capt. Russell offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $500 per group - 4 Hour Half Day Trip – Inshore (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group - 5 Hour Half Day Trip – Ins (copy) (5 hours)
  • US $600 per group - 5 Hour Half Day Trip – Inshore (AM) (5 hours)
When you book a trip with Skyway Seafaris with Capt. Russell, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well Two live bait wells.
  • Wireless trolling motor
Trips booked with Skyway Seafaris with Capt. Russell include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (I catch my own live bait before every trip! (Normally green backs and some pin fish! )I also buy live shrimps when they available! )
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (I clean all the fish we keep for my customers! This is something I do after each trip. If my charters are 5 hours this is the time we fishing or traveling between spots. Most my spots are a few minutes apart so not much time is driving! )
  • Drinks (I provide cold water only.)
  • Fishing license (All fishing licenses are included in the charter price!)
Skyway Seafaris with Capt. Russell offers the following types of fishing:
  • River fishing (Bradenton River)
  • Inshore fishing (All 4 and 5 hour charters are inshore.)
  • Nearshore fishing (Sometimes go out about 6 miles - 45 feet/ 3/4 day)
  • Reef fishing (Mangrove Snapper, Mackerel and Hogfish)
  • Flats fishing (We fish flats and mangroves for Redfish and Snook)
Skyway Seafaris with Capt. Russell offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Popping
  • Fly fishing
Top targeted fish species with Skyway Seafaris with Capt. Russell include:
  • Flounder
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Jack (African Pompano)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Redfish
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Sheepshead
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tarpon
  • Tripletail

Your captain

Russell Newman
Russell Newman
Palmetto, Florida, United States
ID & license verified
9 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since July 2024
Born in South Africa on the east Coast. My dad was a fisherman and I started fishing from about 4 years old. I crewed on commercial fishing vessels since the age of 14 in South Africa( rod and reel line fishing- mostly reef and some game fishing). Worked as a deckhand on a charter boat in St Augustine for about a year in my 20's whilst living in Florida ( Jodie-Lynn II). I drove charter fishing vessels in Melbourne Australia between 2006 and 2015. Immigrated to Tampa in 2016. Been fishing Tampa Bay since 2016 but only started my charter business in full time in early 2024.
Russell Newman
Russell Newman
Fully verified
9
reviews
2024
member since
~1h
response
Born in South Africa on the east Coast. My dad was a fisherman and I started fishing from about 4 years old. I crewed on commercial fishing vessels since the age of 14 in South Africa( rod and reel line fishing- mostly reef and some game fishing). Worked as a deckhand on a charter boat in St Augustine for about a year in my 20's whilst living in Florida ( Jodie-Lynn II). I drove charter fishing vessels in Melbourne Australia between 2006 and 2015. Immigrated to Tampa in 2016. Been fishing Tampa Bay since 2016 but only started my charter business in full time in early 2024.

The fish you can target

Flounder
Flounder
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
African Pompano Jack
African Pompano Jack
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Redfish
Redfish
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark
Sheepshead
Sheepshead
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Tarpon
Tarpon
Tripletail
Tripletail
Flounder
Flounder
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
African Pompano Jack
African Pompano Jack
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Redfish
Redfish

Real catches by this captain

  • Angler proudly holding a large snook aboard a boat in calm mangrove waters, with a landing net visible nearby.
    Fish 1
    Gag Grouper
    Allen W.
    Allen W.
    Excellent trip with an exceptionally great captain! Couldn’t keep a bunch of fish due to regulations, but we caught A BUNCH!!!
  • An angler proudly displaying a large fish while fishing on a boat, showcasing a successful catch in clear waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Gag Grouper
    Joseph H.
    Joseph H.
    My fiance and I came from NY and the captain was able to hook us on to some good ones! He knows what to use and where, and that helped us pull multiple fish out that were over a foot and a half long. He helped me target some grouper when I asked so he is very knowledgable of what species live where. We all had a blast!

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
23 ft
Year built
2009
Boat manufacturer
Hydra-Sports
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 250HP
Max cruising speed
40 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

River Fishing
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Flats Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Popping
Fly Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Two live bait wells.
Wireless trolling motor
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
I catch my own live bait before every trip! (Normally green backs and some pin fish! )I also buy live shrimps when they available!
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
I clean all the fish we keep for my customers! This is something I do after each trip. If my charters are 5 hours this is the time we fishing or traveling between spots. Most my spots are a few minutes apart so not much time is driving!
Drinks
I provide cold water only.
Fishing license
All fishing licenses are included in the charter price!

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 1 day prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 1 day before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup included in price
Transfer from hotels or jetties in Palmetto to departure site is available and included in trip rates.
Child friendly
Kids over 4 allowed. If younger, ask Capt.
You keep catch
I clean the fish for the clients to take home.
Catch and release allowed
Its up to the Charter if they prefer to release

How you can pay

Pay online in full
Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.
No additional fees.
Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
 Cash
 Visa
 Mastercard
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 1% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Palmetto right now

Grouper (Gag)Grouper (Gag)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
RedfishRedfish
SheepsheadSheepshead
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout
TarponTarpon
TripletailTripletail

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Skyway Seafaris with Capt. Russell
Skyway Seafaris with Capt. Russell
State licensed
5.0
(9)
23 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+10
4 hour trip • 4 persons
US $500