Skyway Seafaris with Capt. Russell
Skyway Seafaris with Capt. Russell
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.)
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Trip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating
Anglers' gallery (21)
All reviews (9)
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. .
Thank you so much Dan! It was really enjoyable having you and your son on the boat! I had a really good time.
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!
Thank you so much for the great review. You, Amanda and father in law were so much fun! I am pleased that you caught a few grouper even though the season was closed. The red fish were not playing nice but the bite was great in the deeper water today! The fishing has really got good the last few weeks.
Excellent trip with an exceptionally great captain! Couldn’t keep a bunch of fish due to regulations, but we caught A BUNCH!!!
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.
Thanks for the kind words, Sean. I enjoy having you on the boat and it's my pleasure. We have had lots of good trips with a variety of fish. I appreciate your business and friendship.
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!
FAQs about Skyway Seafaris with Capt. Russell
- 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)
- GPS
- Fishfinder
- Live bait well Two live bait wells.
- Wireless trolling motor
- 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!)
- 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)
- Light tackle (Mostly light tackle except for Grouper and Kings)
- Bottom fishing (Mostly in Tampa Bay channel and offshore, few mile)
- Trolling (Not very often.)
- Spinning
- Popping
- Fly fishing (If clients bring their own gear)
- Flounder
- Grouper (Gag)
- Jack (African Pompano)
- King Mackerel (Kingfish)
- Redfish
- Shark (Blacktip)
- Sheepshead
- Snapper (Mangrove)
- Spanish Mackerel
- Speckled Trout
- Tarpon
- Tripletail
Your captain
Palmetto, Florida, United States
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.
Real catches by this captain
What is the boat like?
What kind of fishing will you do?
Which fishing techniques you can try
Which amenities are available onboard
How cancellations work
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.
What the listing policies are
How you can pay
Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.
No additional fees.
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)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Redfish
Sheepshead
Spanish Mackerel
Speckled Trout
Tarpon
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