Rusty Bucket Charters 

5.0/5 (10 reviews)
 
State licensed
vob.svg 
Veteran Owned
 7917 Bayview Street, Port Richey, FL 34668, United States

Rusty Bucket Charters 

Up to 9 miles
Port Richey, FL, United States
24 ft
4
5.0/5 (10 reviews)

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If you're in the market for a day to remember, look no further than Rusty Bucket Charters. With over 20 years of Florida Gulf Coast fishing experience and owning two local bait and tackle shops, Captain Bill will guide you through the shallow waters on a trip you wont forget!

Guiding out of the premier guide boat for the Gulf Coast of Florida, the 24' Shoalwater is stable, large, and has plenty of room to walk around. There's no better boat to take you to the shallow waters otherwise unreachable to target your desired species.

Kids are welcome and encouraged! Passing on this passion to the next generation is incredibly important!

As an Army veteran himself, Captain Bill offers veteran discounts for all of his trips.

Snook, Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Sheepshead, Tarpon, Mangrove Snapper, Cobia, Black Drum, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, Gag Grouper, Bull Shark, and more can be found in these waters, depending on when and where we go. While many of those species are legal to keep, Captain Bill is focused wholeheartedly on conservation. There is no limit to what you will catch but there is a limit to what you can keep. Captain Bill limits the amount of Redfish he will keep and absolutely will not keep a Snook.

Your fishing license for the day is covered by the charter boat, just show up ready for some fishing! Rods, reels, and tackle are included, as well as lures if we use them. Live bait will be used on the majority of trips and is also provided. He also offers bottled water free of charge.

Some essentials to bring are weather appropriate attire, sun screen (absolutely no aerosol sprays), food/snacks and drinks other than water. You may bring alcohol but keep it in moderation and absolutely no glass!

He can take up to 6 guests but contact him first to make sure that the trip you are booking is feasible with a full boat. If you have any questions you can send him a message for more information!

If you're in the market for a day to remember, look no further than Rusty Bucket Charters. With over 20 years of Florida Gulf Coast fishing experience and owning two local bait and tackle shops, Captain Bill will guide you through the shallow waters on a trip you wont forget!

Guiding out of the premier guide boat for the Gulf Coast of Florida, the 24' Shoalwater is stable, large, and has plenty of room to walk around. There's no better boat to take you to the shallow waters otherwise unreachable to target your desired species.

Kids are welcome and encouraged! Passing on this passion to the next generation is incredibly important!

As an Army veteran himself, Captain Bill offers veteran discounts for all of his trips.

Snook, Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Sheepshead, Tarpon, Mangrove Snapper, Cobia, Black Drum, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, Gag Grouper, Bull Shark, and more can be found in these waters, depending on when and where we go. While many of those species are legal to keep, Captain Bill is focused wholeheartedly on conservation. There is no limit to what you will catch but there is a limit to what you can keep. Captain Bill limits the amount of Redfish he will keep and absolutely will not keep a Snook.

Your fishing license for the day is covered by the charter boat, just show up ready for some fishing! Rods, reels, and tackle are included, as well as lures if we use them. Live bait will be used on the majority of trips and is also provided. He also offers bottled water free of charge.

Some essentials to bring are weather appropriate attire, sun screen (absolutely no aerosol sprays), food/snacks and drinks other than water. You may bring alcohol but keep it in moderation and absolutely no glass!

He can take up to 6 guests but contact him first to make sure that the trip you are booking is feasible with a full boat. If you have any questions you can send him a message for more information!

William Rutherford
Captain
William Rutherford
11 years of experience
ID & credentials verified

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
September 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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3 Hour Trip – Teaching Charter
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Cobia
Snook
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
+8
US $350
Entire boat: up to 4 people
4 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Snook
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
Black Drum
+2
US $500
Entire boat: 2 people
4 Hour Trip – Inshore (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 12:00 PM
Snook
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
Black Drum
+2
US $500
Entire boat: 2 people
6 Hour Trip – Inshore
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Cobia
Snook
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
+8
US $650
Entire boat: 2 people
8 Hour Trip – Inshore
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Cobia
Snook
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
+8
US $800
Entire boat: 2 people
There are 3 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

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

Anglers' gallery (15)

All reviews (10)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 15 of 10 reviews
Robert McCarten
Robert McCarten
us
Washington State, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Great day
8 Hour Trip – Inshore on March 8, 20263 adults

Captain Bill and 1st Mate were awesome. We cought every species we were after and more. For us many firsts, they worked together and very hard to make our day awesome. We brought home plenty and cought and hooked some amazing fish. We had an excellent time. They made the trip enjoyable and we all had a great time. And if we get a chance to get back to Florida we would definitely book another trip with them.

Reported catch:
Snook
Redfish
Speckled Trout
Flounder
Jack Vincent
Jack Vincent
us
Indiana, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Father son birthday fishing trip.
3 Hour Trip – Teaching Charter on September 19, 20252 adults

We had a blast going out with Captian Bill. He knew his stuff and kept us entertained. Did not have to bait my hook lol. Even though I did not catch a redfish my Dad caught quite a few. He will talk about this trip for a while. Yes I did catch some snook and trout. The fish were delicious. Thanks again Captain Bill. Memories made.

Reported catch:
Snook
Redfish
William Rutherford
Response from Captain

You guys are the kind of clients that make this job fun! I secretly whispered to all of the reds to bite your dad's baits so that you have to come out again with me 😂 Seriously though, thank you guys for a great day! Cant wait to do it again!

Lori Townsend
Lori Townsend
Member since 2025
5.0
Best Charter Captain 😎
8 Hour Trip – Inshore on September 2, 2025

We had a blast fishing with Captain Bill! He was very informative and definitely knew where the fish were hiding. We laughed from pick up to drop off that day, easily the most fun we have ever had on a charter. Our only regret is not booking a longer trip! Cant recommend him enough!

Reported catch:
Redfish
Snook
Tiffany Salas
Tiffany Salas
us
Georgia, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Highly recommend
3 Hour Trip – Teaching Charter on January 20, 20262 adults

William was very knowledgeable of the land and fish. He is very friendly and truly does his best to help you with whatever skill level you're at.

Reported catch:
Speckled Trout
Chris Gilbertson
Chris Gilbertson
us
Wisconsin, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Put us on fish
4 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) on March 3, 20264 adults

Good day on the water with plenty of fish in the boat!

FAQs about Rusty Bucket Charters

Rusty Bucket Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $350 per group - 3 Hour Trip – Teaching Charter (3 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Inshore (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $650 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 6 Hour Trip – Inshore (6 hours)
  • US $800 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 8 Hour Trip – Inshore (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Rusty Bucket Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Flybridge Elevated Driving Tower
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Rusty Bucket Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks (Water)
  • Fishing license
Rusty Bucket Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • River fishing
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Flats fishing
  • Backcountry fishing
Rusty Bucket Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
Top targeted fish species with Rusty Bucket Charters include:
  • Black Drum
  • Cobia
  • Flounder
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Redfish
  • Shark (Bull)
  • Sheepshead
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tarpon

Your captain

William Rutherford
William Rutherford
William Rutherford

Port Richey, Florida, United States

ID & license verified
10 Customer reviews
Typical response within 1 hour
Member since August 2025

Captain Bill is a 5th generation Floridian and an Army Veteran of 13 years. Local knowledge is his calling card after spending decades fishing every inch of the Gulf coast of Florida from Aripeka to Tampa Bay and beyond. As the owner of the local bait and tackle store, a bait barge and a veterans fishing charity, he is deeply involved with everything fishing in the local area!

ID & license verified
10 Customer reviews
Typical response within 1 hour
Member since August 2025

Captain Bill is a 5th generation Floridian and an Army Veteran of 13 years. Local knowledge is his calling card after spending decades fishing every inch of the Gulf coast of Florida from Aripeka to Tampa Bay and beyond. As the owner of the local bait and tackle store, a bait barge and a veterans fishing charity, he is deeply involved with everything fishing in the local area!

The fish you can target

Black Drum
Black Drum
Cobia
Cobia
Flounder
Flounder
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Redfish
Redfish
Bull Shark
Bull Shark
Sheepshead
Sheepshead
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Snook
Snook
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Tarpon
Tarpon
Black Drum
Black Drum
Cobia
Cobia
Flounder
Flounder
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Redfish
Redfish

Real catches by this captain

  • Great day
    Robert M.
    Robert M.
  • Highly recommend
    Tiffany S.
    Tiffany S.
  • Father son birthday fishing trip.
    Jack V.
    Jack V.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Skiffs and flats boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
24 ft
Year built
2017
Boat manufacturer
Shoalwater
Boat type
Flats boat
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
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Spinning
Jigging

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Flybridge
Elevated Driving Tower
Live bait well
Wireless trolling motor
Ice box
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Water
Fishing license

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days 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 agreed upon reservation

Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.

Child friendly
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 25% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 25% 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

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Rusty Bucket Charters
Rusty Bucket Charters
State licensed
5.0
(10)
24 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+10
4 hour trip • 2 persons
US $500