Rusty Bucket Charters
Rusty Bucket Charters
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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!
Select date to see availability
Trip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating
Anglers' gallery (15)
Reviews (10)
Robert Mccarten5.0VerifiedGreat day
8 Hour Trip – Inshore on March 8, 2026 • 3 adultsCaptain 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.
Tiffany Salas5.0VerifiedHighly recommend
3 Hour Trip – Teaching Charter on January 20, 2026 • 2 adultsWilliam 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.
Robert Guthrie5.0Always A Great Day With Captain Bill
8 Hour Trip – Inshore on February 23, 2025I have been on many trips with captain Bill over the past couple years, and I have always been more than satisfied. Great personality, amazing boat, and he tries to ensure the best day possible. Whether trying to fill a cooler, chase trophies, or just get out and let the stress melt away captain Bill has always came through. Not only does he provide people amazing charters, but he also helps to give back to his community and fellow veterans. I’ve learned an incredible amount of knowledge from captain bill from areas to fish, fishing habits, and the best gear for particular situations. If you’re looking for an amazing day on the water, with an amazing captain, I’d highly recommend Bill.
Jack Vincent5.0VerifiedFather son birthday fishing trip.
3 Hour Trip – Teaching Charter on September 19, 2025 • 2 adultsWe 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.
Lori Townsend5.0Best Charter Captain 😎
8 Hour Trip – Inshore on September 2, 2025We 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!
Nicole Anderson5.0Fishing Trip with Captain Bill
8 Hour Trip – Inshore on February 6, 2024We have gone out with Captain Bill multiple times now and it is always a great time! Our kids have caught snook, tarpon, trout, redfish, black drum, sheepshead, cobia and I'm sure I'm even forgetting some. Even when the fishing isn't the greatest the conversation always is with Captain Bill. Never a dull moment! Can't wait for the next time!
Chris Gilbertson5.0VerifiedPut us on fish
4 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) on March 3, 2026 • 4 adultsGood day on the water with plenty of fish in the boat!
Justen Hemme5.0VerifiedGreat day with the boys
4 Hour Trip – Inshore (AM) on January 5, 2026 • 5 adults
Spencer White5.0Inshore Charter
8 Hour Trip – Inshore on August 13, 2025Had a great time with Captain Bill, highly recommend for those visiting the Tampa Bay area looking for an inshore charter.
Rick Rosar5.0Rusty Bucket Charters are amazing
8 Hour Trip – Inshore on November 4, 2024We caught more Redfish than we could keep and caught many monster Trout on every cast using Top Water artificial baits.
Rating
Anglers' gallery (15)
All reviews (10)
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.
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.
Good day on the water with plenty of fish in the boat!
I have been on many trips with captain Bill over the past couple years, and I have always been more than satisfied. Great personality, amazing boat, and he tries to ensure the best day possible. Whether trying to fill a cooler, chase trophies, or just get out and let the stress melt away captain Bill has always came through. Not only does he provide people amazing charters, but he also helps to give back to his community and fellow veterans. I’ve learned an incredible amount of knowledge from captain bill from areas to fish, fishing habits, and the best gear for particular situations. If you’re looking for an amazing day on the water, with an amazing captain, I’d highly recommend Bill.
I appreciate the kind words Bobby! I'll see you next time!
FAQs about Rusty Bucket Charters
- 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)
- GPS
- Fishfinder
- Flybridge Elevated Driving Tower
- Live bait well
- Wireless trolling motor
- Ice box
- Rods, reels & tackle
- Live bait
- Lures
- Catch cleaning & filleting
- Drinks (Water)
- Fishing license
- River fishing
- Inshore fishing
- Nearshore fishing
- Flats fishing
- Backcountry fishing
- Light tackle
- Heavy tackle
- Spinning
- Jigging
- Black Drum
- Cobia
- Flounder
- Grouper (Gag)
- Redfish
- Shark (Bull)
- Sheepshead
- Snapper (Mangrove)
- Snook
- Spanish Mackerel
- Speckled Trout
- Tarpon
Your captain
Port Richey, Florida, United States
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!
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 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.
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.
How you can pay
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.
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