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Gulfcoast Backcountry Charters 

4.8
(3 reviews)
 South Ripple Path 2355, Crystal River, FL 34429, United States–
+91
+88

Gulfcoast Backcountry Charters 

Crystal River, FL, United States
–
22 ft
4
4.8
(3 reviews)
Trips & prices
Targeted species
Boat info
What's biting
What's included
Contact captain
Trips & prices
What's included
Targeted species
Boat info
Reviews
Contact captain

Captain Fabian 'Jr' Santos is the owner and lead guide of Gulfcoast Backcountry Charters, specializing in shallow-water and near-shore fishing along Florida's Gulf Coast. Born and raised on the water, Capt. Jr has spent years learning the tides, seasons, and patterns that make this region one of the most productive fisheries in the state.

With a passion for light-tackle and sight-fishing, he focuses on targeting Redfish, Snook, Speckled Trout, Tarpon, and other inshore species in the flats, mangroves, and backcountry waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for a technical challenge or a first-timer hoping to make memories on the water, Capt. Jr prides himself on providing a relaxed, safe, and hands-on fishing experience.

More than just catching fish, Capt. Jr is committed to conservation, ethical angling, and sharing his knowledge of Florida's unique coastal ecosystem. Every trip with Gulfcoast Backcountry Charters is built around hard work, local expertise, and a genuine love for the Gulf Coast lifestyle.

Captain Fabian 'Jr' Santos is the owner and lead guide of Gulfcoast Backcountry Charters, specializing in shallow-water and near-shore fishing along Florida's Gulf Coast. Born and raised on the water, Capt. Jr has spent years learning the tides, seasons, and patterns that make this region one of the most productive fisheries in the state.

With a passion for light-tackle and sight-fishing, he focuses on targeting Redfish, Snook, Speckled Trout, Tarpon, and other inshore species in the flats, mangroves, and backcountry waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for a technical challenge or a first-timer hoping to make memories on the water, Capt. Jr prides himself on providing a relaxed, safe, and hands-on fishing experience.

More than just catching fish, Capt. Jr is committed to conservation, ethical angling, and sharing his knowledge of Florida's unique coastal ecosystem. Every trip with Gulfcoast Backcountry Charters is built around hard work, local expertise, and a genuine love for the Gulf Coast lifestyle.

Fabian Santos
Captain
Fabian Santos
12 years of experience
responds within an hour
What this charter offers
Fishing license
Live bait
You keep catch
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
What this charter offers
Fishing license
Live bait
You keep catch
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
4 Hour Trip – Inshore Fishing
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Snook
Tarpon
Black Drum
Redfish
+3
US $500
Entire boat: up to 3 people
4 Hour Trip – Scallops
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Jul 1 - Sep 24
Scallop
US $500
Entire boat: up to 4 people
6 Hour Trip – Inshore Fishing
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Cobia
Snook
Tarpon
Black Drum
+4
US $600
Entire boat: up to 3 people
8 Hour Trip – Nearshore Groupers
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Sep 1 - Sep 16
Grouper (Gag)
US $1,000
Entire boat: up to 4 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.8
3 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.5
Fishing Experience

Reviews (3)

  • Christine Jones
    Christine Jones
    Repeat angler
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2019
    7 trips
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    wonderful experience!

    6 Hour Trip – Inshore Fishing on October 15, 2026 • 2 adults

    Carlos took us out today. had an absolutely wonderful time! know exactly where to go how to fish for what we were fishing for at the time. we caught mini trout and about a 24-in grouper. I don't think we were in more than two feet of water. can't wait to use them again.

  • James Devine
    James Devine
    Repeat angler
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2023
    15 trips
    4.7
    Verified

    March fishing trip

    6 Hour Trip – Inshore Fishing on March 11, 2026 • 1 adult

FAQs about Gulfcoast Backcountry Charters

Gulfcoast Backcountry Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $500 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Inshore Fishing (4 hours)
  • US $500 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Scallops (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - 6 Hour Trip – Inshore Fishing (6 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group - 8 Hour Trip – Nearshore Groupers (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Gulfcoast Backcountry Charters, you can expect the following amenity onboard:
  • GPS
Trips booked with Gulfcoast Backcountry Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks
  • Fishing license
  • Fly fishing equipment
Gulfcoast Backcountry Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Flats fishing
  • Backcountry fishing
Gulfcoast Backcountry Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Spinning
  • Fly fishing
  • Spearfishing
Top targeted fish species with Gulfcoast Backcountry Charters include:
  • Black Drum
  • Cobia
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Grunt
  • Redfish
  • Scallop
  • Sheepshead
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tarpon
  • Tripletail

Your captain

Fabian Santos
Fabian Santos
Crystal River, Florida, United States
3 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since January 2026
Capt. Fabian runs trips out of Crystal River aboard 22' Pathfinder Bay boat, or 17' Maverick HPX S, The crew has you covered if you wish to try spinning, fly fishing, or other techniques. For special requests, such as spearfishing, message Capt. Fabian.
Fabian Santos
Fabian Santos
3
reviews
2026
member since
~1h
response
Capt. Fabian runs trips out of Crystal River aboard 22' Pathfinder Bay boat, or 17' Maverick HPX S, The crew has you covered if you wish to try spinning, fly fishing, or other techniques. For special requests, such as spearfishing, message Capt. Fabian.

The fish you can target

Black Drum
Black Drum
Cobia
Cobia
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Grunt
Grunt
Redfish
Redfish
Scallop
Scallop
Sheepshead
Sheepshead
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Snook
Snook
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Tarpon
Tarpon
Tripletail
Tripletail
Black Drum
Black Drum
Cobia
Cobia
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Grunt
Grunt
Redfish
Redfish

Real catches by this captain

  • Adult angler proudly holding a large mottled grouper aboard a fishing boat in calm coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Gag Grouper
    Christine .
    Christine .
    Carlos took us out today. had an absolutely wonderful time! know exactly where to go how to fish for what we were fishing for at the time. we caught mini trout and about a 24-in grouper. I don't think we were in more than two feet of water. can't wait to use them again.
  • Angler proudly displaying a large Snook while fishing in a scenic coastal environment.
    James D.
    James D.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
22 ft
Year built
2009
Boat manufacturer
Pathfinder
Boat type
Bay boat
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 250HP
Max cruising speed
45 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Nearshore Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Spinning
Fly Fishing
Spearfishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Fishing license
Fly fishing equipment

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 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

What’s biting in Crystal River right now

Black DrumBlack Drum
CobiaCobia
Grouper (Gag)Grouper (Gag)
RedfishRedfish
ScallopScallop
SheepsheadSheepshead
Snapper (Mangrove)Snapper (Mangrove)
SnookSnook
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout
TarponTarpon
TripletailTripletail

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Gulfcoast Backcountry Charters
Gulfcoast Backcountry Charters
4.8
(3)
22 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+10
4 hour trip • 4 persons
US $500