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Rich Johnson
Captain

Rich Johnson

Gulfport, United States
Veteran owned
Federal waters
Angler's choice
100+ reviews
I am a veteran and former paramedic. I started fishing piers and breakwaters in Southern California at the age of 8. At the age of 14 I joined the Sea explorers which turned the ocean and fishing into a real passion. At the age of 16, I started working as a deckhand on boats out of Newport Beach California. That is where the dream of being a charter boat captain began. Currently I fish the offshore waters off Anna Maria Island, St Petersburg, and Clearwater Beach.
Scotty J.
Scotty J.
First mate
Jan Z.
Jan Z.
First mate

Charter

Rating

5.0
162 reviews
5.0
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

98%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
99%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
93%
Caught fish

All reviews (162)

Showing 1 – 5 of 162 reviews
  • Jennifer Schramm
    Jennifer Schramm
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Anniversary Fishing

    4 Hour Nearshore family trip (pm) • 2 adults

    Wife and I booked with Capt Rich for a 4 hr trip while in the area for our anniversary. She’s never been on a boat on the ocean and her fishing entails catching a bluegill in a pond back home. Capt Rich was great. Bit windy but he was able to find good spots that didnt put us in rough waters while still giving us good fishing. Caught several fish, including a flounder that made for a good supper, and my wife pulled in a very nice grouper. First real fish she’s caught and she did awesome reeling it in (with a little coaching - thats Capt Rich). Great trip. I highly recommend fishing with Capt Rich.

    Response from Captain

    thank you for coming out and happy anniversary! was great getting to know you both

  • Rob Harbaugh
    Rob Harbaugh
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great family outing

    4 Hour Nearshore family trip (am) • 4 adults

    Captain Rich and his First Mate for our trip, Scott, provided a great experience for our family. The communication prior to the trip was excellent. The boat worked very well and met the needs of our family of four. We caught a lot of fish on our 4 hour near shore excursion. And, most importantly, Rich and Scott were great people and very welcoming. We will book with them again.

    Response from Captain

    Scotty and I enjoyed having uou huys out with us. thank yiu for booking and looking forward to having you all out again.

  • Sarah Daley
    Sarah Daley
    us
    Wisconsin, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Best charter in the area - hands down!!

    6 Hour Nearshore (am) • 6 adults

    We are locals and wanted to splurge and have a nice day on the water. Scottys Charter knocked it out of the park! Captain Rich and First Mate Scotty were so great, hilarious, knowledgeable and put us on a variety of fish!! two highlights were stud hog fish and the rare Mahi Mahi in the gulf. We will definitely be booking with them again! and we have done many charters - hands down the best!

    Response from Captain

    Thank for booking our new 6hr offshore trip option. it definitely paid off for you guys. looking forward to having you out again.

  • Margaret Scott
    Margaret Scott
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Still talking about it👏👏

    10hr Red Snapper/Grouper • 4 adults • 2 children

    Father’s Day gift for my husband, son and grandsons. They all raved about it! All experienced Atlantic offshore fishermen, they had never fished the gulf offshore. They caught lots of fish 😋 and had a wonderful day. Rich and Scotty were great. Patient and kind with the two nine year olds, who are ready to do it again next year! Thanks guys!!

    Reported catch:
    Mangrove Snapper
    Red Grouper
    Red Snapper
    Vermilion Snapper
    +1
    Response from Captain

    Tks for booking guys. awesome crew

  • Francie Elia
    Francie Elia
    Repeat angler
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2025
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    We had a fantastic time

    4 Hour Nearshore family trip (am) • 5 adults

    We had a fantastic time. The captain and mate was very knowledgeable, friendly. we had a fun time catching fish and will definitely go back on their boat again. I feel that this boat would be good for everybody kids adults. If you want to bring your own baits like shrimp, you need to buy that prior to going on the trip

    Response from Captain

    thanks for coming out with us. Your crew was a great group of folks to have out. On your next trip just let us know if you guys desire a particular bait and we will gladly provide it. today we went with the squid and live pilchards, but would have gladly substituted with live shrimp for you all.

Real catches shared by our community

  • Scotty J's Charters LLC
    Scotty J's Charters LLCGulfport, FL
    Two anglers proudly displaying their catch of Red Grouper while fishing on a sunny day.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +4
    Red Grouper
    Daniel V.
    Daniel V.
    this is a great charter for anyone to get. Got a lot of big fish. 
  • Scotty J's Charters LLC
    Scotty J's Charters LLCGulfport, FL
    A variety of fish including Snapper and Grouper displayed on a cleaning table by the water, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    Jeff B.
    Jeff B.
    nothing to do with captain rich but weather down here has been horrible and we finally got to go out. captain rich was great his first mate was friendly and they put us on the fish. great day great experience.
  • Scotty J's Charters LLC
    Scotty J's Charters LLCGulfport, FL
    A couple enjoying a sunny day on a boat with a scenic bridge in the background, showcasing a perfect fishing environment.
    Aleksei G.
    Aleksei G.
  • Scotty J's Charters LLC
    Scotty J's Charters LLCGulfport, FL
    Angler proudly displaying a large Red Snapper while fishing offshore, showcasing a sunny day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +3
    Red Snapper
    Shane S.
    Shane S.
    we caught lane snapper, mangrove snapper, red grouper, mahi mahi, and a couple of big ol red snappers.
  • Scotty J's Charters LLC
    Scotty J's Charters LLCGulfport, FL
    An angler is reeling in a large shark while fishing offshore, showcasing the excitement of deep-sea fishing.
    Fish 1
    Bull Shark
    Alex P.
    Alex P.
    Capt Rich and Scotty were great hosts. From start to finish they were on time and perfect. Very knowledgeable and helpful throughout. If you are coming to fish in st pete then you should definitely give these guys a go.
  • Scotty J's Charters LLC
    Scotty J's Charters LLCGulfport, FL
    Young angler proudly holding a large Grouper while fishing offshore, showcasing a successful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Grouper
    Rob H.
    Rob H.
    Captain Rich and his First Mate for our trip, Scott, provided a great experience for our family. The communication prior to the trip was excellent. The boat worked very well and met the needs of our family of four. We caught a lot of fish on our 4 hour near shore excursion. And, most importantly, Rich and Scott were great people and very welcoming. We will book with them again.
  • Scotty J's Charters LLC
    Scotty J's Charters LLCGulfport, FL
    Two young anglers proudly displaying a large Red Snapper on a fishing boat, enjoying a successful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    Matthew H.
    Matthew H.
    If you’re ever down in St. Pete Gulfport definitely look up Scotty J’s . Great father and son Duo. Made my family’s day . It’s a trip my son and my wife will never forget. I highly recommend this Charter
  • Scotty J's Charters LLC
    Scotty J's Charters LLCGulfport, FL
    Adult angler displaying a freshly caught grouper aboard a center-console boat in open ocean waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Grouper
    Jonathan N.
    Jonathan N.
    We had a fantastic time on our 4 hr fishing trip. Captain Rich and his son Scott were very responsive and had us laughing and catching fish. We will definitely be back and will do a longer trip soon.
  • Scotty J's Charters LLC
    Scotty J's Charters LLCGulfport, FL
    A young angler proudly displaying a large Red Snapper while fishing on a boat in open waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Snapper
    Margaret S.
    Margaret S.
    Father’s Day gift for my husband, son and grandsons. They all raved about it! All experienced Atlantic offshore fishermen, they had never fished the gulf offshore. They caught lots of fish 😋 and had a wonderful day. Rich and Scotty were great. Patient and kind with the two nine year olds, who are ready to do it again next year! Thanks guys!!
  • Scotty J's Charters LLC
    Scotty J's Charters LLCGulfport, FL
    Multiple bags of freshly caught fish stored on the boat's railing, showcasing a successful day of fishing in a scenic waterway.
    None stop in deep water.

What's biting with Scotty J's Charters LLC in Gulfport

Inshore fishing is still going strong, with Snook promising to put up a fight, while Trout and Redfish will provide for a tasty treat. Make the most of the last reef action of the year, too with a trip to the Gulf.

Top catches for November

Fishing reports

Multiple bags of freshly caught fish stored on the boat's railing, showcasing a successful day of fishing in a scenic waterway.

Deep water paying off

Jun 29, 2026 • Gulfport
None stop in deep water.
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A variety of Snapper species displayed on a cleaning table after a successful fishing trip in coastal waters.

Wide variety of Snappers

Jul 14, 2024 • Gulfport
Red, Yellowtail, Lane, and large Mangrove Snapper coming hime with us
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Group of adult anglers proudly holding two large grouper on a sportfishing boat in a marina.

8 hour trips paying off

Mar 8, 2024 • Gulfport
Deeper water trips paying off nicely for Red Grouper and Lane snappers
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An angler proudly displaying a large Grouper while fishing offshore, showcasing a successful day on the water.

Spring is getting closer

Feb 3, 2024 • Gulfport
Spring time conditions are rapidly approaching and calmer seas ahead!. Red Grouper are primary target inside of 20 fathoms right now. After getting your limit, we start looking for mangrove and lane snapper to finish up your trip!
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A young angler proudly displaying a large Amberjack while fishing offshore, showcasing a sunny day on the water.

Deep water paying off

Aug 12, 2023 • Gulfport
Back to back deep water paying off jicely for Scotty J’s. Lots of large trigger and porgys along with some very nice Amberjacks and Dolphin are coming over the side. Fiahing depths between 130 and 170 feet. Trips do require a 10 or 12hr trip. Its a long day but the pay off has been worth it.
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Angler proudly displaying a large Amberjack while fishing offshore, showcasing the excitement of a successful day on the water.

Deep water still paying off

Jul 1, 2023 • Gulfport
Waters temps are up to 84 degrees now and summer is in full swing. Larger fish are pushing out to deeper. Our 8 10 and 12 hr fish are producing some great catches. 6 hr trips will still produce fish but will have to fish through the by catch for thoae nice keepers.
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