Next AvailableJun 24

Book with Joshua Taylor

Salty Scales Charters

Identity Verified

Ruskin FL

Joshua Taylor, Guide at Salty Scales Charters

Identity Verified

Anglers looking to squeeze every ounce of fun out of a Ruskin fishing vacation can’t do better than booking with Salty Scales Charters, where Captain Joshua’s steady hand and local know-how guide each outing. His familiarity with Tampa Bay’s tide cycles, shallow flats, and hidden potholes puts guests in striking distance of trophy fish the moment the lines go wet.

Depending on the season, these waters produce a who’s-who of inshore and near-shore favorites—think Redfish cruising the mangroves, Snook ambushing bait on grass edges, Speckled Trout schooling over sandy pockets, and migratory visitors like Cobia, Tarpon, Spanish and King Mackerel, plus the occasional Hogfish or Gag Grouper. Light-tackle sight-casting, heavier bottom rigs, or slow trolling spreads are all in the playbook, with techniques adjusted to match the day’s conditions.

Adding an extra layer of expertise is Captain Taylor, a fixture on the bay for more than thirty years and the creative force behind the Salty Scales brand. His passion for teaching—whether on the deck or through his widely followed YouTube tutorials—turns every charter into an informal master class where laughs and learning happen in equal measure.

Trips are built around you, not the other way around. Short, half-day runs offer a quick taste of the action for families or travelers on a tight schedule, while full-day adventures cater to hardcore anglers eager to chase multiple species and explore distant shoreline haunts. Whatever you choose, your captain fine-tunes the itinerary to your goals, skill level, and the day’s tide chart.

Your battle platform is a 25-foot Avenger Custom by Marauder, laid out for up to four guests and loaded with quality rods, reels, artificial lures, and—when conditions call for it—fresh live bait. A friendly first mate keeps the cockpit humming, and standard gratuity for their effort runs 10–20 percent. Licenses are covered under the boat’s permit, so all you have to do is step aboard.

Pack polarized sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water; snacks and moderate beer or wine are welcome, though leave the hard stuff and glass at home. Kid-sized life vests can be provided on request, making Salty Scales a family-friendly choice. Ready for bent rods, salty air, and stories to last long after the cooler’s empty?

Reserve your date and let Captains Joshua and Taylor show you Tampa Bay at its finest.

Upcoming Availability

June 2025

July 2025

Expertise & Attributes

hunting

First aid & CPR certified

fishing

Drift Fishing

Good with Families

Good with Kids

Good with New Anglers

Live Bait

Master Guide

Nature / Wildlife Views

Saltwater Fishing

wildlife

Conservation

First Aid Cpr Certified

Identifying Animals

tours

Ability To Read The Audience

Basic First Aid

Good With Families

Good With Kids

Knowledge Of Best Views

Local Knowledge

Professional

Strong Communication

Fishing Techniques

Trolling FishingHeavy TackleLight TackleDeep Sea / Bottom FishingDrift Boat Fishing

What's Included

Good to Knows

Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.

Cancellation Policy

When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.

What's Included

Good to Knows

Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.

Cancellation Policy

When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.

Trips Available with Salty Scales Charters

Fishing

Starting At $600

Private Half-Day Inshore Fishing Trip

Fishing Area: Ruskin, FL

Fishing: Inshore

Fishing Boat:

Salty Scales • 25' Avenger Custom by Maruder • Max 9 guests (base trip price includes 9 guests)

Description: Experience an unforgettable 4-hour inshore fishing trip with Salty Scales Charters in the scenic waters of Tampa Bay. Perfect for families, beginners, or those looking for a quick coastal getaway, this guided charter is led by a seasoned, USCG-certified captain. You’ll fish for popular species such as redfish, speckled trout, snapper, and snook using top-quality gear and bait—all included at no extra cost. Enjoy the calm waters and beautiful surroundings as you cast your line and create lasting memories. Whether you're new to angling or a seasoned enthusiast, this trip offers excitement and relaxation. Reserve your Tampa Bay fishing experience today!

Fishing

Starting At $750

Private 6-Hour Inshore and Flats Fishing

Fishing Area: Ruskin, FL

Fishing: Flats

Fishing Boat:

Salty Scales • 25' Avenger Custom by Maruder • Max 9 guests (base trip price includes 9 guests)

Description: Dive into a full inshore and flats fishing experience with our 6-hour Tampa Bay fishing charter. This extended trip is ideal for anglers who want more time on the water to explore a variety of productive fishing spots—both inshore and nearshore. Chase Florida favorites like snook, redfish, speckled trout, mangrove snapper, and seasonal species including kingfish and Spanish mackerel. Your adventure includes all top-tier fishing gear, live bait, fishing licenses, and expert guidance from a USCG-licensed captain. Whether you're a serious angler or just looking for an unforgettable Florida adventure, this charter offers the perfect balance of action and relaxation. Book now and let’s fish Tampa

Fishing

Starting At $900

Private Full-Day Tampa Bay Fishing Trip

Fishing Area: Ruskin, FL

Fishing: Inshore

Fishing Boat:

Salty Scales • 25' Avenger Custom by Maruder • Max 9 guests (base trip price includes 9 guests)

Description: Go all in with our 8-hour full-day fishing charter in Tampa Bay, designed for anglers craving an epic fishing adventure. Explore the bay’s best inshore and nearshore fishing hotspots with a USCG-certified captain who knows where to find trophy snook, redfish, speckled trout, mangrove snapper, grouper, and seasonal giants like tarpon and sharks. This all-inclusive trip provides premium tackle, live bait, fishing licenses, and expert guidance so you can focus on landing big fish. Bring your favorite snacks and drinks; we’ll take care of the rest for a seamless day on the water. Secure your full-day Tampa Bay fishing experience today!

Fishing

Starting At $1,250

Private 8-Hour Offshore Deep Sea Fishing Trip

Fishing Area: Ruskin, FL

Fishing: Offshore

Fishing Boat:

Salty Scales • 25' Avenger Custom by Maruder • Max 9 guests (base trip price includes 9 guests)

Description: Head 9 miles offshore from Tampa Bay for a full 8-hour deep sea fishing adventure in the Gulf of Mexico. Target powerful species like grouper, snapper, kingfish, amberjack, and seasonal pelagics such as mahi-mahi and tuna. Fish around wrecks, ledges, and reef systems with a USCG-licensed captain who provides expert guidance throughout the day. This trip includes all fishing gear, bait, and licenses, making it easy to focus on reeling in trophy fish. Ideal for anglers looking for exciting offshore action and a memorable fishing experience. Reserve your spot today!

Vehicle

Salty Scales

Boat Type:

Boat Guest Capacity:

Boat Length:

25 ft

Manufacturer Name:

Avenger Custom by Maruder

Model Year:

2017

Engine Manufacturer Name:

Suzuki

# of Engines:

Horsepower Per Engine:

250

Maximum Cruising Speed:

Features: First Mate Bait Tank Ice-Box Trolling Motor Fish Finder GPS VHF Radio

Step aboard a 25' Avenger Custom by Marauder, perfectly outfitted for serious fishing with space for up to four passengers. Equipped with all the must-have gear, your captain provides quality rods, reels, and lures. Live bait is often used—just ask if you'll be helping to catch it during the trip.