Tampa Bay Fishing Charters 
with Captain Matt Santiago!

Call or Text 813.205.2327 or Email.

Are you ready to catch some of the biggest and most exciting fish around? You’ve come to the right place! Captain Matt Santiago Sportfishing in Tampa Bay, Florida, offers some of the world’s best inshore and offshore fishing.

As a Tampa native who has spent a lifetime on the water, Captain Matt has the experience and insider knowledge to help you land your dream catch.

With over 30 years of fishing experience in Tampa Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, the Bahamas, the Florida Keys, and Costa Rica, Captain Matt knows exactly where the fish are, when they’re biting, and the best techniques to get them on your line. As a full-time fishing guide, he spends nearly 300 days a year on the water—running charters, fishing tournaments, and chasing world-class sportfishing experiences. This gives him a unique advantage in finding the most productive fishing spots and targeting top species like tarpon, cobia, snook, redfish, and other big game fish.

Whether you’re looking to reel in a monster snook, battle a giant tarpon, or go toe-to-toe with the billfish of your dreams, Captain Matt Santiago Sportfishing is your premier choice for an unforgettable sportfishing adventure!

Inshore Charters

Fish Tampa Bay's Open Water, Backcountry & Secret Spots

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler, an inshore fishing charter is a safe, exciting, and rewarding way to experience Florida’s stunning waters and world-class fisheries. Along the way you’ll learn new techniques and sharpen your angling skills.

As your captain, my goal is to make every charter fun, educational, and memorable—whether you’re bringing the whole family, hosting a corporate outing, or chasing Florida’s most prized gamefish.

No matter your skill level, we tailor each trip to meet your goals and ensure you have an incredible time on the water. Let’s turn your fishing dreams into reality!

Snook, Redfish, Trout, Tarpon, Cobia, Tripletail, Snapper, Sharks, and more...

Tarpon Charters

Battle the Silver Kings of Tampa Bay

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping fishing adventure, tarpon fishing is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have—and there’s few better places on the planet for it than Tampa, Florida. From April to September, our pristine bay, beaches, passes, and bridges become prime feeding grounds for these incredible fish. The average tarpon ranges from 75 to 150 pounds, but some of our clients occasionally land giants over 200 pounds, earning a coveted spot in the 200 lb. Tarpon Club!

As a self-proclaimed tarpon fishing addict, chasing these amazing fish has been a lifelong passion of mine. We take pride in knowing when, where, and how to get these elusive giants to bite—day in and day out. With years of experience, we’ve mastered the techniques and timing needed to make your tarpon fishing trip a success, ensuring a thrilling and unforgettable experience.

Ready to take on one of the most powerful fish in the world? Let’s make your tarpon fishing dream a reality!

Tarpon, Tarpon & more Tarpon!!!

Offshore Charters

Exciting Deep Water Action on Gulf Reefs & Wrecks

Join us for an exciting and rewarding offshore fishing experience in the Gulf of Mexico! The waters surrounding our offshore reefs and wrecks are teeming with a variety of prized species, making for an unforgettable trip for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're targeting snapper & grouper or highly migratory species like tuna and kingfish, you’re in for a productive and action-packed day on the water.

No matter your experience level, you’re sure to have an incredible time as we chase down some of the hardest-fighting and best-tasting fish that call the Gulf home.

Grouper, Snapper, Hogfish, Amberjack, Cobia, Tuna, African Pompano, Kingfish & so many more...

Costa Rica Billfish Charters

Ultimate Sportfishing Adventures & Curated Travel Packages

Join us for a premier sportfishing experience in Costa Rica aboard our charter boat, Dreamwork. This destination charter offers the chance to target some of the most sought-after species in the world, including blue, black, and striped marlin, sailfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and roosterfish.

Big game fishing is a true team effort, and with our highly experienced crew working together, you'll enjoy an action-packed, unforgettable adventure. Between bites, relax in comfort and shade, savor a cold drink, and enjoy some freshly prepared sashimi or ceviche.

We specialize in curating your ultimate bucket-list fishing experience from start to finish. Set out on the water and reel in the catch of a lifetime in one of the world’s most productive fishing destinations.

Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Roosterfish & more...
  • Todd Calfee
    Best Captain you will find in Florida. Captain Matt will put you on fish I can guarantee you that. We have been fishing with Captain Matt for over 4 years and he never disappoints. He is a very pleasant person to be around and always accommodating. I highly recommend Captain Matt Santiago Sportfishing
    Todd Calfee
  • Darren Vivolo
    I’ve fished all around Florida, Costa Rica and the Bahamas with Capt. Matt and he’s never let me down! Super skilled inshore, offshore, trolling, kite fishing…you name it, he’s good at it. Local legend with tons of good spots and experience.
    Darren Vivolo
  • Jeff Kasper
    When I head to Tampa Bay I always use Captain Matt.. always puts me on fish. I've had some great trips including huge tarpon, huge redfish and huge snook. He knows what he's doing, very pleasant and easy to get along with. Gear and boat are top notch!
    Jeff Kasper
  • John Lashbrook
    I have fished with Capt. Matt inshore, offshore and in Costa Rica...not only has he put me on incredible fish every time I have booked a charter, I have caught several personal bests while fishing with him including my biggest tarpon ever 150+ lbs!!! He is the best Captain I have ever fished with and makes it seem easy - I recommend him highly.
    John Lashbrook
  • Truly the best fishing experience in all of Tampa. Top of the line tackle and rigging. If Matt cannot get you on the fish they are not there. I have fished all over the world and never had more action than a day with Matt and his awesome 1st mate. I will be back ASAP.
    Bruce Ferguson
  • David Cornell
    Capt. Matt is a great guide, with great equipment and an awesome boat. His attention to detail, and passion for the sport is 2nd to none. I choose Capt. Matt every time!
    David Cornell
15
Years Experience as
a Full-Time Captian

READ BIO

275+
Days on the Water
Every Year

VIEW GALLERY

43
Tournament Wins &
Leaderboard Finishes

 TOURNAMENT RESULTS

Tampa Bay Fishing Report

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April 21, 2025

Big Fish Takeover: The Invasion Has Begun!

The Tampa Bay saltwater scene is exploding with action as our “Big Fish Season” kicks into high gear! The invasion has officially begun—tarpon, cobia, and kingfish are making their move, and the bite is only getting hotter. We’re also seeing solid numbers of spanish mackerel, gag grouper, and mangrove snapper showing up in all the right places. Offshore? It’s about to go off. With calmer winds on the horizon, the Gulf—from 10 to 1000 feet—is primed for action. Whether you’re chasing pelagics or dropping down for grouper and snapper, it’s about to be as good as it gets. Tarpon season […]