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 America, 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!

IGFA certified captain and guide

Tampa Bay’s Only IGFA Captain

  • Angler and a young girl holding a large snook in Tampa Bay
  • Three anglers each holding a redfish at sunset
  • Angler holding a big spotted seatrout on a Tampa Bay inshore charter
  • Two anglers holding a giant tarpon beside the boat in Tampa Bay
  • Two anglers holding a cobia on the boat
  • Two anglers holding a hammerhead shark on the boat
  • Angler holding a Goliath grouper on the boat in Tampa Bay
  • Angler holding a large snook near the mangroves
  • Angler holding a redfish on the boat
  • Angler holding a big tripletail

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...
  • Anglers bringing a tarpon alongside the boat
  • Angler holding a tarpon by the jaw beside the boat
  • Angler leaning over the side to grab a tarpon
  • Tarpon held by the jaw at boatside before release
  • Close-up of a tarpon's head at the surface beside the boat
  • Angler holding a tarpon in the Tampa Bay backcountry
  • Captain and a young angler with a tarpon beside the boat
  • Anglers leaning over the side to land a tarpon
  • Tarpon jumping clear of the water
  • Angler reaching for a tarpon beside the boat
  • Angler releasing a tarpon at boatside

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!!!
  • Four anglers on the dock with a catch of red snapper and grouper
  • Angler holding a Kitty Mitchell grouper on an offshore trip
  • Young angler holding a gag grouper offshore
  • Angler holding a blackfin tuna offshore
  • Angler and a young boy holding a cobia offshore
  • Angler holding a big amberjack offshore
  • Young angler holding a mangrove snapper offshore
  • Angler holding an African pompano offshore
  • Angler holding a yellowedge grouper offshore
  • Hogfish laid out on the deck after an offshore trip
  • Young angler holding a red grouper offshore
  • Two anglers holding a king mackerel on the boat

Offshore Charters

Exciting Deep Water Action on Gulf Reefs & Wrecks

Join us for an exciting and rewarding offshore fishing experience in the Gulf of America! 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...
  • Blue marlin leaping beside the boat in Costa Rica
  • Three anglers holding a yellowfin tuna in Costa Rica
  • Sailfish jumping with its sail up in Costa Rica
  • Two anglers holding a mahi-mahi in Costa Rica
  • Sailfish swimming underwater in Costa Rica
  • Boy watching a sailfish brought alongside the boat in Costa Rica
  • Black marlin beside the boat as an angler reaches for the leader in Costa Rica
  • Angler holding a big wahoo in Costa Rica
  • Angler holding a sailfish in Costa Rica
  • Blue marlin at boatside in Costa Rica
  • The sportfishing boat Dreamwork docked at the marina in Costa Rica
  • Los Sueños Marina in Costa Rica at sunset

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 Captain
275+
Days on the Water
Every Year
45
Tournament Wins &
Leaderboard Finishes

Tampa Bay Fishing Report

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September 17, 2026

Summer Wrap up and Fall Fishing Tampa Bay

We’ve had a great summer of fishing here in Tampa Bay, with plenty of action and a wide variety of species keeping our anglers busy. From battling big tarpon and Goliath grouper to catching gag grouper, snook, redfish, and more, it’s been another exciting summer on the water.