If you ever want to get on the water with someone who knows every inch of Tampa Bay, it’s Captain Rich Andretta. He’s a South Tampa local, a second-generation fisherman, and he’s been doing this for 25+ years, so when I say he’ll put you on fish, I mean it. His charter, The Saltwater Hook Up, runs everywhere we fish around here: Tampa Bay, St. Pete, Clearwater, Anna Maria, Apollo Beach, Bradenton, Tierra Ceia, and of course Boca Grande for tarpon season.
You’ll be on his custom 25’ Marauder Marine Avenger “the ultimate bay boat” with a 250hp Suzuki, tower, Power Pole, Minn Kota iPilot, Raymarine electronics, the whole setup. It’s not just a ride along; Rich walks you through everything, from hooking into tarpon, snook, reds, kingfish, cobia, and tripletail to cleaning and filleting your catch at the end.
If you’ve been fishing your whole life or never held a rod, he’s one of the rare captains who keeps the day fun, relaxed, and puts real fish in the boat. Whether you’re taking a business partner out or treating the family, I’m confident he’ll deliver a legit Tampa Bay experience.
