About Us

Florida's #1

Offshore Bottom Fishing Charters & Trolling Trips

Welcome to Salt Cracker Charters! The best offshore fishing and trolling charter service in Clearwater Beach, Florida. We love fishing and we want to share our passion with you. Whether you’re looking for grouper, snapper, kingfish or more, we have the expertise and equipment to help you land the big ones in the Gulf of Mexico. And after a great day on the water, you can enjoy your fresh catch cooked at Salt Cracker Fish Camp, our restaurant at the same dock. Don’t wait, book your trip today and join us for some saltwater fun!

With each charter, comes an experienced and passionate crew who is ready to help you escape from everyday life and experience the excitement that the Gulf of Mexico has to offer.

Book Your Private Fishing Charter Today

Meet the Crew

Every Salt Cracker Charters fishing trip includes an experienced Captain and professional mate on board. Enjoy one-on-one coaching and service from your mate while your captain navigates you to the hotspots! Our crew brings over 60 years of combined experience, ensuring you get the ultimate fishing charter.

Meet Captain Nick

Captain Nick Ress is a seasoned U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)- licensed captain and owner-operator of Salt Cracker Charters.

Lifelong Gulf Experience: A native of Clearwater, Florida, he grew up fishing the Gulf of Mexico, initially learning the waters alongside his father. He has over 20 years' experience fishing of Clearwater Beach.
Commercial and Maritime Background: Before running his own charter operation, Nick gained extensive foundational experience working as a deckhand and marine engineer for Empress Cruise Lines and SunCruz Casinos. He also worked part-time as a commercial fisherman, supplying local Florida fish houses.
Charter Specialization: Nick operates two well-equipped 34-foot offshore boats, specializing in deep-sea fishing, trolling, bottom fishing, and jigging. His favorite fish to target are grouper and hogfish, but his charter trips also target local game fish such as snapper, amberjack, and kingfish

Meet Captain Mike

Captain Mike Hinegardner is a professional fishing charter captain with Salt Cracker Charters, with 30+ years of experience fishing Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico off Clearwater Beach.

Captain Mike guides anglers of all skill levels, from tourist families and children to corporate clients. He is highly regarded for his hands-on approach, including catching fresh live bait early in the morning before trips begin so guests can start fishing immediately. His favorite fish to target are red grouper and tarpon.

Choose Salt Cracker for Your Clearwater Fishing Charter

Our guests choose Salt Cracker because we offer:

Convenient departures from Clearwater Beach Marina, just a 5-10 minute walk from Clearwater Beach’s best hotels.
Exclusive charters for groups of up to six guests
Experienced local captains who know Gulf waters year-round
Comfortable, fully equipped sportfishing boats
Friendly, personalized service for anglers of all experience levels
Excellent value for families, friends, and corporate groups
The opportunity to enjoy your fresh catch at nearby Salt Cracker Fish Camp

Depending on the season, anglers may encounter grouper, snapper, kingfish, amberjack, shark, and many other Gulf species.

Whether you're visiting Clearwater for a weekend or you've lived in the Tampa Bay area for years, our goal is to provide a first-class fishing adventure you'll remember long after the trip ends.

Book Your Private Fishing Charter

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Spots are limited

Clearwater's Favorite Fishing Charter

We're Your 5-Star Sportfishing Experience

    
 
 
         
   William Simone 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mike and Adam had a great playlist going and out in some fun fish. As soon as the biting stopped we moved to the next spot. I’ve fished my whole life and had an absolute amazing time!!
  
 
        
   Mindy Hieb 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely amazing experience! Very clean boat and wonderful hospitality. Thank you Mike and Adam for a memorable time! Would definitely book with you guys again!
  
 
        
   J H 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was our second year fishing with Captain Nick, and once again we had an incredible trip. My son Tyler is now six, and he has literally been talking about fishing with Captain Nick for the past year. Captain Nick has become one of his favorite people, and getting back out on the boat with him was something Tyler had really been looking forward to.

Nick has always been incredibly easy to work with, accommodating with scheduling, and just genuinely great with kids. He has a way of treating Tyler almost like one of his own, making sure he is involved, having fun, and getting the most out of the entire experience. As a parent, that means a lot.

We had another fantastic day on the water, and Tyler came away with even more memories and stories to tell. Captain Nick goes well beyond simply taking you fishing—he makes the whole trip special. We really appreciate everything he has done for Tyler over the last two years and are already looking forward to fishing with him again next year.

Highly recommend Captain Nick and Salt Cracker Charters, especially for families and kids.
  
 
        
   Levi Anderson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mike and his deck hand did an awesome job putting us on the fish!
  
 
        
   Michael Heller 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Captain Mike is the Best!
  
 
        
   Matt Dowell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Capt Mike and Adam were great. They worked very hard to make sure our group caught fish and were great hosts on the boat. We pulled in fish non stop at a couple spots. It was very comfortable for the ride out and ride in. Plenty of shade and a restroom were a huge plus. Boat is clean. The crew was great and we’ll fish again!
  
 
        
   Jesse Lucarini 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend Salt Cracker Charters. Nick & Adam were on the ball, knowledgeable, and patient with us as beginner fishermen. We had an amazing action-filled day that included catching Barracuda, Goliath Grouper, and various other species of Grouper & Snapper.

Would highly recommend these guys for your next Clearwater Fishing Trip!
  
 
        
   Malachi Rodgers 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an AWESOME experience on the Salt Cracker Charter. Captain Nick and first mate Adam were very knowledgeable and helpful as it was only my second time boat fishing. I caught 10 fish and all were huge I actually had to stop fishing and take a break to let my arm rest from back to back to back catches. Highly recommend. Worth every penny. Definitely coming back!
  
 
        
   veer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. First time going on a charter boat and it was a great experience! Adam and Nick were amazing and made sure everyone had a great time!
  
 
        
   patrick sanders 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. These guys will put you on some fish.  Captain Nick and his first mate Adam are super cool and friendly.

Our Sportfishing Fleet

Enjoy Our Comfortable Boats

Our Boats: Salt Cracker II and Salt Cracker III

Each vessel is a 34’ Crusader sportfisherman powered by a 500 horsepower Cummins Marine diesel engine. Both are equipped with state-of-the-art Furuno electronics to help us find the fish. Both boats have an enclosed pilot house that provides ample shade and a place to get out of the elements. Both vessels have a clean, full head onboard.

The Crew

We're ready to show you the Gulf Coast's wonders!

If you love fishing, you’ll love Salt Cracker Charters. We take you to the best spots in the Gulf, where you can hook Red and Gag Grouper, Snapper, Hogfish, Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Amberjack, Tuna and more. Whether you want a half-day family outing or a full-day adventure, we have the right trip for you. And we have the best crew in the business - friendly, professional, and skilled.But that’s not all. When you return to the dock, we clean and fillet your catch for you. And if you want to taste your fish right away, we can cook it for you at our own restaurant, Salt Cracker Fish Camp. It doesn’t get any fresher than that.Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the ultimate fishing thrill. Book your trip today and join us for some saltwater fun!

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Book Your Clearwater Fishing Charter Today

Create memories that will last long after your Clearwater vacation ends.

Whether you're searching for Clearwater Florida fishing charters, planning a family vacation, entertaining clients, or looking for a memorable day on the Gulf of Mexico, Salt Cracker Charters is ready to create an experience you'll never forget.

Contact us today to reserve your charter and discover why so many guests return to Salt Cracker Charters every time they visit Clearwater Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions About
Salt Cracker Charters

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