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Rusty Bucket Baithouse & Charters

Rusty Bucket Baithouse and Charters opened in February 2021 - not from a business plan, but from a passion for fishing and a desire to change the bait shop experience. I never set out to open a bait and tackle store. In fact, I was heading back to Afghanistan as a contractor for my fifth year when the idea hit me. I’ve fished these waters my entire life, and I’ve always noticed a common trend: most bait shops are run by grumpy folks who don’t exactly make you feel welcome. After one particularly bad experience at a local shop, I decided I’d had enough. That same day, I found a location, and the Rusty Bucket Baithouse was born—before I even told my wife!

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What makes us different? We’re a shop built on good vibes, honesty, and community.

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  • Kids can scoop their own shrimp 

  • Locals can hang out and talk fishing—no pressure to buy a thing

  • Don’t know how to rig up your rods? We’ll show you—no charge, no matter how many times it takes

  • Out-of-towners get pins dropped on their phones for solid fishing spots

  • We only sell bait that actually works for the current season

  • No upselling, no price gouging—even when bait is scarce

  • Veterans get free shrimp every visit

  • Kids earn free shrimp for good report cards

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We're more than a shop—we’re your fishing family.​

Meet The Captain

Crew
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Captain Bill

Veteran, Captain, and Founder of VetCatch

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Captain Bill is a proud 5th-generation Floridian who has spent his life on the Gulf Coast, aside from his 13 years of dedicated military service. Following his time in the military, he founded VetCatch, a nonprofit organization that provides cost-free fishing trips for disabled veterans. To support this mission, he began offering paid charter fishing trips, using the proceeds to fund unforgettable experiences for those who have served.

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Now, with over a decade of experience, thousands of satisfied clients, and countless veterans given the opportunity to reconnect with the water, Captain Bill remains deeply committed to both helping veterans and putting anglers on fish.

 

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time fisherman, his passion for the sport and dedication to service make every trip an adventure to remember.

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Fleet

Shoalwater

The 23-foot Shoalwater is a top choice for anglers who want to fish inshore waters with speed, precision, and ease. Built for shallow water performance, this boat glides across the flats and skinny bays, making it perfect for stalking redfish, snook, trout, and other local species. With comfortable space for up to four people, it’s ideal for small groups looking for a focused and action-packed day on the water. The Shoalwater’s sleek hull design and elevated tower offer excellent visibility for sight fishing and navigating tight spots like mangroves and oyster bars. This boat is designed to deliver a smooth, efficient, and successful fishing experience.

25-foot Pontoon Boat

The 25-foot pontoon boat at Rusty Bucket Baithouse & Charters is designed with accessibility and comfort in mind, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a great day on the water. This spacious vessel can accommodate up to six people and is uniquely equipped to hold up to three wheelchairs, making it one of the few wheelchair-accessible charter boats available. It is primarily used for disabled veterans, elderly anglers, individuals with disabilities (non-veterans), and small children, providing a safe and welcoming environment for those who may require extra space and stability. With its wide deck and thoughtful design, this boat allows for an enjoyable and stress-free fishing experience, ensuring that mobility challenges never stand in the way of making lasting memories on the water.

Our Fleet

At Rusty Bucket Baithouse & Charters, we take pride in offering unique and inclusive fishing experiences for everyone, from seasoned anglers to those just getting started. Our fleet consists of two fully wrapped red, white, and blue boats, each designed for a different kind of adventure on the water.

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Destinations
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Prime Fishing Destinations

Located in beautiful New Port Richey, Florida, Rusty Bucket Charters puts you right in the heart of some of the best fishing spots on the Gulf Coast. Our prime fishing destinations offer a variety of inshore and nearshore adventures, perfect for anglers of all experience levels.

Anclote Key

Cotee River

Gulf of America

Sandbars & Backcountry Flats

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