Captain T.J. Stewart of Castaway Charters, Inc. is a native Floridian who grew up in Bradenton, Florida on the Braden River, and therefore, is passionate about fishing on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Captain T.J. has been guiding anglers of all skill levels since 2000 when he became a full–time fishing guide, but his fishing goes back to when he was just a boy exploring the waters of Tampa Bay. Castaway Charters, Inc. specializes in inshore fishing with light tackle and near–shore fishing with medium–light tackle.
No matter what you want to catch; tarpon, snook, redfish, trout, shark, or other species, Captain TJ has the knowledge and years of experience to put you on trophy fish with consistency. You can be sure that Captain T.J. will work hard, no matter what the weather conditions might be, to give you a day on the water that you’ll never forget.
Captain T.J. gives back to the community through a number of charity organizations. He participates in The Yerrid Foundation Grand Slam Celebrity Fishing Tournament to aid in the fight against pediatric cancer, Hooked on Hope Inshore Fishing Tournament to benefit USF Breast Health and Dr. Charles E. Cox, The Trey Curry Foundation Annual Fishing Tournament to provide assistance to children with learning differences and needs, The Tamco Foundation Grand Slam Charity Fishing Tournament to help raise money to help wounded soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, The Tampa Bay BCN Gators Annual Fishing Tournament to benefit the Rinker School of Building Construction at the University of Florida, and the Sarasota Slam Fishing Tournament to help raise money for the non–profit organization Homes for our Troops.
He also enjoys participating in the Redfish IFA Tour, The Flatsmasters Elite Pro Redfish Tour, and the Professional Tarpon He also enjoys participating in the Redfish IFA Tour, The Flatsmasters Elite Pro Redfish Tour, and the Professional Tarpon Tournament Series. Capt. T.J. has made television appearances on Hooked on Fishing”, “Reel Animals Fishing Show, Aaron’s Outdoors”, “Average Angler Adventures” and has been featured on Bay News 9 and in articles in several magazines and newspapers.
Some of Capt. T.J.’s best honors and achievements are 2006 and 2008 Overall Inshore Grand Slam Winner Top Guide – Mercury Grand Slam Celebrity Fishing Tournament, 2008 Sarasota Divisional Champions – Xtreme Redfish Series, 2010 Best Overall Captain – Hooked on Hope Fishing Tournament, 2011 1st Place – Tampa Bay BCN Gators Annual Fishing Tournament, and 2012 Tarpon Cup Champion – Professional Tarpon Tournament Series.
Capt. T.J. was recently recognized by Mote Marine Laboratory as a top ten Tarpon Genetic Recapture Study DNA Sampler. This studyCapt. T.J. was recently recognized by Mote Marine Laboratory as a top ten Tarpon Genetic Recapture Study DNA Sampler. This study helps provide the FWC/Mote Marine Laboratory with information on tarpon movement and use of certain bodies of water within a season and between seasons. Samples submitted to date have resulted in more than 100 recaptures.
Capt. T.J.’s strong personal values keep him focused on giving back to the community and fishing industry. Capt. T.J. lives with his wife and son in Bradenton, Florida. When he is not fishing, he enjoys leisure boating, working out at the gym, and spending time with family and friends.
