Our Story

Capt. Jay, Coast Guard Veteran

Our name says it all!  Captain Jay was born in south Florida and raised along the waters of Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys.  Born from generations of commercial fishermen, Captain Jay quickly realized that we should not only turn to the sea as a means to harvest food but also cherish and be grateful for all she has to offer.

At an early age Captain Jay realized that he wanted to share his love for the sea with everyone he met. His passion for all things salty led him to numerous journeys all over south Florida to include the offshore waters off greater Miami and the Florida Keys as well as the back country estuaries of the glorious Florida Everglades, Flamingo, Chokoloskee and the magnificent Ten Thousand Islands. Before long, Captain Jay was spending his time teaching friends how to free dive the reefs, hunt for pelagic fish offshore and fish the flats for serious trophy fish.  

It didn’t take long for Captain Jay to realize how lucky he was to live in such a great country.  One that allowed him to pursue his passion of everything salty. So, in 1993, Captain Jay decided to enlist in the United States Coast Guard as a way to give back and still enjoy his passion, the sea.  Captain Jay served seven years as an active member of the U.S. Coast Guard conducting search and rescue missions in the Florida Keys, southern California and the Caribbean. Captain Jay was honorably discharged from the U.S. Coast Guard and settled back home in south Florida. Captain Jay has been a U.S. Coast Guard licensed Captain since 1998.  

If you have any questions, please call: 239-707-3756

We're thrilled to announce that Captain Jay, owner of Salty Native Charters, has been nominated and won 2025 The Best Of Cape Coral for fishing charters!

This well-deserved recognition highlights what anglers have known for years – Captain Jay's dedication to providing exceptional fishing experiences in Southwest Florida's pristine waters is unmatched. As a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, his commitment to safety, professionalism, and putting clients on fish has made Salty Native Charters the go-to choice for Cape Coral fishing adventures.

From targeting trophy snook around Sanibel and Captiva Island to exploring the scenic inshore waterways of Fort Myers, Captain Jay's expertise and attention to detail continue to create unforgettable fishing memories for anglers of all skill levels. This award is a testament to the countless satisfied customers who have experienced world-class fishing with Salty Native Charters. Congratulations, Captain Jay – this recognition is well earned!