- Phone: 941-416-7071
- Email: nautidawgcharters@gmail.com
Meet Aiden Hayes, a captain raised on the Gulf Coast. Having lived here and fished these waters his entire life, he brings a deep passion and local knowledge to every charter.
Aiden grew up fishing and exploring the waters of southwest Florida, and that experience shows in every trip he runs. Whether you are looking for dolphins, a relaxing sunset cruise, or world class tarpon fishing in Boca Grande, you are in experienced hands.
Beyond the water, Aiden is also a dedicated firefighter and EMT. With a wealth of experience and a passion for the ocean, Captain Hayes combines professionalism with a laid back Southwest Florida attitude to create an unforgettable day on the water.
Captain Etienne Beaugrand is a Southwest Florida captain with a deep knowledge of the local waterways and coastline. A world champion professional skimboarder and trained surgical technologist, he brings a rare mix of lifelong water experience, precision, and calm professionalism to every charter. Whether cruising the coast or spotting dolphins, his focus is always on safety, comfort, and delivering a smooth, memorable experience for every guest.
With a lifetime spent on the water, Captain Steve Vanderbaan brings decades of hands on experience and local knowledge to every eco tour. Raised in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, he grew up fishing and navigating the waters daily, later expanding his time on Lake Michigan and Lake Erie. Boating isn’t just a profession it’s been a way of life.
Now based fulltime in Florida since 2019, after first establishing roots here in 1995, Capt. Vanderbaan offers guests a unique perspective shaped by years of exploration across diverse waterways. As a seasoned captain, he combines safety, skill, and a deep respect for the environment to create unforgettable experiences on the water.
When he’s not on the water, you’ll find him spending time with his family his wife and five kids or enjoying a strong cup of coffee before the next adventure. His son, known as “Slick Stevie,” has even made a name as a professional YouTuber, continuing the family’s connection to the outdoors in his own way.
Capt. Vanderbaan looks forward to sharing his experience, stories, and passion for the water with every guest who steps aboard.
Capt. Stewart and I have spent our entire lives fishing these waters, building our experience from the ground up. We began in a 16-foot jon boat, earning the nickname “Jon Boat Boys” throughout the local community. Over time, our dedication and knowledge of the area became well recognized, with other charter captains looking out for our us as they knew we were on the fish. Starting this charter company I knew there was no one else I trusted more to help put my clients on the fish other than Captain Austin Stewart
Capt. Stewart is a full-time tarpon fishing guide based out of Boca Grande home to some of the most legendary tarpon waters in the world. He has spent his life fishing these waters, learning every tide, current, and seasonal movement that makes this fishery so special.
Tarpon aren’t just what he guides for — they’re his passion. From the historic pass to the surrounding beaches and coastal waters, he has dedicated years to understanding how weather, bait, and tide cycles come together to create opportunity. That lifelong experience allows us to consistently put our anglers in the best possible position for success.
Whether you’re an experienced angler chasing a trophy Silver King or looking to land your first tarpon, we run professional, focused trips built around preparation, hard work, and attention to detail. Our goal is simple: give you the best shot at an unforgettable fish and an experience you’ll want to come back for year after year.
ReelNauti is a 23ft classic mako all redone in 2023 from the hull up. The boat was repowered in 2026 With a brand new Suzuki Stealth 250. As safety and reliability is our top priority The boat also has a brand new 2026 Minn Kota Terrova making it easy to get on top and stay on the fish giving our clients the maximum amount of fishing time.
👉 Built for serious anglers and high-performance fishing in Southwest Florida.
The “NautiDawg” is a 30-foot pontoon vessel originally used in commercial dock construction. Captain Hayes later acquired the boat through a trade involving his 18-foot flats boat and undertook a complete renovation. The vessel has since been professionally refitted to operate eco-tours, offering a comfortable and accommodating experience for clients.
👉 If you’re looking for a serious fishing experience, this is the boat you want to be on.
At NautiDawg Charters, every trip is tailored to your goals for the day. Whether you want dolphin encounters, a sunset cruise, sandbar relaxation, or world class fishing, your experience is built around comfort, safety, and unforgettable Gulf Coast memories.
Every trip is fully private for you and your group, with space for up to six guests. No shared charters, no crowds, just your crew and Captain Hayes.
Led by a professional firefighter and EMT, your safety is always the top priority. From calm cruises to tarpon fights, every charter is handled with professionalism and care.
Whether you want dolphins, sunset views, sandbars, or serious Gulf fishing, your trip is tailored to your goals and experience level.
