Abstract background featuring flowing waves in varying shades of blue against a soft white backdrop.
Catch the fish of a lifetime with Captain Steve Papen

Tournaments & Wins

Experience unforgettable offshore fishing adventures from Historic John’s Pass with Fintastic Fishing Charters — home of the Grouper Guarantee and trusted by anglers visiting the Tampa Bay and St. Pete area.

Built on experience, consistency, and a true passion for offshore fishing, Fintastic Fishing Charters has earned its place on the leaderboard time and time again. Our tournament history reflects not just great days on the water—but a commitment to preparation, local knowledge, and putting anglers in the best position to win. Take a look at some of the tournaments we’ve competed in and the victories we’re proud to bring back to the dock.

  • A person holds a large red snapper while standing on a boat, with calm sea and blue sky in the background.
  • A person in a red jacket holds a large fish while standing on a boat in the ocean, with clear skies in the background.
  • Two individuals on a boat hold a large, spotted fish against a backdrop of clear blue skies and water.
  • Two individuals on a boat hold up large pink fish, with water and blue skies in the background. Fishing gear is visible on the deck.
  • Five people holding a large fish and a 1st place trophy at a fishing competition on a stage with sponsor banners.
  • Person on a boat holding a large pink fish with the ocean and clear sky in the background.
  • Group of people holding a large fish and oversized checks and trophies at a night fishing competition celebration.
  • Group of men holding a large fish and a first-place trophy at a fishing tournament award ceremony.
  • Team Lagerhead stands on stage holding large prize checks and a trophy at a night fishing tournament award ceremony.
  • Five men pose with a large fish hanging from a display frame at a Wild West Fishing Fest event.

2012

  • Savage Yacht Offshore Challenge Tournament – 1st Place Overall, 1st Calcutta
  • Sarasota SKA – 2nd Place Overall, 2nd Place TWT (34.68 lbs)
  • 102.5 The Bone Fishing Tournament – 2nd Place Overall (400 boats)
  • Wild West Kingfish Tournament (Leg 1) – 3rd Place Overall (36.88 lbs)
  • Wild West Kingfish Tournament (Leg 2) – 4th Place Overall (36.68 lbs)
  • Gators Spring SKA Tournament – 4th Place Overall (39.89 lbs)
  • National Championship (Mississippi) – 9th Place Overall

2011

  • Sarasota SKA – 1st Place Overall (47.28 lbs)
  • Division 6 SKA Champions – 1st Place Overall
  • NBOA Gulf Coast Open SKA – 4th Place Overall
  • Gators SKA Event – 2nd Place Overall
  • Fall King of the Beach – 3rd Place Overall, 1st Place Calcutta

2010

  • SKA Naples “Fishing in Paradise” – 2nd Place Overall
  • SKA Ft. Myers (Division 11) – 3rd Place Overall
  • Gators Spring SKA – 2nd Place Overall
  • Team Lagerhead finished 3rd overall in both Division 6 and Division 11

2009

  • Sarasota Classic SKA – 3rd Place Overall
  • John’s Pass Monster Kingfish Tournament – 2nd Place Overall (37.20 lbs)
  • Fall King of the Beach – 7th Place Overall
  • Additional Top 10 finishes across Marco Island, Ft. Myers, and Naples SKA events

2008

  • Old Salts King of the Beach (Spring) – 2nd Place Overall (330 boats), 2nd Place TWT
  • Pro Marine SKA Clearwater – 3rd Place Overall
  • Sarasota SKA – 4th Place Overall
  • National Championship (Biloxi, MS) – Top 10 Finish (450+ boats)

2007 – Breakout Year (3 Major Wins in a Row)

  • John’s Pass Monster Kingfish Tournament – 1st Place Overall (42.02 lbs), 1st Place TWT
  • Promarineusa.com / Pinellas Sheriff’s PAL Tournament – 1st Place Overall, 1st Place TWT
  • Loadmaster / Gators Classic – 1st Place Overall, 1st Place TWT
  • Old Salts King of the Beach (Fall) – 4th Place Overall

2006

  • Gators Suncoast Kingfish Classic (SKA) – 1st Place Overall, 1st Place TWT
  • Promarineusa.com / PAL Tournament (SKA) – 1st Place Overall, 1st Place TWT
  • Old Salts King of the Beach – 4th Place Overall (330 boats)
  • Multiple Top 3 finishes across major tournaments

2005

  • Billy’s Stone Crab Shack Tournament – 2x 1st Place Overall Wins, 1st Place TWT
  • Suncoast Kingfish Classic – 7th Place Overall
  • Multiple Top 10 finishes across SKA tournaments
  • Finished Season – 6th Place Overall (Division 6)

Blue Water Tournament Highlights

  • Sarasota Slam Bluewater Tournament – 1st Place Overall Swordfish (169 lbs)
  • Old Salts Loop Tournament – 2x 2nd Place Overall Billfish
  • 3rd Place Billfish Calcutta (400 points)