Meet Captain Jamie Hoover

Captain Jamie Hoover, the owner of Addicted to Scales & Tail Charters, is a full-time Pensacola fishing guide who turned a lifelong passion for angling into a professional career. Growing up in South Central Pennsylvania, Jamie spent his early years learning the fundamentals of the sport on local rivers, streams, and lakes. Even during his subsequent service as a proud U.S. Marine, fishing remained a steady anchor in his life, reinforcing a deep appreciation for the outdoors alongside a strong sense of commitment and discipline. After spending years making ten-hour drives just to fish along Florida’s Emerald Coast, he permanently relocated to the region in 2022 to establish a local, veteran-owned charter service.

Holding a comprehensive U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license and full commercial insurance, Captain Jamie brings a meticulous focus on safety, professionalism, and local expertise to every outing. He has dedicated thousands of hours to studying and mapping the complex tracking patterns, seasonal migrations, and structures across Pensacola Bay, Escambia Bay, East Bay, and Blackwater Bay. Whether guiding young children through their very first catch or positioning seasoned anglers to target tough local species with light tackle, his patient, detail-oriented approach helps guests feel confident and comfortable on the water.

Beyond navigating the local waterways, Captain Jamie focuses heavily on conservation and community leadership. He actively educates guests on sustainable catch-and-release methods and local wildlife preservation to protect the rich, delicate ecosystems of Florida's Gulf Coast for future generations. Known for a welcoming personality paired with a diligent work ethic, he has built a reputation as a reliable, expert guide who views his guests as part of the crew. His goal for every single trip is simple: to share honest local knowledge, build genuine trust, and provide a seamless, world-class experience on the water.

The Vessel: 24-Foot Ranger Bay Boat

Our trips take place aboard a specialized 24-foot Ranger center console bay boat, an elite platform engineered specifically for the diverse demands of coastal environments. Powered by a dependable Yamaha 225HP engine, the vessel delivers a smooth, dry ride and exceptional stability while traveling across open bays or navigating tight, shallow backwaters. The boat features expansive, unobstructed deck space optimized for up to four anglers to cast comfortably, along with high-capacity live wells, precise digital GPS navigation, and advanced fish-finding sonar technology. This specific layout ensures the ideal balance of speed, safety, and shallow-water nimbleness required to quietly reach the flats where premier local species feed.