Hi! I am Captain Art Paiva, the owner and operator of Snooky Bear Inshore Fishing Charters of Ruskin, Florida. I am a fourth generation Portuguese fisherman born to a small fishing community in Newport, Rhode Island.
In 1972, the Paiva Family migrated south to Apollo Beach, FL. My dad taught me to fish he local waters, estuaries and rivers of Tampa Bay as a young boy. My knowledge and experience from fishing the local waters for over 30 years have enabled me to consistently produce catches of top quality fish.
Why Snooky Bear
Captain Art’s favorite animal is the polar bear because of its strength and ability to survive under any circumstances. The polar bear is a natural at catching fish (the best fisherman on the planet) “where fishing comes naturally.” The polar bear represents Captain Art’s ability to catch fish naturally and instinctively. The nickname “Snooky Bear” came from his local fishing peers because of his abilities to always outfish them and catch snook when there seemed to be none around.
Sponsorship and Equipment
I am proud to be sponsored by some of the best names in the business.
| Sea Fox Boats | Bullfrog Creek Marine & Mercury Outboards |
| TA Mahoney Co | Bobs Machine Shop |
| Power Pole | Sanchez Brothers Custom Fabrication |
| Loadmaster Custom Aluminum Trailers | Team Quantum & Finn-Nor Fishing Tackle |
| Brandon Ford | Power Pro |
| Owner Hooks (No Escape) | Seaguar Florocarbon Leader |
| Cajun Thunder Corks | Lee Fisher Nets |
| Little Harbor Fishing Team | Ruskin Bait & Tackle |
| M&D Upholstery | The Web Design Ninja |
I am an annual Guest Host on a well-renowned fishing television program “HOOKED ON FISHING” with Capt. Bill Miller. I’m also an annual Guest on the television program “AVERAGE ANGLER ADVENTURES,” Hosted by Glen Pla. And a Monthly Guest on the television program “47 FISH FINDER” Fishing Report, Hosted by Glen Pla.
So . . . climb aboard! And let’s enjoy the comforts of “No Limits,” my 21-foot Custom-Rigged Flats Fishing Tower Boat, for an exciting, educational fishing adventure the entire family will love and enjoy!
- Featured Story, The Tampa Tribune, March 28, 2004 – “Snook, Line and Sinker”
- Featured Story, Saltwater Angler Magazine, January 2004 – “Fishing the Flow”
- Featured Story, Florida Sportsman Magazine, March 2005 – “Tip of the Hat”
- Featured Story, Shallow Water Angler Magazine, February/March 2005 – “The Markers of Success”