From Navy Nuclear Electrician to Charter Captain & Santa Claus – Captain Scott's American Journey
A Veterans Day Tribute to Service, Family, Fishing & Giving Back
Veterans Day 2026 | Nauti Girl Sportfishing Charters | Sebastian Inlet, Florida
Some people spend their lives following one dream. Others are fortunate enough to live several.
For Captain Scott Wigal, owner of Nauti Girl Sportfishing Charters and founder of Santa By Scott, life has been an extraordinary journey from serving aboard ships in the United States Navy to chasing trophy fish in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, and eventually building a Santa Claus business serving families across all 50 states.
But through every chapter of his life, one thing has remained constant: a commitment to service, hard work, family, and giving back to those who serve our country.
This Veterans Day, we're sharing the story behind the captain, the business owner, the fisherman, and the veteran.
⚓ 12 Years in the United States Navy – Where It All Began
Long before Captain Scott was running fishing charters out of Sebastian Inlet, he proudly served 12 years in the United States Navy as a nuclear electrician.
Working in the demanding world of naval nuclear power required discipline, technical knowledge, attention to detail, and teamwork.
Those years helped shape the captain and businessman he would eventually become.
The Navy taught Scott lessons that still guide him today: preparation matters, safety comes first, and a crew is only as strong as the people working together.
Although his Navy service ended in 1994, the pride of having served has never left him.
Once a sailor, always a sailor.
🎣 From the Navy to Port Aransas, Texas – A Passion for Offshore Fishing
After his Navy years, Scott continued pursuing another lifelong passion: offshore sportfishing.
The waters surrounding Port Aransas, Texas, became an important part of his fishing career.
From the Gulf of Mexico's offshore fishing grounds to competitive fishing tournaments, Scott developed the experience and determination that would become the foundation of his charter fishing career.
Tournament fishing brought its own challenges: changing weather, difficult conditions, powerful fish, and the constant pressure to perform.
Over the years, Scott built a history of tournament fishing and competitive achievements, gaining valuable experience targeting big-game species.
For Scott, fishing was never simply about catching fish.
It was about the adventure, the challenge, the friendships, and the unforgettable memories made offshore.
🌊 2002 – A New Chapter at Sebastian Inlet, Florida
In 2002, Scott began a new chapter in Florida, fishing the productive Atlantic waters surrounding Sebastian Inlet.
Today, with more than 34 years of fishing experience and a USCG 100-Ton Master Captain's license, he operates Nauti Girl Sportfishing Charters, a veteran-owned private charter business serving Florida's Space Coast and Treasure Coast.
Alongside First Mate Dusty, Captain Scott offers everything from family-friendly fishing adventures to serious offshore expeditions.
Whether it's introducing a young angler to their first fish, battling a powerful shark, targeting snapper on offshore reefs, or heading into deep water for swordfish, the mission is always the same:
Give every guest a safe, exciting, and memorable fishing experience.
Nauti Girl welcomes guests from Melbourne, Palm Bay, Sebastian, Vero Beach, Orlando, and beyond.
🎅 From Offshore Captain to Santa Claus – The Birth of Santa By Scott
There is another side to Captain Scott that surprises many people.
When he's not chasing fish offshore, he's helping create Christmas magic!
Scott founded Santa By Scott, a Santa Claus entertainment business that has grown to serve clients throughout all 50 states.
What began as a passion for bringing joy to families developed into a nationwide business connecting people with the magic of Christmas.
Through Santa By Scott, Scott has brought the spirit of Christmas to families, businesses, organizations, and holiday celebrations.
Running a nationwide Santa business and a Florida sportfishing charter operation might seem like two completely different worlds.
But to Scott, they share the same purpose.
Creating memories that people will carry with them for a lifetime.
Learn more about Santa By Scott at www.santabyscott.com.
🇺🇸 Giving Back to Those Who Serve – More Than Just a Veterans Day Promise
As a Navy veteran, Captain Scott understands the sacrifices made by America's military members and their families.
That's why supporting active-duty service members, veterans, and military organizations is an important part of Nauti Girl Sportfishing Charters.
Throughout the years, Captain Scott has participated in numerous fishing tournaments, outings, and charter trips involving active-duty military personnel and veterans.
These experiences are about much more than fishing.
They're about camaraderie, reconnecting with fellow service members, enjoying time away from demanding schedules, and creating friendships that last long after the boat returns to the dock.
For some, it's an opportunity to experience offshore fishing for the first time.
For others, it's a chance to get back on the water with people who understand the unique bond shared by those who have worn the uniform.
For Captain Scott, giving back to military members isn't a marketing slogan. It's personal.
🎖️ Military & Veteran Discounts – Our Way of Saying Thank You
At Nauti Girl Sportfishing Charters, we proudly offer a 10% discount to active-duty military personnel and veterans as our way of saying thank you for their service.
We also support our local community heroes, including first responders, law enforcement officers, firefighters, medical professionals, and teachers.
As we prepare for the 2027 fishing season, we look forward to continuing our relationships with military organizations, veteran groups, and the men and women serving at Patrick Space Force Base and throughout Central Florida.
We welcome opportunities to participate in military fishing outings, veteran events, tournaments, and community partnerships.
Because sometimes the best way to say thank you is to spend a day together on the water.
⚓ Looking Ahead to 2027 – The Mission Continues
With upgrades underway aboard Nauti Girl and new adventures planned for 2027, Captain Scott and First Mate Dusty are preparing for another exciting fishing season.
From family fishing and offshore reef trips to trophy sharks, wahoo, tuna, and swordfish, there are plenty of adventures ahead.
But no matter how far offshore the boat travels, Captain Scott will never forget where his journey began.
A young sailor serving his country. A Texas fisherman chasing his dreams. A Santa Claus bringing Christmas joy nationwide. And a Florida charter captain still doing what he loves.
🇺🇸 This Veterans Day, We Salute You
To every veteran who has served, every active-duty military member standing watch today, and every military family making sacrifices behind the scenes:
Thank you for your service, your courage, and your dedication to our country.
From one Navy veteran to another, Captain Scott and the entire Nauti Girl crew wish you a meaningful Veterans Day.
Fair winds, following seas, and tight lines!
— Captain Scott Wigal, USN Veteran
Owner & Captain, Nauti Girl Sportfishing Charters
Founder, Santa By Scott
Come Fish With a Veteran-Owned Charter!
🎣 Nauti Girl Sportfishing Charters
📍 Sebastian Inlet, Florida
📞 Call/Text Captain Scott: (321) 474-3706
🌐 www.nautigirlcharters.com
🎅 Santa By Scott
🌐 www.santabyscott.com
Veteran Owned. Proudly Serving Those Who Serve.
