Tampa Bay to Sarasota, FLORIDA

      Sorry it's been so long since the last report, my time is very limited this time of year. Believe me it's not for lack of good fishing but actually the exact opposite. Everything seems to be biting right now and fishing could not be any better.

The best catch since my last report came this week when we boated a kingfish that measured 54 inches to the fork, my largest to this date and actually the largest I have ever seen, what a battle he put up. The kingfish have been exceptional, that fish although the largest, was one of many large kings boated this past week. I have had several others in the 20 to 25 pound class and hoards of smaller kings. I have also been catching lots of little tunny and mackerel while kingfishing offshore.

Goliath grouper are biting like crazy as well. Most of them are in the 250 to 400 pound class. The black tip sharks have also begun to show. Well that pretty much sums up the offshore fishing. Although I do more flats fishing I figured I would start out with the catch of the week which happened to be that tremendous kingfish.

Now for the flats fishing. Snook fishing has been excellent, it actually exploded for me the day after my last report. We have been averaging 20 to 30 snook per day with most in the 20 to 30 inch class. I have had a really good month on trophy snook, several in the 36 to 37 inch class and one that measure right at 40 inches. It has also been really good for keeper snook, my best day we boated around ten or so that fell in the 26 to 34 inch slot limit. The redfish have been quite well too. There have been a few massive schools on the bite with a mix of fish from 23 to 34 inches. Lots of slot fish for eating and lots of oversized fish for fighting.

Cobia are also strong on the flats, most are in the 18 to 35-pound class with a few larger. I haven't had a lot of time to devote to them but will as the run becomes stronger into April.

Resident tarpon fishing is strong right now. On the better days it's possible to have a dozen hookups. Most fish are in the 80 to 150 pound class, larger ones are possible. Trout fishing's also strong, although I haven't been targeting them it's very easy to fill a limit on nice ones if you spend a little time on them. The big trophy trout are peaking right now.

I hope you have enjoyed my report. If you are planning a trip for the tarpon migration I still have a few days left, but they are filling in quickly. Remember May, June and July for prime tarpon.

Capt. Matt.

Capt. Matt:

      Just wanted to thank you for the WORLD CLASS fishing trip you guided my son Justin and I to on April 30, 2002! I have fished all over America including guiding and tournament fishing at senior levels and have never found a more professional guide. Your equipment, boat, bait, and knowledge are all SUPERIOR. After many "flats" trips in the Tampa Bay Area with other guides you are now my permanent yearly choice!

     This was the 1st time I was able to bring my son along and contacted you in advance with one request, "keep my son hooked up and don't worry about size". I cannot describe the trill of watching Justin land 76 Snook. And we had size to go with the numbers. And as you described in your 5/6 fishing report we only fished one rod at a time. As soon as we cast the 2nd rod( usually before) we were hooked up on the 1st rod and I just reeled in the 2nd rod to watch Justin have the time of his life. I do want to differ a bit from your report stating we could have caught 100 fish. I honestly believe if we would have fished both rods hard we would have caught 200.

     I am very grateful for your efforts. I have personally guided for bass, crappie and stripers and know what it takes to keep equipment in first class shape. I was especially impressed with the quality of your bait(Greenbacks) and the amount you had to chum and fish with. I am already looking forward to fishing with you next year and please feel free to post this if you wish and if any one needs a reference please do not hesitate to have them contact me.

Bill Manning, William.Manning@att.net

Capt. Matt,

I finally got around to scanning in the pictures of my daughter (Danielle) with her snook. Martha, Danielle and I really enjoyed our fishing trip that afternoon. It was easily the best fishing trip Danielle has ever been on and the largest fish she has ever caught. Thanks. I hope we get to come back and do it again some day.

Happy Fishing, David Dodson

      My Son told me to click on to your web site to get your latest fishing report. Glad to see that you referenced our fishing trip we chartered with you. I was the angler who lost the "BIG" one and then boated the 37 inch snook. Alan, my son was the one that battled the cobia. It was the first time I ever angled for snook or chased cobia on the flats. Have always been an off shore fisherman. It was a great experience, exciting and a lot of fun. You are a great captain and fisherman, definitely know where the fish are and techniques on how to catch them. My Son, Alan, and myself will definitely be back to fish with you. I told him to send you the pictures, hope that he did. Thanks again for the thrill!

Tom Radwanski - Jacksonville, Florida

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