Tampa Bay to Sarasota, FLORIDA

       Hello fellow fisherman! I hope you had a happy holiday season and that 2005 brings good luck for all of us. Spring is right around the corner and before you know it tarpon will soon follow. So far this winter has been my best ever as far as fishing goes, and I can't complain about the weather either. The redfishing has been tremendous, a few days this week we had spurts where we actually were reeling them in as fast as the bait could hit the water. I think the redfish-stocking program is really starting to take effect, and it will get even better in the future. The reds aren't the only fish that has been turned on though, snook, black drum, trout, sheepshead, flounder and grouper have been biting well. The best thing is they're all coming from the same locations and that's what I love about winter fishing. I had one charter this week that caught all of those species plus a jewfish and we never pulled anchor.

Well that's what I have going on now, if you're up for some excitement the fishing is great. Also I am planning my schedule for this spring with snook, redfish, cobia, kingfish, tuna, grouper, permit and some early season tarpon as targets. I'm also filling up fast on my tarpon days, remember May through July are the very best, last August was quite good as well for those huge silver kings. So give me a call or email with the dates you are interested in so we can get our plans together. Hope to see you on the water soon.

Capt. Matt 1-800-521-2872

  Matt, Hope all is well and the bite is still on! Just wanted to thank you again for a great time on the water. We had a blast! Also, wanted to see if you'd mind forwarding on the pic's your father took at your dock (FYI: trip was on May 2nd, caught several large kingfish). Anyway, Caroline, her father (especially), and I are all anxious to see if we made this month's fishing report. We'll keep checking, but we realize that your much busier fishing than advertising this time of year. Take care and we're hoping to plan another trip soon. I've already given your info to a friend that'll be in the Tampa area next month.

Cody cody@nutterinc.com

WOW!!! What a trip I had with Captain Matt!!! I went fishing with Captain Matt to catch a tarpon. Not only did I catch a tarpon but a wide variety of fish from grouper to snook. Captain Matt is very experienced at what he does and when I go back to sunny Florida I will fish with him again!!!! Captain Matt, Thanks for filling a dream with the tarpon I caught!!!

Sincerely, Eric

Captain Matt,

Just a word of thanks on behalf of my brother, father, nephew and of course myself. This past week we had a cold front come in and it dropped the water temp down into the low 60's but you once again were able to keep us on fish all day. We boated almost 20 Snook with probably that many more cut off. Several nice keepers included! This was our second trip with you and I assure you it won't be our last. If you would like to use me for a reference I would be glad to talk to anyone. Your knowledge of the area and where the fish are at is superb, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your services. I look forward to fishing with you next month, Good fishing and tight lines.

Thanks again, Chris Brownlow, 863-412-0786

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

Copyright © 1998-2005 FLY the FLATS, All rights reserved.