Tampa Bay to Sarasota, FLORIDA

       Well it's that time of year, spring is in the air and the fishing's on! I know everyone waits every year for this report which I call the spring exploitation. The water temp has been creeping into the low 70's on the flats and the hungry snook have been gorging themselves as their metabolism rises with the water temp. Snook are tropical fish and prefer warm water, which means they must eat more to stay healthy and in-turn we get to catch more. My snook fishing has been very good this past week and it should only get better. I don't think we had a single day where we caught less than forty. Some of my better days we left them biting after 75. Most of the snook are running smaller, 22 to 25 inches, but they are so much fun, especially in the shallow ultra clear water I am finding them in now. We are also catching some larger snook as well, most of the keepers have been around 27 to 28 inches with a few over 30 inches as well. As the larger bait starts to show on the flats we will start to catch more trophy fish. Snook have definitely been our prime and most exciting target lately, but they are not the only thing that is biting now. The reds are also invading the flats. The nice thing is most of our reds have been very nice keepers in the 24 to 27 inch class, perfect eating size. They have been very finicky though, I have been seeing a lot of them, but they are not just leaping on the baits yet. I think as the water warms that they will be a little less shy and much easier to catch. Most of the reds are mixed in with the snook so they are just bonuses now anyhow.

As for trout, I do have a few spots that are producing nice trout for the table, most of them are in the 16 to 20 inch class. We are able to make a quick stop for some filets. Well everyone, if you're not out fishing now is the time to be out there. Whether you prefer bait, fly or plug the opportunity for catching fish on the flats couldn't be much better. Fly fishermen, remember this is one off the best times for taking snook on the fly. It's all sight fishing and the action is fast. My best outing for snook on the fly last march was over 45. Ten plus snook on the fly this time of year is usually the norm while 35 plus on bait is usually the norm.

Well if you would like to get out this spring give me a call I still have a few days open. It's also time to start booking those tarpon charters, I'm filling quickly. Remember may through July is the best for sight fishing the tarpon, that is when the southern migration pours into the bay.

Well I hope you enjoyed my report, keep those lines tight and the fish jumping!!

Capt. Matt

Matt, both Mike and I were once again blown away with the fish you got us into! In the five or six years I have been coming up to fish with you we have never had a bad day! The offshore fishing this year for the kingfish was incredible and the day on snook was just about the best day fishing I have ever had (I won't even guess at how many we had on)! You can plan on us being back next year, and for that matter, every year! I have had the good luck to fish all over the world, and your area is at the top of my list for great saltwater fishing! Thanks and tight lines until next time.
Sincerely, Steve Brugger

  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

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