Tampa Bay to Sarasota, FLORIDA

       Winter is still in the air but I can't complain too much, it feels like its going to make it into the 70's today. I guess it's a little better than sub-zero like they are having up north. It's no wonder the birds migrate south for the winter and I have to say I have been seeing a lot of ducks out on the water lately, enjoying the Florida sun.

Anyway, the water did drop back into the high 50s last week. Slowing the fast snook action I was having, but on a positive note which seemed to be the pattern all winter long, the colder it got the better the red fishing has gotten. It really has been good the last couple of weeks. I think our redfish numbers are on a real dramatic rise because since I have been a fishing guide I really can't remember a winter when there were so many around. I mean they are just everywhere and in big schools, small ones, big ones, all sizes. I had a few schools this past week where the small fish where 29 inches and they went up to 33 inches. We where running out of shrimp and throwing some that where so small they where about the size of my pinky finger and we where still catching them. It's exciting to seen so many reds and it makes my job easier.

As for other catches, we are still getting a few snook even though I was not targeting them, with the water being cooler. Yesterday the water did hit 66 degrees in the last spot I was at around 3pm, so a few more days of nice warm weather and the snook will be exploding again. We have also been catching some decent flounder and some nice trout to mix the day up but they are just an extra bonus and something different to look at for my guys.

So that's about it, reds are good now, I will probably switch over to more snook in a few days with warming water temps. If you would like a spring flats fishing trip let me know soon as I am running out of days on my schedule. Also if you are looking for some tarpon action, May through July, averaging 75 to 130 pounds and some up to and exceeding 200, let me know soon. My tarpon dates are filling very early this year.

Good luck, see you on the water… Capt. Matt

www.captainmatt.com

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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