Tampa Bay to Sarasota, FLORIDA

       Despite all the rain we still have managed to get quite a few days out on the water that have been quite successful. I guess the best way to sum up the fishing it's just redfish and more redfish. They have been making up the majority of our catches as well as some days that have been very successful on snook. The two species have been mixed together in nearly every spot I've been fishing, you're never sure what your next catch will be, a bull dogging redfish or maybe a wild jumping snook and they have been a blast. Most of the snook are in the 22 to 27 inch class. Most of the reds are about the same although I've been working one pod of reds that are mostly oversized in the 29 to 34 in class, with a few smaller eating size mixed in.

The keeper size trout have been quite good, literally we have been catching them as fast as you can reel them in. Most of the trout are coming out of deeper water in 6 to 8 ft over grass.

Offshore fishing is decent and should be picking up. We are catching some Spanish mackerel and little tunny mixed together, as well as some small gag grouper. If you are interested in chasing a sea monster, the Goliath grouper have been biting decent and it's possible to get one over four hundred pounds.

Well, fishing should only get better as we progress toward fall. It is actually my favorite time of the year to fish. Not only because of the abundance of fish and great weather, but also because to the lack of boat traffic which makes my job and your time on the water much more enjoyable. I have some days available coming up so if you are interested let me know. If you are heading out on your own good-luck and have a great time!

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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