Tampa Bay to Sarasota, FLORIDA

       TARPON, TARPON, TARPON, it's that time of year, my favorite time of the year. I don't know why but no matter how many tarpon I have jump into the air it still excites me as much as the first. The stalk, the cast, the anticipation of the bite, the hook set and then that explosive first jump. My first of this season was a solid 150 pound plus, his first leap was tremendous. I was looking at the fish at eye level and remember from atop my tower, my eyes are about 12 feet off the water. Wow what an explosive fish that first one was, all of his jumps were like fireworks on the fourth of July. Tarpon really are the ultimate sport fish, smart, powerful, explosive, wary, and although they jump and run fast they still have a tremendous amount of stamina. We've been fishing for tarpon for about a week and a half now, since they first showed, and so far it seems be a very strong run. Some of the better days we have hooked and jumped more than a dozen, all in the 75 to 150 pound class and there are a lot larger ones out there as well. It should be very good until the end of July, the resident fish are usually very good in August and September as well. As for other fish, snook and redfish have also been very good. Lots of small snook with a few trophies here and there. The reds have really picked up. I've had some great days on the large schooling bull reds. Most of the reds are running in the 25 to 33 inch range and the clear water has made for some very exciting site fishing for them.

Offshore fishing has been very good as well, the kings should be slowing down with warming water temperatures, we sure put a hurting on them while they were here, lots of 20 pound plus fish. The little tunny have also been very good with lots of 12 to 16 pounders. Spanish mackerel have been mixed in with them, some running 30 inches. Another nice bonus has been the mahia mahia, some have been biting as close as 3 miles offshore this year, probably because of the ultra clear water condition. Well I hope you have enjoyed my report, if you would like to get out and catch some fish give me a call, until next time good luck fishing.

Capt. Matt 800-521-2872

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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