Tampa Bay to Sarasota, FLORIDA

      Tarpon, tarpon, and more tarpon. That seems to be the only thing I fish for this time of year. Since May, June, and July are the very best months to catch tarpon I guess it makes sense that the night before when I ask, "what do you want to fish for", 90% of them say tarpon. Tampa bay has become more and more a destination spot for anglers all over the world who seek to do battle with a silver king, and why not, our tarpon fishing rivals Boca Grande and has a quarter of the boat traffic. I have fished both and personally I would say Tampa Bay's quality of tarpon fishing is better than Boca. Your chances of catching a tarpon are probably about equal, but the fact that Tampa bay has so much less traffic just makes for a better quality experience. So far this year has been my best ever as far as landing fish goes. As far a hook ups go I would say I'm right on track to equal last years, but it seems a few of the small changes I have made in tackle has made a big difference in the number of fish landed. Even on a slow day we have been able to land at least one fish. On my best days this year we boated 4 tarpon in one trip, all over 100 pounds with the largest being 140 or 150. All of the fish where landed before 12 noon, the first fish was hooked around 8 o'clock. That's what I call power tarpon fishing, especially on 25 to 30 pound tackle. The tarpon fishing is stong now and should continue on strong until around the end of July.

As for other fish, the few days I have targeted other fish we have done well. Snook have been strong, especially now that few people are fishing them and the pressure is off. It's also a good time for a trophy, the last largest snook was 37 inches.

Redfishing is also quite strong, the day before yesterday we caught probably 15 to 20 and all were in the slot range, most were 22 to 27 inches, perfect eating size.

The offshore fishing is quite good as well. Last week one charter wanted the biggest fish we had available. After 4 consecutive break-offs we managed a 300 to 350 pound goliath grouper. I believe we hooked the big boy that I have been after all season, but even on 130-pound stand up tackle we were no match. I'm pretty sure it was the big boy because he is always the first one to hit. Damn thing nearly broke my back trying to clear the line from the outboard engine as he made a run for the reef. There are plenty of little tunny and mackerel to catch offshore as well as some permit.

Well that pretty much sums up my report, if you are interested in going fishing I still have a few days left in July. Hope you are having a cool summer.

Capt Matt Ercoli

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

Copyright © 1998-2003 FLY the FLATS, All rights reserved.