Tampa Bay to Sarasota, FLORIDA

       Well things have changed around here quite a bit. The last couple of cold fronts have put us into full winter fishing conditions. This has not been a bad thing for my charters though. The fishing remains very good as I follow them into their backcountry haunts as they prepare for the set-in of winter. This past week I have had some great fishing for snook, redfish, trout, black drum and a few pompano. My primary target has been snook and redfish though. Snook fishing has been very strong. The fish are very concentrated as they all try to pack into the same few warm water areas. One cast you may catch a 20 incher and the very next a 35 incher, all sizes are mixed together right now. We've had a few days this week where we broke 20 snook in one spot. Redfishing has been equally as good. Most of the reds are running in the 16 to 25 inch range, with quite a few falling into the slot of 18 inches. My best day this week we faired better than 20 redfish as well.

Because of the good snook and redfish bite I haven't been targeting trout too much. The cool water has really spirited the larger trout to bite. I have been catching some good size trout while we are fishing for other fish. Remember Jan 1st, trout reopens. You can bet with the big ones biting that we will be catching them.

I'm also catching some nice black-drum, the largest would go maybe 14 to 15 pounds. We have also been catching some fat sheep-head mixed in with them up to 5 pounds.

There are also a few pompano showing up in the mix, so maybe we will have one of those brilliant pompano winters, all we can do is keep our fingers crossed.

Well that's all I have for now but I will keep you posted. I still have a few days remaining around the holidays so if you're interested let me know. Also remember it's time to start planning those spring trips as well. Oh yes, one bit of advise if you are heading out on your own. Slow and deliberate, that is how you must be fishing for the snook and reds, trout will bite a little faster retrieve until the water cools down more.

Good luck fishing and have a great holiday season.

Capt. Matt

  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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