Tampa Bay to Sarasota, FLORIDA

       Hello fellow fisherman, I hope everyone had a good Christmas and a happy New Year. I also hope that everyone has a good, healthy and prosperous 2006. Weather couldn't be nicer down here on Anna Maria Island. Today we enjoyed one of the nicer day's this winter, 80 degrees, a light wind, and sunshine with just a hint of clouds. I'm not trying to rub it in on you northerners up there in the cold. I happen to be writing my fishing report today and for whatever reason today just seems exceptionally nice. The kind of bluebird day that makes a person feel lucky to have the opportunity to enjoy it. Well let's get down to business. The water temp is quite warm, already we are experiencing spring like conditions with the water creeping into the low 70s. This week has produced exceptional good January fishing. Snook, redfish and trout have made up the bulk of our catches. Snook and redfish have been the best we've had for a while. We put some very nice snook in the boat this week, several in the 30-inch class, the largest was a solid 34-incher and some bigger ones broke us off. A few of the spots I'm fishing now are packed full of snook in the 30 to 40 plus inch range. They are hungry after that bout with 56 degree water temperature just a week and a half ago. Most of the redfish have been in the 16 to 25 inch ranges. Sheepshead have been nice size with many 3 and 5 pound keepers and a few approaching 7 pounds. Trout came into season on Jan 1st and we are catching some real nice ones in the 18 to 24 inch classes.

The rest of January should be a nice time to be on the water and is a great time to get out and catch some fresh fish to eat. If you are heading out on your own, good luck fishing. If you are thinking about getting out with me let me know soon, I have a few days each week still available. Snook season comes in Feb 1st.

See you on the water, Capt. Matt

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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