Tampa Bay to Sarasota, FLORIDA

       Well fall is finally here, my favorite time of the year. We actually had some nice cool fall like weather a few days ago to go along with its arrival. It's warming back up this week according to the weather report, but with less humidity, which is classic weather for early fall. Inevitably the wind will begin to creep out of the north occasionally cooling us downs a bit. The great thing is, there's nothing like a dry mid 70-degree day on clear flats catching snook and redfish mixed together. Along with the weather and great fishing I also like the fact that it's probably the lightest amount of fishing pressure of the year. The snowbirds haven't shown yet and most of the locals are out hunting. During the weekdays I sometime feel as if we are one of the only boats out there. So let's get down so business. The snook fishing has been good with lots of small fish as usual, but we are starting to see larger ones in that 30-inch class range with a few larger ones. No monsters lately but the larger snook fishing will only get better from here as the water begins to cool. Redfishing has been superb, even though this is typically the best time of year for them, I would have to say it's definitely an above average year for them. There are large school in many locations. The reds have been ranging in all sizes from 17 inch right on up to 40 plus inches. It seems that some of the larger roaming schools are really packing some whoppers this year. One of my fellow charter captains told me yesterday that they had a 44 incher out of one of the schools we have been fishing. That's one heck of a battle on 10-pound test. In many of the schools 25 to 34 inches is real common right now.

As for other fish, it's really good news as it seems like trout are coming back pretty strong. I have been targeting them a little bit lately for an hour or two per day just to mix up the day and get a little meat in the boat. The bite has been good and seems to be getting better. We are getting a number of keepers in the 16 to 20 inch class along with a lot of shorts which is a really good sign for the future.

Snook, redfish and trout are making up the bulk of the catch right now on the flats with a few large jacks, mackerel and lady fish mixed in for some added action. As for offshore, I really haven't been fooling with much lately. As soon as the kings show up I will let everyone know. I think it will be around the end of Oct. or so. Nothing like a chum slick full of smoker kings, powerful tunny, and Spanish mackerel. I'm sure to be out there if the fall run is anything like the spring one was.

Well I hope you have enjoyed my report. Let me know if you would like to get out with me on one our fine fall days. Until next time, keep casting and keep those drags screaming.

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

Copyright © 1998-2006 FLY the FLATS, All rights reserved.