Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel 

4.9/5 (64 reviews)
 
State licensed
 Sanibel Causeway, Sanibel, FL, United States

Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel 

 
State licensed
4.9/5 (64 reviews)
map-thumbnail
Sanibel Causeway
Sanibel, FL, United States

Southwest Florida is known around the world for its incredible wildlife and angling opportunities. There’s no easier way to get in on the action than by taking advantage of local knowledge and expertise. Join Captain Matt Hawksley, one of Sanibel Island’s top fishing guides, and get ready to reel in some serious fish aboard Capt Matt’s Island Charters!

Capt. Matt has been catching fish in Southwest Florida since he could hold a fishing rod. As a 3rd generation local angler who has guided thousands of fishing trips in and around Sanibel, Captiva and Ft. Myers, this captain has the experience necessary to put you on the fish of a lifetime. After years of partnering with biologists and naturalists to lead guided trips in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge & Tarpon Bay, Capt. Matt is also particularly knowledgeable about the local ecosystem and wildlife.

You’ll fish aboard a 22’ Maverick Pathfinder center console, a performance vessel designed to stalk fish anywhere from Southwest Florida’s famous shallows, to far offshore. She’s decked out with top notch safety and navigational equipment, as well as cutting-edge features including side-scan imaging, 3-D imaging, Chirp sonar, power-pole, trolling motor, drone photography and more.

Enjoy using quality, high-performance equipment and tackle. Penn Spinfisher reels, star rods, Power-Pro braided line, Yo-Zuri flouro-carbon and Trokar laser-sharpened hooks will ensure that when your trophy fish bites, you’ll be ready to land it.

Also don’t forget to ask Capt. Matt about shelling trips, eco-excursions, sightseeing, and visits to the local Calusa Indian mound sites.

So whether you’re interested in catching your biggest saltwater fish, or just want to enjoy a day on the water with your family and friends, Capt. Matt will make sure your excursion is the highlight of your Florida trip. Come aboard!

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Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 64 reviews
Boat
4.8/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
4.9/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (62)

Half day trip with Captain Matt
Fishing with Matt
Fishing with Matt
+59

Angler rating

59
5
0
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

96%

Appropriate for children

96%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

97%

Caught fish

98%

Showing 1 - 5 of 66 reviews
Showing: 5 of 66 reviews
George P.
George P.

Denver, CO

5.0/5

Jul 19, 2022

4 Hour Trip – Fishing (PM)

Half day trip with Captain Matt

VERIFIED

I took my two sons and three college-age grandchildren on a half day trip with Captain Matt. It was an extraordinary experience. He really knows what he is doing and is great with people who are not experienced. Caught lots of fish of many different kinds (including enough Mangrove Snappers to feed all three of our families). Ended with a bang when my granddaughter hooked a huge tarpon on her light tackle. Matt guided her and and the boat expertly and after a 1 1/2 hour fight, actually brought it to the boat. Can't recommend Matt more highly.

I took my two sons and three college-age grandchildren on a half day trip with Captain Matt. It was an extraordinary experience....  

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 George P. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel

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 George P. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel

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Jeremy C.
Jeremy C.

Prairie Du Chien, WI

5.0/5

Apr 3, 2022

4 Hour Trip – Fishing (AM)

Fishing with Matt

VERIFIED

We had an Amazing experience Shark Fishing with Captain Matt. Once we got to our spot he got us all setup and before too long we started getting action! We had several big bites throughout the morning. 3 hours in we finally got the bite we be waiting for and hooked a beautiful 6 Foot Blacktip Shark! She fought hard for a good 25 minutes or so until we got her in the boat! It was definitely an experience my family and I will never forget! Thank you Captain Matt

We had an Amazing experience Shark Fishing with Captain Matt. Once we got to our spot he got us all setup and before too long...  

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 Jeremy C. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel

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 Jeremy C. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel

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Shawn A.
Shawn A.

Belgrade, MT

5.0/5

Mar 11, 2022

6 Hour Trip – Custom

6 hour trip was perfect!

VERIFIED

We let Matt know that the boys wanted to catch a shark. Boy did we! Our middle son caught a 6’ shark that weighed around 90lbs. He was ecstatic! We all caught sharks on our trip. Then we decided to catch dinner so we moved and caught dinner. We caught some mackerel and some ocean trout. Our youngest son hooked into a tarpon for a moment but the light tackle couldn’t hold the huge fish. It was super memorable. Thanks again Matt!

We let Matt know that the boys wanted to catch a shark. Boy did we! Our middle son caught a 6’ shark that weighed around 90lbs....  

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 Shawn A. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel

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 Shawn A. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel

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Dustin R.
Dustin R.

Lafayette, IN

5.0/5

Jun 1, 2022

4 Hour Trip – Fishing (AM)

Great morning!

VERIFIED

Had a great first saltwater fishing experience with Matt. Our main goal was too just simply catch fish, which we did. We ended up catching 10 different species within our time slot. He cleaned our catch and we took it to a restaurant to have cooked. We also had the bonus experience of dolphins jumping in our wake, including a young dolphin. Will very likely try again next year with Matt.

Had a great first saltwater fishing experience with Matt. Our main goal was too just simply catch fish, which we did. We ended...  

 Dustin R. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel

Mark review as helpful

 Dustin R. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel

Mark review as helpful


Tim W.
Tim W.

Rose Hill, KS

5.0/5

May 16, 2022

4 Hour Trip – Fishing (AM)

Highly recommend!

VERIFIED

First let me say that I have used many many fishing guides and Captain Matt is by far one of the best. He was on time, he knew where all the fish were going to be. He went out of his way to make sure that we have a good experience. He was very informative on the local nature, of the plants and animals in the area. We had and exceptional experience including fishing, manatees, dolphins, and birds.

First let me say that I have used many many fishing guides and Captain Matt is by far one of the best. He was on time, he knew...  

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 Tim W. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel

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 Tim W. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel

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Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
September 2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
4 Hour Trip – Shelling (AM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
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US $500 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
4 Hour Trip – Shelling (PM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 12:30 PM
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US $500 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
4 Hour Trip – Fishing (AM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
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US $550 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
4 Hour Trip – Fishing (PM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 12:30 PM
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US $550 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
5 Hour Trip – Shelling/Lunch
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 9:00 AM
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US $625 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip – Custom
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
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US $750 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip – Fishing
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
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US $750 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
8 Hour Trip – Fishing
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
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US $950 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
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Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 64 reviews
Boat
4.8/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
4.9/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (62)

Half day trip with Captain Matt
Fishing with Matt
Fishing with Matt
+59

Angler rating

59
5
0
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

96%

Appropriate for children

96%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

97%

Caught fish

98%

Showing 1 - 5 of 66 reviews
Showing: 5 of 66 reviews
George P.
George P.

Denver, CO

5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Half day trip with Captain Matt

VERIFIED

4 Hour Trip – Fishing (PM) on July 19, 2022

I took my two sons and three college-age grandchildren on a half day trip with Captain Matt. It was an extraordinary experience. He really knows what he is doing and is great with people who are not experienced. Caught lots of fish of many different kinds (including enough Mangrove Snappers to feed all three of our families). Ended with a bang when my granddaughter hooked a huge tarpon on her light tackle. Matt guided her and and the boat expertly and after a 1 1/2 hour fight, actually brought it to the boat. Can't recommend Matt more highly.

I took my two sons and three college-age grandchildren on a half day trip with Captain Matt. It was an extraordinary experience. He really knows what he is doing and is great with people who are not experienced. Caught lots of fish of many different kinds (including enough Mangrove Snappers to feed all three of our families). Ended with a bang when my granddaughter hooked a huge tarpon on her light tackle. Matt guided her and and the boat expertly and after a 1 1/2 hour fight, actually brought...  

Review media 0
 George P. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel

Mark review as helpful


Jeremy C.
Jeremy C.

Prairie Du Chien, WI

5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Fishing with Matt

VERIFIED

4 Hour Trip – Fishing (AM) on April 3, 2022

We had an Amazing experience Shark Fishing with Captain Matt. Once we got to our spot he got us all setup and before too long we started getting action! We had several big bites throughout the morning. 3 hours in we finally got the bite we be waiting for and hooked a beautiful 6 Foot Blacktip Shark! She fought hard for a good 25 minutes or so until we got her in the boat! It was definitely an experience my family and I will never forget! Thank you Captain Matt

We had an Amazing experience Shark Fishing with Captain Matt. Once we got to our spot he got us all setup and before too long we started getting action! We had several big bites throughout the morning. 3 hours in we finally got the bite we be waiting for and hooked a beautiful 6 Foot Blacktip Shark! She fought hard for a good 25 minutes or so until we got her in the boat! It was definitely an experience my family and I will never forget! Thank you Captain Matt  

Review media 0
Review media 1
 Jeremy C. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel

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Shawn A.
Shawn A.

Belgrade, MT

5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

6 hour trip was perfect!

VERIFIED

6 Hour Trip – Custom on March 11, 2022

We let Matt know that the boys wanted to catch a shark. Boy did we! Our middle son caught a 6’ shark that weighed around 90lbs. He was ecstatic! We all caught sharks on our trip. Then we decided to catch dinner so we moved and caught dinner. We caught some mackerel and some ocean trout. Our youngest son hooked into a tarpon for a moment but the light tackle couldn’t hold the huge fish. It was super memorable. Thanks again Matt!

We let Matt know that the boys wanted to catch a shark. Boy did we! Our middle son caught a 6’ shark that weighed around 90lbs. He was ecstatic! We all caught sharks on our trip. Then we decided to catch dinner so we moved and caught dinner. We caught some mackerel and some ocean trout. Our youngest son hooked into a tarpon for a moment but the light tackle couldn’t hold the huge fish. It was super memorable. Thanks again Matt!  

Review media 0
Review media 1
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 Shawn A. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel

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Dustin R.
Dustin R.

Lafayette, IN

5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great morning!

VERIFIED

4 Hour Trip – Fishing (AM) on June 1, 2022

Had a great first saltwater fishing experience with Matt. Our main goal was too just simply catch fish, which we did. We ended up catching 10 different species within our time slot. He cleaned our catch and we took it to a restaurant to have cooked. We also had the bonus experience of dolphins jumping in our wake, including a young dolphin. Will very likely try again next year with Matt.

Had a great first saltwater fishing experience with Matt. Our main goal was too just simply catch fish, which we did. We ended up catching 10 different species within our time slot. He cleaned our catch and we took it to a restaurant to have cooked. We also had the bonus experience of dolphins jumping in our wake, including a young dolphin. Will very likely try again next year with Matt.  

 Dustin R. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel

Mark review as helpful


Tim W.
Tim W.

Rose Hill, KS

5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Highly recommend!

VERIFIED

4 Hour Trip – Fishing (AM) on May 16, 2022

First let me say that I have used many many fishing guides and Captain Matt is by far one of the best. He was on time, he knew where all the fish were going to be. He went out of his way to make sure that we have a good experience. He was very informative on the local nature, of the plants and animals in the area. We had and exceptional experience including fishing, manatees, dolphins, and birds.

First let me say that I have used many many fishing guides and Captain Matt is by far one of the best. He was on time, he knew where all the fish were going to be. He went out of his way to make sure that we have a good experience. He was very informative on the local nature, of the plants and animals in the area. We had and exceptional experience including fishing, manatees, dolphins, and birds.  

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 Tim W. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel

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FAQs about Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel

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The fish you can target

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What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
22 ft
Year built
2015
Boat manufacturer
Maverick
Boat type
Center console

Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 150HP
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