Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel
Select your trip

Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel

State licensed
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(64 reviews)
Sanibel Causeway
Sanibel, FL, United States
Trips & prices
Targeted species
What's included
Boat info
Reviews
Contact captain

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!

  • Fishing License
  • Live Bait
  • You Keep Catch
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks
  • Child Friendly
  • Ice Box
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Fighting Chair

Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    3-4 Hour Trip – Sightseeing (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    $500
    Cruise the tropical island waters off Sanibel and Captiva, while exploring mangrove inlets and learning about our amazing Southwest Florida estuaries. Look for a variety of Wildlife including fish, rare birds, Bottlenose Dolphin, Manatee, Turtles, Sharks, Rays, and more! As a former Captain/Guide at The Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, Capt. Matt is highly knowledgeable about the island's estuaries, wildlife, and local history. Fishing is only available on request.
  • Private trip
    3-4 Hour Trip – Sightseeing (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 12:30 PM
    $500
    You'll cruise around Sanibel and Captiva, learning while you see some stunning views – don't forget your camera. You might see turtles, dolphins, sharks, and rare birds. Capt. Matt is highly knowledgeable about the island's estuaries, wildlife, and local history. The Captain may even toss out a line upon request.
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Shelling (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    $500
    Hop aboard and cruise to a pristine uninhabited island for a morning of shelling. Enjoy getting the first pick of shells on an island only accessible by boat. Some of the best local shells come from these beaches. and Capt. Matt can take you right to them. Spend your time doing the "Sanibel Stoop", looking for treasures or just relax and enjoy the serene private beach. Fishing is available on request only on this trip.
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Shelling (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 12:30 PM
    $500
    You'll head out to an uninhabited island for an afternoon of shelling, for top quality shells. The kids will love looking for treasure and the parents will love this relaxing beach. Fishing is only available on request.
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip - Fishing (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    $550
    Cruise the Inshore and Nearshore waters around Sanibel and Captiva and fish for some of our most sought after species including: Snook, Redfish, Seatrout, Snapper, Grouper, Tarpon, Shark and more. When the morning bite is on, You never know what you might catch! Includes: Fishing License, Bait, Ice, Equipment, etc... The species you'll be targeting, as well as your departure time and the techniques you'll use, may vary depending on the weather, Tide, and water conditions.
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip - Fishing (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 12:30 PM
    $550
    Cruise the Inshore and Nearshore waters around Sanibel and Captiva and fish for some of our most sought after species including: Snook, Redfish, Seatrout, Snapper, Grouper, Tarpon, Shark and more. Depending on the weather and tides, the afternoon can be a very productive time of day. Includes: Fishing License, Bait, Ice, Equipment, etc... The species you'll be targeting, as well as your departure time and the techniques you use, may vary depending on the weather, Tide, and water conditions
  • Private trip
    5-6 Hour Trip – Shelling/Lunch
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 9:00 AM
    $625
    Hop aboard and cruise to a pristine secluded island for a morning of shelling. Enjoy getting the first pick of shells on an island only accessible by boat. Some of the best local shells come from these beaches and Capt. Matt can take you right to them. Afterward, enjoy a short ride to one of our local waterfront eateries. Cabbage Key and Barnacle's (North Captiva) are the two most popular spots, but others are available if you have one in mind. Capt. Matt may even throw a line out upon request.
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip - Custom
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    $750
    Create your own personalized island adventure while still taking advantage of Capt. Matt's local knowledge and expertise! On this 6-hour trip, you'll have the chance to mix up your choice of fishing action, sightseeing, shelling on an secluded island, or a stop for lunch at a local island restaurant. Just let Capt. Matt know what you'd like to do. Extra Hours can also be added ($100/hour if available) All Licenses, Gear, Bait, Tackle, Ice, and necessary safety equipment included.
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip - Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    $750
    Try multiple different techniques in various settings during this 6-hour, full-fledged fishing excursion. Target a Variety of our most sought-after species including Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Seatrout, Grouper, Snapper, and many more. 6 hours gives you ample time to find some amazing fish! Includes: Fishing License, Bait, Ice, Equipment, etc... The species you'll be targeting, as well as your departure time and the techniques you'll use, may vary depending on the weather, Tide, and water conditions.
  • Private trip
    8 Hour Trip - Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    $950
    Spend a full day on the waters around Sanibel Island and really increase your chances of hooking some incredible fish! Target our most sought-after species including Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Seatrout, Grouper, Snapper, and many more. With 8 hours to fish, you can be sure you'll be around when the bite goes off! Includes: License, Bait, Ice, Gear, etc... The species you'll be targeting, your departure time, and the techniques you'll use, may vary depending on the weather, tide, and water conditions.

FAQs about Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel

Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel offers the following trips to customers:
  • $500 per group - 3-4 Hour Trip – Sightseeing (AM) (4 hours)
  • $500 per group - 3-4 Hour Trip – Sightseeing (PM) (4 hours)
  • $500 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Shelling (AM) (4 hours)
  • $500 per group - 4 Hour Trip – Shelling (PM) (4 hours)
  • $550 per group, additional $50 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Trip - Fishing (AM) (4 hours)
  • $550 per group, additional $50 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Trip - Fishing (PM) (4 hours)
  • $625 per group - 5-6 Hour Trip – Shelling/Lunch (5 hours)
  • $750 per group, additional $50 per person after 2 guests - 6 Hour Trip - Custom (6 hours)
  • $750 per group, additional $50 per person after 2 guests - 6 Hour Trip - Fishing (6 hours)
  • $950 per group, additional $75 per person after 2 guests - 8 Hour Trip - Fishing (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Fighting Chair
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well
  • Multimedia System
  • Wireless Trolling Motor
  • Ice Box
Trips booked with Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Penn, Daiwa, Spinfisher)
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks (I provide some drinking water )
  • Fishing License
Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel offers the following types of fishing:
  • River Fishing
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing (Up to 9 miles, weather permitting)
  • Reef Fishing (Weather permitting)
  • Wreck Fishing (Weather permitting)
  • Flats Fishing
  • Backcountry Fishing
Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Fly Fishing (Bring your own equipment)
  • Drift Fishing
  • Handline
  • Spearfishing (Bring your own equipment)
  • Deep Sea Fishing
Top targeted fish species with Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel include:
  • Cobia
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Grouper (Goliath)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Redfish
  • Shark (Hammerhead)
  • Shark (Tiger)
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tarpon
  • Tripletail

Meet the Captain

Matt Hawksley
Sanibel, Florida, United States
10 Fishing Reports
96 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since January 2019
Capt. Matt has been catching fish in Southwest Florida since he could hold a fishing rod. As a 3rd generation Southwest Florida angler who has guided thousands of fishing trips in and around the waters of 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, Capt. Matt is also particularly knowledgeable about the local ecosystem and wildlife. So whether you're interested in catching your biggest saltwater fish, or you just want to enjoy a day on the water with family and friends, Capt. Matt will make sure your excursion is the highlight of your trip to southwest Florida!

About this listing

Targeted species

Cobia Cobia
Grouper (Gag) Gag Grouper
Grouper (Goliath) Goliath Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish) King Mackerel (Kingfish)

Boat specs

Maverick Pathfinder (Center console) originally built in 2015. Powered by a 150HP Yamaha fourstroke engine.

Length
22 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

River Fishing
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Up to 9 miles, weather permitting
Reef Fishing
Weather permitting
Wreck Fishing
Weather permitting
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Fly Fishing
Bring your own equipment
Drift Fishing
Handline
Spearfishing
Bring your own equipment
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

Fighting Chair
GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Multimedia System
Wireless Trolling Motor

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Penn, Daiwa, Spinfisher
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
I provide some drinking water
Fishing License

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

Listing policies

Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child Friendly
No minimum age, talk to your captain
You Keep Catch
Choose to keep or release!
Catch and Release Allowed
Choose to keep or release!

Payment

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Cash
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

Sanibel fishing calendar

Loading Fish Calendar!
Please Wait...

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 64 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
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%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
96%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
98%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 65 reviews
George P.
Denver, CO
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
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. ...
George P. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
George P. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Read more
Jeremy C.
Prairie Du Chien, WI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
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...
Jeremy C. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Jeremy C. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Read more
Shawn A.
Belgrade, MT
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
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...
Shawn A. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Shawn A. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Read more
Dustin R.
Lafayette, IN
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
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...
Dustin R. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Dustin R. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Read more
Tim W.
Rose Hill, KS
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
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...
Tim W. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Tim W. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Sanibel
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Read more