Capt Matt's Island Charters – Captiva

Southwest Florida’s barrier islands are known worldwide for their incredible wildlife and angling opportunities. What better way is there to get in on the action, than by taking advantage of local knowledge and expertise. Join Captain Matt Hawksley, one of Captiva Island’s premier fishing guides, and get ready to reel in some of the finest fish in Florida!

Capt. Matt has been catching fish in Southwest Florida since he was old enough to hold a fishing rod. He’s a 3rd generation Southwest Florida angler, and has guided thousands of fishing trips in and around the waters of Sanibel, Captiva and Ft. Myers. He also spent years partnering with biologists and naturalists to lead guided trips in Sanibel’s Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Tarpon Bay), and is particularly knowledgeable about the local ecosystem and wildlife. Because of this, Capt. Matt has the experience necessary to put you on the fish of a lifetime.

You’ll be fishing from your captain’s Maverick Pathfinder 2200 center console, a performance vessel designed to chase fish from Southwest Florida’s famous flats, to offshore gulf waters. She’s decked out with top notch safety and navigational equipment, as well as cutting-edge features like side-scan imaging, 3-D imaging, Chirp sonar, Power-Pole, trolling motor, drone photography, and more.

Capt. Matt will provide the best 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 will be ready to land it!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip - Fishing (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $600
    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
    US $600
    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
    6 hour Trip - Custom
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $800
    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
    US $800
    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 7:45 AM
    US $1,000
    Spend a full day on the waters around Captiva 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.
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FAQs about Capt Matt's Island Charters – Captiva

Capt Matt's Island Charters – Captiva offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $600 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Trip - Fishing (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Trip - Fishing (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $800 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 6 hour Trip - Custom (6 hours)
  • US $800 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 6 Hour Trip - Fishing (6 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - 8 hour Trip - Fishing (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Capt Matt's Island Charters – Captiva, 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 – Captiva include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks
  • Fishing License

Capt Matt's Island Charters – Captiva offers the following types of fishing:
  • River Fishing
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing
  • Flats Fishing
  • Backcountry Fishing

Capt Matt's Island Charters – Captiva offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Fly Fishing
  • Drift Fishing
  • Handline
  • Spearfishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Capt Matt's Island Charters – Captiva include:
  • Black Drum
  • Cobia
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Grouper (Goliath)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Permit
  • Redfish
  • Shark (Hammerhead)
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tarpon

Meet the Captain

Matt Hawksley
Captiva, Florida, United States
10 Fishing Reports
96 Customer reviews
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

Black Drum Black Drum
Cobia Cobia
Grouper (Gag) Gag Grouper
Grouper (Goliath) Goliath Grouper

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
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing
Handline
Spearfishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

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

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
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 included in price
Transfer from hotels or jetties in Captiva to departure site is available and included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
You Keep Catch
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.

Captiva Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 31 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (33)
Great time with Capt Matt
Great time with Capt Matt
Amazing day!
+30
Angler rating
26
4
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
97%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
86%
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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 31 reviews
Cameron S.
Lubbock, TX
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half Day Trip

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - Fishing (PM) on June 16, 2021
Highly recommend Capt Matt! He asked us first thing what kind of fish we wanted to catch and after telling him we were looking...
Cameron S. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Captiva
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Cameron S. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Captiva
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Paul K.
Madison, CT
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day trip with Capt. Matt

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - Fishing (AM) on February 11, 2022
Very nice guy with a clean boat and good gear.  And he knows where the fish are!
Paul K. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Captiva
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Paul K. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Captiva
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Jeffrey C.
Shelbyville, IN
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Matt

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip - Fishing on February 4, 2020
Matt was great to be with.  He did everything within his power to ensure our happiness including making sure hooks were all...
Jeffrey C. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Captiva
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Jeffrey C. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Captiva
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Susan E.
Huntington, NY
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fish on!!!!!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - Fishing (AM) on March 16, 2019
We had the absolute best day. Captain Matt gave us an incredible half-day trip. The fishing and his expertise were second to...
Susan E. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Captiva
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Matt Hawksley Captain replied

Bobby K.
Lehigh Acres, FL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Excellent day on the water

VERIFIED   8 hour Trip - Fishing on June 13, 2020
Captain Matt asked us what we wanted to target.  Our goal was to catch a Tarpon.  Matt was relentless in finding pods of...
Bobby K. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Captiva
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Bobby K. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters – Captiva
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