Captain
Matt Hawksley

Member since January 2019 Sanibel, United States
Background
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!
Techniques
Whether bottom fishing, jigging, trolling, popping, drifting, pitching live bait, or throwing flies, Capt. Matt has done it all and knows the best techniques to put fish in the boat!

Hey, I'm Captain Matt Hawksley

Sanibel, United States
Background
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!
Techniques
Whether bottom fishing, jigging, trolling, popping, drifting, pitching live bait, or throwing flies, Capt. Matt has done it all and knows the best techniques to put fish in the boat!

My Charter Listings

Excellent
4.9 / 5
(64 reviews)
Sanibel
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $500
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(31 reviews)
Captiva
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $600

Fishing Reports

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 97 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (95)
Half day trip with Captain Matt
Fishing with Matt
Fishing with Matt
+92
Angler rating
85
9
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
97%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
97%
Appropriate for children
98%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
94%
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Showing:
5 of 97 reviews
Mark G.
Palatine, IL
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 โ€“ Fishing (AM) on July 19, 2022
A 4 hour trip began at the pier, meeting Matt. Then off to get bait fish and a morning of fun and catching. Biggest challenge...
Mark G. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters โ€“ Sanibel
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Mark G. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters โ€“ Sanibel
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Chris W.
Downers Grove, IL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

A fantastic trip

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Fishing (PM) on March 30, 2022
Great trip with Capt. Matt. Our granddaughter had a great time. Strongly recommend- very knowledgeable on habitat, fish, wildlife...
Chris W. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters โ€“ Sanibel
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Chris W. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters โ€“ Sanibel
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Jamalee J.
Kearney, NE
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Sightseeing and Fishing Trip!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Fishing (PM) on January 6, 2022
We had the best time with Captain Matt!ย  We saw dolphins, manatees and lots of amazing birds!ย  Loved learning about the island...
Jamalee J. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters โ€“ Sanibel
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Jamalee J. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters โ€“ Sanibel
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Doug D.
United States
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Awesome experience for our boys

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Fishing (PM) on June 8, 2021
Captain Matt took us on an afternoon trip that was a great experience.ย  He was very patient with our boys.ย  On top of catching...
Doug D. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters โ€“ Sanibel
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Doug D. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters โ€“ Sanibel
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ANGELA R.
Saint Paul, MN
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 โ€“ Fishing (PM) on February 20, 2022
Our family of novice fishers had an amazing experience with Capt Matt.ย  He was friendly, knowledgeable, incredibly helpful,...
ANGELA R. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters โ€“ Sanibel
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ANGELA R. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters โ€“ Sanibel
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