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
trips from US $500
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(31 reviews)
Captiva
trips from US $600

Fishing Reports

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 96 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
98%
Appropriate for children
98%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
94%
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Showing:
5 of 96 reviews
David V.
San Angelo, TX
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 (PM) on June 1, 2022
Captain seemed very knowledgeable of the area and worked quickly to get fish off re-bait the hooks. Very pleasant to talk with.
David V. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters โ€“ Sanibel
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David V. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters โ€“ Sanibel
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Katja A.
Jacksonville, Florida
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   6 Hour Trip - Fishing on April 15, 2022
It was a great trip with Captain Matt. The whole family enjoyed it very much. We will definitely coming back! Thank you so...
Katja A. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters โ€“ Sanibel
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Katja A. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters โ€“ Sanibel
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Jodi B.
Zionsville, 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   4 Hour Trip - Fishing (AM) on June 20, 2021
Captain Matt made this such a fun and memorable trip for our family! For most of us, it was our first time on a fishing charter...
Jodi B. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters โ€“ Sanibel
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Jodi B. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters โ€“ Sanibel
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Amanda P.
Fort Myers, Florida
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 July 13, 2022
Had a wonderful time, he makes sure you get the most out of your trip.ย  Would highly recommend.
Amanda P. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters โ€“ Sanibel
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Amanda P. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters โ€“ Sanibel
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John S.
Carmel, IN
Excellent
4.3 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

Great Day With Captain Matt!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip - Fishing (PM) on April 5, 2022
Matt was a lot of fun, and very knowledgeable on our half day adventure with him.ย  He was very, very helpful with everyone,...
John S. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters โ€“ Sanibel
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John S. recommends Capt Matt's Island Charters โ€“ Sanibel
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