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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

About Your Trip

Water Type

Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

About Your Trip

Join Captain Matthew for an exciting freshwater adventure through the lakes and canal systems of South Florida, where warm water, steady bait movement, and endless structure create one of the most unique fisheries in the country. This trip focuses on targeting hard-fighting exotic species that thrive in these urban and natural waterways, offering constant action and a wide variety of catches throughout the day.

The primary targets include peacock bass, clown knife fish, and bullseye snakehead. Peacock bass are aggressive predators known for explosive strikes and strong, fast runs, often hitting around seawalls, canal edges, and shaded structure. Clown knife fish add a distinctive and exciting element to the trip, with their unusual shape and powerful, erratic fights that make every hookup memorable. Bullseye snakehead, one of the most sought-after exotics in South Florida, are typically found in shallow cover and vegetation where they strike quickly and put up a determined fight once hooked.

While these are the main focus, anglers should be ready for surprises, as the diverse canal and lake systems can produce a wide mix of additional species depending on location and conditions. Every stop has the potential to bring something different, keeping the experience varied and engaging from start to finish.

Captain Matthew uses a combination of live bait and artificial lures to match fish behavior throughout the day. This flexible approach allows him to adjust based on water clarity, temperature, and feeding activity, ensuring anglers are always fishing the most effective presentation.

Trips take place across a network of South Florida lakes, canals, and connecting waterways, all carefully selected based on current fish movement and seasonal patterns. The scenery shifts between urban backdrops and natural stretches, giving anglers a true taste of this unique fishery.

This is a high-energy, action-packed freshwater experience that showcases the diversity of South Florida’s exotic species and delivers a true fisherman’s paradise with Captain Matthew leading the way.

Amenities

Water Type

Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 14 days before the trip.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Kid Friendly

This trip is not suited for small children.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

	6 hours
1 Person	$450.00
2 People	$450.00
3 People	$450.00
4 People	$450.00

Pay $100 as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

About Your Guide

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

Matthew C.

Certified Damn Good Guide

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

Independent Guide

Talkative

Laid-back

Instructional

Beginner Oriented

Adventurous

Quality

About Your Guide

Matthew C.

Certified Damn Good Guide

Independent Guide

Captain Matt has spent over 30 years chasing fish and fine-tuning his skills across South Florida’s freshwater lakes and canals. A lifelong angler with a passion for teaching, he’s all about sharing the thrill of fishing with others—whether you’re brand new or looking to level up your game.

Before guiding, Matt worked in a local tackle shop, building his reputation as a go-to resource for gear and advice. Today, he brings that same friendly, hands-on approach to every trip.

You’ll fish aboard his 18’ Carolina Skiff—fast, smooth, and perfect for small groups. Specializing in live bait but fluent in a variety of techniques, Captain Matt tailors each trip to the day’s conditions and your goals.

If you're ready to see what South Florida fishing is all about, Captain Matt’s the one to show you.

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

80 lb Sailfish

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Steak medium rare

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

80 lb Sailfish

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Steak medium rare

Whats your favorite band?

Rock n roll

Whats your favorite movie?

Kingpin

Whats your favorite sports team?

Eagles

Whats your drink of choice?

Water

What was your last halloween costume?

Fisherman from the deadliest catch

What do you want for Christmas this year?

A new rod !

How did you get started guiding?

Working at a tackle shop as a child I would guide customers to the best spots .

What makes you different from other guides?

Very high determination level .

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Delray Beach, Florida

Areas Fished

Lake Ida

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Center Console
Boat Manufacturer: Carolina Skiff
Year Built: 2017
Boat Length: 18'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Center Console
Boat Manufacturer: Carolina Skiff
Year Built: 2017
Boat Length: 18'
Boat Restroom: No
Engine Manufacturer: Mercury
Total Horsepower: 90
Number of Engines: 1
Additional Amenities: Livewell, fish finder, trolling motor.

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Weather

You won't lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 14 days before the trip.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Kid Friendly

This trip is not suited for small children.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart » View Recent Delray Beach Fishing Reports »

Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Everything Else to Know

Anglers over 16 need a valid freshwater Fl fishing license. Polarized sunglasses & a hat are recommended.

You'll need to buy a fishing license before getting out there. Find out more about licenses here.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

Cancel for free up to 14 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 14 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

Reviews

5.0

based on 6 reviews

Chris

Verified Review

October 9

Mathew was very knowledgeable and friendly he put us on the fish the whole time. I would highly recommend him!

Chris

Verified Review

October 9

Mathew was very knowledgeable and friendly he put us on the fish the whole time. I would highly recommend him!

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Makeo

Verified Review

September 25

Mattew did a great job and really put us on the fish. Will book again

Makeo

Verified Review

September 25

Mattew did a great job and really put us on the fish. Will book again

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Joe

Verified Review

April 24

My son and I fished with Captain Matt for two days. He's super knowledgeable, and knows the lake very well. We had an amazing time!! Caught a pile of Peacocks, some clown knives, striped bass, largemouths, and cichlids. I would definitely recommend Matt to anyone looking for a fun day on the water.

Joe

Verified Review

April 24

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Trip: 4 Hr AM Exotics

Jim

Verified Review

March 19

An absolute great trip with a great guy that knows what he is doing !

Jim

Verified Review

March 19

An absolute great trip with a great guy that knows what he is doing !

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Trip: 4 Hr AM Exotics

Karoline

Verified Review

August 4

What an awesome morning of fishing with Captain Matt! We caught a great variety of fish and alot of them! Captain Matt was knowledgeable and extremely competent and helpful! We had a tremendous time and will definitely be back! Thanks Captain Matt!

Karoline

Verified Review

August 4

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Trip: 4 Hr AM Exotics

Bret

Verified Review

March 20

Matt did a great job on our 1/2 day trip. Knowledgeable, and personable. Exactly what you'd want from a guide.

Well done Matt!

Bret

Verified Review

March 20

Matt did a great job on our 1/2 day trip. Knowledgeable, and personable. Exactly what you'd want from a guide.

Well done Matt!

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Trip: 4 Hr AM Exotics

First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to thousands of quality, vetted fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.