Captain & Boat
Captain Johnny Mattay
Captain Johnny Mattay is a local, full time fishing guide. Born and raised on Anna Maria Island, being drawn to the water and thrill of catching fish, he found his passion as a kid fishing every day and has explored the local waters his entire life. Immediately after graduating high school, Johnny successfully completed Sea School and all other requirements to become a licensed captain and started his own charter business. Captain Johnny has a passion to take anyone fishing from novice to professional and truly enjoys putting them on fish, as well as making the experience one they will never forget! He is a USCG Licensed Captain and is fully insured by Charter Lakes Marine Insurance.
The Boat
Boat:
The boat is a very wide and roomy 24' Carolina Skiff DLX that can ensure a comfortable experience whether traveling several miles offshore or traversing through the shallow backwaters. The skiff is maintained immaculately and provides more than enough room for up to six anglers!
Motor:
The 140hp Suzuki Four-stroke is a very dependable engine that you can rely on. It is remarkably quiet, allowing us to sneak up to any fishing spot and set up without spooking the fish, and also provides plenty of power to get us to any fishing area desired whether distant trips several miles into the Gulf or exploring the vast backwaters of Southwest Florida!
The Boat is equipped with:
- Garmin GPS that uses sounding and down imaging as well as other advanced features to help navigate, set up on fishing spots, and locate fish. It also makes locating and catching bait faster and easier!
- Coolers loaded with ice and bottled waters with plenty of room for any food and drinks desired. There is also a designated fish box loaded with fresh ice.
- Seating. Plenty of cushioned seating makes for a comfortable boat ride and an enjoyable time on the water.
- Push Pole. While working certain fishing areas such as shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges using the push pole helps maintain a stealthy approach.
- Trolling Motor. The Minn•Kota trolling motor is very quiet and assist greatly while moving short distances between spots, maintaining positions, working backwater areas, and approaching schools of fish with stealth and allows total control over the skiff without using the engine.
- Live Bait Well. Top of the line Andros live well. A 45 gallon insulated well, designed to hold more than enough bait for a full day of fishing. Thousands of gallons of fresh seawater flow through the well every hour keeping baits lively and in good condition.
- Shade. During the hot and sunny months of the Summer, a Bimini Top is added providing shade to the front section of the boat.
- Fishing License. A fishing license is provided for every angler on the boat!
- Safety Equipment. Captain Johnny is certified in CPR and First Aid. His boat is equipped with all the United States Coast Guard (USCG) prescribed safety gear:
- Eight 'Type I (PFD)' Life Jackets
- Child Life Jackets
- One Throwable PFD
- First Aid Kit
- Navigation Lights
- GPS
- Day/Night Visual Distress Signal
- Sounding Device
- Fire Extinguisher
- Bilge Pump