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Matt's Bio..

Matt & HarryHi, I’m Capt. Matthew Pribyl. I’ve lived here in the Florida keys all of my life. I’ve been guiding since 1985. Being the son of a fishing guide allowed me to learn an awful lot about fishing and diving at a very early age.

My family owned a small resort on Long Key until the mid 70's. My dad ran his guiding business out of there for many years. He had a Backcountry skiff and an Offshore boat as well. I got stuck doing all the fish and boat cleaning. But, I did get to work as mate on the Offshore boat a lot as well.

My real passion however, was sight fishing in shallow water. My Dad and I fished quite a few tournaments in those days. We were lucky enough to win some. The first one was the Marathon International Bonefish Tournament when I was only ten. We won the junior division as well as the heaviest bonefish overall for two consecutive years. We did well with large fish because we would fish near Islamorada, where I currently live. Each year this area produces more large bonefish than any other fishing destination in the world.

In 1998 I caught my personal best Bonefish on fly. It was a fourteen pound eight ounce monster. A fish of a lifetime. I was humbled only a few short weeks later by a fourteen twelve and then a fifteen two. Oh well, that’s fishing in the Keys.

I now do some fun fishing with my wife of seventeen years, Debbie. We went to College together in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. She was into Physical Education while I went into sport management. I guess that’s sort of what fishing is.

Our two sons, Corey and Garrett, like to fish as well. Though, their real idea of fun is skiing, wake boarding and diving. They also do some camping on the islands in Florida Bay. They typically catch their dinner. I think they eat a lot of potato chips on the slow days though.Then there’s our dog Booker. He’s an Australian Shepard. His constant source fun and frustration are the squirrels that live in our yard..

 

 

 

I believe first and foremost that fishing is supposed to be fun. Whether it be fly-fishing for huge tarpon, bonefish or just fun fishing in the backcountry with your child.

 
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What fishing should be...

Much of the fishing we do in the Keys, is very challenging and intense. Namely, the fly tarpon and bonefishing. That however doesn't mean it should be any less fun. I think that the demands of some types of fishing are indeed what make them even more fun. The thrill and satisfaction I get from seeing a person hook a fish that requires many things to happen correctly is immeasurable. It is truly a team effort, from the positioning of the boat, through the hook up and hopefully landing of the fish.

I have met many people and made many lasting friendships over the years, with people who share the same attitude of fun. If someone makes a mistake, I try to meet it with humor encouragement and some advice if need be. Most seasoned fisherman are aware of their mistakes and how to correct them, beginners will be courteously helped along and hopefully identify with the fun, which I think fishing should be.

Cancellation Policy

Believe it or not, guiding is actually the way I make my living. That being said, fishing dates are my inventory, as such it has become increasingly important that they be somewhat protected by a cancellation policy. A $200.00 per day deposit will ensure your dates are reserved.

Less than 30 days before your trip: Deposits on cancellations less than 30 days are forfeited unless the days can be rebooked. Please note, on dates for spring time that frequently book very far in advance become very difficult to rebook. During the course of time many requests are likely referred elsewhere in favor of the days you may have booked. Consequently, the closer you get planned dates and have to cancel   I will have likely turned other folks away as well as referrals from other guides.

Prior to 30 days: Your deposit will be credited toward another date or dates within a year from the original date. In the event the date can be rebooked in either scenario, your deposit will be refunded in full.

Guide fees include fuel, ice, tackle and expertise. Beverages, lunches and gratuities are not included.

*Regular customers or referrals may not require a deposit, however all cancellation terms will apply.

Please contact me at least 48 hours before our scheduled fishing trip to finalize our plans such as where we will be leaving from, what time, gear and any other details.

The best time to reach me is between 5:00 & 7:00 PM

  
 

 

        

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