Chip's Coastal Charters

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Ponte Vedra, FL
Chip's Coastal Charters

Providing anglers & outdoorsmen with the most immersive charter fishing experience in North Florida.
(8)

12/17/2024

“When you’re young, you feel like you’ll always have another opportunity to catch a big fish. There will surely be more. But, when you get older you realize that one day, sooner or later, you will catch your last fish. That giant trout I get to hold for those few moments may never see me again and I may never see her again.”

Jay Watkins offered some perspective the other day during a webcast with He was discussing his relationship with the fish, what makes big trout so special and how he values them even more in his later years. What he said struck me. It’s easy to get lost in the grind of chasing these fish. Obsessing over every detail, breaking down the weather, patterning the bite, relentlessly analyzing and evaluating the variables... I’ve often been guilty of looking too far forward and not staying present during the catch. I’m already thinking about our next shot, dissecting the last eat and hyper-focusing on the task at hand. This incessant analyzing is what makes me a successful guide, but it also robs me of a genuine “be here now” mindset. What I should do is appreciate the moment and the fish for what it is: a core memory. That fish may be the first of many, or the last of a lifetime.

I appreciate your sage advice Mr. Watkins. This season I’m going to slow down, stay present, show gratitude for each moment and keep that phrase on repeat: “I may never see her again, and she may never see me again.”

Pictured: The first of many for this young man. 7 lbs 27”

12/06/2024

⚠️ This is your FAIR WARNING ⚠️ My schedule for Trout Season 2025 is filling quickly. Prime time trout dates are becoming competitive and many of my regulars are piling in. I always enjoy fishing with returning clients and appreciate those of you that hire me every year. However, I know there’s a lot of you that haven’t experienced this fishery and are interested in chasing trophy trout. NOW IS THE TIME TO CALL. If you wait much longer it will be difficult for me to accommodate you. I have meticulously mapped out the best windows for peek feeding activity on the calendar and would be happy to introduce you to the fish of a lifetime.

Captain Matt Chipperfield
(904)610-8501
ChipsCoastalCharters.net

11/18/2024

Flood tide season is almost over. There have been some great moments in the grass with clients over the last few months, but this trip has to be one of my favorites. We launched the pathfinder early in the morning looking for tarpon. After a few hours of searching it became clear the tarpon were not cooperating and I needed a backup plan. I explained to the boys what a flood tide was and that the river should push high enough to reach the grass that evening. They checked in with their parents and we got the green light. I put away the pathfinder, strapped up the Ankona and headed for the flats.

The only challenge left was fitting three passengers and myself on the skiff. The most I carry is two anglers plus me. But, the boys combined weight would be equal to or less than two grown adults. So, as long as I could run safely and keep the boat level while poling we would be good. The boat handled well on the short run to our flat and poled with ease through the grass. And since we were using spin tackle I’d be able to fish two boys on the bow side by side and let them scrap over the tails. Luckily they didn’t have to. There were plenty of tails to go around. The grass was teaming with life- grasshoppers getting slurped, crabs crawling, reds slithering all over-it was on. The boys turned into short haired pointers and were locked onto every fish that decided to show them a tail. Even better, the boys followed direction flawlessly. They were leading the fish, performed small movements with the lure and drove in solid hooksets one after the other. Their excitement was contagious and the stoke was real. Everyone got their first red in the flood and a few extra. The highlight of the trip was a sunset buzzer be**er double up on two fish just a few yards apart from one another.

This profession has taught me a lot. One of the hardest things to do is abandon or modify your plan. When you hit the water you have a float plan and are looking to execute. When it fails or needs to be changed you have to be able to adapt and commit to an audible. Flexibility and being well rounded makes tough days successful.

11/16/2024

I kinda like these November floods. No crowds, no lightening storms, cool weather, lots of water and sizable fish. Sure, there’s less shots, but at least I’m not jousting with 30 other skiffs in 90 degree heat.

11/10/2024

Hooks get hung. Crabs get crunched. It’s sheep herding season.

11/04/2024

Starting to get that old familiar feeling. The air is crisp in the mornings, water temps are falling, nor’easters pushing down the coast, southbound 100 foot yachts are waking out every skiff in the river, Ontario license plates clogging the roadways… Winter is coming and trout season is knocking on the door.

I’ve already started booking prime winter and spring dates. Now is the time to call if you’re interested in catching the trout of a lifetime.

10/20/2024

We are nearing the end of flood season, but there’s still some time left to get your fix. Entering the winter the number of fish typically drops in the flats, however the size tends to be good. I see this every year in late October/early November. You may not see as many fish but the ones you do see are typically upper slot. I have no idea why these larger reds continue to enter the grass when the smaller ones seem to prefer the lower tides. It’s just a weird trend I’ve picked up on over the years. Either way, less fish means less shots so you gotta make them count when you present the fly. ._james_brent did just that and capitalized on some beautiful North Florida pumpkins. Has anyone else noticed this trend of larger fish later in the season? Any theories?

10/19/2024

Everybody remembers their first red on fly. The next step is tying your own flies followed immediately by a lifelong addiction to feeding fish feathers and fibers. It happens fast.

10/02/2024

The beast and his ball. Fetch is a professional sport for this guy.

10/01/2024

Pole the boat. See the tail. Call the shot. Make the cast. Strip the set. Catch the fish. Life is simple in the grass.

09/26/2024

Big John is always good for a session in the grass. 7 total on the day and another beautiful afternoon in the North Florida Flood Tide.

09/17/2024

Prefrontal conditions. Rapidly changing weather. Wind switch looming. Pressure dropping. Clouds accumulating. Light dimming… I swear I could feel this fish getting ready to eat. Mike with a hefty 7 pounder during some chaotic atmospheric fluctuations.

09/12/2024

I do not believe in representing companies because they give you “free stuff”. I decided long ago I will not promote a product that I wouldn’t already buy with my hard earned money. I’m very selective with the brands/organizations I work with because I want the quality of their product to represent the quality of my charter. Their commitment to bringing their best has to match my own. Simply put, I want to work with the best because I want to be my best.

That being said, I’ve been with since 2014. There is not a single other high performance eyewear company that I trust more than them. Since day one their product has delivered as promised. Troy and Tony have worked tirelessly to create the most advanced lens in the game. 7 layers of polarization, “sniper tint” on the inner surface, oleo phobic covering on the outer surface and a military grade ballistic polycarbonate lens sets them apart from their competitors. This means their optics block 100% of harmful infrared/UV rays, prevent reflection of your eye on the inside of the lens, shed water on the outside of the lens and can withstand a projectile traveling at 650 feet per second. Yeah… they went all in on the lens. You can clearly see more while on the water and if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having a fly or lure traveling at high speed toward your eye, you’re going to be ok. They also have low light lens technology (aka L25) as well as multiple tints and lens colors to customize your eyewear to your water. They have a wide range of frames that can fit any size of head and are more than willing to work with you for your specific needs. And that’s the kicker: they care about their customer and are going to do their best to take care of you. Call them right now and I guarantee Troy or Tony is picking up the phone and is going to help you any way they can.

If you are in the market for some new eyewear give them a call or send me a message.

Picture 1) “Spanish House” with H780 amber lens
Picture 2) “Mosquito Lagoon” with L25 amber lens
Picture 3) “Pump House” with H780 amber lens

09/11/2024

Gloomy, rainy reds in the grass. I honestly cannot remember the last time we had this much rain. La Niña produced way above average rains this winter, we had regular afternoon thunderstorms this summer, Ernesto poured on us for nearly four straight days last month, it has rained steadily for the last two weeks for hours pretty much every single day and now we are about to catch the outer bands of Francine over the next couple days. Good thing the fish are already wet I guess.

09/09/2024

Prime time flood tides have arrived. I can’t stress enough the “MUST DO” nature of this fishery. If you’re an angler and haven’t experienced a flood tide please reach out. If you have experienced a flood tide and want more (all of us do) please reach out. The floods are easily the most unique fishing experience North Florida has to offer. These dates tend to go fast so don’t hesitate to call or send me a message for availability.

09/09/2024

The new website is live! If you’re looking for more information about the charter click the link in my bio to visit the site. Rates, fishing reports and more are available to browse. Thank you to the talented for help putting this together.

Side note: If you’re a friend of mine you’re probably aware I’ve had terrible experiences with my website. If you’re not, all I’ll say is be very careful who you entrust with your web design and online presence. It is a costly process and once you give designers control you are at their mercy. If you do decide to hire “professionals” do your research, talk to their current clients and make sure you read any contracts thoroughly. I was taken for a frustrating ride and wouldn’t wish this for any small business owner. If you have any suggestions for the site or tips for better engagement feel free to send me a DM.

09/07/2024

Early mornings at Mayport Inlet

09/05/2024

I watched a film that stated the visual of a jumping tarpon has attracted more anglers to saltwater fly fishing than anything else out there. That may be true, but I’d argue that the image of a tailing redfish comes in a close second.

Address

505 Guana River Road
Ponte Vedra, FL
32082

Website

http://chipscoastalcharters.net/

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Tarpon Season 2024

Tarpon fishing is a FULL CONTACT sport… and it’s right around the corner. Anyone have a helmet I can borrow for the season? #WhatDidTheFiveFingersSayToTheFace #SLAP #ChipsCoastalCharters #TarponSeason2024 #Tarpon