Boca Grande, Florida - Tarpon, Snook and Redfish fishing Charters with fishing guide Capt. Mark Bennett-Testimonials

Boca Grande - Charlotte Harbor, Florida - Tarpon, Snook and Redfish fishing charters with fishing guide Capt. Mark Bennett

"Capt. Mark is bar-none the most dedicated and avid tarpon fisherman that

I've ever been associated with. I have never heard someone get so excited
about every single fish he catches. It's great to be around. And as
professional guides go, he and Jenni combine for a tandem that can't be
beat, both in numbers of fish caught and for a fun experience on the water
in-between bites (which isn't very often on a typical day with those two).
The best part is that his customers reap all the rewards -- and lifelong
memories -- of Mark's life spent chasing these beautiful and exciting game
fish, as we are the ones who get to enjoy every jump and bow to the silver
king on the other end of the line.
My dad, a lifetime native Florida angler, will never forget the first big
tarpon he caught at age 49 in 2002, with Capt. Mark. Then again, how can
he?! The photo that I took of him with that fish went on to become the cover
shot of the Sept/Oct 2002 edition of Sport Fishing magazine. That cover
hangs on the wall in his home today and for years to come to remind us all
of that incredible experience of what has become a typical day of 'poon
fishing with Capt. Mark Bennett. Now, at the start of every season, I'm
calling Mark begging him to take me tarpon fishing again. 'Just one more
shot, Mark.'... Problem is, word's out on him and he gets booked in a hurry.
My advice: Don't miss your shot. Call Mark and book a trip NOW."

After fishing extensively in the northeast (tuna & stripers) and S.E. Alaska (salmon & halibut) I moved to Florida's gulf coast where the tarpon fishing is world class.

Nine years ago I was fortunate to have had Capt. Mark Bennett recommended to me as a tarpon guide and I have had no reason to search further. Capt. Bennett has consistently put me on fish and has created productive days often at times when it was obvious that other local guides were struggling.

Capt. Bennett is a man who has a passion for tarpon and tarpon fishing and is on the local waters everyday (even his "free days") in order to locate and obtain a better understanding of this magnificent fish. This translates into a skill level seen in few, and a hookup ratio envied by many.

For providing exceptional experiences and lifetime memories thank you Mark.

JEFFREY MILLEY

St. Pete Beach, FL

To anyone who is looking for a top native Floridian guide to put you on fish in the Boca Grande/Charlotte Harbor area I highly recommend Captain Mark Bennett. I have fished all over the world and have not found a guide with the personality, knowledge, first class tackle and boats, around the globe. The fact is I have fished with Captain Mark for over six years now and continue to book for both backcountry fishing as well as Mark's specialty, Tarpon. I truly believe that Mark is part Tarpon, he knows how to read the movements of the pods and puts you right on top of the fish without spooking them, unlike most guides I previously fished with in the past...he always finds the fish and the best part is that he refuses to join the cluster of boats in Boca Grande Pass. I have fished with numerous guides in the Boca Grande/Port Charlotte area who fished the pass and half the battle if and when you hooked a tarpon was fighting the boat traffic not the fish. Mark fishes along the beaches and the harbor area where the water is shallow and the "Poons" have the opportunity to show their true acrobatic talents. The backcountry fishing for snook and redfish is phenomenal with Mark, as well. I highly recommend booking a scenic shallow water experience in this beautiful area...nothing beats hearing a snook or redfish swallow your "whitebait" from under the mangroves and battling it out in shallow water. So if you are heading to the Boca Grande/Charlotte Harbor, Florida area and want a first class day on the water make sure you contact Mark or if you have any questions do not hesitate to call me in Michigan at (269) 697-4781.

I have fished with Capt. Mark the last couple of years and can't put it into words how great of a time we had. Of course always getting out on the water is worth the trip, but we go fishing to catch fish, and Mark definitely knows how to put you on the fish. For instance, this past May we turned the corner at Little Gasparilla pass and there were literally hundreds of tarpon rolling. We crept up on them and within minutes had a fish on. You may ask why wouldn't you, or say, of course, but when we arrived there were about three boats already there and they could not even get fish to look at their bait. We ended up losing the first one but went right to the same pod and immediately caught another tarpon, and not just any tarpon, a 175 lbs. beauty. And again no other boat even got a fish on. After a 45-50 min. fight we went back to the same pod and caught another fish, well you get my point. Mark knows and loves tarpon fishing, and if you want a guide with a passion for tarpon, then Capt. Mark is your man.

Is it a curse? Dues unpaid? I haven't done enough wrong to be sentenced to year after year of watching you demoralize every guide I've chartered! You changed boats, changed mates, I fished with you a couple years back with some brawny long haired bearded Florida boy, a little intimidated to do the right thing just in his presence, but that changed when we boated more tarpon than the entire party of 15 boats put together! Who was that Mate!!!! I thought for sure he would be doing this kind of thing right beside you? You really rode his ass hard! Any way I wanted to tell you that the day with you and your mate changed the way I see people and its all to yours and his credit! I am no longer with Berkley and my health will prevent another season down south. Don't change!!!!

I remember the day you fished with me. It truly was a great day. Large group trips like that one for Berkley are not really my style. Contrary to popular belief, fancy boats, shirts and corporate sponsorships don't catch tarpon. Like my daddy always said "Money can't buy you love". This especially holds true with tarpon. Thanks for the letter of encouragement, Capt. Mark Bennett

I cannot thank you enough Mark for helping to create a lifetime memory of exhilaration and joy. The sheer amazement watching the physical ability of a Tarpon flying through the air with reckless abandon, attached to the other end of the line held by my pole shall forever be burned into my memory.
An experience of a lifetime, which I will now look forward to one day sharing with my children when they are ready to hunt the the most incredible fish in the world with the best guide in the world.
You and Jenni were both great. I very much look forward to seeing the pictures Jenni was able to take. Please forward whenever you have time.........

I hope to see you next year about the same time........ to create another memory of a lifetime.

Mark I got to hand it to you, you really know them fish! I remember we went out in the harbor out off of Burnt Store and we looked and looked but never could find them. So you took us back to where some boats were and there were poons there. You slipped right up in there and in a matter of minutes I had one on. What impressed us most was you know exactly where to throw. I know by looking at the rigs and watching you throw them it cant be very easy, let alone putting it right where you want it. I ended up having 1 get off, catching a nice cobia, then landing a real nice poon. A lot of guides would never have done what you did then, leave fish to find fish. You had a feeling they would be back out in the harbor off Burnt so away we went. You threw out and as usual within minutes bam. This fish was a monster it was awesome! The best thing was it was my wife Tonya's turn. Needless to say she fought for some time and a big bull shark ended up getting after it and frayed the leader and it got off. You and Jenni both reckoned it to be 180 lbs class fish. The good thing is now she's addicted and wants to go back and try again to get one to the boat!

We will be giving you a call and setting something up for May again.

Todd and Tonya Aurand

Fort Wayne IN

Charlie and I wanted to thank you for the tarpon trip. We enjoyed it very much. Your professionalism and dedication to catching fish goes above and beyond many others we have taken trips with. You make a great team. It was a trip that we both will always remember, especially Charlie as this was his first tarpon. Good luck to both of you and many thanks!

I had the pleasure of battling silver kings once again with Capt. Mark Bennett this past June. Reflecting back, it is difficult to describe completely the experience and do it proper justice. Difficult, because tarpon fishing with Capt. Mark is such a unique adventure and unlike any other fishing I have ever experienced. From the anticipation building spot and stalk, to the thunderous hook up, to the unparalleled acrobatic jumps right on down to the after battle exhaustion. It all adds up to making the tarpon experience with Capt. Mark unlike any fishing I have ever done before in my life. I say fishing, but honestly, it is very akin to hunting in every sense of the word. There is no blind casting, no trolling, no wishful thinking that maybe there is a fish in the area. No. Capt. Mark goes where the fish are. True there are other guides that try to use the same tactics, but here is where the difference between Capt. Mark and others becomes readily apparent. Capt. Mark is not your run of the mill guide, he is a tarpon expert. It is rumored among the locals (and deservedly so) that Mark has gills. He has a passion for and knowledge of tarpon that is second to none. The intensity that he pursues these beasts is incredible. It is nothing short of remarkable to watch him meticulously read a pod of tarpon, then pick the right spot and time to present the bait to them. This knowledge, coupled with a well maintained boat, top of the line tackle and an intimate feel of the area is what makes fishing with Capt Mark the ultimate tarpon experience. To put it simple, the Boca Grande/Charlotte Harbor area is the tarpon capital of the world and Capt. Mark Bennett is the absolute best guide around. Whether it is a once in a lifetime quest or if you are looking for a perennial adventure Capt. Mark is the only way to go!

We've been on the water with you twice now and it gets better every time. We have never witnessed a fishing guide team who shows passion, pride, professionalism and skill as much as you two. We have fished with numerous guides from British Columbia for salmon and halibut, to the keys for Dolphin and Wahoo, but have never met dedicated experts like you two who enjoy being out there as much as the clients. In fact, the first time we fished with you a few years ago the tarpon were still all around us when it was time to go, but you and Jenni wouldn't leave until the bite shut down. You made a point to have the best gear and you let us fish with minimal assistance or coaching unless you were asked or it was needed. Many guides are all about bringing in the fish to brag with photos and actually get upset if you lose a fish...Not Mark and Jenni. You guys want your customers to experience the whole ride. In fact, I think you love watching someone hook their first tarpon. Sort of like watching a kid see Disney or Christmas for the first time. It's just icing on the cake if the fish comes boat side. Thanks again for the fishing trip of a lifetime and we will definitely see you next season. Also thanks Jenni for the amazing photos of our epic battles...can't wait to frame them!!!

I wanted to thank you both for yet another awesome Tarpon adventure in the waters around Boca Grande. As the coordinator for huntingforums.com, Tarpon hunts; it’s always my goal to book my guys with the best Tarpon guides in SW Florida. The reports from each of my anglers this year was again unbelievable. Without exception you were the angler’s favorite. Deer hunters can be an intense bunch and demand the same intensity from their guides. As usual, my guys knew they were fishing with the most intense Tarpon guide there is when they were in your boat. Your passion and knowledge of these fish seemed to again, be the dominate reason our guys were flying Tarpon while other boats never hooked up and had to watch us catch Tarpon. In case you hadn’t heard the total number of Tarpon hooked that weekend was 61!! 42 of which were hooked from your boat! Those are phenomenal numbers that left my guys with sore biceps and memories they will never forget! Thanks again for making the 3^rd annual “Tarpon Hunt” such a phenomenal success. You guys ROCK!

I've had a couple weeks now to reflect on my Tarpon trip and wanted to share with you my thoughts. It became very evident why you are so successful. Being a guide myself, I understand what is involved. Your skills and techniques are very polished and I do not know if I will ever meet someone as passionate about something as you are with Tarpon. Your passion is contagious and I'm certainly hooked for life. You certainly know what you are doing and it is blatantly obvious that you are "the man" when it come to Tarpon fishing on the Gulf Coast. I cannot imagine why someone would want to pursue Tarpon any other way than the way you and Jenni do. The way you spot and stalk a pod of Tarpon is worth the trip alone. And once the fish are presented the bait or lure, anticipation sets in and the adrenaline soon follows, as it is required to fight such a powerful fish. I don't know who got more excited when we hooked up, you or us. These fish are amazing fighters. I'm certain I will never hook up with another fish that will display, fight and play like a Tarpon. Simply unbelievable.
And Jenni, your reputation proceeded you by mouth and by way of your work.
Your photography is wonderful and can't wait to see what you captured during
our trip.
My dad and I would like to thank you for a wonderful outing, as he realized

something he has dreamed about doing for years and I've developed a new addiction. I plan to make Tarpon a yearly adventure with you. I will recommend you without hesitation to anyone looking to Tarpon fish! Thanks for a wonderful trip and helping us make some lasting memories. You and Jenni are first class. Feel free to use me as a reference any time.

Capt, Mark,

Its July one and the countdown to this years tarpon fun for us at America's Outdoorsman continues. In 05 I sat in a similar position dreaming of tarpon and feeling the strength of the silver king. In those days I wondered, "will I catch one". Today, I have no doubt that my scheduled 06 July trip with you and Jenni will produce another incredible fishing event, that includes a tired fisherman and huge tarpon. Without fail, you have always produced spectacular days on the water for me and my buddies.

I have been privileged over the years to fish and hunt many places and as a guide myself I tend to grade the experience on the passion and tenacity and knowledge, of the guide I am with. You sir, are tops in that regard, and put fish after fish in front of us every time we come.. I have watched you hook up when no one was hooking, and even spent a day 6-7 100 lb + fish deep when the whole of Boca Grande Pass was filled with tourney boats that only mustered one baby tarpon to win their contest. All the while we worked pods and got tight on big poons while the pack watched in awe. Got to love it when that happens! Your are a tarpon fishing genius Capt. Mark Bennett and I look forward to the next learning curve on tarpon from you Baitbuster Mayhem in July!!! We will see you soon friend!

If you are browsing around the net getting ready to try tarpon look no further this man is the best out there. Simple as that.

John Coit

www.americasoutdoorsman.com

Captain Mark,
Thanks again to you and Jenni for truly a trip of a lifetime!   
Unbelievable!
I've been waiting a lot of years to make a Tarpon trip as it was so  
important to me, I wanted it to be a good one.  Well I didn't get a  
good one, I got a GREAT one!
You and Jenni are great guides...and seriously, I'd say that even if  
we had not hooked so many Tarpon I lost count!
You two work very well together and it was a pleasure to fish with  
both of you.
Thanks again for a great trip. Oh, and "see you next year...AUGUST!"

Ed Novak

Mark,

Hope you're enjoying some well deserved time off. I just wanted to drop you a note to say thanks for all you and Jenni did for Ed and I Monday thru Wednesday. My fishing buddies back here in the Midwest are all jealous as hell. You run a 1st class operation and the testimonials on your web site are right on the money. Some of the photos we took are great but I can't wait to see Jenni's. After 3 days of fighting 100# plus tarpon my trip to Idaho for trout next month will pale in comparison. Hope you have some dates available for August of 2008. I'm sure this will be an annual trip for Ed and I. Like Ed said the only way to describe the action you gave us is to tell people that we honestly couldn't keep track of all the hookups and fish landed. When you can say that about 50 to 180 pound fish it says it all. Thanks again for all your patience, help, and friendship.

It truly was the trip of a lifetime and the memories will last that long.

Sincerely,

Mike Reny