
Todd and Paul MineartMy father and I recently went fishing in New Mexico for our second outing with guide, Matt Pelletier. My father lives in Payson Arizona, and, as a fisherman who lives in the Midwest, I was looking for someone who could take us out to spend a day together doing something that we both love somewhere not far from his home.Two years ago I found Matt on the internet, contacted him, and we set up a trip. And what a trip it was. We didn’t just catch fish, we caught a lot beautiful fish in a beautiful setting. Matt knew what areas to hit, what techniques and lures would give us our best chance at catching fish, and at the end of the day, that knowledge paid off.But that’s not all that we got out of the trip. Matt goes out of his way to meet each of his clients specific needs and is very perceptive at reading and understanding what they are really trying to get out of the trip. He spent extra time helping my father, who doesn’t fish very often, get comfortable with the gear and techniques, while taking a hands off approach with me, someone who spends a lot of time out on the water.He also made the day about us, and though Matt and I both had long and fascinating conversations and stories revolving around fishing, he also spent time engaging in conversations on other topics with my dad, as well as leaving plenty of time for my father and I to talk and share some special moments as well. That was the one thing that I appreciated above all the rest, because that was the real reason for the trip. Spending time with my dad.And so this year, when I planned a trip out west to see dad, I didn’t hesitate to call Matt once again, and once again he didn’t disappoint. Cold, windy, cloudy weather made the day a little tougher this time around, and the fish were a little more tight lipped, but Matt was up to the task. He kept us entertained on a cold and gray day with his humor, he pushed us to try techniques that we both were not familiar with and he changed tactics and lures until he found what presentation would work.And it paid off. Again. This year I got exactly what I was looking for. Quality time on the water doing what I love with my father, and a wonderful photo of me and my Dad with a beautiful fish that I will treasure forever.Thank you Matt. For the fish and the memories. We will be back again.Todd and Paul Mineart