Ever since I was a little girl, I have been fascinated with the Florida Manatee. My husband and I have been out many times to see them from a boat or kayak. Every year around January or February, we go out to one of the rivers to see these beautiful creatures. The event has become a tradition in our family. Never did I imagine what our last trip would have in store for us. We decided to go out with a local guide, Capt. Rick Burns of Reel Burns Charters, in hopes that he would have “an inside” on the best places to find manatees. Capt. Rick not only found the perfect location, but he also suggested that we get in the water and swim with the marvelous creatures. While my husband was excited about the suggestion, I was still reluctant. I had never done that before and I had no idea what was in store for me. But with a little encouragement from Capt. Rick, I was in the water and feeling great! He promised to follow us while we were in the water so it would not seem that we had wandered too far from the boat. He always kept us aware of the direction in which the manatees were swimming so we could follow them. He helped us back in the boat. And much to my surprise, he had even taken pictures of me and my husband playing with the manatees! I cannot say enough about my experience this last weekend. It was truly one of the best days of my life. Swimming with these docile, playful, amazing animals is something I will never forget. We will definitely be going out again with Capt. Rick!

Sincerely,
Ravi and Nikki Tata

Capt. Rick.
It was a great experience! Especially catching the Mack. I learned a lot about navigating in these waters, fishing and a few new things about handling my boat. I would & will recommend your services and extensive knowledge to my friends.

Thanks again, Ron

Hi Rick:
Just received the bag of worms you sent me - and wanted to say THANKS...I plan to put them to good use tomorrow as Ron & I are going to venture out on his new boat. He really enjoyed your instructional day and has a lot more confidence now. I would recommend anyone who gets a new boat or new to the area do the same.

Thanks again, Foster

Hi Capt. Rick:
Thank you very much for the photos from our fishing trip. I really wish I had a video of us when I caught my Redfish. It had to be hilarious to watch but it was no laughing matter as we tried to get that fish into the boat. Both RC and I could not stop talking about what a great day we had and how much we enjoy fishing with you. It is a real pleasure to fish with such a knowledgeable guide who is not only a great teacher, but more importantly, a good friend.

Prior to moving to the Crystal River area I was primarily a fresh water bass fisherman and had come to rely on one particular plastic worm that produced for me each time I went fishing. Since I now live near the Gulf I knew I would be doing more salt water fishing then fresh so I joined the Pine Ridge Fishing Club. RC also joined the club and we chartered fishing trips with several other guides before we heard you speak at the Club. You had our attention from the moment you started talking about fishing with artificial vs. live bait or cut bait. Each time we have going fishing with you we have learned something new in the way of lures and equipment as well as knowledge of the water and our environment that we can use in the future. I am no longer a one lure fisherman. I can't imagine going after trout without a Cajun Thunder popping cork with a jig and some form of Riptide artificial suspended under it. I have caught trout, grouper, redfish and even a flounder on the Thunder-Spin which has to be one of the most versatile lures I now own.
Again, thank you for a great day on the water and a great day fishing.

Best Regards, Matt