Matt is both an exceptional outdoorsman and guide/coach.  His knowledge is deep, but he meets you where you are and walks alongside you no matter the stage of your pursuit.  Whether you’re just looking to get out for the day or for a more bespoke multi-day experience, Matt will ensure your time together is a success.  Already an experienced fisherman and want a little adventure? Matt is game for a long walk to small tributaries for elusive trout.  Have a demanding job and just getting into a new activity to plan time away from the screen?  Matt will get you dialed—just show up to take your mind off the grind.

I’ve known Matt Jacobson for many years and have had the opportunity to fish with him in Belize multiple times. Jacobson Outdoors stands out as a booking agent because of Matt’s incredible attention to detail and truly outstanding customer service. He is deeply passionate about fishing and hunting and it shows invert aspect of the trips he puts together. From planning to time in the field, Matt goes above and beyond to make sure every day is a top tier experience. If you are looking for someone who genuinely cares about your trip and works tirelessly to make it memorable, Matt Jacobson is hard to beat.

I can’t say enough good things about my experience with Matt Jacobson. From the moment I met him his knowledge of Michigan’s waters and uplands were evident. Matt knew exactly where to find rising trout and had us into fish within the first hour. The fly selection was spot-on, and more importantly, he took the time to refine my casting technique rather than just putting us on spots. During our fall bird hunts, his expertise in reading cover and working the dogs paid off when we had incredible action on grouse and woodcock. If you’re looking for an authentic Michigan outdoor experience with a guide who is passionate about what he does, Jacobson Outdoors is the real deal. I’m already planning my next trip.

An invaluable trait for any outdoorsman is the ability to balance focused attention with unadulterated escapism. Matt has that rare ability to grasp what it takes to be successful in the field, while simultaneously prioritizing what matters most…having a good time in the process. His curiosity, wit, and enthusiasm are infectious. Keenly perceptive and always prepared; Matt brings the skills he honed in the corporate world to his professional venture in the outdoor industry.

I’ve had the privilege of working with Matt for many years, and what I respect most about him is his unwavering focus on the client. Matt is relentless about truly understanding who his clients are both internal and external and what they’re trying to achieve. He takes the time to listen, asks the right questions, and then follows through on his commitments.  Matt also has a sharp eye for detail and a deep respect for data. He makes thoughtful, financially sound decisions and consistently uses insight, not guesswork, to help shape smart, strategic direction.

But just as important as his professional strengths is who Matt is as a person. He’s a genuinely good human being, a devoted son, a loving husband, and a proud father. That integrity and care show up in everything he does, and it’s why people trust him so quickly.

If you’re looking for someone who combines expertise, accountability, and heart, Matt is exactly that person.

I recently took my first trip to Belize with Jacobson Outdoors, and it left me really looking forward to the next one. Matt put together a great group and hosted us at one of the most picturesque destinations on this planet. The accommodations, food, and service at Copal Tree Lodge were fantastic, and the folks who call Belize home and serve with Copal Tree are what made this trip exceptional. Matt is patient and made every effort to ensure everyone in the group had a great time. I went on this trip thinking it was about the fish. It was far more. I left with a sincere appreciation for how special Copal Tree is, and had it not been for Matt's guidance and encouragement in taking this trip, what a missed opportunity this could have been. Thank you, Matt, for making it happen!

Matt at Jacobson Outdoors is the kind of guide you immediately trust and genuinely enjoy spending a day with. I’ve had the chance to work with him as both a hunting and fishing guide, and what stands out most is how dialed he is, not just on the water or in the field, but on the human side of the experience. He clearly understands what it feels like to be a busy professional carrying a lot of responsibility, and he knows exactly how to turn a day outdoors into something that feels both grounding and energizing.

Matt brings a calm, confident presence and a high standard of preparation, while keeping the trip relaxed and fun. He’s great at reading the moment, adjusting the plan without drama, and teaching in a way that makes you better without making it feel like a lesson. Whether you want to push hard and be as productive as possible or slow down and soak it in, he meets you where you are and somehow makes it feel like the day was built specifically for you. If you’re looking for a guide who delivers results, professionalism, and an experience you will still be thinking about weeks later, Jacobson Outdoors is an easy recommendation.

I've had the pleasure of spending time with Matt in both the corporate and wilderness environments. His knowledge and curious nature leads to successful interactions in both settings.

As a corporate figure, I witnessed Matt's unique personality and drive get himself into unreached successful ground in a short period of time.

As an outdoorsman, Matt's knowledge is unmatched. His ability to interact with the youth and the experienced is a skillset that he has conquered. 

The more I learned of his family's background and his own upbringing, the better I understood how he became the leader he is in both settings.

Whether you are looking for a breakaway for yourself or a Management team, he can provide an experience that will be remembered.

Fishing in Baja Mexico with Matt was one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever taken, and that is due almost entirely to the kind of guide—and person—he is. Matt is an incredible resource: patient, deeply knowledgeable, and genuinely excited about every aspect of fishing. He doesn’t just put you on fish; he takes the time to explain why things work. Before we ever stepped into the water, he was showing me how to properly stretch and store fly lines, how to choose the right sardine pattern for the conditions, and how to read the water when roosterfish were moving through an area. At the same time, Matt weaves in the broader lore of the sport—like the history of how drag mechanisms were added to fly reels so anglers could finally land large ocean fish. I may still struggle to remember the technical steps of setting a hook, but Matt’s stories and explanations stick with you in a way that makes the learning feel natural and lasting.

One aspect that I really enjoyed about the trip was Matt’s enthusiasm for any fish that wanted to play. I told him I wanted exposure to as many species as possible, and he was fully on board. Over the course of the trip we targeted dorado, roosterfish, grouper, jack crevalle, and even marlin. Whether it was a prized gamefish or something unexpected and aggressive, Matt brought the same level of excitement. He also has outstanding connections throughout the region and works with some of the best guides in the world, which opens up opportunities and local insight that you simply wouldn’t have access to otherwise. 

The experience extended well beyond the water. We enjoyed excellent sit-down meals at local restaurants with truly authentic Mexican food, but the highlight was preparing dorado sashimi from the day’s catch back at the house. It was, without question, the best fish I’ve ever eaten—especially paired with a cold michelada made with Clamato juice from the Star Market. Matt is also a great listener. He remembers details about my work and my family, offers thoughtful advice, and makes you feel like more than just a client on a trip. Matt makes the entire experience seamless from start to finish. If you’re looking for a guide who combines technical mastery, storytelling, deep local connections, and real personal care, Matt is exactly the person you want to fish with.

Matt took us fly fishing on the Muskegon and what stood out wasn't just that he knows the river, but that he reads people just as well. He figured out quickly what we needed to hear and what I didn't, when to give advice and when to let me work through it. No ego, no performance, just a solid day on the water with someone who clearly loves what he does and wants to share that passion in a fun, approachable way focused on leveling you up. If you're looking for a guide who can actually meet you where you are instead of running through some script, Matt's your guy.

Matt Jacobson is one of the most knowledgeable outdoorsmen I’ve ever had the chance to spend time with. He knows more about fishing than any human I’ve ever met, yet carries that expertise without a hint of pretentiousness. He’s incredibly easy to talk to, grounded, and genuinely focused on helping busy people disconnect from the noise. Add in his absolutely beautiful bird dogs, and you’ve got the perfect partner for a day outside. Every time I’ve been out with Matt, the hours fly by and I always learn new tips and tricks.