I just received a devastating phone call from Matt Scheoll's former mother-in-law. Matt was found dead in his home last night. He had a diagnosed weak heart, but cause of death has not been determined by medical examiner's office until autopsy. Everyone in Sally's family is devastated (daughter) and Matt's parents are ?Flying? in. Funeral arrangement specifics will be forthcoming. Very sorry to be the bearer of this news. I personally beleive Matt is being cradeled in comfort by his creator. Rest in peace Channel Matt.
Im devasted. Floored. Speechless. How can this happen? I just heard from him a couple days ago about how he was getting his tow hitch fit to his new vehicle. And how excited he was to see the Bruins in the Stanley Cup finals.
As you all know Matt and I became good friends a few years ago and started catfishing together consistantly. He showed me everything he knew about catfishing. We had many great nights on the river shooting the #*&!. One of the most mild mannered firends that I have ever had. I don't think I have ever seen him get mad or upset. I considered him one of my good friends. This guy would do anything for you. He helped me move not once but twice. The string of bad luck he has in the last year or so has been devasting.
This is a sad day. I just don't understand. Why, Why.....
Unbelievable. I was just about to give him a call and invite him up for a trip to Champ to somewhat repay him for the tread mill he gave me (free of charge). I agree it's a sad day. Matt was a great guy.
After talking with Mitch P. we are going to take up a collection from CTF members for Matt's family (or their choice of charity, whatever they want it for basically) here at CT Outfitters. I'll find out from Sandy or her mom in a few days what type of fund it should go to (education, etc?). And just to make it really easy for everyone, I'll accept credit card donations, even by phone if you want to, just call and we'll sort it out. We'll make the donation check "from his friends at CTFisherman.com". Feedback welcome, so gimmie a call if you have thoughts or ideas. -gb
oh God, no. this just isnt right. man my day is over. what a great guy on this website, and really a friendly person from the times we met. terrible news, and ill have him and his family in my prayers.
After talking with Mitch P. we are going to take up a collection from CTF members for Matt's family (or their choice of charity, whatever they want it for basically) here at CT Outfitters. I'll find out from Sandy or her mom in a few days what type of fund it should go to (education, etc?). And just to make it really easy for everyone, I'll accept credit card donations, even by phone if you want to, just call and we'll sort it out. We'll make the donation check "from his friends at CTFisherman.com". Feedback welcome, so gimmie a call if you have thoughts or ideas. -gb
I still can't imagine that Matt isn't here anymore? He was a super nice guy... I never got to fish with him, but mt him several times ~ he was a gentle giant for sure... Just seems too weird
Wow this is some sad stuff! Matts had some tough times in recent years. My hearts goes out to his family, so sorry to hear this. This ones for you Matt, always enjoyed talking about southern rock tunes!
Nothing much to say that wasn't already said. I was actually coming here right now to add to the hockey banter in the Bruins thread which matt was a regular in. Only met him a few times and he was a great guy.
My heart goes out to all of his friends and family.
Rest in peace Matt. You were always a very pleasant person to talk to, and when you walked through the doors at the shop it was like a little break from working to have a nice conversation, you will be missed by all!!!
Just some background. He was one of the biggest Bruins fan that I know of. He would Tivo the games when we were out on the river and watch them when he got home. Besides his daughter and ofcourse fishing the Bruins were a big part of his life. To find this news out today, the day the Bruins are playing game one of the finals is just too ironic to me. They haven't been in the finals since 1972 and he was too young to remember that. I hope they have versus up there, if they do I know he'll be watching. Im sorry to make light of the situation but in this horrible time I just needed to write something about his life and one of his passions. RIP Matt.
My stepson just found out the horrible news. He has had the pleasure to do a couple catfishing trips with the King Cat as he called him. Matt made it a point to take my stepson out and get him on his biggest catfish. I'll have alot of memories with the "squatch" as he referred to himself.
Here is a quote from Brian "I don't get it either it's unfair he was a good friend these things shouldn't be able to just happen"
Im floored. Matt was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. I was just thinking of him today, that I hadnt talked to him in a couple weeks and had offered to help him with his trailer hitch when he got it in.
I would like to suggest that we either add or change the annual CTF Cat tourney to include Matt's name in some way to honor him and his love for the whiskered fish.
I would like to suggest that we either add or change the annual CTF Cat tourney to include Matt's name in some way to honor him and his love for the whiskered fish.
I don't think I met Matt in person, maybe once last year possibly, but I don't need to know him personally to know this is a tragedy and my thoughts go out to all his family and friends as they deal with Matt's passing.
Holy sh!t! I just got a call from Iceman Bob. It blew me away. I've become pretty good friends with the Big Guy over the last few years, helping mow his lawn when his mower was down and when he was down. We fished together several times on both his boat and mine and had a blast every time! He will be missed tremendously!!! Still having a hard time processing this terrible news. Rest in Peace my friend!
Glenn, I was wondering if you knew or not but I wasn't sure I had your number. You were a good friend to him. He told me about all the things you helped him out with.
WOW I was floored when I saw the home page. Never knew the man but seemed like a great human being from all the posts he made in the past. Way too young. My condolances to his family.
Although we never met, we shared some PM's on off season schooling of the cats on the river that he had a passion for and I just thought of them as the fish to get me through the winter, now I will look at them differently. RIP Matt
Posted by: Anonymous
Re: R.I.P. Channel Matt - 06/01/1108:42 PM
Rest in peace Matt. My condolences go out to the family. I still have Pm's from him on helpful advise for CTR catfish. RIP you will be missed dearly !!!!!
RIP Matt, just terrible news, life is just to short and unfair sometimes.... I still have that bar I got from you and will make sure it shows up to the next CTF event, where we will toast ya....
yeah no kidding.....been thinkin about him all day as well........We'll leave an empty seat at the next hockey game ,.......
Still getting through this thread with tears in my eyes. I don't know how many of you knew him well but some of your responses are right-on! We'll have to toast in memory of this huge (no pun intended) Bruins fan at the next hockey night!
Matt was a great guy, I met him a few years back when I did some a/c work for him. He was a very generous caring person who had it rough the past few years. I hope his passing was as painless as possible.
Defintely way too young, He will be missed for sure.
Hello all, This is key west glenn's wife Michelle... I had the pleasure of meeting Matt a couple years ago - What a beautiful soul! We went fishing together- for catfish naturally and had one fabulous time! He would call our house as we got to know him to talk to Glenn, but not before me and him had a "quick", "short-winded" half hour conversation...which always made me laugh! I feel lucky and blessed to have met him, laughed with him and learned from him. The world lost a good man that's for sure. Rip my friend Michelle
One of the nicest guys I've met on CTF. Matt was supposed to come over my house this past Monday so I could wire up his Kia for trailer lights, but called to back out due to the weather and having his daughter that day. Wish he hadn't...
Sally called me about an hour ago concerning a Katrina Fund? I was almost home and had a lousy connection on my cell. I think she was looking for another Brian. If anyone knows anything about this, please get hold of me. 860-543-4778. I also asked Sally to please call me if she didn't mind to keep the CTF family updated.
Matt from the little time we spoke while you were going through your divorce. You seemed to one hell of a guy. Matt I'm sure your in a better place now than all of us and the catfish in Heaven better look out there is a new fisherman in town.
MATT ! I can't believe the news. A CTF brother has fallen. Prayers to you and your family..
Thanks for the text today Paul.
I am just heartbroken for everyone that has previously been blessed to have Matt in their life. I can't say enough good things about him. Definitely a gentle soul. Many great memories of Matt, it just seems surreal. Matt loved taking people out fishing and sharing what he knew. It made him happy to hook people up with fish. I remember one night when we were fishing together...Rob and I were fishing on one side of the boat and Matt on the other, both casting ahead and not far apart from another. Would you know, Matt caught the bigger fish EVERY time...we joked and laughed and ran thru stupid scenerios of how the same set ups could have such different results. My scent, his secret catfish potion...many great memories we all will forever miss! (the great thing about Matt, he felt bad that he was catching larger fish and offered to switch sides, that was who Matt was!) It was always a good time with Matt...roll with the punches type of guy, sweet, mellow and funny!
He was also very appreciative of the smallest things that many of you have contributed to his life...whether it was moving, mowing, workin' on the boat, taking him fishing when his foot was bad, fixing his AC, hangin' in the "man cave" or just by being a friend, he loved all of you!
My last conversation with Matt was 10/31 @ 10:05 a.m. via facebook chat. I was getting together with friends for my birthday, Matt was thinking of joining us. I askled if he was coming and he let me know that he was watching Katrina (his daughter) and he planned to do some boat/trailer repairs in the afternoon and couldn't attend, but would like to see us soon! He oddly logged off without me replying back. I don't know the rest of the story, but he will be dearly missed by all of us!
May you forever rest in peace Matt!
"Heading out for some night-time catfishing on my boat. Disclaimer: The woman pictured is not my wife, and her husband took this photograph."
(this was Matt's respectful humor and a what you would call a true friend)
Kind of amazing how the passing of a brother on this site could hit us all in such a way--whether you ever met him or not. I never met Matt, but feel a connection to him through the posts he's written, as I do so many on this site. Truly an amazing thing. RIP Matt-- I'll be pulling for your Bruins over the next week.
Growing up down South, I loved to catfish. I always wanted to get together with Matt to do so, but just never made it happen. This is just beyond sad. Just makes you realize that you can;t put sh!+ off. He will be missed.
Condolences and much sympathy to Matt's family and friends..... Always enjoyed his posts, such sad news, so young.... Life is so uncertain, friends - make the most of it.
Channel matt RIP I'm gunna miss talking to u all the time when u came into the shop. He was an awesome guy with a big heart lots of story's and an amazing fisherman catfish god. My thoughts and prayers to the family.... Can't wait to fish with u in heaven
Very sad news. Never met Matt but I have seen him on the river. Will miss his posts. Thought about this all afternoon driving home along the river. Its amazing how this board makes you feel so close to people you may never meet face to face. Rest in Peace Matt.
I cant believe Im reading this thread. Only know Matt through CTF. Weve had a half dozen Pm conversations. Not always about good times. My fiancees best friend is a reale estate agent. When Matt was needing to buy his house I hooked them up. Every time I see her she asks how Matts doing. I usually answer that one of these days Im going to stop in to meet him in person. I was happy for him when the Bruins made it to the finals last week. For some one I never met I dont know if I ever hoped for anyone to make it through the last few years more than I hoped he would. Im glad you guys(Cmed, Tmack, Iceman,Glenn etc..) were there for him. In the words of one of his favorite Southern bands Marshall Tucker "Ride in peace my friend, ride in peace, for now all your troubles have finally come to an end, even though we miss you so, thats the one thing that makes us go, is to know well ride in peace again my friend".
This was so very sad reading. I never met Matt. I did enjoy his posts and from what I see he was a very special man. Life threw him a few curveballs but with the help of his friends he seemed to always go on. I absolutely hate the bruins but I am going to root for them in Matt's honor. Rest in peace. God must have needed a catfish guide and he got one of the best.
this is horrible . you will be missed neighbor. i cant believe i was talking to you that morning and all seemed fine. now whos gonna wake me up at midnight to tell me how the bruins won and made the finals and try and convince me they dont suck? or sit around and b.s. about fishing or whatever. again you will be missed by many. my dog even liked you and shes a stuckup little bitch that dont like anybody, but she always tries to stop when we walk by your place at night looking for the guy who would throw that tennis ball for an hour. i may root for the b's just this one time.
Just saw this, very sad news and I will miss his River Reports.
I've had a few friends pass on suddenly so we never know when our name will be called.
I will keep his family in prayer and hope they find solace in the only one who can give it in times like these, the one who conquered death by His resurection.
One of the nicest guys I've met on CTF. Matt was supposed to come over my house this past Monday so I could wire up his Kia for trailer lights, but called to back out due to the weather and having his daughter that day. Wish he hadn't...
Sally called me about an hour ago concerning a Katrina Fund? I was almost home and had a lousy connection on my cell. I think she was looking for another Brian. If anyone knows anything about this, please get hold of me. 860-543-4778. I also asked Sally to please call me if she didn't mind to keep the CTF family updated.
Miss you already bud!
FYI, Spoke to Sally last night...
Both Sally and Katrina are going through a very difficult time right now. Katrina has not accepted this yet and hoping it is not real. Sally is remembering Matt, her fairytale prince from years ago when she felt they had it all prior to divorce. Sad.
So far, no apparent cause of death. Further tests being done.
Matt's family is now thinking of cremation and "Celebration of Life" when his parents can return from FL in July.
Paul and I are working on coordinating a Titt's Island memorial fishing event. Date to be determined, will post on another thread when we work out the details.
I always enjoyed reading Matt's Cats post. I've PM him many times in the past about how to catch the cats and he always replied with helpful hints. Had the privilege to carp fish with Matt a couple times at Wethersfield Cove. Great guy, very easy going from just the few times our paths crossed. Way to young. RIP Matt.
Didn't know you on a personal level but feel like i did. CTF fishing brother, Bruins fan, great American, read your reports for years. R.I.P and may the lord be with you and your family........
He made a great impression on all of us on CTF. He has been an important part of this site and is a good example of what this site is about. Big loss for all of us. R.I.P. Buddy!
I didn't know Matt but I just wish he was still alive to see how many friends he had on here. He may have been young but his goodness seems to have touched many of your lives. Your memories of him are quite a tribute to the man.
I have been away on vacation and was anticipating going into the sports section to see the banter in the Bruins thread. I never met him, but he had some good insight on Bruins hockey that I will miss. Can't believe that I'm even typing this. Seemed like such the gentleman, I regret not meeting him. Very sad, hope your resting in peace up there big guy. Rest in peace CTF'er.
Man...I'm late to the game here. Never fished with Matt but spoke to him several times and he genuinely seemed to be a great guy....the type of guy you'd be honored to wet the lines with.
I know Matt's in a better place, as hard as it is for his family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with all who have been touched by him.
That movie is absolutley amazing im lost for words.... He always brightened my day when he came into the bait shop to get eels for a catfish trip..only the good die young
Re: Channel Matt Memorial MCT Results & Photos - 10/02/1102:52 PM
Great night of fishing 2nd place 7. 67 lbs . 1st 7.9 congats paul. I got 7 total, David got 5, - all 3 to 7 lb range . Great time and food. Pics to come . david in his trash bag gear .
Re: Channel Matt Memorial MCT Results & Photos - 10/02/1109:48 PM
Due to flooding, the event was moved to Haddam Island. We all packed to the max, grabbed everything from a generator to wood, decor, rocks, garbage can, grill, etc and met up at Haddam Meadows...
It ended up being a fairly nice day and allowed us to get set up without the rain...
Sally helped AJ, Paul and I set up the CTF banner...
Katrina helped to twist up the wicks for the tiki torches that were made from Matt's empty Busch cans...
Even though the event was moved to Haddam Island, (an island within close sight of Haddam Meadows-where another one of his most favorite events is held-PIKETOBERFEST!) Matt was so proud that CTF'ers contributed to the re-naming of Titt's Island in Windsor to "Catfish Island". We just had to make a sign for him...
Matt's Catfish swag...
6:00 came quick and we kicked off the event with the Ash Ceremony-notice the "M" that formed from the ashes in the water...
Lines were put out from shore as we prepared food...
Twice baked cheddar bacon potatoes...
Paul and I, making his large mouth bass fillets and my onion rings...
Judy's steak chilli was a hit...
Everything was just yummidy!
Of course, at every event there always seems to be a mis-hap! Glenn got a nice new knife from Andrew's shop, flipped it open and dropped the tip straight down into his foot, missing his tendon by not even a hair! We grabbed some napkins and wadded them up making a pressure bandage secured with duct tape just until I could make our own butterfly's to pull the laceration together...
This reminds me of one of Matt's mis-hap's at our house...
Glenn's foot impalement was fixed up with paper tape from a first aid kit and super glue from a tackle box to create a homemade butterfly to pull it together, then we bandaged it back up...
The injury was awesome, we got to play peek-a-boo with his tendon while irrigating it with water to gross some people out! He was very lucky that he didn't nick or sever a tendon
It was looking good today after his curious wifey Michelle took a peek under the bandage, here's the pic Glenn sent me...
As for fishing... AJ got a jump on the rest of us. He and Paul got to the island to do some major clean up before the rest of us arrived and was all set up with lines in the water from the moment we arrived...
Every fish caught was for Matt this weekend, look at that smile...
And he continued to chase his line throughout the night as we heard it periodically zipping out...
You didn't have to venture off the island for a cat tonight, the island seemed to produce the best fishing. Paul with his 7.9 lb cat...
And David...
(Did I run out of space, LOL??? Must be a limit per post-see next post)
Re: Channel Matt Memorial MCT Results & Photos - 10/02/1111:13 PM
Great tribute everyone, I enjoyed many of a beers on Matts Bar at my house this year, Thinking of adding it to the Floatilla at Piketoberfest so everyone can enoy a beer on it....
Re: Channel Matt Memorial MCT Results & Photos - 10/03/1101:59 AM
Originally Posted By: Amy
Did I run out of space, LOL??? Must be a limit per post-Continued on THIS post
1st went to Paul with his 7.90lb...
2nd went to TimP with a 7.67lb...
3rd went to DaveyDave with a 7.61lb...
Nothing caught over the 7lb range-Matt is still theCat king!
Now that trophies were handed out, time for breakfast...
Glenn was the Breakfast Meistro!!!
Many mentioned how good TimP's cider was. I was hesitant when I took a sip, expecting it to be strong! It was actually very smooth without the bite. I can now understand why they were saying it can sneak up on you...a jug is being saved for Piketoberfest!
Random pictures...
AJ warming his buns...
Rob looks awesome carrying my pink bag or as Matt would say "Rob's Barbie bag"...
Wonder what these guys were thinking...
Boys with their toys...
ROB!!!...
"Hun, RELAX-it's just a jug of water"...
After hearing about his numerous wounds and traumas, a first aid kit definitely seems to be some kind of toy for Glenn. The only thing, Glenn seems to have outgrown this kit!!!...
Yes dear, it's fine...really, I'm ok...I know, you had a feeling I was going to get hurt-love you too...
Matt must have been messing with my camera settings in these pics...
Definitely in this one, with DaveyDave holding his fish...
Packing up and heading home...
Only thing is, Paul must not have wanted to go home becausehe ran out of gas!
And had to be rescued...
Then we continued packing...
And were on our way again...
A really nice time on Haddam Island reflecting on our good times with Matt! We all said at one time or another we wished that he was there with us and all agreed he would have loved hanging out and goofing around!
Re: Channel Matt Memorial MCT Results & Photos - 10/03/1102:22 PM
Wow ! Great pictures, everyone ! I am so glad we pulled this off, and for those who couldn't make it, you missed THE best memory CTF will ever bring .
From cleaning up the camp spot, to running out of gas with a boat load of stuff,( You guys said you wouldn't tell anyone !! ) I had an awesome time ! ! I didn't take very many pictures do to using my wife's big clunky camera.
Thank you Amy for doing pretty much all of the planning to make this happen !! Thank you Sally, and Katelyn for coming out for this, I had some teary moments for sure. Great seeing you guys again, wish you could have stayed a little longer.
Quick overview Excellent food !! chili, pasta salad, nachos/salsa, Portuguese rolls, egg,cheese,sausage sandwiches in the am, KEURIG D&D hit the spot , music the whole time, ER Medical treatment on the island, what else ? How about all of us in the video drinking BUSCH bought by Matt ? (Get the chill down the back of your neck ? )
LARGEFRY and I checked out the Haddam island about 9 am, due to TITT'S island being flooded ( Amy and Rob checked it out Friday, and Rob and John checked it out Saturday ) After deciding to move it, about 2 hours later, after packing stuff up, and catching some bait, I took a BIG load to the island, and came back for AJ. We then took the 2nd big load. Before we set up, AJ HAD to set up a rod !!
LARGEFRY with one of 2 cats he caught ,before it all started ,right from our camp area..
We cleaned up probably 80? lbs of bottles, cans, and garbage that was in fire pit, and surrounding areas, and texted some others to bring more rocks .. Thank you amy and Glen
Rob, and John making a run to the island
I believe all of the 1,2,3rd place fish were caught within 100 yards of the island ? I caught 2 small ones just north, and probably 6-8 or so right from the island, including 1st place. We really had some great luck there I think the consensus is chunk eel=magic bait, not the Sebile swimmer .
Lots of pictures of loaded boats. Here is Rob and Amy's on the last trip back to the launch
Cider ! Wow ! Will it last till PIKETOBERFEST ? I mean, will it turn to vinegar by then ? That stuff is freakin awesome ! ! Nice to meet you Tim and Dave ! Tim,You guys took off before getting your 2nd place mug must have been the downpours at the end. We'll get it to you, sometime. I think Amy has it ?
Nice meeting new CTFers and sharing moments with other CTF friends made from CTF. Congrats to Daveydave for 3rd place, we now have a connection for Portuguese sausage, and rolls ! ! Thank you Glen for cooking those breakfast sandwiches in the am THAT hit the spot..
I am proud to sport my 1ST place mug in memory of Matt. I only got to fish with him for a few hours, but spent plenty of time with him to remember this day.
Re: Channel Matt Memorial MCT Results & Photos - 10/03/1102:23 PM
All i gotta say is that it was a GREAT TIME!!!This CTF event was outright amazing Great Peeps Great Food and Some Good fishing in the mix...i had never had the pleasure of meeting Matt but i had read his posts and always enjoyed them...Matt had some True friends and i got the chance to hang with them and by the end of it all even i missed him...Must say it was truely my Peasure meeting and hangin with all u guys on the island
Tim's hard cider should come with a warning label ....its is oh so smooth and after a half cup i started warming up from the inside out....be forwarned thats stuff will whoop ur arsse!!!
Re: Channel Matt Memorial MCT Results & Photos - 10/03/1105:09 PM
Matt would be proud that you all did this for him. I'm going to miss the hockey banter this year. But I think about him when ever I see those Bruins! I should have told you no sharp objects around Glenn. Ouch!!!!
Re: Channel Matt Memorial MCT Results & Photos - 10/03/1109:53 PM
Absolutely awesome time!! Nice meeting Tim & David as well as John. You guys are hardcore, spending ALL night fishing in the boat! I was wearing airforce issue Gor-tex and still chilly while trying to catch some Z's by the fire! Congrats to our winners! I'm amazed at how many fish were caught in the shallow, structure-lacking water right off the island. Davey even got one in about 4 feet of water almost under my boat while it was tied to the "beach"! Thanks to everyone for their contributions to make this event happen! Everyone did their share but I salute Amy for making all the phone calls, posts, pm's etc.!!! I'm looking forward to Pike-fest, and possibly Blackfish Bash!!!
Re: Channel Matt Memorial MCT Results & Photos - 10/04/1112:24 AM
Ya'll are crazy! Where were some of you a few years ago in the MCT prime years? The tequila pistol does help explain the knife wound large enough to be pornographic. (Tequilabot wants to know if you can buy those guns locally)
Glad to see you guys get this off the ground and keep the MCT alive. Thanks for the offers Paul and Amy to get on the island. Hopefully we can get Kapt back into his own event next year.
the cider will be fine keep it cool ,or check bottle to for pressure build up if not chilled . David and i had a blast, not sleeping a wink. all fish caught in 4-to 8 f.o.w. ,tried the channel 17' and nothing, eel is the money. We both want to come to piketoberfest,as long as the wife is willing to part with me ,while open water fishing is still non frozen I will be in touch . Thanks Matt and everyone . If i go on the 13th i will bring more ''hooch''.
Wow! I'm going to put something like that in my will (instructions). But first I am going to have to start trying to make more friends. It takes really good friends and family to pull something like that off. Nice job all.
Re: Channel Matt Memorial MCT Results & Photos - 10/08/1102:21 AM
Great video-- Shinedown's version of Simple Man is excellent and is perfect for the occasion -- exactly what I would hope for -- good friends, beer, fishing (my passion)-- RIP Matt. Goosebumps watching that. God Bless!
I took his daughter & ex-wife for a cruise on the river back on May 26. They wanted to remember the little trips that he used to take them on & go by a few of his old catfish holes. I remembered a hand full of them and at our last stop we poured a Busche Light into the river. They are still very grateful for all that the CTF family did.
I to think of him often, I still have his last pm to me, I can't delete it. And GreenGloBob, I miss him too, I still have all his pics he sent me of him and his wife, and some of his dirty joke emails.
Two of the nicest people I have met and was proud to call them my friends.
R.I.P. Matt and Bob, I'm toasting you now with a bud lite lime.