Above The Salt Charters 

5.0
(108 reviews)
 
Federally permitted
 100 Old Ferry Road, Shalimar, FL 32579, United States–

Above The Salt Charters 

Shalimar, FL, United States
–
26 ft
6
5.0
(108 reviews)

Above the Salt Charters offers the best options for a day of fun-filled fishing. Our passion and focus ensures each person in your group will have an experience they'll never forget. He's thankful for every day on the water, teaching next generations the art of angling as well as sharing techniques with both the new and the seasoned.

Captain Chuck's 26' 2020 Crevalle is powered by a 400 HP Mercury engine, which means you get there faster, so you can fish longer. He limits groups to 6 or less so that each fisherman has ample room to receive his undivided attention and assistance. The vessel holds three live wells, which are more than adequate storage for live bait; and the coffin box keeps fish fresh in a saltwater brine until you arrive at the dock where Captain Chuck cleans and bags your catch.

Explore the Gulf of Mexico by targeting a variety of species that are available here. You can go after Kingfish, Red Snapper, Cobia, Tuna, Amberjack, all kinds of Grouper, and many more.

Enjoy hours of fishing! From beginners and experts to parents who want to put the kiddo on their first saltwater fish and friends just out for the day making memories - sit back and relax! Captain Chuck has you covered.

All fishing equipment, licenses, as well as bottled water are included in the price. You only need to pack some snacks and bring some sun protection.

Above the Salt Charters is here to create an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones. You only need to choose the date and be there on time!

Above the Salt Charters offers the best options for a day of fun-filled fishing. Our passion and focus ensures each person in your group will have an experience they'll never forget. He's thankful for every day on the water, teaching next generations the art of angling as well as sharing techniques with both the new and the seasoned.

Captain Chuck's 26' 2020 Crevalle is powered by a 400 HP Mercury engine, which means you get there faster, so you can fish longer. He limits groups to 6 or less so that each fisherman has ample room to receive his undivided attention and assistance. The vessel holds three live wells, which are more than adequate storage for live bait; and the coffin box keeps fish fresh in a saltwater brine until you arrive at the dock where Captain Chuck cleans and bags your catch.

Explore the Gulf of Mexico by targeting a variety of species that are available here. You can go after Kingfish, Red Snapper, Cobia, Tuna, Amberjack, all kinds of Grouper, and many more.

Enjoy hours of fishing! From beginners and experts to parents who want to put the kiddo on their first saltwater fish and friends just out for the day making memories - sit back and relax! Captain Chuck has you covered.

All fishing equipment, licenses, as well as bottled water are included in the price. You only need to pack some snacks and bring some sun protection.

Above the Salt Charters is here to create an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones. You only need to choose the date and be there on time!

Chuck Madden
Captain
Chuck Madden
11 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
September 2026
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
4 Hr Bay Trip
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
4 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Snapper (Mangrove)
Black Drum
Redfish
Speckled Trout
US $850
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Beginners 4 Hr Gulf trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
4 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Amberjack
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
+7
US $955
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Beginners 4 Hr Gulf Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
4 hour trip starts at 1:00 PM
Amberjack
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
+7
US $955
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hr Bay Trip
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
6 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Black Drum
Redfish
Speckled Trout
US $1,200
Entire boat: up to 6 people
8 Hr Bay trip
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Black Drum
Grouper (Red)
Speckled Trout
Black Jewfish
US $1,280
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Half Day 6 Hour Gulf Trip
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
6 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Amberjack
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
+7
US $1,395
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Full Day 8 Hour Gulf Trip
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Amberjack
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)
+7
US $1,850
Entire boat: up to 6 people
10 HR Gulf Adventure Trip
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
10 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Amberjack
Cobia
Snapper (Red)
Wahoo
+8
US $3,000
Entire boat: up to 6 people
There is 1 person looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
108 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (205)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
100%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
99%
Recommended
95%
Caught fish

Reviews (108)

  • Kaylee Wheeler
    Kaylee Wheeler
    Repeat angler
    us
    Kentucky, US
    •
    Member since 2024
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing trip! Amazing captain!

    Half Day 6 Hour Gulf Trip on May 31, 2025 • 4 adults

    Did the 6 hour trip with Captain Chuck and WOW he did not disappoint! He was very responsive before the trip had even started and even called 2 days early to help determine what spots would work best for us. On the day of the trip, he had everything ready to go and we set out right on time. We had 4 people in our party and none of us are super comfortable with fishing, but Captain Chuck was always patient and helped teach us everything there was to learn. He worked his butt off to make sure we were always in a great position to catch some fish and he made sure to communicate all the important stuff to keep things running smoothly! We caught so many fish and had such a fun time! Will 1000% be booking with Captain Chuck in the future!

  • Jim Freeman
    Jim Freeman
    Repeat angler
    us
    Kansas, US
    •
    Member since 2019
    •
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    What a 4th of July!

    Half Day 6 Hour Gulf Trip on July 4, 2025 • 5 adults • 1 child

    Captain Madden did an amazing job! The day started out with a good bite in the first spot and then a quick move to a second spot where Captain Chuck got the fish fired up! We caught so many fish and such a variety of fish, red snapper, mangos, Mingos, scamp, Bonita and more. It was by far the best charter experience I’ve had in the past 20 years. We had folks in our group of varying ages and experience and Captain Madden took great care of everyone and made sure all had a great time! We will be back again to fish with Captain Chuck!!

  • Wes Freemyer
    Wes Freemyer
    us
    Nebraska, US
    •
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    The Best Charter ever!

    Half Day 6 Hour Gulf Trip on March 27, 2024 • 2 adults

    The day could not have gone better. Capt Chuck Madden was in communication with us for a couple days beforehand watching the weather. We got a good window a bit later than scheduled (thanks for the flexibility). Once we got out of the bay, we were on fish...a few bites early on and we moved a couple times, and Chuck had matched his places with the kind of chop we were in. We hit one of his favorites and we were hitting big fish immediately and it was sustained for some time. Big fish are what Chuck targets...what we were after and it turned out to be the best day on the water EVER for a couple of 70+ year olds who have been fishing together for 60 years. Big mangrove snapper, some of the biggest red snappers I have ever seen, good sized gag grouper (the grouper and red snapper were not open so we returned them to the water immediately) and a few other species. You absolutely cannot do better than booking Capt Chuck and his Above the Salt charter.

  • Misty Cheatham
    Misty Cheatham
    us
    Arkansas, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Expert Guide

    Beginners 4 Hr Gulf trip (AM) on June 12, 2025 • 3 adults

    Thankfully, I was able to book Above the Salt with Captain Chuck last minute. He was professional, knowledgeable about where the best fishing spots are, and made us feel like we’ve known him for years. We caught lots of fish we’d never caught on a charter, and we even hooked a Goliath Grouper! We can’t wait to go back for a longer fishing trip.

  • Brooks Stepp
    Brooks Stepp
    Repeat angler
    us
    Georgia, US
    •
    Member since 2022
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Experience!

    Half Day 6 Hour Gulf Trip on June 25, 2025 • 3 adults

    Captain Chuck was very professional from the safety training all the way thru the trip. True conservationist. We caught a variety of fish including a 8ft 300lb bull shark. Of course we released him back. Great day on the water with a great Captain. Would definitely book with him again.

  • Brandon Watson
    Brandon Watson
    us
    Nevada, US
    •
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified

    BEST FISHING EXPERIENCE!

    Full Day 8 Hour Gulf Trip on April 15, 2023 • 5 adults

    Let me be the first to say 100% a customer for life because of Captain Chuck. I live in Nevada and will make it a point to go fishing again with Capt. Chuck in Florida. We were a party of 5 doing the full day / 8 hours of fishing. Capt. Chuck was very knowledgeable, courteous, and flexible. Bad weather had kicked our fishing trip twice and Capt. Chuck kept in contact to reschedule. I am quite big on communication skills which this man’s are impeccable. He put us right on the fish and had live bait already ready. Asked what our fishing preferences were before we were on the water and was very through overall. Everyone in the party caught different species of fish! Talk about hooking up a fish one after another. One in our party had to stop fishing because he was tired of catching fish. The only con of this fishing trip was the realization lake fishing (which I do a decent amount of) is significantly inferior to fishing in the Gulf / ocean. Look no further Capt. Chuck is your guy!! There’s a reason he has so many good reviews. Book with him.

  • Brittany Gates
    Brittany Gates
    Repeat angler
    us
    Tennessee, US
    •
    Member since 2024
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing fishing trip/captain

    Beginners 4 Hr Gulf Trip (PM) on March 11, 2025 • 3 adults • 1 child

    Captain Chuck was amazing! He was so patient with our 12 year old and took us to all the spots to catch fish! We caught several even though the weather and waves were against us. We will definitely book with him again. He’s worth every penny.

  • Jason Barnes
    Jason Barnes
    Repeat angler
    us
    Tennessee, US
    •
    Member since 2018
    •
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Above The Salt is Above the Rest!

    Half Day 6 Hour Gulf Trip on June 23, 2024 • 6 adults • 1 child

    My family and I had a great time with Capt Chuck and Drew. Very knowledgeable and friendly. They worked hard to make sure we had a great trip. We had grandma with us and Drew was even thoughtful enough that he sat in front of her to block the spray from the waves on the drive back. Need more guides like Capt Chuck and Drew. Book with confidence.

  • Carl Pettigrew
    Carl Pettigrew
    us
    Missouri, US
    •
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome Captain who is great with Kiddos!!

    Beginners 4 Hr Gulf trip (AM) on July 23, 2024 • 6 adults • 4 children

    Had an Epic Day with Captian Chuck and Deckhand Drew. We were on the fish from the very beginning. Capt. Chuck was awesome with the boys and answered a ton of questions from the kids. I’ll be booking with Captain Chuck next time we are in the area. Boys got to see dolphins around the boat and even a tiger shark! Awesome Day!!

  • Brad Ethridge
    Brad Ethridge
    us
    Illinois, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    We had a great trip!!

    Beginners 4 Hr Gulf Trip (PM) on June 12, 2025 • 3 adults • 1 child

    Capt Chuck and Alex were great with my kids first saltwater fishing trip and worked hard to get us on the fish. I couldn’t ask for a better experience!!!

Rating

5.0
108 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (205)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
100%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
99%
Recommended
95%
Caught fish

All reviews (108)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 108 reviews
Kaylee Wheeler
Kaylee Wheeler
Repeat angler
us
Kentucky, US
•
Member since 2024
•
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Amazing trip! Amazing captain!
Half Day 6 Hour Gulf Trip on May 31, 2025 • 4 adults

Did the 6 hour trip with Captain Chuck and WOW he did not disappoint! He was very responsive before the trip had even started and even called 2 days early to help determine what spots would work best for us. On the day of the trip, he had everything ready to go and we set out right on time. We had 4 people in our party and none of us are super comfortable with fishing, but Captain Chuck was always patient and helped teach us everything there was to learn. He worked his butt off to make sure we were always in a great position to catch some fish and he made sure to communicate all the important stuff to keep things running smoothly! We caught so many fish and had such a fun time! Will 1000% be booking with Captain Chuck in the future!

Reported catch:
Amberjack
Red Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Red Grouper
+1
Chuck Madden
Response from Captain

Thank you for the review, Doc! What a great day, you guys were incredible to spend the day with! I’m looking so forward to fishing with you all again!

Jim Freeman
Jim Freeman
Repeat angler
us
Kansas, US
•
Member since 2019
•
3 trips
5.0
Verified
What a 4th of July!
Half Day 6 Hour Gulf Trip on July 4, 2025 • 4 adults • 1 child

Captain Madden did an amazing job! The day started out with a good bite in the first spot and then a quick move to a second spot where Captain Chuck got the fish fired up! We caught so many fish and such a variety of fish, red snapper, mangos, Mingos, scamp, Bonita and more. It was by far the best charter experience I’ve had in the past 20 years. We had folks in our group of varying ages and experience and Captain Madden took great care of everyone and made sure all had a great time! We will be back again to fish with Captain Chuck!!

Chuck Madden
Response from Captain

Thank you for the great review Mr. Freeman. Your whole group had such a great energy and it was a pleasure having you aboard today. I look forward to seeing you again!

Wes Freemyer
Wes Freemyer
us
Nebraska, US
•
Member since 2024
5.0
Verified
The Best Charter ever!
Half Day 6 Hour Gulf Trip on March 27, 2024 • 2 adults

The day could not have gone better. Capt Chuck Madden was in communication with us for a couple days beforehand watching the weather. We got a good window a bit later than scheduled (thanks for the flexibility). Once we got out of the bay, we were on fish...a few bites early on and we moved a couple times, and Chuck had matched his places with the kind of chop we were in. We hit one of his favorites and we were hitting big fish immediately and it was sustained for some time. Big fish are what Chuck targets...what we were after and it turned out to be the best day on the water EVER for a couple of 70+ year olds who have been fishing together for 60 years. Big mangrove snapper, some of the biggest red snappers I have ever seen, good sized gag grouper (the grouper and red snapper were not open so we returned them to the water immediately) and a few other species. You absolutely cannot do better than booking Capt Chuck and his Above the Salt charter.

Reported catch:
Red Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Gag Grouper
Gray Triggerfish
Chuck Madden
Response from Captain

“The day could not have gone better”. Guys, with your willingness to handle the seas like you did and your enthusiasm, I couldn’t agree more. It made the trip more enjoyable than I can describe. I truly hope to see you again.

Dean Cheatham
Dean Cheatham
us
Arkansas, US
•
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Expert Guide
Beginners 4 Hr Gulf trip (AM) on June 12, 2025 • 3 adults

Thankfully, I was able to book Above the Salt with Captain Chuck last minute. He was professional, knowledgeable about where the best fishing spots are, and made us feel like we’ve known him for years. We caught lots of fish we’d never caught on a charter, and we even hooked a Goliath Grouper! We can’t wait to go back for a longer fishing trip.

Reported catch:
Red Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Chuck Madden
Response from Captain

Thank you for the review! I truly enjoy making new friends. Let’s get that Goliath!!

Brooks Stepp
Brooks Stepp
Repeat angler
us
Georgia, US
•
Member since 2022
•
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Great Experience!
Half Day 6 Hour Gulf Trip on June 25, 2025 • 3 adults

Captain Chuck was very professional from the safety training all the way thru the trip. True conservationist. We caught a variety of fish including a 8ft 300lb bull shark. Of course we released him back. Great day on the water with a great Captain. Would definitely book with him again.

Reported catch:
Mangrove Snapper
Red Snapper
Red Grouper
Gray Triggerfish
Chuck Madden
Response from Captain

Thank you so much for the review and recommendation!

FAQs about Above The Salt Charters

Above The Salt Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $850 per group - 4 Hr Bay Trip (4 hours)
  • US $955 per group - Beginners 4 Hr Gulf trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $955 per group - Beginners 4 Hr Gulf Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $1,200 per group - 6 Hr Bay Trip (6 hours)
  • US $1,280 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 8 Hr Bay trip (8 hours)
  • US $1,395 per group - Half Day 6 Hour Gulf Trip (6 hours)
  • US $1,850 per group - Full Day 8 Hour Gulf Trip (8 hours)
  • US $3,000 per group - 10 HR Gulf Adventure Trip (10 hours)
When you book a trip with Above The Salt Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet EMERGENCY USE PLEASE
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Multimedia system
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Outriggers
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Above The Salt Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (When Available)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (All fish are cleaned at no charge!)
  • Drinks (Water available at no charge)
  • Fishing license (All license and gear are included!)
Above The Salt Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
  • Flats fishing
Above The Salt Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Drift fishing
  • Spearfishing
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Above The Salt Charters include:
  • Amberjack
  • Cobia
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Grouper (Red)
  • Jack (Almaco)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Snapper (Vermilion)
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Triggerfish (Gray)
  • Tuna (Blackfin)

Your captain

Chuck Madden
Chuck Madden

Shalimar, Florida, United States

6 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
108 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since February 2021

I've been fishing my whole life - almost 45 years. I retired from the Air Force in 2014, after which I made fishing my career - it's what I'm most passionate about. I considered pursuing other interests such as flying since I'm an instrument-rated pilot, but my heart belongs to the water. I've had a couple of fantastic mentors who have helped me get started and here I am, taking the opportunity to show others the time of their life!

Chuck Madden
Chuck Madden
Fully verified
6
reports
108
reviews
2021
member since
~1h
response
I've been fishing my whole life - almost 45 years. I retired from the Air Force in 2014, after which I made fishing my career - it's what I'm most passionate about. I considered pursuing other interests such as flying since I'm an instrument-rated pilot, but my heart belongs to the water. I've had a couple of fantastic mentors who have helped me get started and here I am, taking the opportunity to show others the time of their life!

The fish you can target

Amberjack
Amberjack
Cobia
Cobia
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
Almaco Jack
Almaco Jack
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Red Snapper
Red Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Gray Triggerfish
Gray Triggerfish
Blackfin Tuna
Blackfin Tuna
Amberjack
Amberjack
Cobia
Cobia
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
Almaco Jack
Almaco Jack

Real catches by this captain

  • What a 4th of July!
    Jim F.
    Jim F.
  • Great Experience!
    Brooks S.
    Brooks S.
  • Expert Guide
    Misty C.
    Misty C.
  • We had a great trip!!
    Brad E.
    Brad E.
  • Amazing trip! Amazing captain!
    Kaylee W.
    Kaylee W.
  • Amazing fishing trip/captain
    Brittany G.
    Brittany G.
  • Worked their butts off
    Chuck F.
    Chuck F.
  • Fish On
    Devin A.
    Devin A.
  • Above The Salt is Above the Rest!
    Jason B.
    Jason B.
  • Awesome!!!!
    David W.
    David W.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
26 ft
Year built
2020
Boat manufacturer
Crevalle
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Mercury
Powered by
1 x 400HP
Max cruising speed
55 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Drift Fishing
Spearfishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
EMERGENCY USE PLEASE
GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Multimedia system
Wireless trolling motor
Outriggers
Ice box
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
When Available
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
All fish are cleaned at no charge!
Drinks
Water available at no charge
Fishing license
All license and gear are included!

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 1 day prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 1 day before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child friendly
Kids of all ages are welcome!
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 Visa

 Mastercard

 Bank transfer

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3.5% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Shalimar right now

AmberjackAmberjack
CobiaCobia
Grouper (Gag)Grouper (Gag)
Grouper (Red)Grouper (Red)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)Snapper (Red)
Snapper (Vermilion)Snapper (Vermilion)
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
Triggerfish (Gray)Triggerfish (Gray)
Tuna (Blackfin)Tuna (Blackfin)

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Above The Salt Charters
Above The Salt Charters
Federally permitted
5.0
(108)
26 ft
Group size 1 - 6
1 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
+10
4 hour trip • 6 persons
US $955