Chum Em Up Charters 

4.9/5 (177 reviews)
Recent reports
 
State licensed
 Laishley Court 120, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, United States

Chum Em Up Charters 

Up to 9 miles
Punta Gorda, FL, United States
23 ft
4
4.9/5 (177 reviews)

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Ready to cast a line in Punta Gorda? Then Chum Em Up Charters has a trip with your name on it! Your guide for the day is Captain Michael, giving you access to years of sportfishing experience.

These waters are known for Snook, Speckled Trout, Tarpon, Mangrove Snapper, Sheepshead, Blacktip Shark, Jack Crevalle, Gag Grouper, Cobia, Black Drum, Redfish, and more – with any luck, they'll make your reel scream.

On the day of your trip you're likely to bottom fish using light tackle.

You'll be dropping lines from a 23ft shoalwater cat boat with capacity for 4 passengers. It comes with all the essentials no fishing machine can run without.

Rods, reels, and tackle are covered by the charter, along with lures. Live bait is included, but it's good to ask about this so you know if you'll be catching it yourself.

The charter boat covers your fishing license, so you can drive right over and come aboard without any hassle! Some fish have special regulations, including when you can keep them. Simply ask and your captain can tell you more.

It's always wise to bring sunscreen (non-spray), bottled water, and sunglasses. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, so long as you avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Go ahead and treat yourself to a day on the water with Chum Em Up Charters.

Ready to cast a line in Punta Gorda? Then Chum Em Up Charters has a trip with your name on it! Your guide for the day is Captain Michael, giving you access to years of sportfishing experience.

These waters are known for Snook, Speckled Trout, Tarpon, Mangrove Snapper, Sheepshead, Blacktip Shark, Jack Crevalle, Gag Grouper, Cobia, Black Drum, Redfish, and more – with any luck, they'll make your reel scream.

On the day of your trip you're likely to bottom fish using light tackle.

You'll be dropping lines from a 23ft shoalwater cat boat with capacity for 4 passengers. It comes with all the essentials no fishing machine can run without.

Rods, reels, and tackle are covered by the charter, along with lures. Live bait is included, but it's good to ask about this so you know if you'll be catching it yourself.

The charter boat covers your fishing license, so you can drive right over and come aboard without any hassle! Some fish have special regulations, including when you can keep them. Simply ask and your captain can tell you more.

It's always wise to bring sunscreen (non-spray), bottled water, and sunglasses. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, so long as you avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Go ahead and treat yourself to a day on the water with Chum Em Up Charters.

Michael Castaldi
Captain
Michael Castaldi
6 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
July 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
Half day sharks
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Shark (Blacktip)
Shark (Bull)
US $500
Entire boat: up to 3 people
Half day tarpon trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Tarpon
US $500
Entire boat: up to 3 people
Half Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Snook
Snapper (Mangrove)
Redfish
Sheepshead
US $500
Entire boat: up to 3 people
Sheephead half day
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Snapper (Mangrove)
Sheepshead
US $500
Entire boat: up to 3 people
Afternoon half
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 12:30 PM
Cobia
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Tarpon
+7
US $500
Entire boat: up to 3 people
Night shark fishing
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 PM
Cobia
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Tarpon
+7
US $600
Entire boat: up to 3 people
Night Snook Fishing
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 PM
Snook
Tarpon
US $600
Entire boat: up to 3 people
Night tarpon trips
In high demand Last booked: 6 days ago
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 PM
Snook
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
Black Drum
+1
US $600
Entire boat: up to 3 people
Full day shark fishing
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Shark (Hammerhead)
Shark (Nurse)
Shark (Bonnethead)
Shark (Bull)
+1
US $650
Entire boat: up to 3 people
Full Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Cobia
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Tarpon
+8
US $650
Entire boat: up to 3 people
8 hour fishing trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Cobia
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Tarpon
+7
US $700
Entire boat: up to 3 people
Full day tarpon fishing
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Tarpon
US $800
Entire boat: up to 3 people
There are 9 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
177 reviews
4.7
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (236)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
96%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
99%
Good boat
98%
Recommended
98%
Caught fish

All reviews (177)

Frequently mentioned
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Showing 15 of 177 reviews
Shane Durbec
Shane Durbec
us
Ohio, US
Member since 2026
The captain canceled
July 8, 2026
Trip was supposed to happen on July 8, 2026

The charter operator canceled on trip date. This is an automated posting.

Jeff Yount
Jeff Yount
Repeat angler
us
Florida, US
Member since 2024
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Snook and brutal Tarpon fishing.
Half Day Trip on May 27, 20262 adults

There were 3 of us and we all caught multiple snook. Some were so large we couldn't slow them down from getting tangled in the mangroves. Our female friend tangled the largest tarpon and we were cheering her on. She fought and fought that fish. It made one final jump and broke the line. She was so excited and worn out she had to sit down and rest before going on. These fish initially rip line off your reel, then they dive deep and its all you can do to hang on to your rod. Then they come straight up leaping into the air shaking and doing aerobatics that to sum up in one word "breathtaking". Now captain Steve told us when they jump lower your rod and point it towards the fish. Of course in all the excitement we would forget and the tarpon would either throw the hook or break the line. We would laugh and say another "L.D.R." Captain Jeff didn't know what L.D.R. meant. We laughed, it means we count the fish as a "long distance release" He laughed. I had one on that I was catching on, dropping the rod and pointing the rod towards the fish when it jumped. Three jumps and I still had it hooked. But, the fourth jump the fish threw the hook. It was a blast trying to get one to the boat. We shared fish stories with Captain Steve and found him to be very knowledgeable of seasonal patterns of fish, how temperature and tide plays a role and how fish position themselves in the water. Even though our trip was only 4 hours 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. we got there early and we left early. Captain Steve wasn't a clock watcher he asked us if we had anywhere we had to be after fishing and we told him no. Since we were catching and losing so many snook he let it go on for another 45 minutes beyond the 1:00 P.M. We were all impressed with how stable his boat was and handled some chop on the water with ease. Can't think of anything negative to say because we truly had a great time.

Reported catch:
Snook
Kaitlyn Marzofka
Kaitlyn Marzofka
us
Wisconsin, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Epic Girls’ Trip
Half Day Trip on April 23, 20262 adults

We had an unforgettable experience on this fishing charter out of Punta Gorda! Captain Michael was absolutely amazing—knowledgeable, friendly, and made sure we had a great time from start to finish. The fishing was incredible—we caught an abundance of snook, snapper, redfish, and trout, which made the day even more exciting. It felt like there was never a dull moment! This trip was part of a fun girls’ getaway to celebrate a 30th birthday, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Between the great fishing, beautiful scenery, and Captain Michal’s awesome energy, it was truly a highlight of the trip. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun and successful day on the water!

Reported catch:
Snook
Mangrove Snapper
Redfish
Michael Castaldi
Response from Captain

that was an amazing review I really appreciate the both of you cant wait to do it again catch em up this season back in your home waters thanks again for everything

Steven Meckley
Steven Meckley
us
Michigan, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
From Ocean to Table….Awesome Trip
Half day tarpon trip on May 1, 20262 adults

Captain Mike was amazing - we were on fish in the first 10 minutes. Went for a 1/2 Tarpon trip, got into them and had a great time. Captain Mike suggested we could take part of the trip and target - Mangrove Snapper, Snook and Ocean Trout. We absolutely hammered them - limited out on Snapper and had all kinds of action. We can’t thank Captain Mike - Chum Em Up Charters enough for hooking us up. There is nothing better than fish this fresh for dinner. We will DEFINITELY book again…..🎯😎

Michael Castaldi
Response from Captain

thank you so much i had a absolute blast with you both that fish looks absolutely delicious im glad you enjoyed it and cant wait to fo it again have a safe trip back home

Robert Franks
Robert Franks
Repeat angler
us
DeWitt, AR, US
Member since 2018
3 trips
5.0
Verified
New
Fantastic
Night tarpon trips on July 8, 20261 adult

Every time we went to a spot we caught fish. It was important to the captain that I caught fish and I sure did. This is the third charter I have taken out of Punta Gorda. Two were terrible with almost no fish. This one was fantastic with action almost nonstop! If you are fishing out of Punta Gorda this is the charter you want.

Reported catch:
Snook
Mangrove Snapper
Tarpon
Michael Castaldi
Response from Captain

that was an amazing review I really appreciate that so much it truly means alot and makes me love what i do even more knowing i can put everyone on fish and make there trip amazing cant wait to do it again

FAQs about Chum Em Up Charters

Chum Em Up Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $500 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - Afternoon half (4 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - Half day sharks (4 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - Half day tarpon trip (4 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - Half Day Trip (4 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - Sheephead half day (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - Night shark fishing (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - Night Snook Fishing (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - Night tarpon trips (4 hours)
  • US $650 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - Full day shark fishing (6 hours)
  • US $650 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - Full Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 8 hour fishing trip (8 hours)
  • US $800 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - Full day tarpon fishing (6 hours)
When you book a trip with Chum Em Up Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Multimedia system
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Chum Em Up Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (I will have live bait before the trip starts so we won't cut into any of your time fishing.)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Cleaning of fish is included in the fee we will fillet fish once we return to the dock )
  • Fishing license (Yes included my license will cover everyone on the boat )
Chum Em Up Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Reef fishing
  • Flats fishing
  • Backcountry fishing
Chum Em Up Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Spinning
  • Popping
  • Fly fishing (You would need to bring your own fly rod )
Top targeted fish species with Chum Em Up Charters include:
  • Black Drum
  • Cobia
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Jack Crevalle
  • Redfish
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Sheepshead
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tarpon

Your captain

Michael Castaldi
Michael Castaldi
Michael Castaldi

Punta Gorda, Florida, United States

86 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
177 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since January 2024
Angler's Choice

The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.

It's always been my passion to be on the water fishing or just on the water in general so I decided to turn my passion into a business. My favorite catch would probably be watching a redfish swimming in a foot of water casting my line to him and watching him eat my bait

86 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
177 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since January 2024
Angler's Choice

The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.

It's always been my passion to be on the water fishing or just on the water in general so I decided to turn my passion into a business. My favorite catch would probably be watching a redfish swimming in a foot of water casting my line to him and watching him eat my bait

The fish you can target

Black Drum
Black Drum
Cobia
Cobia
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
Redfish
Redfish
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark
Sheepshead
Sheepshead
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Snook
Snook
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Tarpon
Tarpon
Black Drum
Black Drum
Cobia
Cobia
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
Redfish
Redfish

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
23 ft
Year built
2013
Restored in
2025
Boat manufacturer
Shoalwater
Boat type
Bay boat
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 200HP
Max cruising speed
40 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Spinning
Popping
Fly Fishing
You would need to bring your own fly rod

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Multimedia system
Wireless trolling motor
Ice box

What's included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
I will have live bait before the trip starts so we won't cut into any of your time fishing.
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Cleaning of fish is included in the fee we will fillet fish once we return to the dock
Fishing license
Yes included my license will cover everyone on the boat

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days 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 agreed upon reservation

Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.

Child friendly
So I normally don't have age limits with kids on trips I actually highly encourage and love when families get kids out to come fishing they always leave with a great memory they will have forever the same memories I have with my father of us going
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Pay online in full

Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.

No additional fees.

Book with 20% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% 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

 PayPal

What’s biting in Punta Gorda right now

Black DrumBlack Drum
CobiaCobia
Grouper (Gag)Grouper (Gag)
Jack CrevalleJack Crevalle
RedfishRedfish
Shark (Blacktip)Shark (Blacktip)
SheepsheadSheepshead
Snapper (Mangrove)Snapper (Mangrove)
SnookSnook
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout
TarponTarpon

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Chum Em Up Charters
Chum Em Up Charters
State licensed
4.9
(177)
23 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+9
4 hour trip • 3 persons
US $500

Recent fishing reports


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