Chum Em Up Charters

4.9/5 (101 reviews)

Recent reports

State licensed

Laishley Court 120, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, United States–

Chum Em Up Charters

State licensed

4.9/5 (101)

•

Angler's Choice

Laishley Court 120

Punta Gorda, FL, United States

Trips & prices Targeted species Boat info What's biting What's included Contact captain

Trips & prices What's included Targeted species Boat info Reviews Contact captain

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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 20’ Center console with capacity for 3 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.

Customer reviews

Review summary

These summary reviews were generated by AI based on recent reviews

Captain Mike leverages deep Punta Gorda canal knowledge, provides all gear and live bait, and consistently puts guests on a variety of species quickly.

While highly productive, the trips can be affected by occasional motor hiccups and weather-related bite variability, which may influence timing and comfort.

What Guests loved

Keep in mind

Rapid action and location mastery: guests often catch fish within minutes of departure, with success on the first cast.
All-inclusive provisioning: boat includes live bait, tackle, and chum, with bait refilled multiple times during trips (seen as three refills in one outing) to maximize fishing opportunities.
Family-friendly and multi-species expertise: highly effective with kids and beginners, and capable of targeting trout, snook, redfish, sheepshead, snapper, and more, including notable kid-focused results (a youngster catching 15+ fish in a single outing).

Rating summary

4.9/5

out of 5 stars from 101 reviews

See details

Boat

4.8/5

Crew

5.0/5

Experience

5.0/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (141)

+138

Anglers claimed

Good experience

100%

Appropriate for children

94%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

98%

Recommend this charter

98%

Caught fish

97%

Review summary

These summary reviews were generated by AI based on recent reviews

Captain Mike leverages deep Punta Gorda canal knowledge, provides all gear and live bait, and consistently puts guests on a variety of species quickly.

While highly productive, the trips can be affected by occasional motor hiccups and weather-related bite variability, which may influence timing and comfort.

What Guests loved

Keep in mind

Rapid action and location mastery: guests often catch fish within minutes of departure, with success on the first cast.
All-inclusive provisioning: boat includes live bait, tackle, and chum, with bait refilled multiple times during trips (seen as three refills in one outing) to maximize fishing opportunities.
Family-friendly and multi-species expertise: highly effective with kids and beginners, and capable of targeting trout, snook, redfish, sheepshead, snapper, and more, including notable kid-focused results (a youngster catching 15+ fish in a single outing).

Showing 1 - 5 of 101 reviews

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Showing: 5 of 101 reviews

Paul Idzik

5.0

Verified

What a great experience!

Half Day Trip on August 8, 2025 • 2 adults

My nephew and I decided on a last minute trip to Florida. We booked this charter last minute and Captain Mike couldn't have been a better choice. He reached out right away and asked what we were looking to catch. I told him that we have never caught a tarpon before. Lo and behold, the first spot he took us to, not only did we catch a tarpon, but multiple! Including a monster 40 lb one. Captain Mike knows his spots and will get you what you are looking for. Could not recommend this enough. If you are in any way hesitant to book this charter, don't be. His knowledge and versatility around the water is incredible. We will be back at any chance we get.

Reported catch:

Response from Captain

August 9, 2025

Thank you so much guys I had a great time super stoked we was able to cross off a bucket list fish can’t wait to do it again it was a pleasure having you guys

Michael Broerman

5.0

Verified

Fish on

Afternoon half on June 29, 2025 • 1 adult • 1 child

This captain mike is a true genuine guy. It's what he loves to do and is very important to him for you to have the best experience. I didn't know when it was a good time of day for good fishing. He called me and said I cant do this switch to this time, if you can. and I'm so glad I did . He didnt just want to take my money and have a bad experience. My son and I were double hooked at every spot. Fish after fish. He is good at keeping you in the right current conditions were the fish are. We fish several spots and when time was up he wasn't worried about it we all were having fun. I saved his number no matter what part of Florida our next trip is we will be calling for another trip. GREAT CAPTIN, GREAT PERSON, ... Mike , Nick and I had one of the funniest experiences with you that we ever had. thanks again from the both of us Mike and nick

Reported catch:

Response from Captain

July 3, 2025

I really appreciate the time you put in for that review means a lot to me I had a great time with you guys and look forward to doing it all again

Richard Blunk

5.0

Verified

Perfect Day!

Half Day Trip on June 15, 2025 • 3 adults

Got to take my 16 year old son who is a fishing nut, and my wife who only goes once a year or less out on Father’s Day 2025. We all had the best time with Captain Michael. He knew just where to go one the water, the personality to make us all feel at home, and was extremely patient and attentive with just the right amount of coaching based on the varying levels of fishing experience in our group. We were going out for snook, mangrove grouper, and spotted trout and caught many of all 3 but also my wife got a 60 plus pound Goliath grouper in a canal! She will never forget it (or let me live it down)! I also lucked into a nice tarpon, a first for me, in the same area. If you want an exciting and fun half day of fishing I would whole heartedly recommend going with Chum Em Up Charters!

Reported catch:

Response from Captain

June 26, 2025

Dude thank you so much it was absolutely amazing that’s definitely a day I won’t forget what an unbelievable fish in the canal definitely hope to see you guys again thank you for everything

Steve McKelvy

5.0

Verified

Five-Star Fishing Experience with Captain Mike!

Half Day Trip on June 10, 2025 • 1 adult • 1 child

We had an absolutely amazing day out on the water with Captain Mike! From the moment we stepped onto the boat, it was clear we were in great hands. Mike was not only professional and organized but incredibly friendly and welcoming. His knowledge of the local waters was impressive—he knew exactly where to go to find the fish, and we were reeling them in within minutes! Throughout the trip, Mike was extremely attentive, making sure everyone had what they needed, whether it was baiting hooks, giving pointers, or sharing stories that made the day even more enjoyable. What really stood out was how patient and encouraging he was, especially with my son, the newest angler in our group. His passion for fishing and love of the ocean were contagious. By the end of the day, we didn’t just feel like clients—we felt like part of the crew. If you’re looking for a memorable fishing trip with a top-notch captain, look no further. We can’t recommend Captain Mike highly enough and are already planning our next charter with him!

Response from Captain

June 12, 2025

I can’t thank you enough for that review I can tell you put a lot of time into that and it really makes me feel good I absolutely love what I do and teaching younger anglers like your son was awesome father and son fishing trips are memories that will last a lifetime definitely looking forward to seeing you guys again thank you

Jordan Richardson

5.0

Verified

Fishing trip you will never forget!

Night shark fishing on June 7, 2025 • 1 adult • 1 child

Captain Mike has got to be the best fisherman I’ve ever had the privilege to fish with. My son and I will never forget this fishing trip. The man knows what he’s doing. Ten minutes after we casted we started reeling in big fish, after an hour we had caught 2 4ft bull sharks and by the time we were done we had reeled in 5 fish total. Thank you for the great time Mike! So if your wanting to catch some sharks and have a good relaxing time, I advise you to call Captain Mike-The Beast In The East

Reported catch:

Response from Captain

June 8, 2025

I really appreciate that so much he’s gonna have a memory for life fighting those big sharks I wouldn’t be shocked if his arms are sore this morning 😂

Trip availability and prices

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November 2025

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2 adults • 0 children

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$350 Single person half day fishing