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 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
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (113)
+110Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
93%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Recommend this charter
98%
Caught fish
97%
Aug 8, 2025
Half Day Trip
What a great experience!
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.
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...
Captain replied
Jun 29, 2025
Afternoon half
Fish on
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
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....
Captain replied
Jun 15, 2025
Half Day Trip
Perfect Day!
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!
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...
Captain replied
Jun 10, 2025
Half Day Trip
Five-Star Fishing Experience with Captain Mike!
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!
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...
Captain replied
Mar 22, 2025
Half day tarpon trip
Great Trip. Rating doesn’t lie
Captain Michael provided a great trip. The high rating he has online is warranted. He provided everything we needed to have a great time. Knowledgeable about the area and how to target fish. He put us on the fish and even gave out a lot of information on tips and tricks he uses. You can tell the passion he has for fishing and making sure his guests have a great time. One of the few times that I was on a trip with a guide and the captain didn’t fish. When asked about it his response was I’m here to make sure you catch fish not for you to watch me catch fish. He had caught a ton of live bait for us, had great performing equipment and boat. No problems with motor or defective equipment. When we got snagged and lost tackle he was quick to get us set back up and on the fish. I would highly recommend him and will definitely use him again.
Captain Michael provided a great trip. The high rating he has online is warranted. He provided everything we needed to have a...
Captain repliedTrip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (113)
+110Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
93%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Recommend this charter
98%
Caught fish
97%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
What a great experience!
Half Day Trip on August 8, 2025
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.
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...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Fish on
Afternoon half on June 29, 2025
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
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....
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Perfect Day!
Half Day Trip on June 15, 2025
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!
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...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Five-Star Fishing Experience with Captain Mike!
Half Day Trip on June 10, 2025
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!
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,...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great Trip. Rating doesn’t lie
Half day tarpon trip on March 22, 2025
Captain Michael provided a great trip. The high rating he has online is warranted. He provided everything we needed to have a great time. Knowledgeable about the area and how to target fish. He put us on the fish and even gave out a lot of information on tips and tricks he uses. You can tell the passion he has for fishing and making sure his guests have a great time. One of the few times that I was on a trip with a guide and the captain didn’t fish. When asked about it his response was I’m here to make sure you catch fish not for you to watch me catch fish. He had caught a ton of live bait for us, had great performing equipment and boat. No problems with motor or defective equipment. When we got snagged and lost tackle he was quick to get us set back up and on the fish. I would highly recommend him and will definitely use him again.
Captain Michael provided a great trip. The high rating he has online is warranted. He provided everything we needed to have a great time. Knowledgeable about the area and how to target fish. He put us on the fish and even gave out a lot of information on tips and tricks he uses. You can tell the passion he has for fishing and making sure his guests have a great time. One of the few times that I was on a trip with a guide and the captain didn’t fish. When asked about it his response was I’m...
FAQs about Chum Em Up Charters
The fish you can target
What is the boat like?
