Captain
Chuck Madden

Member since February 2021 Shalimar, United States
Background
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!
Techniques
I enjoy all styles and techniques of fishing. I do my best to tailor the trip to the client. Most want to bottom fish - you catch some of the tastiest fish in the Gulf on the bottom such as snapper, trigger fish, grouper and cobia. Bottom rigs are easily fished at different levels along the water column. I personally enjoy trolling - great opportunities there for tuna and mackerel.

Hey, I'm Captain Chuck Madden

Shalimar, United States
Background
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!
Techniques
I enjoy all styles and techniques of fishing. I do my best to tailor the trip to the client. Most want to bottom fish - you catch some of the tastiest fish in the Gulf on the bottom such as snapper, trigger fish, grouper and cobia. Bottom rigs are easily fished at different levels along the water column. I personally enjoy trolling - great opportunities there for tuna and mackerel.
108
Reviews
6
Fishing Reports
Verified

My Charter Listing

Above The Salt Charters

Federally permitted
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(108 reviews)
Shalimar
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $800

Fishing Reports

Its on fire right now.
Its on fire right now.
Jun 4, 2025 Shalimar
Weโ€™re having great trips. One day a Wahoo, the next a smoker King. Were on the the big fish.
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Kings Everywhere!
Kings Everywhere!
May 14, 2025 Shalimar
The king bite is on fore right now. You dont have to go far to find them. Limits can be caught on a regular basis. Book your trip and get out there!
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You can't make this up!
You can't make this up!
May 20, 2022 Shalimar
Hello everyone, As the picture"s show the giant Vermilion and Mangrove snapper bite is on fire. Throw in the Amberjack and Cobia bite and its a great time to be fishing. Two cobia hooked up yesterday with a 34 pounder landed and in the box made a great day. Book your trip and lets put fish on ice!
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Taco's for everyone!
Taco's for everyone!
Jul 17, 2021 Shalimar
The fishing has really been great the last couple weeks. There are Mahi Mahi everywhere it seems. Plenty of red snapper with a limit for almost every trip. Huge black snapper have been caught as well. If you are not out fishing right now you're missing out. Tight lines!
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Great bite right now.
Great bite right now.
May 2, 2021 Shalimar
This week has been a fantastic bite both in the bay and in the gulf. Several Bull Redfish and gator Trout were caught in the bay fishing flats. Amberjack is open and they are being caught in great numbers. Trigger is open until the end of May and once you get past the smaller ones keepers can be found. King Mackerel and blackfin Tuna are being caught trolling along the structure close to shore.
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Destin equals size
Destin equals size
Feb 27, 2021 Shalimar
This week we are recovering from the cold front that moved in. Water temps were dangling around 65.7 and as we all know FOG! If you can get to the Marler bridge and you have a little patience it will pay off. Shrimp and pin fish will connect you with Redfish and Black Drum. Some Sheepshead are being caught however they are not thick just yet. This is the time of year it gets better every day.
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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 108 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (205)
What a 4th of July!
What a 4th of July!
What a 4th of July!
+202
Angler rating
107
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
99%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
95%
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Showing:
5 of 108 reviews
Clay B.
Columbus Air Force Base, MS
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Truly Above The Salt

VERIFIED   Beginners 4 Hr Trip (PM) on June 1, 2022
Captain Chuck and John went above and beyond anything I have experienced on a charter before. They pulled out all the stops...
Clay B. recommends Above The Salt Charters
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Robert S.
Glenview, IL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day trip with Captain Chuck

VERIFIED   Beginners 4 Hr Trip (PM) on March 28, 2022
My daughter and I did the afternoon half day trip.ย  Captain Chuck did a great job keeping us informed of some upcoming weather...
Robert S. recommends Above The Salt Charters
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Jeff H.
Mobile, Alabama
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

6 hr private charter with Above the Salt, Captain Chuck

VERIFIED   September 6 Hour Special!! on September 24, 2023
My son, son-in-law and I were first timers for a private charter.ย  From the first communication to the photos at the end,...
Jeff H. recommends Above The Salt Charters
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Josh C.
Beavercreek, OH
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day with Captain Chuck Madden

VERIFIED   Beginners 4 Hr Trip (PM) on July 29, 2022
My son and I had a amazing day on the water! Truly a memorable occasion. The exceptional customer service and professionalism...
Josh C. recommends Above The Salt Charters
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Clint L.
La Fontaine, IN
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

4 Hour trip with Captain Chuck Madden and Above The Salt Charter

VERIFIED   Beginners 4 Hr trip (AM) on July 5, 2022
Wow, where to start. what a absolutely great experience with Captian Chuck and Above The Salt Charter. This was my 15 year...
Clint L. recommends Above The Salt Charters
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