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Paul Idzik
Paul Idzik
Repeat angler
us
Illinois, US
•
Member since 2025
•
2 trips
5.0
Verified

What a great experience!

Half Day Trip2 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
Snook
Snook
Response from Captain

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

Chum Em Up Charters
Angler's Choice

Chum Em Up Charters

Punta Gorda
Instant Confirmation
Free cancellation
Trips from
US $500

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Chum Em Up Charters
Chum Em Up Charters
State licensed
4.9
(187)
23 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+9
4 hour trip • 4 persons
US $500

Rating

4.9
187 reviews
4.8
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

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

All reviews (187)

Showing 1 – 5 of 187 reviews
  • Teresa Fullerton
    Teresa Fullerton
    Repeat angler
    us
    Wisconsin, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Awesome day, Great experience!

    Half Day Trip • 2 adults

    I fished with Capt. Mike 9/19/26, half day trip starting at 8am. Mike is a very kind and personable Captain. I felt very comfortable with him the entire day (my friend had to cancel last minute). I could tell as soon as we reached our first "spot", that his priority was to get me on fish! The morning was beautiful & my first fish was on within minutes...a tarpon! It was a small one but still exciting to catch one. The remainder of the day was spent moving to various spots within channels. Each stop produced fish! Snapper and Snook kept me entertained the entire day, I didnt want to leave, but our time was eventually up. Never baited a hook or took off a fish...great customer service!! If Im ever back to this area, I will definitely plan a trip with Chum Em Up again. I really couldn't have asked for a better day!!

    Reported Catch
    Snook
    Mangrove Snapper
    Response from Captain

    thank you so much for the review i had a great time with you i really hope we can get you out there again and your buddy gets to experience everything thank you so much for everything and have a safe trip back home

  • 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 • 2 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 • 2 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
    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 • 2 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…..🎯😎

    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

  • Deborah Ficklin
    Deborah Ficklin
    us
    Indiana, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    caught lots of varieties of fish

    Afternoon half • 2 adults

    michael was friendly and prifessional. He led us to several spots where fish were biting continually. He was happy to help with baiting and removing fish and is very knowledgeable about the fish and the area. Boat was clean with nice comfy seats for us. caught trout, red fish, snook, snapper, catfish, puffer fish and saw others including tarapon, angel fish and a shark. Great trip!! highly recommend using this charter!

    Reported Catch
    Snook
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
    Speckled Trout