John  Vandenburgh
John Vandenburgh
Repeat angler
us
Indiana, US
•
Member since 2025
•
3 trips
5.0
Verified

The Best Charter & Captain, Period.

Half Day Trip2 adults

My father-in-law and I did a 4 hour in-shore trip with Captain Cheyne. Both of us are big fisherman, but that’s back up in Indiana where fishing is much different. We wanted to take a trip to see what fishing in Florida was like and boy, it did not disappoint. Having done probably 10 or so chartered trips in the past, Captain Cheyne and Southern Mayhem was the best experience by far! He had like 3-4 different live baits we used for different fish. He showed us different techniques they use down here and He put us on the fish literally all day! We got tired from all the reeling in all the fish. Do not let his young age fool you, Captain Cheyne was more knowledgeable about the area and the fishing than anyone I have ever met. He was on the spot taking all the fish off so we could get right back in the water. He also filleted all our keepers up at the end so we could take them back and cook them up! Nothing better than eating the fish you catch later that day! Oh I almost forgot, prior to the trip, I wanted some advice of what kind of set up to use on my telescopic rod while fishing off the channel at the Air BNB we were staying and even prior to the trip, Captain Cheyne was quick to respond and tell me what I needed to bring. The day after the charter, while using Captain Cheyne’s advice, we caught another 15-20 fish of all kinds!!! Captain Cheyne’s boat was also one of the smoothest rides ever, even in choppy waters. Next time we are back in the area, I’ll definitely be calling Captain Cheyne and doing another charter. This guy is the real deal and one of the premier charter captains in the area. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable, but he’s also really fun to hang out with and easy to talk to. I would rate this experience 10/10! Literally the best fishing experience. If you are browsing several different charters, do yourself a favor and book Captain Cheyne’s right now! Thanks again for everything Cheyne!!!

Reported Catch
Tarpon
Tarpon
Black Drum
Black Drum
Redfish
Redfish
Sheepshead
Sheepshead
Snook
Snook
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Southern Mayhem Fishing Charters
State licensed
5.0
(245)
22 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+6
4 hour trip • 4 persons
US $450

Rating

5.0
245 reviews
5.0
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

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

All reviews (245)

Showing 1 – 5 of 245 reviews
  • Eddie Haury
    Eddie Haury
    us
    Indiana, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    10 out 10 recomend

    3/4 Day Trip • 2 adults

    extremely knowledgeable, and adaptable to the conditions. Changed the location knowing the fish were further south then where we had initially plan to launch. gave us a great opportunity to catch a big snook, but unfortunately lost it on my part. After they stopped biting he switched gears and put us on some nice size Redfish. He also went out before we got there to catch bait fish, so we could spend more time fishing. Great time overall!

    Reported Catch
    Snook
    Redfish
  • Terry Coggins
    Terry Coggins
    Repeat angler
    us
    Georgia, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    •
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great day on the water

    Half Day Trip • 2 adults • 1 child

    Captain Cheyne helped us have a great day on the water. He was very patient with my 12 year old son and helped him all morning. We got on some tarpon early and my son landed a very nice one. After that, we went looking for reds and caught some nice ones. Cheyne was great and I would definitely book with him again.

    Reported Catch
    Redfish
    Tarpon
  • Lewis Shapiro
    Lewis Shapiro
    us
    Illinois, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Great Experience

    2 Hour Inshore Special • 2 adults

    the captain was very knowledgeable showed up on time. It was a great experience.

    Reported Catch
    Redfish
  • Jeremy Hill
    Jeremy Hill
    us
    Kentucky, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Great with Kids!

    Half Day Trip • 4 adults • 2 children

    This was our first fishing charter and it was a great time. The captain was great with the boys, who were 10 and 11, as well as the adults. Everyone caught several fish. The boat was clean and the equipment was high tech. If a line was broken or tangled the captain would fix it quickly. He was prepared for anything. It was a great day and we wouldn’t change a thing. We’d love to go again!

    Reported Catch
    Redfish
    Speckled Trout
  • Russell Klosterman
    Russell Klosterman
    us
    South Dakota, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    fun experience!!

    3/4 Day Trip • 4 adults

    didnt catch “the big one”, but was fun!!!