We had a fantastic day out on the water with Michael! Conditions were a bit tricky with a fresh breeze and very low tide, but he adjusted the trip perfectly and put us right on the fish. We ended up catching plenty, and just as memorable was the great conversation and time spent with him. Michael’s knowledge, adaptability, and easygoing personality made the whole experience enjoyable. Highly recommend his charter if you’re looking for both a successful and fun day of fishing in Punta Gorda!

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.

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

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!

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!