Welcome to Chum Em Up Charters, where unforgettable fishing experiences await you under the expert guidance of Captain Michael Castaldi. With a deep passion for the sea and a wealth of knowledge about local waters, Captain Castaldi ensures that every trip is a thrilling adventure. Our center console boat, a meticulously restored 20-foot Century built in 1998 and updated in 2023, is perfectly equipped to provide you with both comfort and safety as you pursue your fishing dreams. At Chum Em Up Charters, we pride ourselves on offering personalized fishing excursions for up to three guests. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice eager to learn, our charters are designed to cater to your needs and skill levels. The boat features a powerful Yamaha engine with 115HP, allowing you to reach the best fishing spots quickly and efficiently. This means you can maximize your time on the water and focus on what really matters: reeling in that big catch. Fishing enthusiasts will be thrilled with our diverse target species, which include Black Drum, Cobia, Gag Grouper, Jack Crevalle, Redfish, Blacktip Shark, Sheepshead, Mangrove Snapper, Snook, Speckled Trout, and Tarpon. Each fishing expedition is tailored to the season and conditions, ensuring the best chance of a successful catch. Captain Castaldi's extensive experience and expertise in local fishing spots means you’re always in the right place at the right time, ready for an exciting day on the water. Safety and comfort are paramount at Chum Em Up Charters. Our 20-foot center console boat is designed for ease of movement, giving anglers plenty of space to maneuver as they reel in their catches. Equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and safety gear, you can relax and fully enjoy the experience, knowing you’re in capable hands. The boat's layout is designed to provide a smooth ride, whether you're cruising to the fishing grounds or battling a feisty fish. Join us at Chum Em Up Charters for a fishing adventure like no other. Book your trip with Captain Michael Castaldi today and experience the thrill of reeling in your dream catch while exploring the stunning waters of our fishing grounds. Whether you're looking for a half-day of fishing or a full-day adventure, we guarantee a memorable experience that will leave you longing to return. With Chum Em Up Charters, let’s make your fishing dreams come true! Your adventure awaits, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

EPSG:4269

Snook

Catch Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, and More During Prime Late Spring Conditions

The inshore waters around Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor are offering excellent fishing opportunities as we head into June. Anglers are reporting productive trips with a variety of popular game fish showing strong activity.

🐟 Top Species Biting This Week
Tarpon: The tarpon bite is strong, with multiple catches reported. Anglers are seeing success using live bait and light tackle, especially in early morning hours.

Snook: Snook are active around mangrove shorelines, docks, and bridge lights. Early morning and late evening are the best times to target them.

Redfish: Redfish are feeding near oyster bars, grassy flats, and mangroves. Shrimp-tipped jigs and cut bait have been especially effective.

Spotted Sea Trout: Trout are abundant over seagrass beds. Shrimp under popping corks or soft plastics retrieved slowly are producing steady bites.

Spanish Mackerel & Cobia: These migratory species are showing up nearshore and around deeper flats, particularly during moving tides.

🌦️ Weather & Fishing Conditions
The forecast calls for warm temperatures in the upper 80s°F with chances of afternoon thunderstorms. Morning hours offer the best fishing conditions, with light winds and active fish before the heat and storms build.

🎯 Tips for Success
Start Early: Mornings offer cooler temps, less boat traffic, and more feeding activity.

Use Live Bait: Pilchards, shrimp, and pinfish are working well for most species.

Fish the Tides: Incoming and outgoing tides are triggering feeding patterns in backwaters and around structure.

Watch the Weather: Be cautious of afternoon storms and keep an eye on the radar if you’re on the water past midday.

Whether you're targeting tarpon, chasing snook through the mangroves, or working the flats for redfish and trout, Punta Gorda’s inshore fishery is delivering great action. Now’s a fantastic time to get out on the water and make the most of the late spring bite.

Today's Fishing Charters Punta Gorda FL | Private - 6 Hour Trip with Chum Em Up Charters was a real treat. Cassie and I had a fantastic day on the water exploring Charlotte Harbor, taking full advantage of the perfect weather and great water conditions. 

As soon as we launched from the Laishley Park Boat Ramp, I could tell it was going to be a productive day. The waters were calm and clear, ideal for sighting schools of fish and targeting them with our light tackle. We started off working some deeper channels and structure, methodically working our baits through the zone. It didn't take long before Cassie's rod bent over—she was into a feisty Common Snook that put up one heck of a fight. After a tug-of-war, we managed to get that beauty in the boat, admiring its stunning silver and green coloration.

Throughout the day, the action just kept getting better. We picked up a few more nice Snook, casting live bait right up tight to the mangroves and docks. The fish were super aggressive, smashing our baits with authority. In between the Snook bites, we also hooked into a couple nice Redfish that peeled off some serious line. The way these fish hit and run is just pure adrenaline—Cassie was whooping and hollering every time her drag started screaming.

At the end of the day, we pulled the boat back to the ramp, our cooler full of tasty Snook and Redfish. But as good as the fishing was, the best part was just spending quality time on the water, enjoying the Charlotte Harbor scenery and Cassie's great company. There's nothing like a full day of chasing inshore gamefish to really work up an appetite. I can't wait to get Cassie and her friends back out on the water with us again soon. If you're looking for an unforgettable fishing adventure in Punta Gorda, FL, be sure to book your trip with Chum Em Up Charters. We'll make sure you have a blast reeling in the catch of a lifetime!

Captain

Discover the thrill of Punta Gorda's inshore fishing with Chum Em Up Charters - hook into feisty Snook and powerful Redfish amid the stunning Charlotte Harbor scenery for an unforgettable day on the water.

Reel in the Catch of a Lifetime in Punta Gorda, FL

Bait Fee

Mate's Fee

Service Fee

Enjoy the ultimate 6-hour Full Day Trip, starting at 8:00 AM. With ample time to fish and explore, you’ll soak in the stunning sights of Charlotte Harbor and have the chance to land the catch of a lifetime. This unforgettable experience offers relaxation and excitement in equal measure.

Cobia

Crevalle Jack

Sheepshead

Tarpon

20 ft Century Boat

100 Nesbit St, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, USA

Laishley Park Boat Ramp

3400 Ponce de Leon Pkwy, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, USA

Ponce De Leon Park

6 hrs 

Fishing Charters Punta Gorda FL | Private - 6 Hour Trip

Feisty Snook, Powerful Redfish, and Unforgettable Memories on the Water

Thrilling Inshore Fishing Adventure: Snook, Redfish, and Memories Galore

Amazing bite

Redfish

Sea Trout

<div>fishing has been crazy good nothing but bent rods on every trip all my guys have been having a blast dont miss out on your chance at a fish of a life time and book a trip you wont regret it fishing is only getting better&nbsp;</div>

Photograph of a snook, a 24-inch fish caught while fishing in FL.

A redfish caught in Punta Gorda while fishing

A snook, a big 31-inch fish, caught while fishing in Punta Gorda

Three large snook caught while fishing in Punta Gorda

8 spotted weakfish caught fishing in Punta Gorda

On fire bite 

<div>snook and redfish bite is starting to get on fire with the &nbsp;water warming up take advantage of thd not so hot days and book an exciting trip you wont forget&nbsp;</div>

Insane fishing

<div>fishing has been on fire especially the snook and tarpon some trips we been seeing guys catch 30 snook plus and tarpon trips catching a few and losing a few but thats the thrill of that sport when they jump out of the water they love to throw the hook&nbsp;</div>

<div>using live bait on light tackle casting up against the mangrove bushes&nbsp;</div>

Punta Gorda Fishing Report

Black Drum

Gag Grouper

Blacktip Shark

Feel the summer vibes and the excitement of landing your catch! Don’t let the summer fun pass you by! Reach out to us through phone, text, or messenger to book your adventure today. We supply all the necessary equipment, bait, and fuel—just bring your comfortable clothes, snacks, and prepare for a fantastic day on the beautiful blue waters!

Snook fish caught while fishing in Punta Gorda

Dive into the excitement of fishing with Chum Em Up Charters, your top choice for remarkable fishing trips in Punta Gorda. Guided by Captain Michael Castaldi, Chum Em Up Charters welcomes anglers of all skill levels to catch trophy fish while enjoying the breathtaking views of Punta Gorda's pristine waters. With a dedication to customer satisfaction and a genuine passion for fishing, Chum Em Up Charters guarantees an unforgettable day on the water, packed with thrills, camaraderie, and lasting memories.

Chum Em Up Charters, led by Captain Mike Castaldi, offers top-tier Punta Gorda fishing charters for anglers seeking thrilling action on the water. With years of experience, Captain Mike is the perfect guide to help you explore the rich fishing grounds of Punta Gorda, FL. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, you’ll have the chance to target some of Florida’s most exciting species, including Snook, Speckled Trout, Mangrove Snapper, Sheepshead, and the elusive Cobia. For those looking for a true adrenaline rush, tarpon fishing and shark fishing are specialties of Chum Em Up Charters. Test your strength and skill as you battle massive Tarpon or Blacktip Sharks, making your reel scream with excitement. With customizable 4-hour or extended fishing trips, you’ll have plenty of time to land a variety of species, including Redfish, Black Drum, Jack Crevalle, and Gag Grouper. Fishing in Punta Gorda, FL with Captain Mike guarantees a memorable experience filled with action, expertise, and fun. Come aboard and see why Chum Em Up Charters is a top choice for Punta Gorda fishing!

Captain Michael Castaldi is the heart behind Chum Em Up Charters FL, known throughout Punta Gorda for his deep knowledge of local waters and his down-to-earth, approachable style. Born with a passion for fishing and a natural love for the outdoors, he has spent countless hours exploring the inshore waters of Charlotte Harbor, learning the rhythms of the tides, the behavior of seasonal species, and the best techniques for landing fish. For Captain Michael, guiding isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life, and that passion shines through every trip. With years of hands-on experience and a sharp understanding of inshore ecosystems, Captain Castaldi provides much more than just a boat ride. He’s a patient teacher, a knowledgeable guide, and someone who genuinely enjoys helping others experience the excitement of fishing. Whether it’s your first time on the water or your hundredth, you’ll find that fishing with Captain Michael feels more like spending a day with an old friend than a commercial outing. His goal is always to share the best of Punta Gorda fishing with clarity, confidence, and respect for the local environment. What truly sets Captain Castaldi apart is his calm and welcoming nature. He’s especially great with families, kids, and first-time anglers, making sure everyone feels at home on the boat. Guests frequently remark on how easygoing and attentive he is, always ready with a helpful tip or a good story. He believes that fishing is about more than just catching—it’s about connection, relaxation, and creating memories that last long after the boat returns to the dock. <h2>About the Boat – Century 20-Foot Center Console</h2>The Chum Em Up Charters vessel is a 20-foot Century center console, fully restored in 2023 for modern comfort and performance. Built in 1998, this classic boat has been thoughtfully upgraded to balance reliability and style while navigating the inshore waters of Charlotte Harbor. With seating for up to three guests, the layout offers both open space for casting and cozy comfort for cruising. Powered by a dependable 115HP Yamaha engine, the boat allows Captain Castaldi to quickly reach productive fishing grounds while maintaining a smooth and stable ride. Well-maintained and safety-equipped, it’s the ideal setup for personalized, small-group fishing adventures on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast.

Meet Captain Michael Castaldi by Chum Em Up Charters

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Family Fishing Charters

Common Questions: What types of fishing charters does Chum Em Up offer?<ul><li>Chum Em Up Charters provides various fishing charters, including half-day and full-day trips focusing on species like tarpon, shark, and inshore fish.</li></ul> How much do the fishing charters cost?<ul><li>Rates vary depending on the duration and type of charter. For specific pricing details, please check our website or contact us directly.</li></ul> What is included in the charter price?<ul><li>All charters include fishing gear, bait, and safety equipment. We also provide expert guidance from Captain Michael Castaldi to ensure a successful fishing experience.</li></ul> Can I book a private charter?<ul><li>Yes! Chum Em Up Charters offers private charters tailored to your group size and fishing preferences, providing a personalized experience on the water.</li></ul> What should I bring on my fishing trip?<ul><li>We recommend bringing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, drinks, snacks, and any personal items you may need. Don’t forget your enthusiasm for fishing!</li></ul> Do you provide fishing licenses?<ul><li>Yes, fishing licenses are included in the charter, so you don’t have to worry about obtaining one separately.</li></ul> What if the weather is bad on the day of my trip?<ul><li>Safety is our priority. If the weather conditions are unsafe for fishing, we will reschedule your trip or offer a full refund.</li></ul> Is there an age limit for participants on the charter?<ul><li>There is no strict age limit, and we welcome anglers of all ages! However, adult supervision is required for children, and we ensure a family-friendly environment.</li></ul> What types of fish can we expect to catch in Punta Gorda?<ul><li>Depending on the season, you can catch various species, including tarpon, shark, redfish, snook, and trout, making for an exciting fishing adventure.</li></ul> How can I book a trip with Chum Em Up Charters?<ul><li>Booking is easy! You can reserve your spot through our website or by contacting us directly via phone or email. We look forward to fishing with you!</li></ul>

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