ABOUT US

Welcome to Chums on the Water

So what does Chums mean anyway? Chums means friends! As your friend on the water, we would like to be your go-to for unforgettable guided fishing adventures on the serene waters of Lake Tawakoni and Lake Ray Hubbard in Texas. Born from a lifelong friendship and a shared passion for bass fishing, Chums embodies the joy and camaraderie of fishing together. Whether you are an experienced angler or holding a fishing rod for the first time, we are here to make your experience memorable.

Google review summary showing a 5-star rating with an overall score of 5.0 based on 48 reviews.
Google review summary showing a 5-star rating with an overall score of 5.0 based on 48 reviews.

Checkout Our Reviews

  • "Brett is an amazing guide who understands the lake, the fish, where they are, and what they are doing. Bret took the time to make sure we were doing what was needed to catch the fish We had multiplied boats circling us all day that couldn’t catch a fish while we loaded up the coolers."

    —Mark Strong

  • "We had such a fun experience with Brett!!! Great fishing great conversation and a beautiful lake!! The boat was clean he was on time and we caught lots of fish!!!"

    —Jami Snell

  • "We had a great time Brett as our guide to catch some fish. Our first time out with a guide and the boys had a blast and we caught quite a few fish. Definitely will use again."

    —Matthew Soto

  • "Went out with Brett of Chums on the Water this morning and WOW! We had a great time and even caught our limit of fish! Brett was the best fishing guide I have ever had the pleasure of going out with. Could not recommend them enough."

    —Clint Arthur

  • "Brett took my kids and me fishing, and it was an incredible experience. It was my kids’ first time on the water, and Brett was extremely supportive, patient, and kind throughout the entire trip. He went above and beyond to make sure we all had a great time. I highly recommend Brett to anyone looking for a memorable and family-friendly fishing experience. I’ll definitely be planning more trips with him this year!"

    —Texas Jake

  • "Had an awesome time catching plenty of fish. Captain Brett was very educational helping and teaching us of the different fishing techniques. Definitely am booking again!"

    —Ky Creek

  • "Brett is the best guide hand down!!! I have used many guides in the past and no one was as thorough. Brett called the day before to discuss the trip, what was expected and needed. He was at the dock ready when we got there and ready to fish. He put us on the fish right away even though he thought it wasn't going to be a great day due to no wind and hottttt! SEVENTY plus fish later and SIXTY in the cooler. I'd say that a awesome day for three people in August. I can't say enough about Brett and the awesome experience!! If you want to catch fish and have a awesome guide with a great attitude and knowledge CHUM ON THE WATER is the charter for you!!"

    —Jeremy Drake

  • "This was by far the best fishing charter I have ever been on. Captain Brett was very chill and attentive to my newbie friend. When I tell you he put us on the fish! We limited out in only few hours. And he cleaned them up for us right after on dock. I definitely recommend and will for sure be booking again!"

    —Michael Clark

  • "We booked last minute with Brett and he was happy to accommodate. The weather forecast was wrong (surprise). Water was rough and it was colder than expected. Brett had to think on the fly and managed to still put us on plenty of fish and kept us safe and comfortable. First time meeting Brett. Definitely won’t be the last time seeing him!!"

    —Brian Messersmith

  • "We had an awesome time fishing with Brett @ Chums on the Water. His experience on Lake Tawakoni really showed as he guided us to catch different types of fish. You can tell he loves what he does, and that energy filled the boat and our coolers. It didn't take long to figure out when the boat turned off and Brett would say with excitement "we are right on top of them, lines in the water", we were about to catch some more fish. I mean as soon as our lures hit the bottom, one of us was bring up a fish. Plus, we had a mixed bag of experience when it came to fishing but Brett took the time to make sure everyone felt comfortable from start to finish. I personally, learned a ton of new fishing techniques! I highly recommend booking a trip with Brett!"

    —Jordan Hughes

  • "Chums on the Water was an awesome experience. Super knowledgeable guide, great equipment, and we were on fish the whole trip. Laid-back but professional from start to finish. Highly recommend booking with them."

    —Darin Kline

  • "We had a great day of fishing with Brett! He met us at the boat ramp on time and ready to go. The boat was clean and very comfortable. He did a great job putting us on the fish and a great job cleaning them. We had a blast!! Would definitely do that again!!"

    —Amanda Todd

  • We have the best fishing trip for my son’s birthday! Brett made sure we got on the fish and caught a boatload including some monsters! We couldn’t have asked for a better trip or a better guide!

    —Renee Gravatt

  • "Are you fishin’ or catchin’? Yesterday my brother and I tried the latest and greatest lake (Bois ‘d arc) for the first time. We did lots of fishin’ but zero catchin’. So I decided to hire a professional and change lakes. It was a very last minute deal. Brett had a late cancellation so he was able to work us in. Today we did some catchin’! I’ve been out with guides over the years many times, all around the country. And I’ve been fishing for almost 60 years. I’ve been out 3-4 times with Lake Tawakoni guides. This was my first trip with Chums on the Water. I give Brett two thumbs up! 👍🏻👍🏻"

    —Mark Stubbs

  • "Brett was great! He put us on fish first thing in the morning and we didn’t stop catching all day. We had our limit on white bass, hooked a couple of hybrid that didn’t make it to the boat, and we had a blast! Super nice guy, easy to talk to, and just a pleasure to fish with. Thanks, Brett!"

    —Brandon Hogg

  • "We had an awesome time with Chums on the Water! Brett was friendly, knew the best spots, and made sure everyone had a great experience. We caught plenty of fish and learned a lot. I enjoyed it so much that I’ve already booked another trip to take my family when they visit from out of town. Highly recommend Chums on the Water for a fun fishing trip!"

    —Saul Cinco

  • "Had a wonderful experience with Chums on the Water. Brett was a wonderful Captain and took great care of us. He put my twin 12 yr olds and I on a bunch of fish from start to finish. He was very friendly and knowledgeable. We will absolutely be back for another trip in the near future."

    —Justin Lancaster

  • "Very friendly, prompt and easy to work with. Brett put us on fish immediately and fast! We had to take a break and try catfishing where we were very successful there as well. After a bit went back to hybrid fishing to finish the day. Wrapped up with him cleaning fish and he did a great job there as well and suggested a few recipes which turned out delicious! Will definitely be back in the fall!"

    —Michelle Cook

  • "I had the pleasure of going fishing today with my son on the best trip ever! Brett was absolutely amazing. We went in the afternoon and the weather couldn’t have been better. We started out immediately catching fish and it kept going the whole trip. Brett knew exactly where to check and exactly where the fish were. THEY WERE HUGE!! My Son and I will be so sore tomorrow but it will be worth it. He cut up the fish and I got to cook it for my sons for the first time all by myself. Brett even let me know how to cook it and what temp and how long. Super great man & sooo smart at what he does. I can’t recommend him and his team enough. Hands down the funnest trip ever. 5 stars! ✨ I will be back with friends/customers!"

    —Lindsey Wright

  • "I was looking for a last minute solo meat haul trip and Brett did not disappoint! He had me limited out by 9:15, back at the dock and fish cleaned before 10. Looking forward to going out again."

    —Toeknee Aye

  • "Took my step-son and his friend on a graduation fishing trip out to lake Tawakoni and Brett with Chums on the Water was a fantastic guide. The morning was slow but he showed his knowledge of the lake and fishing and got us to a location where we were able to catch over 30 fish. Happy graduates this weekend. Highly recommend Chums on the Water and thanks Brett!!"

    —Chris Perkinson

  • "Brett was awesome. We went out on Tawakoni for hybrids and sand bass. He was very responsive during the planning process and made sure we worked around the weather. Brett was super friendly and helpful. On the water we got on fish pretty quickly. He helped us keep the rods in the water and bringing fish on the boat. My son got a little nervous at the end of the evening fishing near a dock but Brett helped him by casting to keep him catching fish. We also kept about 30 fish and Brett got them cleaned up quickly. One of the best guide experiences I've had. Good conversation and great fun. I'll be going out again with Chums on the Water."

    —Kevin French

  • "This is a phenomenal guide service. Treated our 12 year old grandson with patience and care, as well as helping him catch 34 white bass and another 20 bass among our group. Guide was helpful and professional."

    —Hayden Duncan

  • "We had a blast today! Brett was amazing and very patient. My wife is new to fishing and he took the time to explain and show her what to do! Brett put us on the fish and we filled the cooler. We already booked again in July for another awesome trip/birthday."

    —Anthony Regino

  • "Brett was early, very patient with instructions and kept us on the fish. He has a great personality for chatting and all 3 of us that went had a great time!"

    —Clint Harrison

  • "My dad and I had the pleasure of fishing with Chums on the water Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Captain Brett was awesome the whole time. He was quick to get us on the fish, patient with our mistakes and happy to help. It was a great time and we left with two hefty bags of catfish filets."

    —Scott Daugherty

  • "Brett is an enjoyable guide. Does a great job keeping you on fish and knows the lakes. Really fun day!!! The Hybrids fight like crazy!!!!! Highly recommend."

    —Wade Henderson

  • "First guide ever and we loved it. We had a lot of fishes, it was so peaceful & we had so much fun with Brett!"

    —Irma Tarango

OUR STORY

We're excited to share our experiences with you!

Brett and Casey here, friends since our high school days, each of us with a rich history in the landscape business and competitive bass fishing. Our careers have seen us participating in professional tournaments and celebrating many successful catches. Yet, the true catch of our lives has been turning our passion for fishing into a service where we can share our knowledge, skills, and love for the sport with you.

OUR TEAM

MEET YOUR GUIDES

  • A smiling man with glasses, wearing a black cap and jacket, giving a thumbs-up while on a boat or dock, standing close to a young boy with a cap and blue life jacket, holding a fish in his hand.

    Casey Laughlin

    Meet Casey Laughlin, the passionate angler behind Chums on the Water! With decades of competitive bass fishing experience and a deep love for the sport, Casey brings a wealth of knowledge to every fishing adventure. As the owner of Texas Outdoor Oasis, a pool and outdoor living construction company, Casey understands the importance of creating unforgettable outdoor experiences. Specializing in hybrid, white bass, eater catfish, and trophy catfish trips, Chums on the Water is your go-to destination for thrilling fishing excursions. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, Casey's enthusiasm and expertise make every trip unforgettable. Plus, with a lake record for largemouth bass on Lake Palestine, you can trust you're in capable hands. Join Casey for an unforgettable fishing journey and let's reel in some memories together!

  • A man smiling while holding a large fish near a body of water.

    Brett Kilmer

    Hi! My name is Brett Kilmer, and I'm a full time, licensed guide for Chums on the Water. I grew up in Rowlett, TX and currently reside in Rockwall TX. I've grown up fishing my whole life. Growing up on Lake Ray Hubbard, and living only 25 miles from Lake Tawakoni, has given me 30+ years fishing on both of these lakes. I have also fished bass tournaments competitively since I was 16 years old, which has given me lots of experience on different bodies of water all over the state, in many different conditions. So whether your a parent wanting to get your child started in fishing, wanting to learn how to fish yourself, or an accomplished fisherman wanting to catch fish or stock up your freezer I can put you on the fish! Hope to see you on the water!

  • Person on a boat holding a large fish, wearing mirrored sunglasses, a red cap, and a white shirt, with water and greenery in the background.
  • A man in a green shirt and jeans holding a large fish on a boat with water and sky in the background.
  • A boy with blonde hair and a red life jacket holding a large fish on a boat with water in the background.
  • Smiling person holding a large fish, wearing sunglasses, a dark cap with a logo, and a white long-sleeve shirt with a graphic design, standing on a boat at sea.
  • A man wearing sunglasses, a camouflage jacket, and a black cap holding a fish on a boat in a body of water under a partly cloudy sky.
  • Woman on a boat holding a fish she caught, smiling, wearing a black baseball cap and a white long-sleeve shirt with logos, holding a fishing rod, and the water and sky are visible in the background.
  • A man wearing a blue hoodie and a blue baseball cap is holding a fish on a boat with a body of water and a cloudy sky in the background.
  • A man with short brown hair, beard, and sunglasses holding a fish he caught while fishing on a boat in the ocean under a blue sky.
  • A woman wearing sunglasses, a cap, and a black hoodie is on a boat holding a fish she caught. The sky is partly cloudy.
  • A man with a beard and sunglasses holding a fish on a boat in the water under a cloudy sky.
  • Smiling woman holding a large fish on a boat near water with a rocky shoreline in the background.
  • A woman with blonde hair, wearing sunglasses and a cap that reads 'BADDIE,' holding a fish and smiling at the camera on a boat in a body of water under a cloudy sky.
  • A woman with blue hair holding a large striped fish at a dock, with water and trees in the background.
  • A man wearing sunglasses, a baseball cap backward, a black hoodie, and camouflage shorts is holding a fishing rod with a fish in his left hand while standing on a boat in a body of water on a clear day.
  • A person holding a fish on a boat with water in the background, and two children standing nearby, smiling.
  • Woman in red hoodie holding a fish on a boat in a large body of water, smiling at the camera.
  • Person on a boat holding a large fish, with water in the background.
  • A man with glasses, wearing a gray beanie and camouflage jacket, is holding a large fish on a boat in the water, with the ocean and sky in the background.
  • Man in sunglasses holding a large striped bass fish on a boat in a body of water on a sunny day.
  • A man with a beard and mustache wearing a black beanie and dark jacket, holding a fish with a yellowish body and a dark eye, on a boat in a body of water under a blue sky.
  • An older man with glasses and a beard, wearing a hoodie and jacket, sitting on a boat and holding a large fish in his lap. There is a person in the background fishing, and a sign on the boat that reads 'REVIEWS AND TIPS'. The sky is clear and blue.
  • An elderly man wearing a wide-brimmed hat, glasses, and outdoor clothing is sitting on a boat holding a large fish, with water and distant land in the background.
  • Older man with a gray beard, glasses, and a hooded jacket holds a large fish on icy ground with a body of water and blue sky in the background.
  • Young man in black jacket and gloves holding a fish on a boat in a large body of water under cloudy sky.
  • Boy in winter clothing holding a caught fish on a boat with water in the background.
  • A person dressed in a blue jacket and red pants holding a large fish on a boat. The person is smiling and wearing a dark blue beanie. The water and cloudy sky are visible in the background.
  • A woman holding a fish she caught while on a boat on a body of water, with a fishing rod visible in the background, during daytime with blue sky and some clouds.
  • Woman holding a large fish on a boat with water and trees in the background.
  • A man wearing a red cap, sunglasses, a red polo shirt, and light shorts holding a fish aboard a boat on a calm water body.
  • A young woman smiling and holding a fish on a boat in a body of water, giving a thumbs-up. She's wearing a colorful tank top, denim shorts, and black sneakers. The sky is clear and blue, with a distant shoreline visible.
  • Man wearing sunglasses, cap, and gray t-shirt holding a large fish on a boat with water and distant shoreline in the background.
  • Woman with long dark hair, wearing sunglasses, holding a fish she caught on a boat in a body of water, with a distant shoreline and partly cloudy sky in the background.

Our Trips

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