Happy Hooker Charters – "Aluminauti" 

4.9
(81 reviews)
 325 South Lake Avenue, Duluth, MN 55802, United States–

Happy Hooker Charters – "Aluminauti" 

Duluth, MN, United States
–
32 ft
6
4.9
(81 reviews)

Happy Hooker Charters runs angling trips out of Duluth and offers to show you what the local fishery is all about.

Captain James Cotner (previously Captain of Happy Hooker's 'Aluminauti') will do his best to make sure you have a fun day full of fishing. He specializes in Great Lakes trolling, all to get you on that bite. This involves 5 to 8-hour trips, mainly fishing for Walleye, Lake Trout, Salmon, and Rainbow Trout, depending on the season and conditions on the day. Captain James is a school teacher in the 'off season' and loves teaching adults and kids about fishing Lake Superior!

You'll be fishing from the 'Lucky 7 Hooker,' (prevously 'Aluminauitu') a fully restored 32' Marinette Express with enough room for up to 6 anglers at any single time. It also includes a toilet and ice box. All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are included in the price so you can focus on what really matters, fishing. You'll be able to keep any legal species caught during the trip. Don't forget to buy a fishing license before the trip!

Here to help you with anything you need, the first mate will be on hand during the trip. Leaving a tip for a job well done is much appreciated.

This is a children-friendly charter, so you're welcome to bring your kids on for a fun fishing adventure.

Book your trip now and hit the water with Happy Hooker Charters.

Captain James is a USCG-licensed Charter Captain. 'Aluminauti' meets and exceeds all USCG safety regulations to insure a fun and safe trip for everyone.

Happy Hooker Charters runs angling trips out of Duluth and offers to show you what the local fishery is all about.

Captain James Cotner (previously Captain of Happy Hooker's 'Aluminauti') will do his best to make sure you have a fun day full of fishing. He specializes in Great Lakes trolling, all to get you on that bite. This involves 5 to 8-hour trips, mainly fishing for Walleye, Lake Trout, Salmon, and Rainbow Trout, depending on the season and conditions on the day. Captain James is a school teacher in the 'off season' and loves teaching adults and kids about fishing Lake Superior!

You'll be fishing from the 'Lucky 7 Hooker,' (prevously 'Aluminauitu') a fully restored 32' Marinette Express with enough room for up to 6 anglers at any single time. It also includes a toilet and ice box. All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are included in the price so you can focus on what really matters, fishing. You'll be able to keep any legal species caught during the trip. Don't forget to buy a fishing license before the trip!

Here to help you with anything you need, the first mate will be on hand during the trip. Leaving a tip for a job well done is much appreciated.

This is a children-friendly charter, so you're welcome to bring your kids on for a fun fishing adventure.

Book your trip now and hit the water with Happy Hooker Charters.

Captain James is a USCG-licensed Charter Captain. 'Aluminauti' meets and exceeds all USCG safety regulations to insure a fun and safe trip for everyone.

Happy Hooker Charters
Charter Operator
Happy Hooker Charters
50 years of experience
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
October 2026
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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5 Hour Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 5:45 AM
US $600
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Half Day Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 11:45 AM
US $600
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Full Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 5:45 AM
US $900
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There are 6 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
81 reviews
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (85)

What anglers say

93%
Great experience
98%
Family friendly
98%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
95%
Recommended
93%
Caught fish

Reviews (81)

  • Jeremy Olmscheid
    Jeremy Olmscheid
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great trip

    5 Hour Trip (AM) on August 27, 2026 • 4 adults • 2 children

    3 generations went out fishing with Captain Jamie, the greatest experience we had in a long time. Excellent boat crew and equipment. They put us on big fish fast. We got our limit of big lake trout one salmon in 5 hours. Captain Jamie and First mate Broady we're very knowledgeable and great to spend the morning with. We had an awesome trip.

  • Ryan Wisneski
    Ryan Wisneski
    us
    Wisconsin, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Short notice with big results.

    Half Day Trip (PM) on July 1, 2026 • 2 adults

    Decided a last minute trip while in the area. Made it a super easy experience booking online. Captain a hand were both amazing people and made the day even better. We caught our limit of fish which capped off the day! Highly recommend and will be planning another trip back with them ASAP.

  • Derek Parker
    Derek Parker
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Company and trip

    Half Day Trip (PM) on July 26, 2026 • 4 adults • 1 child

    we caught trout and 1 king salmon. was a great trip for our first time. Captain and his partner were amazing. We will be doing it again and booking with same Captain.

  • Ted Krause
    Ted Krause
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great experience

    5 Hour Trip (AM) on July 9, 2026 • 4 adults

    We had a great experience fishing today. Jamie amd Bugsy were knowledgeable, friendly and lnew where the fish were. we highly recommend Captain Jamie and his crew.

  • David Foucault
    David Foucault
    us
    Washington State, US
    Member since 2024
    4.7
    Verified

    Great Trip

    Half Day Trip (PM) on July 7, 2026 • 4 adults

    Captain and crew were incredible. I’d do it again for sure. There were 6 of us and the group caught 11 and lost 3. Had a great time.

  • Jason Grigg
    Jason Grigg
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    June fishing trip

    Half Day Trip (PM) on June 25, 2026 • 2 adults
  • Tina Bartels
    Tina Bartels
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Memories to last a lifetime

    Half Day Trip (PM) on August 22, 2024 • 3 adults

    What a fun day! We spent the afternoon lake trout fishing on Superior aboard the Aluminati with Happy Hookers Charter. We filled out limit, and Kellen caught a whopper measuring just shy of 32"! Thank you, Captain Jamie Cotner! And you know it's a small world when you board the boat and you say you're from New York Mills, and the Captain asks if you know any Salos! I said I am actually a Salo! Jamie teaches with Cody Salo in Cloquet! Small, small world. (And he said sauna correctly without coaching!) Just a quick trip up north, but memories can be made in the blink of an eye.

  • Lawrence Anderson
    Lawrence Anderson
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Fishing Trip!

    Half Day Trip (PM) on June 29, 2025 • 3 adults • 1 child

    While vacationing in Duluth, I decided to take my son and grandson on a charter fishing trip. We chose the Happy Hookers and the boat the Aluinauti. We had a fantastic time with captain Jamie and first meet Jack. We caught five very nice fish, salmon, and lake trout. They did everything to make the trip fun for everyone. We might have to make that one an annual trip.

  • Michelle M Isebrand
    Michelle M Isebrand
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Half Day Morning Trip With Captain Matt Massie

    Half Day Trip (PM) on July 26, 2023 • 4 adults • 2 children

    Our family embarked on our first-ever charter experience with two boys, aged 11 and 8. And what a thrilling adventure it turned out to be! Despite the less-than-perfect lake conditions at the initially scheduled time, the crew was incredibly accommodating, arranging a suitable time that worked with our plans before we had to head back home. Captain Matt Massie and his first mate, Justin, were truly fantastic throughout the entire charter journey. We couldn't have been more delighted with the overall experience, and without hesitation, we wholeheartedly recommend Captain Matt for anyone looking to have an amazing charter experience. Throughout the trip, we had an impressive 11 strikes and managed to land 8 of them successfully. A special shout-out to Happy Hooker Lake Superior for making this trip so memorable for us. Needless to say, we are now completely "hooked" on the idea and eagerly look forward to returning for more adventures in the future!

  • William Thurston
    William Thurston
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Intuitive

    5 Hour Trip (AM) on July 14, 2025 • 5 adults • 1 child

    Captain went against all odds to get fish. Amazing morning!! Limit of Vohos by 8:30 am. Cap took us to Lake Trout heaven. Took me 20mins to reel in my 12 lb. Lake trout. Limited out quickly and on our way home in a half a day!

Rating

4.9
81 reviews
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (85)

What anglers say

93%
Great experience
98%
Family friendly
98%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
95%
Recommended
93%
Caught fish

All reviews (81)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 81 reviews
Jeremy Olmscheid
Jeremy Olmscheid
us
Minnesota, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Great trip
5 Hour Trip (AM) on August 27, 2026 • 2 adults • 2 children

3 generations went out fishing with Captain Jamie, the greatest experience we had in a long time. Excellent boat crew and equipment. They put us on big fish fast. We got our limit of big lake trout one salmon in 5 hours. Captain Jamie and First mate Broady we're very knowledgeable and great to spend the morning with. We had an awesome trip.

Reported catch:
Chinook Salmon
Lake Trout
Ryan Wisneski
Ryan Wisneski
us
Wisconsin, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Short notice with big results.
Half Day Trip (PM) on July 1, 2026 • 2 adults

Decided a last minute trip while in the area. Made it a super easy experience booking online. Captain a hand were both amazing people and made the day even better. We caught our limit of fish which capped off the day! Highly recommend and will be planning another trip back with them ASAP.

Derek Parker
Derek Parker
us
Florida, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Great Company and trip
Half Day Trip (PM) on July 26, 2026 • 3 adults • 1 child

we caught trout and 1 king salmon. was a great trip for our first time. Captain and his partner were amazing. We will be doing it again and booking with same Captain.

Reported catch:
Lake Trout
Chinook Salmon
Ted Krause
Ted Krause
us
Minnesota, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Great experience
5 Hour Trip (AM) on July 9, 2026 • 4 adults

We had a great experience fishing today. Jamie amd Bugsy were knowledgeable, friendly and lnew where the fish were. we highly recommend Captain Jamie and his crew.

Happy Hooker Charters
Response from Charter operator

We had a great time with your crew! Thanks for coming out!

Larry Peterson
Larry Peterson
us
South Dakota, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Good Times
5 Hour Trip (AM) on August 1, 2026 • 4 adults

We had good fishing, good conversation, great weather. Enjoyed catching some nice walleye and quite a few lake trout, good eaters.

Reported catch:
Lake Trout
Walleye

FAQs about Happy Hooker Charters – "Aluminauti"

Happy Hooker Charters – "Aluminauti" offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $600 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - 5 Hour Trip (AM) (5 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - Half Day Trip (PM) (5 hours)
  • US $900 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - Full Day Trip (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Happy Hooker Charters – "Aluminauti", you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed
  • Flybridge
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Outriggers
  • Ice box Cooler for fish
  • Radar
Trips booked with Happy Hooker Charters – "Aluminauti" include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (Frozen Smelt)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • First mate (A must for safety)
  • Lunch (Available with advance notice at extra charge)
Happy Hooker Charters – "Aluminauti" offers the following types of fishing:
  • Lake fishing (Lake Superior)
  • Inshore fishing (St. Louis Bay, Walleye (alternative on windy days))
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing
Happy Hooker Charters – "Aluminauti" offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Trolling
Top targeted fish species with Happy Hooker Charters – "Aluminauti" include:
  • Lake Trout
  • Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
  • Salmon (Chinook)
  • Salmon (Coho)
  • Walleye

Your operator

Happy Hooker Charters
Happy Hooker Charters
Duluth, Minnesota, United States
14 Fishing Reports
292 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since February 2018
Four generations of captains. Our services are in great demand as we have grown over the years. Providing exceptional service to our customers keep them coming back year after year. We are now operating Seven Fishing Boats – 'Hooker Too', 'Treble Hook', 'Happy Hooker', 'Hooker IV', 'Hooker V' , 'Nauti Hooker' and 'ALUMINAUTI' The 'Fish Dynasty' of Lake Superior
Our Team
Jamie C.
Jamie C.
Captain
Happy Hooker Charters
Happy Hooker Charters
14
reports
292
reviews
2018
member since
~1h
response
Four generations of captains. Our services are in great demand as we have grown over the years. Providing exceptional service to our customers keep them coming back year after year. We are now operating Seven Fishing Boats – 'Hooker Too', 'Treble Hook', 'Happy Hooker', 'Hooker IV', 'Hooker V' , 'Nauti Hooker' and 'ALUMINAUTI' The 'Fish Dynasty' of Lake Superior
The crew
Jamie C.
Jamie C.
Captain

The fish you can target

Lake Trout
Lake Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Chinook Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Coho Salmon
Coho Salmon
Walleye
Walleye
Lake Trout
Lake Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Chinook Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Coho Salmon
Coho Salmon
Walleye
Walleye

Real catches by this captain

  • Great trip
    Jeremy O.
    Jeremy O.
  • Great Company and trip
    Derek P.
    Derek P.
  • Great experience
    Ted K.
    Ted K.
  • Great Trip
    David F.
    David F.
  • Short notice with big results.
    Ryan W.
    Ryan W.
  • June fishing trip
    Jason G.
    Jason G.
  • Awesome Experience
    Jeff H.
    Jeff H.
  • Intuitive
    William T.
    William T.
  • Great Fishing Trip!
    Lawrence A.
    Lawrence A.
  • Outstanding Trip
    Mike B.
    Mike B.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
32 ft
Year built
1989
Restored in
2021
Boat manufacturer
Marinette
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
Chrysler
Powered by
2 x 250HP
Max cruising speed
22 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Lake Fishing
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Trolling

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Flybridge
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Outriggers
Ice box
Cooler for fish
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Frozen Smelt
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
First mate
A must for safety
Lunch
Available with advance notice at extra charge

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child friendly
You keep catch
Crew will happily fillet and package your catch
Catch and release allowed
Disabled accessible
Call and ask

How you can pay

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
 Cash
 Visa
 Mastercard
 American Express
 Checks
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Duluth right now

Lake TroutLake Trout
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Salmon (Chinook)Salmon (Chinook)
Salmon (Coho)Salmon (Coho)
WalleyeWalleye

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Happy Hooker Charters – "Aluminauti"
Happy Hooker Charters – "Aluminauti"
4.9
(81)
32 ft
Group size 1 - 6
1 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
+3
5 hour trip • 6 persons
US $600