
Book your next trip with Playin’ Hooky Charters and find out what keeps anglers coming back to Waukegan, Lake Michigan, located within 30 miles of Chicago, for more!
These waters are known for Brown Trout, Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Rainbow Trout (Steelhead), Lake Trout, and more – with any luck, you’ll hook into a few! Depending on the species you’re after, you may find yourself light tackle fishing, trolling, or maybe something more specialized in this area.
Trips with Playin’ Hooky Charters are open to the whole family, so feel free to make a family day out of it! Be sure to ask if child-sized life vests are available, otherwise you should bring your own. You’re welcome to bring snacks to stay fueled throughout your trip!
Your adventure begins aboard a 33’ Pacemaker sportfishing vessel that can carry up to 6 passengers. It has downriggers and all the essentials. There’s a toilet on board for your convenience. Your captain will provide rods and reels, along with lures.
A 10–20% tip is customary to show your appreciation for their hard work.
You will need to buy a local fishing license before the trip. This information is usually available online, or you can ask the captain. Some species may be off-limits or require a special tag, so make sure you know what to expect.
A few items to bring include sunblock (non-spray), bottled water, and sunglasses. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.
You could keep reading this, but wouldn’t you rather be fishing with Playin’ Hooky Charters?
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (7)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
55%
Caught fish
100%
Jul 19, 2025
The charter operator canceled on trip date. This is an automated posting.
Aug 2, 2025
5 Hour Trip (AM)
Jun 26, 2025
5 Hour Trip – Weekday Special
May 5, 2025
5 Hour Trip – Weekday Special
Oct 19, 2024
5 Hour Trip (PM)
We highly recommend Captin John! He is very knowledgeable and knows where the fish are. My family had the best time and we each caught a fish. We will be back hopefully next spring!
We highly recommend Captin John! He is very knowledgeable and knows where the fish are. My family had the best time and we each...
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Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (7)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
55%
Caught fish
100%
Trip was supposed to happen on July 19, 2025
The charter operator canceled on trip date. This is an automated posting.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
5 Hour Trip (AM) on August 2, 2025
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
5 Hour Trip – Weekday Special on June 26, 2025
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
5 Hour Trip – Weekday Special on May 5, 2025

Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
5 Hour Trip (PM) on October 19, 2024
We highly recommend Captin John! He is very knowledgeable and knows where the fish are. My family had the best time and we each caught a fish. We will be back hopefully next spring!
We highly recommend Captin John! He is very knowledgeable and knows where the fish are. My family had the best time and we each caught a fish. We will be back hopefully next spring!
