Why Knot Chicago Fishing Charters 

5.0/5 (2 reviews)
 601 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613, United States

Why Knot Chicago Fishing Charters 

5.0/5 (2 reviews)
map-thumbnail
601 W Montrose Ave
Chicago, IL, United States

Captain AJ Cwiok & his crew of Licensed USCG Captains on Why Knot Chicago are eager to get you & your group on an unforgettable Chicago Lake Michigan fishing experience.

Why Knot Chicago comes with many sought after sponsors. Some but not only include, Bass Pro Shops, Okuma Fishing Tackle USA, Moonshine Lures, Vicious Fishing Line, Gamakatsu, St. Croix Rods, Strike King, Lew's, Rapala, Offshore Tackle, & Engel Coolers.

You're likely to go after Salmon & Trout: Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Pink Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout (Steelhead).  Certain times of the season we target: Yellow Perch, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and more if you come at the right time of year. For these species, you're likely to troll using light or heavy tackle.

If you're traveling with the family, you will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! If you don't have a child-sized life vest of your own, then we will provide one if requested. Feel free to bring your own snacks & drinks!

Capt. AJ operates a 36' Penn Yan Bridge Boat with space for 6 passengers. It comes with 3 Magnum Metal Downriggers, & the deck capacity for 17 lines trolling during your trip. There's a toilet on board for your convenience. Capt. AJ will provide rods and reels for you, as well as all the baits & gear needed for your charter.

A 15–25% tip is customary to show your appreciation for their hard work.

Before coming aboard, you will need to buy an Illinois fishing license as well as a Lake Michigan Salmon Stamp. These can be purchased at your local bait shop, or online. There is a bait shop in the harbor named Park Bait, where licenses can be purchased as well.

Some essentials to bring are bottled water, sunscreen (non-spray), and sunglasses. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

You could keep reading this, but Why Knot come fish in Chicago!?!?!

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Customer reviews

Rating summary

5.0/5
out of 5 stars from 2 reviews
Boat
5.0/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
5.0/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (5)

Why Knot is a NO BRAINER
Why Knot is a NO BRAINER
Why Knot is a NO BRAINER
+2

Angler rating

2
0
0
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

100%

Appropriate for children

100%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

100%

Caught fish

100%

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Showing: 2 of 2 reviews
Tom McDowell
Tom McDowell
5.0
Verified
New
Why Knot is a NO BRAINER
5 Hour Trip – Salmon & Trout on October 26, 20253 adults
From the moment we met Captain AJ at the gate to get a parking pass- my son announced- "I like him. He is cool!". My son was a great judge if character that day and Captain AJ not only had us on the fish within 10 minutes of putting out our lines, but did a great job keeping a positive envirnoment for my kids who love fishing. I would definitely recommend Why Knot Charters to anyone ranging from first time fisherman to experienced fisherman. Captain AJ had great patience and knowledge and we all learned more after spending 5 hours on the boat with him. The boat was well kept and very nice. We left the marina with out limit and enjoyed a nice fish dinner that night. Can't wait until next time. Thank you Captain!
Review media 0
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 1
Reported Catch:
Lake Trout
Response from Captain
October 28, 2025
Thank you for the kind words, you & your sons were a joy to have on board! Look forward to having you guys out in the future!
1
Kristopher Capadona
Kristopher Capadona
5.0
Verified
New
Best experience
6 Hour Trip – Salmon & Trout on October 18, 20253 adults1 child
This was perhaps the best charter experience I’ve ever had. The captain was knowledgable, personable and made for a great experience for my father and my two sons. If you are thinking about booking a charter…Why Knot…its the only one i will book from now on.
Response from Captain
October 20, 2025
Thank you for bringing your family out with Why Knot, you guys were a blast to have on board. Looking forward to showing y’all what our spring salmon bite is all about in Chicago!
2

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
November 2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Almost there...
4 Hour Trip – Salmon & Trout
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
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US $1,100 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
4 Hour Trip – Salmon & Trout - 12:00 PM
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
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US $1,100 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
5 Hour Trip – Salmon & Trout
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 AM
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US $1,199 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
5 Hour Trip – Salmon & Trout - 5:00 AM
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
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US $1,199 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip – Salmon & Trout
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
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US $1,299 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Trip – Salmon & Trout - 12:00 PM
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
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US $1,299 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
8 Hour Trip – Salmon & Trout
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 AM
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US $1,599 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
8 Hour Trip – Salmon & Trout - 5:00 AM
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
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US $1,599 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
There are 2 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

5.0/5
out of 5 stars from 2 reviews
Boat
5.0/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
5.0/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (5)

Why Knot is a NO BRAINER
Why Knot is a NO BRAINER
Why Knot is a NO BRAINER
+2

Angler rating

2
0
0
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

100%

Appropriate for children

100%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

100%

Caught fish

100%

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Showing: 2 of 2 reviews
Tom McDowell
Tom McDowell
5.0
Verified
New
Why Knot is a NO BRAINER
5 Hour Trip – Salmon & Trout on October 26, 20253 adults
From the moment we met Captain AJ at the gate to get a parking pass- my son announced- "I like him. He is cool!". My son was a great judge if character that day and Captain AJ not only had us on the fish within 10 minutes of putting out our lines, but did a great job keeping a positive envirnoment for my kids who love fishing. I would definitely recommend Why Knot Charters to anyone ranging from first time fisherman to experienced fisherman. Captain AJ had great patience and knowledge and we all learned more after spending 5 hours on the boat with him. The boat was well kept and very nice. We left the marina with out limit and enjoyed a nice fish dinner that night. Can't wait until next time. Thank you Captain!
Review media 0
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 1
Reported Catch:
Lake Trout
Response from Captain
October 28, 2025
Thank you for the kind words, you & your sons were a joy to have on board! Look forward to having you guys out in the future!
1
Kristopher Capadona
Kristopher Capadona
5.0
Verified
New
Best experience
6 Hour Trip – Salmon & Trout on October 18, 20253 adults1 child
This was perhaps the best charter experience I’ve ever had. The captain was knowledgable, personable and made for a great experience for my father and my two sons. If you are thinking about booking a charter…Why Knot…its the only one i will book from now on.
Response from Captain
October 20, 2025
Thank you for bringing your family out with Why Knot, you guys were a blast to have on board. Looking forward to showing y’all what our spring salmon bite is all about in Chicago!
2

FAQs about Why Knot Chicago Fishing Charters

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The fish you can target

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What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
36 ft
Year built
1997
Boat manufacturer
Penn Yan
Boat type
Sportfishing

Engine model
MerCruiser
Powered by
2 x 350HP
Max cruising speed
20 knots
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What’s biting in Chicago right now

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