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David Ellis
Captain

David Ellis

Ludington, United States
50+ reviews
Captain Dave has nearly 40 years of experience. With extensive knowledge of the waters from Pentwater and Ludington to Manistee, he offers informative and enjoyable fishing trips.

Charter

Rating

4.8
69 reviews
4.8
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

94%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
97%
Recommend this charter
92%
Appropriate for children
98%
Satisfied with the boat
95%
Caught fish

All reviews (69)

Showing 1 – 5 of 69 reviews
  • Tamula Talbert
    Tamula Talbert
    us
    Indiana, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome Crew

    6 Hour Trip (PM) • 5 adults

    Captain Dave and First Mate Carl worked hard to get us on the fish. Lots of friendly banter kept the trip fun even when the fish were not biting. My brother, newphew and I ended up landing 2 Steelhead, 2 Coho, and 6 Kings. We definitely want to go out with them again.

    Reported catch:
    Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
    Coho Salmon
    Chinook Salmon
    Response from Captain

    Thank you so much for joining us on the charter. i am glad you had a great time and look forward to seeing you all again.

  • Aaron Messenger
    Aaron Messenger
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Once in a lifetime experience!

    6 Hour Trip (PM) • 4 adults • 1 child

    My husband, Two teens and father went on an afternoon trip caught several salmon and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. My father said it was one of the best experiences of his life.

    Reported catch:
    Chinook Salmon
    Response from Captain

    I am so glad they had a great time. It was a pleasure getting them out and seeing the smiles on their faces. You have a great family.

  • Joshuah Guigar
    Joshuah Guigar
    Repeat angler
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2022
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    July fishing trip

    6 Hour Trip (AM) • 5 adults
    Response from Captain

    Thank you so much, was a great trip.

  • John Randall
    John Randall
    Repeat angler
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2022
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    June fishing trip

    6 Hour Trip (PM) • 4 adults
    Response from Captain

    Thank you so much for the great review John, it was great having you all out fishing. Looking forward to seeing again.

  • John Mauk
    John Mauk
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2026
    4.7
    Verified

    Fishing with David

    6 Hour Trip (AM) • 3 adults
    Response from Captain

    Thank you John, glad you all had a great time.

Real catches shared by our community

  • Salmon Slayer Sportfishing Charters
    Salmon Slayer Sportfishing ChartersLudington, MI
    A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of several trout at Ray's Marina, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Aaron M.
    Aaron M.
    My husband, Two teens and father went on an afternoon trip caught several salmon and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. My father said it was one of the best experiences of his life.
  • Salmon Slayer Sportfishing Charters
    Salmon Slayer Sportfishing ChartersLudington, MI
    A display of freshly caught salmon hanging at Ray's Marina, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Chinook Salmon
    Tamula T.
    Tamula T.
    Captain Dave and First Mate Carl worked hard to get us on the fish. Lots of friendly banter kept the trip fun even when the fish were not biting. My brother, newphew and I ended up landing 2 Steelhead, 2 Coho, and 6 Kings. We definitely want to go out with them again.
  • Salmon Slayer Sportfishing Charters
    Salmon Slayer Sportfishing ChartersLudington, MI
    Freshly landed silver fish resting in a landing net on the carpeted interior deck of a fishing boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Chinook Salmon
    Tim E.
    Tim E.
    I booked a charter with Salmon Slayer based on the excellent reviews I had read beforehand—and I can confidently say they were entirely accurate. Our group not only caught the fish we were hoping for, but we also had an exceptional day on the water thanks to the expertise and hospitality of Captain Dave and First Mate Carl. Both Dave and Carl generously shared their knowledge and answered all our questions, creating an engaging, educational, and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the trip. Their professionalism and friendliness helped forge a memorable experience—and even a lasting connection with each of them. We are already looking forward to booking future trips with Salmon Slayer and will be sure to follow the crew on TikTok and other social media platforms as they become available. Thank you again for an unforgettable day on the water! FISH ON!
  • Salmon Slayer Sportfishing Charters
    Salmon Slayer Sportfishing ChartersLudington, MI
    View from the helm of a fishing boat, showcasing the fishing gear and calm ocean waters under a clear blue sky.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Ted W.
    Ted W.
    This was our second trip with Dave and we highly recommend him. With his amount of experience on the lake, he knows the right places to hit to get on the fish. We had a really great time and caught 11 today, making for a nice supply of wild salmon to bring home. Book with Salmon Slayer and you will be glad you did.
  • Salmon Slayer Sportfishing Charters
    Salmon Slayer Sportfishing ChartersLudington, MI
    Group of anglers proudly posing in front of a catch board displaying several large trout at Ray's Marina.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Laurie M.
    Laurie M.
    Captain Dave had us catching Salmon as soon as the sun came up. This is our 2nd year in a row going out with Captain Dave and we will go again next year!
  • Salmon Slayer Sportfishing Charters
    Salmon Slayer Sportfishing ChartersLudington, MI
    Group of anglers posing with their catch of the day, featuring several large fish displayed on a board at Ray's Marina.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Jason W.
    Jason W.
    A few buddies and I went out and had some outstanding memories made with Captain Dave and Carl. Very good at what they do to get you on the fish. We caught 14 salmon and had the time of or lives. We would very much recommend and can't wait to go again!
  • Salmon Slayer Sportfishing Charters
    Salmon Slayer Sportfishing ChartersLudington, MI
    Group of anglers proudly posing in front of a catch board displaying several large salmon at Ray's Marina.
    Laurie M.
    Laurie M.
    So much fun with Captain Dave and First Mate Carl. I booked this trip for my husband and 2 sons, both in there 20s, for something to do as a family. I was nervous since I had never Salmon fished before but they made it seem easy!! We will definitely be back.
  • Salmon Slayer Sportfishing Charters
    Salmon Slayer Sportfishing ChartersLudington, MI
    A group of four adults proudly posing in front of a catch board displaying several fish at Ray's Marina, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    David E.
    David E.
    We had an awesome morning on the water with captain Dave and first mate Karl - their combined knowledge of the area and experience fishing is phenomenal. Dave and Karl work together well, never skipping a beat, and allow for many opportunities of laughter! Thanks for an awesome trip, guys!
  • Salmon Slayer Sportfishing Charters
    Salmon Slayer Sportfishing ChartersLudington, MI
    Multiple salmon stored on ice inside a large cooler aboard a fishing boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Chinook Salmon
    Gary B.
    Gary B.
  • Salmon Slayer Sportfishing Charters
    Salmon Slayer Sportfishing ChartersLudington, MI
    Nighttime catch board displaying multiple large fish beneath the Ray's Marina sign at Big Fish Marina.
    Fish 1
    Chinook Salmon
    Steve S.
    Steve S.

What's biting with Salmon Slayer Sportfishing Charters in Ludington

You can enjoy fishing the waters of Ludington Set Park for Perch if you don't feel like giving up on jumbo fish just yet. You'll find 'em hanging out in deeper waters, along with Steelhead, in the Pere Marquette.

Top catches for November