
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!?!?!
Beoordelingsoverzicht
Photos & videos by reviewers (4)


+1Beoordeling van Vissers
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
100%
Oct 26, 2025
5 Hour Trip – Salmon & Trout
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!
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...




Oct 18, 2025
6 Hour Trip – Salmon & Trout
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.
This was perhaps the best charter experience I’ve ever had. The captain was knowledgable, personable and made for a great experience...
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Beoordelingsoverzicht
Photos & videos by reviewers (4)


+1Beoordeling van Vissers
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
100%
Experience:
Boot
Crew
Algemeen
5 Hour Trip – Salmon & Trout on October 26, 2025
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!
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...




Experience:
Boot
Crew
Algemeen
6 Hour Trip – Salmon & Trout on October 18, 2025
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.
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.
