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Ludington's Best Salmon Jigging | Chunky Monkey

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Ludington
  • $450 - $650 price range

Summary

Captain Jody of Chunky Monkey Charters offers a unique salmon jigging trip in Ludington, Michigan. This 4-hour inshore adventure is perfect for small groups of up to 3 guests. You'll use light tackle to target King Salmon inside the harbor, which means less chance of seasickness and more consistent fishing regardless of weather. Unlike traditional trolling, jigging keeps you actively engaged - you're constantly working your rod to attract fish. When a big King Salmon strikes, get ready for an intense fight on light gear. It's a hands-on experience that even seasoned anglers find exciting. Ludington's waters are known for great salmon fishing, and jigging adds an extra layer of challenge and fun. Whether you're a local or visiting the area, this trip offers a fresh take on Lake Michigan salmon fishing that you won't find with many other charters.
Ludington's Best Salmon Jigging | Chunky Monkey

Salmon Strikes & Fights

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5 people fishing in MI

Trophy fishes caught in Ludington’s cool waters

2 anglers fishing in MI

Fresh catches brought ashore in Ludington’s marina

Anglers fishing in Ludington

Patience rewarded with fish from Ludington waters

Fishing in MI

Talking about effective bait, sure it is.

Scenic view of Ludington, Michigan

Calm waters meet stunning Ludington shoreline view

Three anglers with a fish in Ludington

Fishing off Ludington’s peaceful sandy beaches

Three people fishing in Michigan

Sunset colors reflect on Lake Michigan waves

Fishing in MI

Sailing into Ludington’s bright, open horizon

Group of 6 people fishing in Ludington

Reeling in big catches off Ludington pier

Fisherman catching a fish in MI

Catch and release along Ludington’s sandy beaches

5 people fishing in MI

Trophy fishes caught in Ludington’s cool waters

2 anglers fishing in MI

Fresh catches brought ashore in Ludington’s marina

Anglers fishing in Ludington

Patience rewarded with fish from Ludington waters

Fishing in MI

Talking about effective bait, sure it is.

Scenic view of Ludington, Michigan

Calm waters meet stunning Ludington shoreline view

Three anglers with a fish in Ludington

Fishing off Ludington’s peaceful sandy beaches

Three people fishing in Michigan

Sunset colors reflect on Lake Michigan waves

Fishing in MI

Sailing into Ludington’s bright, open horizon

Group of 6 people fishing in Ludington

Reeling in big catches off Ludington pier

Fisherman catching a fish in MI

Catch and release along Ludington’s sandy beaches

5 people fishing in MI

Trophy fishes caught in Ludington’s cool waters

2 anglers fishing in MI

Fresh catches brought ashore in Ludington’s marina

Anglers fishing in Ludington

Patience rewarded with fish from Ludington waters

Fishing in MI

Talking about effective bait, sure it is.

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Reel in Salmon: Ludington's Hidden Harbor Gem

Get ready for a fishing adventure that'll have you hooked from the start! Chunky Monkey Charters is serving up a 4-hour salmon jigging trip that's unlike anything else on Lake Michigan. We're talking light tackle, big fish, and non-stop action right in Ludington's protected harbor. If you've been itching to battle some King Salmon without the hassle of deep water trolling, this is your chance to get up close and personal with these hard-fighting fish.

What's the Deal?

Picture this: You're on a compact, nimble boat, rod in hand, working a jig through the crystal-clear harbor waters. Suddenly, your line goes tight, and you're locked in a tug-of-war with a chrome-bright Chinook. That's the kind of heart-pounding action you can expect on this trip. Captain Jody's got the inside scoop on where these bruisers hang out, and he'll put you right on top of them. No waiting around, no seasickness worries, just pure fishing fun. And the best part? This trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels – whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line.

Jigging 101: Harbor Hotspots

Forget about sitting back and watching rods in holders. On this trip, you're the star of the show. We'll gear you up with light tackle setups perfect for working jigs through the water column. Captain Jody will show you the ropes – how to work your jig with that irresistible action that drives salmon crazy. We'll hit primo spots around the harbor, from deep holes where big kings sulk to current seams where they ambush bait. You'll learn to read the water, feel the bite, and set the hook like a pro. It's hands-on fishing at its finest, and trust me, once you feel that first savage strike, you'll be addicted.

Why Anglers Can't Get Enough

There's a reason Captain Jody's trips are booked solid during salmon season. This ain't your grandpa's lazy day of fishing – it's an adrenaline-fueled rush from start to finish. You're actively fishing the whole time, which means more chances to hook up and more fish in the boat. Plus, being in the harbor means we can fish in almost any weather. No more canceled trips because of big waves on the big lake. And let's be real, there's something special about battling a trophy salmon in shallow water where you can see the fight unfold. It's the kind of experience that'll have you reliving the memories (and showing off pictures) for years to come.

King of the Harbor: Chinook Salmon

Let's talk about the star of the show – the Chinook Salmon, aka King Salmon. These bad boys are the heavyweight champs of the Great Lakes, often tipping the scales at 15-30 pounds. In Ludington's harbor, we typically see fish in the 10-20 pound range, but don't be surprised if you tangle with a real monster. Chinooks are known for their explosive strikes and blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. They start showing up in good numbers by mid-summer, with the action peaking in August and September. What makes jigging for them so special? You get to feel every head shake, every dive, every attempt to throw the hook. It's you vs. the fish, mano a mano. And when you finally slide the net under a gleaming silver King, trust me, you'll be grinning from ear to ear.

Time to Get Your Fish On

Look, I could go on all day about how awesome this trip is, but the truth is, you've gotta experience it for yourself. Whether you're a local looking for a new fishing challenge or a visitor wanting to sample some of Michigan's best salmon action, Chunky Monkey Charters has got you covered. With room for up to 3 anglers, it's perfect for a family outing or a day on the water with your buddies. Just remember – once word gets out about how good the jigging bite is, these trips fill up fast. So don't wait around – give Captain Jody a call and lock in your spot. Trust me, your only regret will be not booking sooner. Let's get out there and put some salmon in the boat!

Learn more about the specie

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon are the big dogs of the Great Lakes - we're talking 20-30 pounders that'll test your arms and your gear. These silver-sided bruisers with blue-green backs hang out in the cooler, deeper parts of Lake Michigan most of the year. Spring and fall are prime time to hook into kings as they move closer to shore. Anglers love 'em for their hard-fighting spirit and tasty orange meat that's great for smoking or grilling. We usually find Chinooks suspended in the water column, following baitfish schools. Early mornings and evenings are your best bet. These fish aren't picky eaters - they'll hit spoons, plugs, or cut bait. Here's a local tip: when jigging for kings, use a slow lift-and-drop action. Let the lure flutter on the drop - that often triggers the bite. It's an active style of fishing that keeps you engaged and is perfect for newer anglers who don't want to wait around. Plus, you're right in the thick of the action when that rod doubles over!

Chinook Salmon

About the Center Console Boats

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercury Verado

Maximum Cruising Speed: 52

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 350

Get ready for an action-packed salmon jigging trip on the calm waters of Ludington Harbor! Our 4-hour adventure keeps you engaged as you use light tackle to hook mighty King Salmon. No sitting around waiting for bites here - you'll be actively jigging to entice those fish. The best part? You can leave your worries about seasickness behind, and we rarely have to cancel due to weather since we stay in the protected harbor. Captain Jody is one of the few offering this unique fishing style, so don't miss your chance to try something different. Whether you're new to fishing or an experienced angler looking for a fun challenge, this trip delivers non-stop excitement. Our compact boat comfortably fits 3 guests, ensuring a personalized experience as you reel in some impressive catches. Book your spot now and get ready to create some great fishing memories!
Chunky Monkey Charters

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Ready for an unforgettable fishing adventure? Book your trip with Chunky Monkey Charters today and experience the excitement of salmon fishing in Ludington and Lake Michigan! Don't miss out on the opportunity to fish with Captain Jody Blain and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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