Hot baits for Ludington kings last year included white/glow Spin Doctor flashers mated to a Green Mirage Strong Fly, a dark green Spin Doctor flasher with a Green Mirage Action Fly, and a magnum-sized green/glow Dreamweaver spoon.

Like most Lake Michigan ports last spring, brown trout fishing out of Ludington was so-so, but the fish that were caught were in the 7- to 8-pound class. Most were caught around the pierheads and in the harbor. Many sublegal-sized lake trout were caught off Ludington, too. Look for the now-legal lakers to put a bend in your rod if you visit this port in June and July.

You can contact Freeman at (231) 845-1779, or visit his Web site at CharterFreeStyle.com. For more information, contact the Ludington Area Charter Boat Association at 1-800-927-3470, or go online to LudingtonChaterBoats.com.

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It promises to be a great 2007 season for salmon and trout. Don't miss the boat!

(Editor's Note: Charter captain, guide, author and photographer Mike Gnatkowski has compiled a cookbook of easy but delicious recipes. Wild Game Simple features over 100 straightforward recipes to prepare everything from fish to venison to waterfowl. The recipes are a compilation of the captain's secret blends, customers' offerings and old-time favorites. Signed copies are available for $24.95, plus $4.95 for shipping and handling. Michigan residents need to add 6 percent sales tax. The book can be purchased online at gnatoutdoors.com, or by mail at P.O. Box 727, Ludington, MI 49431.)