Delaware 10 Hour Inshore Tuna Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
10hour inshore tuna charter targeting yellowfin and false albacoreEarly 5 AM departure with experienced captains and quality gear providedSmall group capacity of 4 guests for personalized fishing experience
Looking for a real fishing adventure just off Rehoboth Beach? This 10-hour inshore tuna charter with Makai Charters puts you right in the heart of Delaware's best fishing action. Starting at 5:00 AM, you'll spend the entire day targeting yellowfin tuna and false albacore in the productive Mid-Atlantic waters. With only 4 anglers max, you get personalized attention from experienced captains who know exactly where the fish are biting. Whether you've been fishing these waters for years or you're new to the game, this trip delivers consistent action and plenty of opportunities to land that fish of a lifetime.
This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a serious 10-hour commitment that starts before sunrise and keeps you fishing until the afternoon. The early start is crucial because tuna are most active during the cooler morning hours, and by getting out there at first light, you're positioning yourself for the best bite of the day. The captains at Makai Charters have been working these waters for years, so they know the structure, the currents, and the seasonal patterns that put fish on your line. You'll stay relatively close to shore compared to offshore trips, but don't let that fool you – the inshore waters around Rehoboth Beach are absolutely loaded with hungry tuna. The boat comes equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle, so you don't need to worry about bringing your own gear unless you want to. Just remember to grab your Delaware fishing license before you head out, pack plenty of sunscreen, and bring enough food and drinks to fuel a long day of fishing.
Inshore tuna fishing around Delaware is all about covering water and presenting the right baits at the right depth. The crew will set you up with a spread of trolling lures designed to mimic the baitfish that tuna feed on in these waters – think cedar plugs, spreader bars with tube lures, and ballyhoo rigs. You'll be running at speeds between 6-8 knots, working the edges of structure and temperature breaks where tuna congregate to feed. The key is staying mobile and adjusting your spread based on what's working. When the bite is on, it's fast and furious – tuna hit hard and fight even harder, so be ready for some serious rod-bending action. The captains will coach you through the fight, helping you work the fish properly so you don't lose it at the boat. Circle hooks are the standard here, which means better hookups and easier releases if you decide to let fish swim away. The tackle is sized appropriately for the species you're targeting – strong enough to handle a big yellowfin but not so heavy that you lose the sporting aspect of the fight.
The waters around Rehoboth Beach have been producing some fantastic catches, with multiple species keeping anglers busy throughout the day. Mahi mahi have been showing up in good numbers, especially around floating debris and weed lines where they love to hang out. These colorful fighters are always a crowd favorite because they put on such an aerial show when hooked. Sea bass are another reliable target, and while they might not have the speed of a tuna, they make up for it with their stubborn bottom-hugging fight. Spanish mackerel have been thick in the area, providing fast action when the bigger fish are being finicky. Southern flounder are lurking near structure and drop-offs, offering a different style of fishing when you want to mix things up. Bluefish have been running in schools, and when you find them, it's usually non-stop action until they move on. The beauty of this inshore fishery is the variety – you never know what's going to hit next, which keeps every angler on the boat engaged and ready.
Mahi mahi are the showstoppers of any inshore trip, with their brilliant gold and green colors and acrobatic fighting style. These fish love warm water and are most active during the summer months when water temperatures climb into the 70s and 80s. They're ambush predators that cruise around floating objects, so the captains will keep an eye out for debris lines and weed mats where mahi like to congregate. When you hook one, get ready for jumps, runs, and plenty of head shaking – they're pound-for-pound one of the strongest fighters in these waters.
Sea bass might not be the flashiest fish in the ocean, but they're absolutely delicious and fight harder than their size suggests. These bottom dwellers hang around structure like wrecks, reefs, and rocky areas, using their powerful tails and broad bodies to try to get back to cover when hooked. The Delaware waters produce some quality-sized sea bass, especially during the cooler months when they're feeding heavily before winter. They're perfect for anglers who want to put some fillets in the cooler alongside their trophy catches.
Spanish mackerel are speed demons that provide non-stop action when they're around. These sleek predators travel in schools and feed aggressively on small baitfish, making them perfect targets for light tackle fishing. They hit fast, run hard, and are absolutely delicious on the dinner table. Spanish mackerel are most active during the warmer months and can be found throughout the water column, from the surface down to about 40 feet.
Southern flounder are the ninjas of the inshore waters, using their camouflaged bodies to ambush prey from the bottom. These flatfish can grow to impressive sizes in Delaware waters and are prized for their delicate, sweet meat. They're typically found around sandy bottoms near structure, inlets, and drop-offs where they can bury themselves and wait for an easy meal to swim by. Flounder fishing requires a bit more patience and finesse, but landing a doormat-sized fish is always worth the wait.
This 28-foot Sportsman 282 TE is built for serious tuna action off Rehoboth Beach. Twin 300HP Yamaha engines get you to the fishing grounds fast and keep you positioned perfectly when the bite heats up. The boat handles Mid-Atlantic swells like a champ while you work the inshore waters for yellowfin and false albacore. Your captain uses the fish finder and GPS to locate productive structure, while the radar keeps you safe if weather rolls in. The wireless trolling motor lets you drift quietly over fish without spooking them. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 10-hour grind. The VHF radio maintains contact with other boats sharing intel on hot spots. With room for 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work multiple lines and fight fish without getting tangled up. The toilet means you can stay focused on fishing instead of cutting the day short.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that arrive in our waters during summer and stick around through fall. These blue-green fighters typically run up to 20 pounds and are known for their razor-sharp teeth and vicious feeding frenzies. You'll find them in schools chasing baitfish in surf zones, around structure, and in the open water column. What makes them exciting is their explosive bite and strong runs - they'll hit anything from metal spoons to live bait with serious attitude. The meat is tasty when fresh, especially the smaller "cocktail blues." Summer through early fall is peak season when they're actively feeding. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and handle them carefully - those teeth can do real damage. Look for bird activity and churning water to locate feeding schools.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are pure excitement on the line. Running 15-29 pounds on average, mahi mahi put up a spectacular fight with their speed and acrobatics. You'll find them around floating debris and weed lines in our warmer Mid-Atlantic waters, especially during summer months when they follow the Gulf Stream closer to shore. What makes them special is that color show - they flash brilliant blues, greens, and golds when hooked, then cycle through this amazing light display once boated. The meat is outstanding too - firm, white, and perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep working the area since they usually travel in small schools. Skip your bait on the surface to trigger their predatory instincts.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the bread and butter of our local bottom fishing. These chunky fighters average around a foot long and pack a solid punch for their size. You'll find them hanging around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom structure in 20-80 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, with the best action often coming during the cooler months when they're most active. What guests love is their aggressive bite and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're not picky eaters, going after everything from clams to soft plastics. My go-to trick is bouncing a bucktail jig tipped with squid right on the bottom - they'll usually slam it hard enough that you'll know exactly when you're hooked up.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise lurking on our sandy and muddy bottoms. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and are ambush predators that bury themselves in the substrate waiting for prey to swim by. You'll find them in shallow bays, inlets, and nearshore waters, especially around structure transitions from sand to grass beds. Fall is prime time when they're staging for their offshore spawning run. What makes them fun to target is the subtle bite and the challenge of reading the bottom. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. The trick is slow-drifting live minnows or shrimp right along the bottom - feel for that gentle pickup and give them a second to turn the bait before setting the hook.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes. These silver bullets typically run 1-2 feet long and are some of the fastest fish in our waters. They travel in large schools near the surface, especially around structures and bait pods during late spring through early fall. The bite is explosive - they'll hit trolled spoons and small jigs with serious aggression, making long runs that'll get your heart pumping. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. Look for diving birds as a dead giveaway to their location. Here's the key: use a wire leader since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. Keep your lures small and bright, and be ready for that lightning-fast strike.
Delaware