Delaware 10 Hour Inshore Tuna Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day 10-hour inshore tuna fishing charter in Delaware watersTarget yellowfin and false albacore with experienced captain and gearEarly 5 AM departure accommodates up to 4 guests maximum
If you're looking for a serious day of fishing in Delaware waters, this 10-hour inshore tuna charter out of Rehoboth Beach is going to deliver. Starting at 5:00 AM, you'll head out with Captain and crew from Makai Charters to target tuna species in the productive Mid-Atlantic waters just off the coast. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full commitment to putting you on fish, with plenty of time to work the water and find where the tuna are feeding. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers, so you'll have room to fish without bumping elbows, and the crew provides all the tackle and gear you'll need to handle these hard-fighting fish.
This charter kicks off early for good reason – tuna are most active during the cooler morning hours, and getting out there at first light gives you the best shot at finding active schools. The captain knows the local structure and current breaks where yellowfin and false albacore like to hunt, typically within 10-15 miles of shore where the water starts to show that deep blue color tuna prefer. You'll spend the day working areas with good bait concentrations, watching for bird activity, and looking for those telltale signs that tuna are in the area. The crew will have you rigged up with the right tackle – think medium to heavy spinning gear and conventional reels loaded with enough line to handle long runs. Don't worry about bringing your own setup unless you want to; these guys have quality gear that's perfectly suited for the type of fishing you'll be doing.
Most of your day will be spent trolling, which is the most effective way to cover water and locate feeding tuna. The crew will set up a spread of lures and baits designed to mimic the small fish that tuna feed on – typically a mix of cedar plugs, spoons, and ballyhoo rigs. You'll learn how different lure positions work in the spread, from the short rigger baits that create commotion to the long corner rods that ride clean water behind the boat. When fish are located, the captain might switch to chunking or live bait fishing, especially if you mark a good concentration on the fish finder. The tackle is matched to the target species – strong enough to handle a 30-pound yellowfin but still sporting enough to feel every head shake and run. Expect to use 30-50 pound test line on reels with smooth drags, because tuna will test both your equipment and your endurance.
Mahi Mahi, or common dolphinfish as they're sometimes called, are absolute favorites among Delaware anglers for good reason. These bright gold and green fish are incredibly acrobatic, jumping repeatedly when hooked and putting on a show that never gets old. They typically run 10-25 pounds in these waters, with the occasional bull dolphin pushing 40 pounds or more. Mahi are often found around floating debris or weed lines, and they're aggressive feeders that will hit both lures and live bait. What makes them special is their willingness to stay near the boat once you hook one – often the whole school will hang around, giving everyone a chance to get in on the action.
Sea bass might not be the most glamorous fish, but they're reliable fighters and excellent eating. Delaware's offshore waters hold good populations of these bottom dwellers, especially around structure and wrecks. They typically range from 2-8 pounds, with larger fish becoming more common as you move into deeper water. Sea bass are curious fish that will investigate anything that looks like food, making them perfect targets when the tuna bite slows down. They're also one of the most cooperative species for photos, often staying calm once brought to the boat.
Spanish mackerel are speed demons that provide non-stop action when you find them. These smaller members of the mackerel family rarely exceed 3-4 pounds, but they make up for size with pure aggression and lightning-fast strikes. They're particularly active during the warmer months and often travel in large schools that will keep your rod bent all day. Spanish mackerel have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are essential, and their soft mouths mean you need to keep steady pressure without horsing them to the boat.
Southern flounder are the ultimate inshore predators, lying in wait on sandy bottoms before ambushing unsuspecting baitfish. These flatfish can be tricky to locate, but once you dial in their preferred habitat – typically near structure transitions or current edges – they provide steady action. Delaware fluke can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 5 pounds considered trophies. They're also among the best eating fish you'll encounter, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the Mid-Atlantic, known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs. These fish travel in schools and feed voraciously, often creating feeding frenzies that attract other species. Blues in Delaware waters typically range from 3-12 pounds, with larger "chopper blues" providing serious battles on appropriate tackle. They're excellent on both lures and bait, and their oily flesh makes them perfect for smoking or grilling with strong seasonings.
A 10-hour charter represents serious value for anglers who want to maximize their time on productive water. With departure at 5:00 AM, you'll be back at the dock by mid-afternoon with a full day of fishing behind you and hopefully a cooler full of quality fish. Remember to bring your Delaware fishing license, plenty of sunscreen, snacks and drinks for the day, and layers since early morning temperatures can be cool even in summer. The deposit is non-refundable, so make sure you're committed to the date before booking. This trip consistently produces fish for both experienced anglers and newcomers
Step aboard this 2022 Sportsman 282 TE and get ready to chase tuna in Delaware's productive inshore waters. This 28-footer packs serious punch with twin 300HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast and keep you moving between productive spots. Built for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the rails without getting tangled up. The boat comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day targeting yellowfin and false albacore. The fish finder will help locate schools while GPS navigation keeps you on the most productive grounds. When visibility drops, the radar system ensures safe travel. The VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats and fishing reports throughout the day. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the long 10-hour trip. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish. When nature calls, the onboard toilet means no cutting the trip short. This sturdy sportfishing platform handles Mid-Atlantic conditions with confidence, letting you focus on putting fish in the boat rather than worrying about the ride.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the bulldogs of the Mid-Atlantic, known for their aggressive feeding and razor-sharp teeth. They range from "snapper" blues under a pound to chunky 10+ pounders that'll test your tackle. These nomads travel in schools, often creating feeding frenzies that churn the water white. Peak season runs June through October when they migrate through our waters chasing baitfish. Guests love them because they hit hard, fight dirty, and are willing biters when other fish get picky. Smaller blues make excellent table fare when bled and iced immediately. When you find a school, work fast - cast anything shiny like spoons or poppers. Just remember to bring wire leaders or heavy fluorocarbon; those teeth will cut through regular line in seconds.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are a real treat to catch offshore around floating debris and weedlines. Mahi typically run 15-30 pounds, though bigger bulls can push 50+. What makes them special is that amazing color show - they flash brilliant blues and greens underwater, then cycle through a rainbow of colors when brought to the boat. They're strong fighters that'll make long runs and jump when hooked. Peak season runs late spring through fall when water temps climb above 70. The meat is excellent - firm, white, and mild. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat positioned near the school since mahi often travel together and you can usually boat several before they move on.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are bottom dwellers that hang around hard structure like wrecks, reefs, and jetties in 30-100 feet of water. They average 1-3 pounds but keepers need to be at least 15 inches. What guests love about these fish is they're aggressive biters and make great table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Best fishing runs May through October when they move inshore. They school up tight, so when you find one, there's usually more below. Use a simple high-low rig with squid or clam strips, but here's the key: drop your bait right to the bottom, then lift it up just a foot or two. Sea bass are curious and will often hit a bait that's moving slightly off the structure.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of camouflage that bury themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms of bays and nearshore waters. These flatfish average 15-18 inches but can grow over 2 feet. Both eyes sit on their left side, making them one of the more unique catches you'll see. They're ambush predators that lie motionless until prey passes overhead. Fall migration from September through November offers the best action as they head offshore to spawn. Guests enjoy the challenge of targeting them since it requires patience and finesse. The meat is mild and sweet - perfect for the dinner table. My go-to method is drifting live minnows or shrimp on light tackle near creek mouths and drop-offs. Keep your bait moving slowly along the bottom.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that cruise the mid-Atlantic waters from late spring through early fall. These silver rockets with golden spots typically run 1-3 pounds and are some of the fastest fish you'll encounter. They school up near the surface around structure and baitfish, making them perfect targets during our tuna trips. What makes them fun is the screaming runs they make - your drag will sing when one hits. They're also fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. Best action happens when water temps hit the mid-70s. Here's a local trick: if you see birds working the surface, get there fast and cast small silver spoons or jigs right into the commotion. The bite can shut off quickly once they move through.
Delaware