Delaware 8 Hour Deep Sea Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8-hour deep sea charter targeting flounder, sea bass, tuna, and mahi-mahiAll fishing gear, bait, and experienced captain guidance includedSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests per trip
There's nothing quite like spending a full day on the water chasing whatever's biting in Delaware's productive offshore grounds. This 8-hour deep sea charter out of Rehoboth Beach puts you right in the heart of some of the Mid-Atlantic's most consistent fishing action. With plenty of time to work different spots and adjust tactics throughout the day, you'll have real opportunities to land quality fish while soaking up the ocean atmosphere that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Your day starts early at Rehoboth Beach, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on conditions and game plan. This top-rated charter keeps groups small at just 4 anglers, so you'll have plenty of room to fish comfortably and get personalized attention when you need it. The boat heads out to productive reefs, wrecks, and deeper water structure where flounder, sea bass, tuna, and mahi-mahi make their living. Your captain knows these waters inside and out - they'll put you on fish and help you make the most of every bite. All your tackle, bait, and gear comes included, so you can focus on fishing instead of rigging lines. Just bring your Delaware fishing license, some snacks and drinks, plus sunscreen for the long day ahead.
The beauty of an 8-hour trip is having time to fish multiple techniques and locations as conditions change throughout the day. You might start drifting over inshore structure for flounder and sea bass using bucktails or squid rigs, then move offshore to troll for pelagics like mahi and tuna when the bite picks up. The Mid-Atlantic's underwater landscape offers everything from shallow reefs perfect for bottom fishing to deeper drop-offs where bigger predators cruise. Your captain reads the water, weather, and fish activity to keep you on productive water all day long. When one spot slows down, you're moving to the next - that's the advantage of having a knowledgeable local guide who fishes these waters year-round.
Mahi-mahi remain the crown jewel of Delaware's offshore scene, and for good reason. These fish are pure athleticism - when a mahi hits your bait, you'll know it immediately from their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. They travel in schools around floating debris and weed lines, often providing fast action once you locate them. The best mahi fishing typically runs from late spring through early fall, with fish ranging from smaller schoolies to bull dolphins pushing 20-30 pounds. What makes them so special is their combination of fight, beauty, and excellent table fare.
Sea bass might not jump like mahi, but they're the bread and butter of Delaware fishing for a reason. These chunky bottom dwellers live around reefs, wrecks, and structure, making them relatively predictable targets when you find the right depth and bottom composition. Black sea bass are scrappy fighters that dive straight for cover when hooked, testing your drag and angling skills. They're excellent eating and available most of the fishing season, making them a customer favorite for both novice and experienced anglers.
Spanish mackerel bring speed and excitement to the mix, often showing up in large schools that provide non-stop action. These silver bullets hit fast and fight hard for their size, making them perfect for anglers who love consistent bites. They're typically caught trolling small spoons or casting to feeding schools, and when you find them, the action can be red-hot. Spanish mackerel are also fantastic on the table when prepared fresh.
Southern flounder represent the technical side of Delaware fishing - these flatfish require patience, proper presentation, and good bottom-reading skills to target consistently. They lie in wait on sandy bottoms near structure, ambushing baitfish with lightning-quick strikes. Landing a keeper flounder feels like solving a puzzle, as you need to present baits naturally along the bottom while detecting subtle bites. Their mild, flaky meat makes them one of the most sought-after table fish in local waters.
Bluefish round out the target species list with their aggressive nature and powerful runs. These toothy predators travel in schools and feed voraciously, creating feeding frenzies that produce fast action when you find them. Blues hit hard, fight strong, and provide excellent sport on appropriate tackle. They're also wonderful when prepared fresh, though their rich flavor is best enjoyed soon after catching.
An 8-hour deep sea charter gives you the time and opportunity to experience Delaware's diverse offshore fishery at its best. With Makai Charters' experienced captain, quality equipment, and small group size, you're set up for a world-class day on the water targeting some of the region's most popular species. Whether you're looking to improve your fishing skills, enjoy time with friends, or simply spend a relaxing day offshore, this charter delivers the complete Delaware fishing experience. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly when you're ready to secure your spot on this renowned fishing adventure.
Set sail on our 2022 Sportsman 282 TE, a 28-footer built for serious fishing in Delaware's productive offshore waters. Twin 300HP Yamaha engines power you quickly to the best fishing spots around Rehoboth Beach, where flounder, sea bass, tuna, and mahi-mahi are waiting. This sportfisher handles up to 4 anglers comfortably, making it perfect for small groups who want plenty of elbow room at the rails. The boat comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day - GPS and fish finder to locate the hottest spots, radar for safety, VHF radio for communication, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The wireless trolling motor lets you work structure quietly without spooking fish. With a full toilet onboard, you'll stay comfortable during the full 8-hour adventure. The sturdy build cuts through Mid-Atlantic swells with ease, getting you to those productive reefs and wrecks where the big ones hang out.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the ocean's bulldogs - aggressive, hard-fighting fish that travel in schools and attack anything that moves. They typically run 2-10 pounds in our waters, with their blue-green backs fading to silver sides. You'll find them everywhere from the surf to 30 miles offshore, but they really love chasing baitfish schools in the mid-water column. Summer through fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily before their southern migration. What gets people hooked on blues is their vicious strikes and powerful runs - they fight way above their weight class. Fresh bluefish is excellent eating when bled and iced immediately, with rich, flaky meat. Watch for diving birds and bait schools on the surface - that's where you'll find feeding bluefish. Use wire leaders because those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat.
Coryphaena HippurusThese gorgeous fish put on quite a show with their golden sides and electric blue-green backs. Most run 15-29 pounds around here, though we've seen some real bulls push 40+. They love hanging around floating debris and weed lines in deeper water, usually 20+ miles offshore. Summer through early fall is prime time when water temps hit the 70s. What makes mahi special is their crazy fight - they'll jump, run, and change colors like a neon light show when hooked. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with that firm, sweet white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water for a minute - where there's one mahi, there's usually a whole school underneath.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the workhorses of our Mid-Atlantic wrecks and reefs. These dark, stocky fish average around 1-2 pounds, but we regularly pull keeper-sized ones up to 4-5 pounds from the deeper structure. They love hard bottom around 60-120 feet - old shipwrecks, artificial reefs, and rocky ledges. Best fishing runs from late spring through fall when they're up from their winter haunts. What guests love about sea bass is they're scrappy fighters for their size and absolutely delicious - that sweet, flaky white meat is restaurant quality. They're also great for beginners since they bite well and aren't too finicky. Here's the trick: drop your bait right to the bottom, then lift it up just a foot or two. They like to grab it on the fall.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise - these flat, oval-shaped fish blend perfectly with sandy and muddy bottoms. Most run 15-18 inches, but we catch some real doormat-sized ones pushing 25+ inches. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in soft bottom areas in bays, inlets, and nearshore waters up to about 40 feet deep. Fall is prime time when they're moving toward inlets to spawn. What's cool about flounder is their unique look with both eyes on one side and their ability to change color to match the bottom. They're also fantastic eating - that white, delicate meat is hard to beat. The secret to flounder fishing is keeping your bait right on the bottom and being patient. Use a slow drift with live minnows or strip baits, and give them time to fully take the bait before setting the hook.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes. These sleek, silver fish with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and are built for speed - they're some of the fastest swimmers out there. You'll find them in schools near the surface around structure, but they also cruise open water chasing baitfish. Late summer and early fall are peak times when they're thick along our coast. What makes them fun is their aggressive strikes and blistering runs - they'll take drag and jump when hooked. They're also excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or fried. The key to catching them is using small, shiny lures or spoons trolled at decent speed. When you see birds diving, get over there fast - that's where the mackerel are feeding.
Delaware