Delaware Fishing Charter | 12 Hour Charter Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore charter targeting tuna, MahiMahi, and MarlinExperienced captains provide highquality gear for productive fishingSmall group capacity of four guests ensures personalized attention
Picture this: you're 20+ miles off the Delaware coast, lines in the water before sunrise, and the anticipation building as you head toward some of the most productive fishing grounds on the East Coast. That's exactly what you'll get with Makai Charters' 12-hour offshore adventure from Rehoboth Beach. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a serious day of fishing where you'll have the time and opportunity to target trophy species like bluefin tuna, mahi-mahi, and even marlin in the rich Mid-Atlantic waters.
When you book this 12-hour charter with Makai Charters, you're signing up for the real deal. We'll meet at the dock before dawn – yeah, it's early, but that's when the fish are most active and you'll want every minute on the water you can get. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers, which means plenty of room to work without bumping elbows and more fish per person when the action heats up. Our experienced captains know these waters like the back of their hand, from the productive canyons to the temperature breaks where pelagic species love to hunt. You'll be fishing with quality gear that can handle whatever decides to grab your bait, whether it's a 20-pound mahi or a 200-pound bluefin. The crew will handle rigging, gaffing, and icing your catch – your job is to enjoy the fight and soak up the satisfaction of landing some serious fish. Just remember to pack your own food and drinks since meals aren't included, and trust me, you'll work up an appetite out there.
This is primarily a trolling operation, and for good reason – it's the most effective way to cover water and locate active fish in the offshore environment. We'll be running a spread of lures and rigged baits at different depths and distances behind the boat, targeting everything from surface-feeding mahi to deeper-running tuna. The boat is equipped with quality rods and reels rated for big fish, plus all the terminal tackle you'll need. Depending on conditions and what we're marking on the fish finder, we might switch things up with some chunking or live bait fishing, especially if we find a good concentration of tuna. The captains are constantly reading the water – looking for temperature breaks, current edges, floating debris, and bird activity that signals feeding fish below. You'll learn to spot these signs too, and it'll make you a better angler whether you're fishing from shore or boat in the future. The gear is maintained to handle the punishment that comes with fighting big pelagic fish, so you can focus on the battle without worrying about equipment failure.
Let's talk about what's swimming out there and why each species will get your heart pumping. Yellowfin tuna are the workhorses of these waters, typically running 20 to 60 pounds with the occasional 80+ pound cow mixed in. They're strong, fast fighters that make long runs and test both your skill and endurance. Best action usually happens from late spring through fall, and they love to feed around structure and temperature breaks. What makes them so exciting is their raw power – they'll strip line off your reel like it's going out of style. Bluefin tuna are the holy grail for many offshore anglers, and Delaware's waters see some impressive fish, especially during their spring and fall migrations. These are the fish that can easily top 100 pounds and will give you a workout you won't forget. They're incredibly smart and can be finicky about what they'll eat, which makes landing one even more rewarding.
Mahi-mahi, or dolphinfish as they're properly called, bring color and acrobatics to your fishing day. They're gorgeous fish with their bright yellows and greens, and they love to jump when hooked. While they typically range from 10 to 30 pounds in these waters, they often travel in schools, so when you find one, you're likely to find more. They're particularly active around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature changes. Blue marlin and white marlin represent the ultimate offshore trophy – these are the fish that fishing dreams are made of. Blue marlin can exceed 400 pounds and will test every aspect of your fishing skills and equipment. White marlin are smaller but incredibly acrobatic, known for their spectacular jumps and stubborn fights. Marlin season typically peaks in summer and early fall, and while they're not guaranteed, the possibility of hooking one adds an extra level of excitement to every trip. Both species are typically released, but the photos and memories last a lifetime.
A 12-hour offshore charter with Makai Charters isn't just a fishing trip – it's a legitimate shot at some of the best fishing the Mid-Atlantic has to offer. You'll spend quality time in proven fishing grounds, learn from experienced captains, and have the opportunity to tangle with fish that most anglers only dream about. The combination of productive waters, quality equipment, and knowledgeable crew gives you the best possible chance at a memorable day on the water. Whether you're an experienced offshore angler or looking to step up your fishing game, this trip delivers the authentic Delaware offshore experience. The 4-person capacity means you can bring your fishing buddies or family members who are ready for some serious angling action. Don't let another season pass without experiencing what these waters have to offer – book your 12-hour charter with Makai Charters and get ready for a day of fishing you'll be talking about for years to come.
This 2022 Sportsman 282 TE is built for serious offshore fishing along Delaware's coast. At 28 feet with twin 300HP Yamaha engines, she cuts through Mid-Atlantic swells with ease, getting you to the productive fishing grounds where tuna, Mahi-Mahi, and Marlin roam. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, making it ideal for small groups who want plenty of room to work their lines without bumping elbows. You'll find everything you need for a successful day on the water - a fish finder to locate the action, GPS and radar for safe navigation, VHF radio for communication, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure, while the onboard toilet means no cutting trips short. Built tough for offshore conditions, this Sportsman delivers the reliability you want when you're miles from shore chasing trophy fish in deep water.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the giants of the billfish world - females can hit over 1,000 pounds while males rarely exceed 350. These apex predators cruise the warm offshore waters, using their spear-like bills to stun prey like tuna and mackerel. Out here off Delaware, we find them in the deeper blue water during summer months when water temps climb above 70 degrees. What makes them special is their raw power and acrobatic fights - they'll leap clear out of the water and make blistering runs that test your gear and stamina. The meat's decent eating, though most folks prefer the trophy and photos. Pro tip: when you see that bill come up behind your bait, don't set the hook right away. Let them eat it and turn before you come tight - patience pays off with these smart fish.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail of tuna fishing - these warm-blooded giants average 100-400 pounds but can push 800 off our coast. They're built like submarines with dark blue backs and silver bellies, cruising both shallow and deep water following bait schools. Late fall through early spring brings them close to shore, though you might find them year-round in the right conditions. What makes them legendary is their incredible strength - they'll make runs that strip hundreds of yards of line and dive to depths that test your equipment. Plus, their meat is the gold standard for sushi and sashimi. The challenge is they're extremely regulated, so know your rules. Best tip: when chunking for them, use whatever bait they're feeding on locally - usually herring or mackerel. Set up a chum slick and be patient. These fish are smart and spooky, but worth every minute of the wait.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll catch - brilliant gold sides with electric blue and green colors that light up like a neon sign when they're fighting. Most run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen some push 60. They love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks in that 100-300 foot range. Best action happens late spring through early fall when water warms up. What makes them awesome is they're aggressive fighters that jump like crazy, plus they're hands-down the best eating fish out here - firm, white meat that's perfect on the grill. They travel in schools, so when you hook one, get another line out fast. Here's the trick: if you see birds working over floating grass or debris, that's your money shot. Mahi use that structure as ambush cover.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite Marlin are the smaller cousins of Blues, typically running 60-120 pounds, but don't let size fool you - they're pure athletes with serious jumping ability. These billfish patrol the deep blue water along canyon edges and temperature breaks, hunting flying fish and small tunas. Peak season runs June through September when they follow warm water currents north. What makes them special is their acrobatic show - they'll tail-walk across the surface and throw the hook if you're not careful. They're also great eating compared to larger billfish. The real trick with whites is watching the water behind your baits, not just the baits themselves. They'll come up and look, maybe tap it with their bill before committing. When you see that shadow, don't react - let them take it and swim off before setting up. Patience beats excitement every time with these smart fish.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are built like torpedoes and fight like they're shot out of one - these 50-100 pound speedsters can hit 50 mph and dive deep when hooked. You'll find them in the blue water column, usually top 200 feet, following bait schools and temperature breaks. Summer into fall gives us our best shot when they're chasing flying fish and squid offshore. What draws people to them is that incredible stamina - they'll make long, powerful runs that really test your drag system, plus they're premium table fare. That bright yellow meat is perfect for sashimi or searing. The key is watching for diving birds - they'll lead you right to feeding yellowfin. Once you mark fish on the sounder but they won't bite your trolling spread, drop down a vertical jig. Sometimes you gotta go to them instead of waiting for them to come up.
Delaware