Delaware Fishing Charters 6 Hour Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour charter targeting sea bass, flounder, tuna, and mahimahiAll fishing gear and experienced captain included in tripSmall group experience with maximum four guests per charter
Ready to spend a proper day on the water? This 6-hour fishing charter out of Rehoboth Beach puts you right in the heart of some of Delaware's most productive fishing grounds. Captain and crew at Makai Charters know these Mid-Atlantic waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod before. We're talking sea bass, flounder, mahi-mahi, and more – all within a reasonable boat ride from the marina. Pack your cooler, grab your fishing license, and get ready for a day that'll have you planning your next trip before you even dock.
You'll be fishing with a small group – just four anglers max – which means plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from the captain. This isn't some cattle boat operation where you're fighting for space at the rail. The boat heads out to a mix of inshore and offshore spots, targeting structure and current breaks where fish like to hang out. Morning trips typically start early to beat the heat and catch fish during their most active feeding periods. The crew provides all the tackle you'll need, from bottom rigs for sea bass to trolling setups for mahi and Spanish mackerel. You'll spend your day moving between spots, adjusting techniques based on what's biting and what the fish are telling you. Expect a laid-back vibe with serious fishing – exactly what a good charter should be.
The captain comes prepared with quality gear suited for Delaware's diverse fishing opportunities. For bottom fishing, you'll be using conventional reels spooled with braided line and circle hooks – perfect for sea bass and flounder that like to hug the bottom around wrecks and structure. When targeting pelagics like mahi-mahi, the crew switches to trolling setups with outriggers, running colorful lures and ballyhoo at different speeds to trigger strikes. Spanish mackerel respond well to smaller spoons and jigs worked through the water column, while bluefish will hit just about anything when they're in feeding mode. The captain reads the water conditions, fish activity, and seasonal patterns to decide which techniques to deploy. Don't worry if you're new to any of these methods – the crew will walk you through everything from setting the hook to fighting fish properly.
Mahi-mahi are the crown jewel of Mid-Atlantic fishing, and Delaware waters see good runs from late spring through early fall. These fish are pure excitement – they hit lures aggressively, jump like crazy when hooked, and put up a fight that'll test your arms and your drag system. Most mahi here run 10-25 pounds, with the occasional bull pushing 30-plus. They travel in schools around floating debris and weed lines, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. The bonus? Mahi taste as good as they fight.
Sea bass are the bread and butter of Delaware fishing, available year-round with peak action in spring and fall. These chunky bottom dwellers hang around wrecks, reefs, and rocky structure in 30-80 feet of water. They're not the flashiest fish, but they're willing biters and excellent table fare. Most sea bass you'll catch run 12-16 inches, with keeper-sized fish (15+ inches) providing steady action on most trips. They hit cut bait, squid, and small jigs, making them perfect for anglers still learning the ropes.
Spanish mackerel show up in Delaware waters during the warmer months, typically May through October. These fast-moving predators travel in schools and provide non-stop action when you locate them. They're smaller than their king mackerel cousins – most run 1-3 pounds – but they make up for size with sheer numbers and attitude. Spanish mackerel have razor-sharp teeth and hit small lures with surprising violence for their size. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters when prepared fresh.
Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. Delaware's flounder fishing peaks in spring and fall when these flatfish move through local waters during their seasonal migrations. Keeper flounder (16+ inches) are prized catches that require patience and technique – they're subtle biters that often just pick up your bait and swim off slowly. The reward for persistence is some of the finest eating fish in the ocean, with sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat.
Bluefish are the aggressive bullies of Delaware waters, traveling in schools and attacking anything that looks like food. These toothy predators show up throughout the fishing season, with peak numbers in spring and fall. Blues range from small "snappers" perfect for beginners to larger fish pushing 10+ pounds that'll give you a real workout. They're not picky eaters – bluefish will hit live bait, cut bait, lures, and pretty much anything else you throw at them when they're feeding. Handle them carefully though – those teeth are sharp and they know how to use them.
This 6-hour charter hits the sweet spot between a quick trip and an all-day commitment, giving you plenty of time to get on fish without wearing yourself out. The small group size means you get the attention you deserve, whether you need help with technique or just want to learn more about reading the water. Makai Charters has built a reputation for putting clients on fish while keeping things fun and educational. Remember to bring your Delaware fishing license, some snacks, and sunscreen – everything else is provided. With only four spots available per trip, these charters fill up fast during peak season. Book your trip now and get ready to see why Delaware's fishing scene keeps anglers coming back year after year.
The 2022 Sportsman 282 TE is your ticket to prime fishing waters off Rehoboth Beach. This 28-footer packs serious punch with twin 300HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the hotspots fast, whether you're chasing flounder in the shallows or heading out for tuna and mahi-mahi. Built to handle up to 4 anglers comfortably, she's got everything you need for a successful day on the water. The fish finder helps locate schools while GPS and radar keep you on course. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus there's a wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on spooky fish without spooking them. VHF radio keeps you connected, and the onboard toilet means no cutting trips short. This boat's sturdy construction handles Mid-Atlantic chop with ease, so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the cooler. Perfect setup for small groups looking to make the most of Delaware's productive fishing grounds.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the bulldogs of our waters - aggressive, hard-fighting, and always hungry. These blue-green fighters typically run 3-8 pounds but can push 15+ during good years. You'll find them roaming open water, around bait schools, and near structure from spring through fall. They're famous for their "bluefish blitzes" where they'll corner bait at the surface and go absolutely crazy. Guests love the explosive strikes and strong runs they make. The smaller ones are great eating when bled and iced immediately - firm, flavorful meat. The bigger blues have stronger taste but still make good smoked fish. Key tip: when you see birds diving and water churning white, that's likely a bluefish blitz. Get there fast with metal jigs or cut bait. Use a wire leader too - those razor teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are what dreams are made of out here. Mahi typically run 15-30 pounds around Delaware waters, though we've seen some push 40+. They love floating debris and weedlines, usually in that 60-200 foot range where the water turns that deep blue. Summer through early fall is prime time when they follow the warm Gulf Stream closer to our coast. What makes them special? That fight is pure gold - they'll jump, run, and put on a light show of colors that'll have you scrambling for your camera. Plus, the meat is restaurant-quality white and flaky. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look around - where there's one mahi, there's usually a school. We'll often get doubles or triples once we dial in on them.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the workhorses of our Delaware waters and perfect for building confidence. These dark, chunky fish average 1-2 pounds but can surprise you with 5+ pounders around our local wrecks and reefs. They hang tight to bottom structure - think 40-80 feet around rocky areas, artificial reefs, and shipwrecks. Spring through fall is when they're most active, especially May through October. What guests love is their aggressive bite and excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for kids and beginners since they're willing biters. Here's the key: drop your bait right to the bottom, then lift it just a foot or two. Sea bass are lazy and won't chase food far, but they'll absolutely hammer anything presented right in their face.
Paralichthys LethostigmaFlounder are the masters of disguise lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms throughout Delaware Bay and nearshore waters. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and can hit 5+ pounds, with both eyes on their left side - nature's weird but it works. You'll find them in shallow bays, around inlet mouths, and over sandy bottom in 10-30 feet from spring through late fall. What makes them popular is they're excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat fried up. Plus, they're a fun challenge since you're sight fishing or feeling for that subtle tap. The secret is slow presentation with live minnows or squid strips. Drift along sandy edges and drop-offs, keeping your bait right on bottom. When you feel that light tap-tap-tap, don't set the hook immediately - let them take it and swim off first.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and put some serious bend in your rod. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds and are covered in yellow spots that make them easy to identify. You'll find them in schools near the surface around inshore reefs, piers, and drop-offs in 20-60 feet of water. Late spring through early fall is peak season when water temps hit the 70s. Guests love them because they're fast, feisty fighters that make screaming runs, plus they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. The trick is speed - use small, shiny spoons or jigs and retrieve them fast. When you see birds working or breaking fish on the surface, get there quickly but don't run right through the school. Approach from the side and cast into the action.
Delaware