Rehoboth Beach Delaware Fishing Charters
When you're looking for serious fishing action along the Delaware coast, Makai Charters delivers exactly what you came for. Captain Larry and his experienced crew know these Mid-Atlantic waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're after bottom dwellers or pelagic species. With flexible trip lengths from 4 to 8 hours, you've got time to target multiple species and really dial in your technique. The boat's equipped with quality gear, but what sets this operation apart is the crew's commitment to keeping your lines in the water and maximizing your chances at a full cooler.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts at the Rehoboth Beach marina where you'll meet Captain Larry and his first mate. These guys handle all the prep work – rigging lines, prepping bait, and getting the gear sorted while you grab your coffee and get ready for a productive day. The boat's a well-maintained vessel that handles the offshore conditions with ease, giving you a stable platform for fighting fish. Depending on what's biting and the season, you might head to the inshore structure for sea bass and flounder, or push out further to target mahi-mahi and tuna. The crew keeps multiple lines working at once, and when fish start hitting, they're right there to reset your rig and get you back in the action. Don't worry if you're new to offshore fishing – they'll coach you through fighting larger fish and make sure you're set up for success from the first cast.
Proven Techniques & Tactics
Captain Larry runs a mix of bottom fishing and trolling depending on what you're targeting. For sea bass and flounder, you'll be working jigs and cut bait around structure and drop-offs where these fish congregate. The crew knows the productive spots and will move around until you find active fish. When targeting mahi-mahi, they'll troll the weed lines and debris fields where these fish hunt, using a spread of lures and rigged baits. For tuna, it's all about reading the water temperature breaks and bird activity. The boat carries quality rods and reels matched to each technique, and the crew handles all the rigging so you can focus on fishing. They'll coach you on proper jigging cadence for bottom fish and help you manage the fight when you hook into something bigger offshore.
What Anglers Are Saying
"Tremendous day! Capt Larry and 1st mate Bill are absolutely the best. They make the trip as easy as possible to manage and definitely set you up for success. The boat is fantastic and in prime condition, extremely clean and very well equipped. These guys have the "feel of the room" for the group and made this an incredible experience for me and my three sons today." - Patrick
"My son and I had a very successful day of fishing. The Capt and first mate took care of all the prep before launching, and during the trip they would reset all of the lines keeping us fully operational immediately after every catch, with bait on hooks and ready for dropping in throughout our 6-hour trip. They brought us to excellent locations and kept us active — the fish were biting all day. The ride out and back in was quick and smooth." - Daniel
"We lucked out with gorgeous weather. For an early season trip we did well. Caught over 40 Tog and a couple sea bass although we could only keep five Tog. Captain Larry and his first mate worked nonstop repairing our lines. We lost a lot of gear to snags and kept them both very busy. They're really good guys and it was a great day fishing on the water with them. We'll go back! Thank you both for a good time." - Karey Kimmel
Target Species Breakdown
Mahi-mahi are the crown jewel of Mid-Atlantic fishing, and when they're around, you'll know it. These fish travel in schools and are incredibly aggressive, often putting on aerial displays that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when water temperatures climb into the 70s. They're typically found around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks 15-30 miles offshore. What makes them special is their willingness to eat – when you find a school, you can often catch multiple fish before they move on.
Sea bass are the bread and butter of Delaware fishing, available year-round with peak action in spring and fall. These fish hang around structure – wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom where they ambush smaller baitfish. They're scrappy fighters that'll test your jigging technique, and a cooler full of sea bass means some of the best eating you'll find. The Delaware population is healthy, and limits are generous when they're in season.
Spanish mackerel show up in good numbers during the warmer months, typically from late spring through early fall. They're speed demons that hit fast-moving lures and small jigs, often in spectacular fashion near the surface. You'll find them around bait schools in 30-60 feet of water, and they make excellent table fare when handled properly.
Southern flounder are the flatfish prize of the Delaware coast, with the larger "doormat" fish providing both a challenging fight and excellent eating. They're ambush predators that lie buried in sand waiting for baitfish to swim by. Peak fishing happens in spring and fall during their migration, and the Delaware Bay system produces some trophy-class fish. Working a bucktail jig along the bottom or drifting live bait is the preferred technique.
Bluefish are the ultimate aggressive predator, known for their vicious strikes and never-say-die attitude. When blues are feeding, the action can be non-stop with fish hitting anything you throw at them. They school up in massive numbers, especially during their fall migration, creating some of the most exciting fishing Delaware has to offer. Fresh bluefish on the grill is hard to beat,