Rusty Reel Charters 

4.8/5 (27 reviews)
Recent reports
 39415 Inlet Road, Bethany Beach, DE 19971, United States

Rusty Reel Charters 

Bethany Beach, DE, United States
36 ft
6
4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Make the most of your time in Bethany Beach and go fishing with Rusty Reel Charters. Having logged many hours on these tides, Captain Steve can tell you all about the local fishery.

These waters are known for Bluefish, Mahi Mahi, Flounder, Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Black Seabass, Speckled Trout, Tilefish, Albacore Tuna, Bigeye Tuna, Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, and more – with any luck, they'll make your reel scream. For these species, you're likely to troll and bottom fish.

Families making a day of it will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! Be sure to ask if child-sized life vests are available, otherwise you should bring your own. Snacks are also a good idea to ward off any mid-trip fatigue!

Your day begins aboard a 36' Topaz sportfishing vessel that can carry up to 6 passengers. It comes with outriggers, downriggers, and all the essentials. There's a toilet on board for your convenience. Rods, reels, and tackle are covered by the charter, along with lures. Live bait is available, but be sure to ask about it so you know if you'll be catching it yourself.

You'll have the help of a First Mate to put you on fish. It's customary to tip the Mate 10–20% to show your appreciation.

The charter boat covers your fishing license, so all you have to do is show up ready for a good time! Have in mind that some fish may have harvest limits or closed seasons. Your captain will help you follow regulations while you fish.

It's recommended to bring sunglasses, sunscreen (non-spray), bottled water, and a hat. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Now, come aboard with Rusty Reel Charters and get hooked!

Make the most of your time in Bethany Beach and go fishing with Rusty Reel Charters. Having logged many hours on these tides, Captain Steve can tell you all about the local fishery.

These waters are known for Bluefish, Mahi Mahi, Flounder, Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Black Seabass, Speckled Trout, Tilefish, Albacore Tuna, Bigeye Tuna, Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, and more – with any luck, they'll make your reel scream. For these species, you're likely to troll and bottom fish.

Families making a day of it will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! Be sure to ask if child-sized life vests are available, otherwise you should bring your own. Snacks are also a good idea to ward off any mid-trip fatigue!

Your day begins aboard a 36' Topaz sportfishing vessel that can carry up to 6 passengers. It comes with outriggers, downriggers, and all the essentials. There's a toilet on board for your convenience. Rods, reels, and tackle are covered by the charter, along with lures. Live bait is available, but be sure to ask about it so you know if you'll be catching it yourself.

You'll have the help of a First Mate to put you on fish. It's customary to tip the Mate 10–20% to show your appreciation.

The charter boat covers your fishing license, so all you have to do is show up ready for a good time! Have in mind that some fish may have harvest limits or closed seasons. Your captain will help you follow regulations while you fish.

It's recommended to bring sunglasses, sunscreen (non-spray), bottled water, and a hat. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Now, come aboard with Rusty Reel Charters and get hooked!

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Customer reviews

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Rating

4.8
27 reviews
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (41)

All reviews (27)

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Showing 15 of 27 reviews
Christopher L Farrands
Christopher L Farrands
Repeat angler
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2016
2 trips
1
5.0
Verified
New
Great trip!
12 Hour Trip – Offshore on June 13, 20265 adults
We had a great trip with Steve and Derek on the Rusty Reel. They did a great job with managing the timing of things throughout the day, keeping things moving and ultimately helping our group of 5 with having a great full day out to the canyons. Several first time folks in the group. We caught 1 tuna within minutes of being out. After that we were a little slow for an hour or so and pivoted to Tile fish (caught 23 of them). Then the captain said lets move and get back into Tuna this afternoon before the day is shot. Caught 2 more tuna because of that call. Great boat and crew.
Reported catch:
Bluefin Tuna
Tilefish
Response from Captain
June 14, 2026
Derek and I had a great time with you guys. Hope to see you again next time your here for some more fun and new experiences 👍
Jennifer Sims
Jennifer Sims
us
New Jersey, US
Member since 2026
1
5.0
Verified
What a trip!
4 Hour Trip (AM) on May 12, 20266 adults
I'll start by saying that Captain McGeehan was great! He's funny and interesting. Most of all, he actually gives a damn about his charters! He went above and beyond to ensure that we were having a nice time. He made sure that the weather was optimal for our excursion. He went out of his way to make sure that we were catching fish, and boy did we catch some fish! Our first mate, Derrick kept our lines in tract, or hooks baited and even caught a massive flounder! 22 inches! The boat was everything we needed and more. Comfy ride, even in medium chop. We had a terrific time and look forward to hanging out with Captain McGeehan again. I urge you, book your trips now! Once others catch on, you'll have a hard time snagging a trip with the best Captain in Delaware!
Reported catch:
Black Seabass
Flounder
Response from Captain
May 17, 2026
Thank you everyone. Next time lets go farther 😎👍
Jeremy Guinn
Jeremy Guinn
us
New Jersey, US
Member since 2025
0
5.0
Verified
New
Great day & Great crew
4 Hour Trip (AM) on June 16, 20264 adults2 children
Went out with the family (four adults and two children) for a four hour trip and was pleased with the patience and kindness of Captain Steve and First Mate Derrick. They both took the time to work with the new anglers (12 and six year old) to ensure they had a good time (it is amazing how well your kids listen to others). We had a great time and plan to re-book in the future.
Dave Mills
Dave Mills
us
Virginia, US
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
New
June fishing trip
4 Hour Trip (AM) on June 20, 20263 adults
Response from Captain
June 20, 2026
Thanks Dave we enjoyed your company. Hopefully we will see you guys for a longer trip. late July is still good for big sea bass but also have a chance for mahi.
Dan Taylor
Dan Taylor
us
North Carolina, US
Member since 2025
1
5.0
Verified
Birthday Gift went a Drift
4 Hour Trip (AM) on August 16, 20255 adults
A joint birthday gift to my son and his family. All had a great time. Derick, the first mate, was right on top of taking our catch off the hook, as well as keeping bait on our hooks. Although only catching 18 keepers, we all had a great time, even with the “throw back” ones. Planning another trip already.

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
June 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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4 Hour Trip (AM)
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Dec 31
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US $900
Entire boat: up to 6 people
8 Hour Trip
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
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US $1,400
Entire boat: up to 6 people
10 hour trip
10 hour trip starts at 5:00 AM
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US $2,000
Entire boat: up to 6 people
12 Hour Trip – Offshore
12 hour trip starts at 5:00 AM
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US $2,600
Entire boat: up to 6 people
There are 19 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.8
27 reviews
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (41)

All reviews (27)

Filter
Frequently mentioned
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Showing 15 of 27 reviews
Christopher L Farrands
Christopher L Farrands
Repeat angler
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2016
2 trips
1
5.0
Verified
New
Great trip!
12 Hour Trip – Offshore on June 13, 20265 adults
We had a great trip with Steve and Derek on the Rusty Reel. They did a great job with managing the timing of things throughout the day, keeping things moving and ultimately helping our group of 5 with having a great full day out to the canyons. Several first time folks in the group. We caught 1 tuna within minutes of being out. After that we were a little slow for an hour or so and pivoted to Tile fish (caught 23 of them). Then the captain said lets move and get back into Tuna this afternoon before the day is shot. Caught 2 more tuna because of that call. Great boat and crew.
Reported catch:
Bluefin Tuna
Tilefish
Response from Captain
June 14, 2026
Derek and I had a great time with you guys. Hope to see you again next time your here for some more fun and new experiences 👍
Jennifer Sims
Jennifer Sims
us
New Jersey, US
Member since 2026
1
5.0
Verified
What a trip!
4 Hour Trip (AM) on May 12, 20266 adults
I'll start by saying that Captain McGeehan was great! He's funny and interesting. Most of all, he actually gives a damn about his charters! He went above and beyond to ensure that we were having a nice time. He made sure that the weather was optimal for our excursion. He went out of his way to make sure that we were catching fish, and boy did we catch some fish! Our first mate, Derrick kept our lines in tract, or hooks baited and even caught a massive flounder! 22 inches! The boat was everything we needed and more. Comfy ride, even in medium chop. We had a terrific time and look forward to hanging out with Captain McGeehan again. I urge you, book your trips now! Once others catch on, you'll have a hard time snagging a trip with the best Captain in Delaware!
Reported catch:
Black Seabass
Flounder
Response from Captain
May 17, 2026
Thank you everyone. Next time lets go farther 😎👍
Jeremy Guinn
Jeremy Guinn
us
New Jersey, US
Member since 2025
0
5.0
Verified
New
Great day & Great crew
4 Hour Trip (AM) on June 16, 20264 adults2 children
Went out with the family (four adults and two children) for a four hour trip and was pleased with the patience and kindness of Captain Steve and First Mate Derrick. They both took the time to work with the new anglers (12 and six year old) to ensure they had a good time (it is amazing how well your kids listen to others). We had a great time and plan to re-book in the future.
Dave Mills
Dave Mills
us
Virginia, US
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
New
June fishing trip
4 Hour Trip (AM) on June 20, 20263 adults
Response from Captain
June 20, 2026
Thanks Dave we enjoyed your company. Hopefully we will see you guys for a longer trip. late July is still good for big sea bass but also have a chance for mahi.
Dan Taylor
Dan Taylor
us
North Carolina, US
Member since 2025
1
5.0
Verified
Birthday Gift went a Drift
4 Hour Trip (AM) on August 16, 20255 adults
A joint birthday gift to my son and his family. All had a great time. Derick, the first mate, was right on top of taking our catch off the hook, as well as keeping bait on our hooks. Although only catching 18 keepers, we all had a great time, even with the “throw back” ones. Planning another trip already.

FAQs about Rusty Reel Charters

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The fish you can target

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What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
36 ft
Year built
1983
Restored in
2020
Boat manufacturer
Topaz
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
Yanmar
Powered by
2 x 440HP
Max cruising speed
26 knots
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