Rusty Reel Charters 

4.8/5 (37 reviews)
 39415 Inlet Road, Bethany Beach, DE 19971, United States

Rusty Reel Charters 

Bethany Beach, DE, United States
36 ft
6
4.8/5 (37 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!

James McGeehan
Captain
James McGeehan
21 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
August 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
4 Hour Trip (AM)
Just booked! Last booked: 7 hours ago
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Dec 31
Seabass (Black)
Flounder
Tautog
US $900
Entire boat: up to 6 people
8 Hour Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seabass (Black)
Flounder
US $1,400
Entire boat: up to 6 people
10 hour trip
In high demand Last booked: 5 days ago
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
10 hour trip starts at 5:00 AM
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Tuna (Bluefin)
Tuna (Yellowfin)
Wahoo
+1
US $2,000
Entire boat: up to 6 people
12 Hour Trip – Offshore
In high demand Last booked: 21 hours ago
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
12 hour trip starts at 5:00 AM
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Marlin (Blue)
Marlin (White)
Tuna (Bluefin)
+5
US $2,600
Entire boat: up to 6 people
There are 16 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.8
37 reviews
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (53)

What anglers say

95%
Recommended
95%
Caught fish

All reviews (37)

Frequently mentioned
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Showing 15 of 37 reviews
Jennifer Sims
Jennifer Sims
us
New Jersey, US
Member since 2026
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
James McGeehan
Response from Captain

Thank you everyone. Next time lets go farther 😎👍

Christopher L Farrands
Christopher L Farrands
Repeat angler
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2016
2 trips
5.0
Verified
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
James McGeehan
Response from Captain

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 👍

Amy Delong
Amy Delong
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Made it happen…
12 Hour Trip – Offshore on July 11, 20266 adults

Capt Steve and Derick did a good job. Went out to the canyon (like much of the fleet) Tuna and Mahi weren’t biting, after giving it his best Steve consulted our group and we pivoted to Tile fish. We finished strong with a full cooler and everyone at their limit. After retuning to the marina and chatting with other boats we made the right call by shifting.

Richard Beam
Richard Beam
us
Maryland, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
New
Great Memories!
12 Hour Trip – Offshore on July 27, 20266 adults

A true fishing experience! The Rusty Reel is an older boat, the sign of a good work boat! We were catching tuna as to where other boats around us weren't. The Captain and Mate were vey well experienced and got us our fish! We will definitely repeat this trip! I highly recommend The Rusty Reel!!!

Reported catch:
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Bluefin Tuna
James McGeehan
Response from Captain

see you next time. thankyou all very much!!👍😎

Jeremy Guinn
Jeremy Guinn
us
New Jersey, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
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.

FAQs about Rusty Reel Charters

Rusty Reel Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $900 per group - 4 Hour Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $1,400 per group - 8 Hour Trip (8 hours)
  • US $2,000 per group - 10 hour trip (10 hours)
  • US $2,600 per group - 12 Hour Trip – Offshore (12 hours)
When you book a trip with Rusty Reel Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet private bath with flushing WC electric flush.
  • Air conditioning Cabin central A/C
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed Kitchen table and bench sets
  • Flybridge
  • Kitchen Microwave, Electric oven
  • Refrigerator Yes
  • Multimedia system HAVE
  • Outriggers
  • Ice box Ice storage
  • Radar
Trips booked with Rusty Reel Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Must be cleaned at Marina and payed by customer)
  • First mate (Derick has been fishihg with me since he was five years old. He loves teaching the children and is always giving them tips on fishing techniques)
  • Fishing license (No fishing the bay its to shallow)
Rusty Reel Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing (Not the rehobeth bay )
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing (As far as the canyons which is up to about 100 miles as the seagull flys)
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
Rusty Reel Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Jigging
  • Drift fishing
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Rusty Reel Charters include:
  • Bass (Striped)
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Flounder
  • Marlin (Blue)
  • Marlin (White)
  • Seabass (Black)
  • Tilefish
  • Tuna (Bigeye)
  • Tuna (Bluefin)
  • Tuna (Yellowfin)
  • Wahoo

Your captain

James McGeehan
James McGeehan
James McGeehan

Bethany Beach, Delaware, United States

3 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
37 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since June 2024
Angler's Choice

The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.

Capt. James is experienced in navigating the waters of Bethany Beach, Delaware and is ready to take you on a therapeutic fishing excursion. The crew will demonstrate techniques such as bottom fishing, trolling, drifting, jigging, or something unique to the area. The only way to learn is to join them on the water.

3 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
37 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since June 2024
Angler's Choice

The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.

Capt. James is experienced in navigating the waters of Bethany Beach, Delaware and is ready to take you on a therapeutic fishing excursion. The crew will demonstrate techniques such as bottom fishing, trolling, drifting, jigging, or something unique to the area. The only way to learn is to join them on the water.

The fish you can target

Striped Bass
Striped Bass
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Flounder
Flounder
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin
White Marlin
White Marlin
Black Seabass
Black Seabass
Tilefish
Tilefish
Bigeye Tuna
Bigeye Tuna
Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Wahoo
Wahoo
Striped Bass
Striped Bass
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Flounder
Flounder
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin
White Marlin
White Marlin

Real catches by this captain

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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

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Not the rehobeth bay
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
As far as the canyons which is up to about 100 miles as the seagull flys
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Jigging
Drift Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
private bath with flushing WC electric flush.
Air conditioning
Cabin central A/C
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Kitchen table and bench sets
Flybridge
Kitchen
Microwave, Electric oven
Refrigerator
Yes
Multimedia system
HAVE
Outriggers
Ice box
Ice storage
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Must be cleaned at Marina and payed by customer
First mate
Derick has been fishihg with me since he was five years old. He loves teaching the children and is always giving them tips on fishing techniques
Fishing license
No fishing the bay its to shallow

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child friendly
We try our best to give the youngster a hands on experience
You keep catch
Crew keeps catch
only for giant bluefin
Catch and release allowed
marlin

How you can pay

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 Checks

What’s biting in Bethany Beach right now

Bass (Striped)Bass (Striped)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
FlounderFlounder
Marlin (Blue)Marlin (Blue)
Marlin (White)Marlin (White)
Seabass (Black)Seabass (Black)
Tuna (Bigeye)Tuna (Bigeye)
Tuna (Bluefin)Tuna (Bluefin)
Tuna (Yellowfin)Tuna (Yellowfin)
WahooWahoo

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