Rusty Reel Charters 

4.8/5 (24 reviews)
 39415 Inlet Road, Bethany Beach, DE 19971, United States

Rusty Reel Charters 

4.8/5 (24 reviews)
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39415 Inlet Road
Bethany Beach, DE, United States

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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Rating

4.8
24 reviews
5
23
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
1
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (35)

Two anglers inside the boat's helm area, focused on navigating during their fishing trip.
A young angler is preparing to store several caught fish in a cooler on a fishing boat, showcasing a successful day on the water.
A young angler proudly displaying a caught flounder while fishing on a boat, with friends enjoying the sunny day at sea.
Two anglers engaged in fishing on a boat, with one actively reeling in a catch while the other prepares bait.
A group of anglers proudly posing with their catch of multiple Black Sea Bass on the dock after a successful fishing trip.
Angler reeling in a catch while fishing on a charter boat in open waters, showcasing the excitement of deep-sea fishing.
+29

All reviews (24)

Filter
Showing 15 of 24 reviews
Jennifer Sims
Jennifer Sims
us
New Jersey, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
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!
A young angler is preparing to store several caught fish in a cooler on a fishing boat, showcasing a successful day on the water.
Two anglers inside the boat's helm area, focused on navigating during their fishing trip.
Two anglers engaged in fishing on a boat, with one actively reeling in a catch while the other prepares bait.
A young angler proudly displaying a caught flounder while fishing on a boat, with friends enjoying the sunny day at sea.
Reported catch:
Black Seabass
Flounder
Response from Captain
May 17, 2026
Thank you everyone. Next time lets go farther 😎👍
0
Dan Taylor
Dan Taylor
us
North Carolina, US
Member since 2025
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.
A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of Black Sea Bass on a dock at a marina, with fishing boats in the background.
1
Tammy Zelnick
Tammy Zelnick
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Great fun trip
4 Hour Trip (AM) on July 3, 20254 adults
Captain Steve went out of his way throughout he trip to give us the best experience. We caught over 100 fish and were always getting bites constantly. The equipment was nice and plenty of bait was provided. It was an overall a fun experience and I would recommend others to take this charter.
Reported catch:
Black Seabass
Flounder
3
John Cappiello
John Cappiello
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Highly recommend
4 Hour Trip (AM) on August 15, 20253 adults
Captain Steve and his first mate put us on fish as soon as we dropped the lines. Caught close to 100 fish with 24 keepers between three of us. Atmosphere was fun and friendly, making a very fun trip the second we arrived. Will be for sure be booking again!
Three anglers proudly displaying their catch of Black Sea Bass on a fishing charter, with a scenic ocean backdrop.
Reported catch:
Black Seabass
Flounder
1
Timothy Czekaj
Timothy Czekaj
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Fish onnnn!
4 Hour Trip (AM) on July 29, 20256 adults
Steve and Derick were great! Really patient and instructional with kids. Caught probably 100 fish or more. Around 40 keepers. Kids were ready to go to the ocean versus the bay. Glad we went with this crew. George and Merle on the radio, and plenty of fish! Great trip!
A group of anglers, including children, proudly display their catch of multiple fish laid out on the dock after a successful fishing trip.
A family poses on the side of the 'Rusty Reel' boat in Indian River, DE, showcasing a fun day on the water.
Two young boys relaxing in comfortable bean bag seats on a fishing boat, enjoying a scenic view of waterfront homes.
A young angler proudly displaying a Black Sea Bass while fishing on a boat, surrounded by fellow anglers on a sunny day.
Reported catch:
Black Seabass
3

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
May 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
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 5 people looking at this charter.

Rating

4.8
24 reviews
5
23
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
1
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (35)

Two anglers inside the boat's helm area, focused on navigating during their fishing trip.
A young angler is preparing to store several caught fish in a cooler on a fishing boat, showcasing a successful day on the water.
A young angler proudly displaying a caught flounder while fishing on a boat, with friends enjoying the sunny day at sea.
Two anglers engaged in fishing on a boat, with one actively reeling in a catch while the other prepares bait.
A group of anglers proudly posing with their catch of multiple Black Sea Bass on the dock after a successful fishing trip.
Angler reeling in a catch while fishing on a charter boat in open waters, showcasing the excitement of deep-sea fishing.
+29

All reviews (24)

Filter
Showing 15 of 24 reviews
Jennifer Sims
Jennifer Sims
us
New Jersey, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
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!
A young angler is preparing to store several caught fish in a cooler on a fishing boat, showcasing a successful day on the water.
Two anglers inside the boat's helm area, focused on navigating during their fishing trip.
Two anglers engaged in fishing on a boat, with one actively reeling in a catch while the other prepares bait.
A young angler proudly displaying a caught flounder while fishing on a boat, with friends enjoying the sunny day at sea.
Reported catch:
Black Seabass
Flounder
Response from Captain
May 17, 2026
Thank you everyone. Next time lets go farther 😎👍
0
Dan Taylor
Dan Taylor
us
North Carolina, US
Member since 2025
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.
A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of Black Sea Bass on a dock at a marina, with fishing boats in the background.
1
Tammy Zelnick
Tammy Zelnick
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Great fun trip
4 Hour Trip (AM) on July 3, 20254 adults
Captain Steve went out of his way throughout he trip to give us the best experience. We caught over 100 fish and were always getting bites constantly. The equipment was nice and plenty of bait was provided. It was an overall a fun experience and I would recommend others to take this charter.
Reported catch:
Black Seabass
Flounder
3
John Cappiello
John Cappiello
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Highly recommend
4 Hour Trip (AM) on August 15, 20253 adults
Captain Steve and his first mate put us on fish as soon as we dropped the lines. Caught close to 100 fish with 24 keepers between three of us. Atmosphere was fun and friendly, making a very fun trip the second we arrived. Will be for sure be booking again!
Three anglers proudly displaying their catch of Black Sea Bass on a fishing charter, with a scenic ocean backdrop.
Reported catch:
Black Seabass
Flounder
1
Timothy Czekaj
Timothy Czekaj
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Fish onnnn!
4 Hour Trip (AM) on July 29, 20256 adults
Steve and Derick were great! Really patient and instructional with kids. Caught probably 100 fish or more. Around 40 keepers. Kids were ready to go to the ocean versus the bay. Glad we went with this crew. George and Merle on the radio, and plenty of fish! Great trip!
A group of anglers, including children, proudly display their catch of multiple fish laid out on the dock after a successful fishing trip.
A family poses on the side of the 'Rusty Reel' boat in Indian River, DE, showcasing a fun day on the water.
Two young boys relaxing in comfortable bean bag seats on a fishing boat, enjoying a scenic view of waterfront homes.
A young angler proudly displaying a Black Sea Bass while fishing on a boat, surrounded by fellow anglers on a sunny day.
Reported catch:
Black Seabass
3

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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