Rusty Reel ChartersΒ 

4.8
(45 reviews)
Β 39415 Inlet Road, Bethany Beach, DE 19971, United States–

Rusty Reel ChartersΒ 

Bethany Beach, DE, United States
–
36 ft
6
4.8
(45 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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Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
September 2026
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Group Size
2 adults β€’ 0 children
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4 Hour Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour tripΒ 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
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour tripΒ starts at 7:00 AM
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US $1,400
Entire boat: up to 6 people
10 hour trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
10 hour tripΒ starts at 5:00 AM
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US $2,200
Entire boat: up to 6 people
12 Hour Trip – Offshore
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
12 hour tripΒ 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.

Customer reviews

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Rating

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

Anglers' gallery (64)

What anglers say

96%
Recommended
96%
Caught fish

Reviews (45)

  • Jennifer Sims
    Jennifer Sims
    us
    New Jersey, US
    β€’
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    What a trip!

    4 Hour Trip (AM) on May 12, 2026Β β€’Β 6 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!

  • Christopher L Farrands
    Christopher L Farrands
    Repeat angler
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    β€’
    Member since 2016
    β€’
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great trip!

    12 Hour Trip – Offshore on June 13, 2026Β β€’Β 5 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.

  • Justin Harris
    Justin Harris
    us
    Delaware, US
    β€’
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    great captain aand mate! highly recommend

    10 hour trip on August 30, 2026Β β€’Β 6 adults

    Great trip. The captian was great and knowledgeable. Made sure we caught fish. Caught near our limit in tile, and a few mahi. Looking forward to booking another trip when the tuna come back around.

  • Amy Delong
    Amy Delong
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    β€’
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Made it happen…

    12 Hour Trip – Offshore on July 11, 2026Β β€’Β 6 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.

  • Steve Tunney
    Steve Tunney
    us
    Virginia, US
    β€’
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    lots of action

    8 Hour Trip on September 5, 2026Β β€’Β 6 adults

    Friendly captain and crew. Landed over 130 sea bass, about 40 keepers with our party of 6. Excellent action all day. Would do it again for sure.

  • Rich Beam
    Rich Beam
    us
    Maryland, US
    β€’
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Memories!

    12 Hour Trip – Offshore on July 27, 2026Β β€’Β 6 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!!!

  • Theresa Robinson
    Theresa Robinson
    us
    Colorado, US
    β€’
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Best 1st fishing charter trip

    4 Hour Trip (AM) on July 3, 2026Β β€’Β 2 adults

    Steve our captain was amazing and a welath of knowledge on good fishing spots. His 1st mate, Derek was so helpful when we needed it. I will definitely sign up for another charter with Rusty Reel.

  • Morgan Schenberg
    Morgan Schenberg
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    β€’
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Best first experience!

    8 Hour Trip on June 27, 2026Β β€’Β 6 adults

    We caught 41 sea bass a flounder 3 lings and even a star fish! The captain and his mate were great. showed us great spots and helped us along the way! Would purchase another charter trip with them in the future!

  • Daniel Yingling
    Daniel Yingling
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    β€’
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    steve pit us on fish right off the bats, great instructions on how to catch , knows area well and is willing to cjange trip plans for whats biting, fosh on the table . thanls guys

    10 hour trip on August 20, 2026Β β€’Β 3 adults
  • Chuck Banashefski
    Chuck Banashefski
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    β€’
    Member since 2026
    4.7
    Verified
    New

    awesome trip

    10 hour trip on August 18, 2026Β β€’Β 6 adultsΒ β€’Β 2 children

    οΏΌ capton and mate were great with our kids and got us on. A lot of fish was a great time. οΏΌ

Rating

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

Anglers' gallery (64)

What anglers say

96%
Recommended
96%
Caught fish

All reviews (45)

Frequently mentioned
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ShowingΒ 1 – 5Β ofΒ 45Β reviews
David Heinrich
David Heinrich
us
New York, US
β€’
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
An Unforgettable Family Fishing Adventure with Captain Jim and Tom! 🎣
4 Hour Trip (AM) on August 12, 2026 β€’ 2 adults β€’ 3 children

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We had an excellent fishing trip with Captain Jim and deckhand Tom! I brought my two sons and daughter, and they made sure everyone had a great time. Jim was knowledgeable, friendly, and put us right on the fish. Tom was fantastic with the kidsβ€”patient, helpful, and always ready to bait a hook or lend a hand. The boat was clean, the crew was professional, and the entire experience was fun from start to finish. We made some wonderful family memories and would absolutely book with them again. Highly recommendedβ€”and be sure to ask Captain Jim how much he loves ice cream! 🍦

Response from Captain

bless you, Saint PattyπŸ˜ŽπŸ‘οΏΌ

Jennifer Sims
Jennifer Sims
us
New Jersey, US
β€’
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
What a trip!
4 Hour Trip (AM) on May 12, 2026 β€’ 6 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

Thank you everyone. Next time lets go farther πŸ˜ŽπŸ‘

Christopher L Farrands
Christopher L Farrands
Repeat angler
us
Pennsylvania, US
β€’
Member since 2016
β€’
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Great trip!
12 Hour Trip – Offshore on June 13, 2026 β€’ 5 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

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 πŸ‘

Travis High
Travis High
us
Pennsylvania, US
β€’
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Great Day Fishing
12 Hour Trip – Offshore on August 26, 2026 β€’ 5 adults

We spent the day fishing with Steve and Terry and had a lot of fun. Tuna weren’t in so we didnt waste a lot of time trying. He took is to a place where we caught plenty of tilefish and Mahi Mahi. We all had a great time. Thanks Again!

Response from Captain

Thankyou guys for another fun day on the water. Hope we can go again and get after those tunas.

Jeremy Guinn
Jeremy Guinn
us
New Jersey, US
β€’
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Great day & Great crew
4 Hour Trip (AM) on June 16, 2026 β€’ 4 adults β€’ 2 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

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The fish you can target

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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
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