Rusty Reel ChartersΒ
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 β 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 10β20% 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 β 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 10β20% 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!
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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!
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.
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.

Capt Steve and Derick did a good job. Went out to the canyon (like much of the fleet) Tuna and Mahi werenβt 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.
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.

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!!!
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.
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!
οΏΌ capton and mate were great with our kids and got us on. A lot of fish was a great time. οΏΌ
βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ 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 kidsβpatient, 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 recommendedβand be sure to ask Captain Jim how much he loves ice cream! π¦
bless you, Saint PattyπποΏΌ
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!
Thank you everyone. Next time lets go farther ππ
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.
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 π
We spent the day fishing with Steve and Terry and had a lot of fun. Tuna werenβt 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!
Thankyou guys for another fun day on the water. Hope we can go again and get after those tunas.
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.