
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!
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (31)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
93%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
96%
Caught fish
100%
Aug 16, 2025
4 Hour Trip (AM)
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 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...
Jul 3, 2025
4 Hour Trip (AM)
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.
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...
Aug 15, 2025
4 Hour Trip (AM)
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!
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...
Jul 29, 2025
4 Hour Trip (AM)
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!
Steve and Derick were great! Really patient and instructional with kids. Caught probably 100 fish or more. Around 40 keepers....
Jun 18, 2025
4 Hour Trip (AM)
We had a great morning of fishing with the Rusty Reel crew. We caught a bunch of sea bass, with 20 keepers, along with some small sharks. They moved us to different spots and put us on fish each time. Take a trip with these guys, you will be very happy you did.
We had a great morning of fishing with the Rusty Reel crew. We caught a bunch of sea bass, with 20 keepers, along with some small...
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Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (31)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
93%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
96%
Caught fish
100%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
4 Hour Trip (AM) on August 16, 2025
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 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.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
4 Hour Trip (AM) on July 3, 2025
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.
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.

Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
4 Hour Trip (AM) on August 15, 2025
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!
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!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
4 Hour Trip (AM) on July 29, 2025
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!
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!

Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
4 Hour Trip (AM) on June 18, 2025
We had a great morning of fishing with the Rusty Reel crew. We caught a bunch of sea bass, with 20 keepers, along with some small sharks. They moved us to different spots and put us on fish each time. Take a trip with these guys, you will be very happy you did.
We had a great morning of fishing with the Rusty Reel crew. We caught a bunch of sea bass, with 20 keepers, along with some small sharks. They moved us to different spots and put us on fish each time. Take a trip with these guys, you will be very happy you did.
