Rusty Reel Charters 

4.8/5 (23 reviews)
 39415 Inlet Road, Bethany Beach, DE 19971, United States

Rusty Reel Charters 

4.8/5 (23 reviews)
map-thumbnail
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!

Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading

Rating

4.8
23 reviews
5
22
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
1
4.7
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (31)

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.
Angler proudly displaying a vibrant Mahi-Mahi aboard a fishing boat, showcasing a successful offshore fishing trip.
Angler proudly displaying a vibrant Mahi Mahi while fishing offshore, showcasing a successful day on the water.
A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of Mahi Mahi on the dock after a successful fishing trip.
A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of Black Sea Bass on a dock at a marina, with fishing boats in the background.
+25

All reviews (23)

Filter
Showing 15 of 23 reviews
Dan Taylor
Dan Taylor
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
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
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
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
Stephen Nickerson
Stephen Nickerson
5.0
Verified
A big two thumbs up for Captain Steve and Mate Derrick
4 Hour Trip (AM) on June 18, 20253 adults1 child
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.
Reported catch:
Black Seabass
Tautog
4

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
April 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Loading...
Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
4 Hour Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Dec 31
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
US $900
Entire boat: up to 6 people
8 Hour Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
US $1,400
Entire boat: up to 6 people
10 hour trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
10 Hour Trip
starts at 5:00 AM
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
US $2,000
Entire boat: up to 6 people
12 Hour Trip – Offshore
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
12 Hour Trip
starts at 5:00 AM
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
US $2,600
Entire boat: up to 6 people
There are 5 people looking at this charter.

Rating

4.8
23 reviews
5
22
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
1
4.7
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (31)

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.
Angler proudly displaying a vibrant Mahi-Mahi aboard a fishing boat, showcasing a successful offshore fishing trip.
Angler proudly displaying a vibrant Mahi Mahi while fishing offshore, showcasing a successful day on the water.
A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of Mahi Mahi on the dock after a successful fishing trip.
A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of Black Sea Bass on a dock at a marina, with fishing boats in the background.
+25

All reviews (23)

Filter
Showing 15 of 23 reviews
Dan Taylor
Dan Taylor
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
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
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
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
Stephen Nickerson
Stephen Nickerson
5.0
Verified
A big two thumbs up for Captain Steve and Mate Derrick
4 Hour Trip (AM) on June 18, 20253 adults1 child
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.
Reported catch:
Black Seabass
Tautog
4

FAQs about Rusty Reel Charters

Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading

The fish you can target

Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading

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
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading

What’s biting in Bethany Beach right now

Loading

Compare similar fishing charters

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...