Formation Inshore 

5.0
(7 reviews)
 217 Anglers Road, Lewes, DE 19958, United States

Formation Inshore 

Lewes, DE, United States
18 ft
3
5.0
(7 reviews)

Formation Inshore specializes in lite tackle inshore fishing in the Delaware Bay.

We target a variety of species such as Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder, Tautog, Sheepshead, Triggerfish, and Black Drum. We're known as primarily a bottom fishing charter but also sight cast depending on season/conditions. We will target whichever species gives us the best opportunity for success.

We run a Parker Center console that accommodates up to 3 passengers. It comes with everything you need for a productive day on the water.

All rods, reels, and tackle will are provided with the exception of fly fishing gear. Please be mindful that some species may have special rules or limited seasons. If you don't know what to expect, feel free to ask.

Some essentials to bring are bottled water, sunscreen, comfortable clothes and sunglasses. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, with the exception of hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

We look forward to seeing you on the water!

Formation Inshore specializes in lite tackle inshore fishing in the Delaware Bay.

We target a variety of species such as Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder, Tautog, Sheepshead, Triggerfish, and Black Drum. We're known as primarily a bottom fishing charter but also sight cast depending on season/conditions. We will target whichever species gives us the best opportunity for success.

We run a Parker Center console that accommodates up to 3 passengers. It comes with everything you need for a productive day on the water.

All rods, reels, and tackle will are provided with the exception of fly fishing gear. Please be mindful that some species may have special rules or limited seasons. If you don't know what to expect, feel free to ask.

Some essentials to bring are bottled water, sunscreen, comfortable clothes and sunglasses. If you'd like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, with the exception of hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

We look forward to seeing you on the water!

Chris Smith
Captain
Chris Smith
9 years of experience

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
September 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Kids Fishing Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (7:00 AM, 11:00 AM)
Bass (Striped)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Black Drum
Flounder
+4
US $450
Entire boat: up to 3 people
Half Day Trip
In high demand Last booked: 3 days ago
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Bass (Striped)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Black Drum
Flounder
+3
US $500
Entire boat: 2 people
Full Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Bass (Striped)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Black Drum
Flounder
+3
US $874
Entire boat: 2 people
There are 3 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
7 reviews
4.8
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (10)

All reviews (7)

Showing 15 of 7 reviews
JAMES EASTWOOD
JAMES EASTWOOD
us
New York, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Felt like we were fishing with one of our good friends.
Half Day Trip on July 16, 20262 adults

We had an incredible trip with Captain Chris! From the moment we stepped onto the boat, it was clear we were in professional hands. The boat was spotless, the gear was top-notch, and the captain's knowledge of the local waters was unmatched. Captain Chris put us right on the fish with our very first cast, and we didn't stop catching all day! If you want a fun, safe, and successful fishing charter, book with Captain Chris—you won’t regret it! We will absolutely be back!

Reported catch:
Striped Bass
Tautog
Chris Smith
Response from Captain

Much appreciated Jim! You guys were awesome. Best, Capt. Chris

Denise Strausbaugh
Denise Strausbaugh
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Awesome fishing trip!
Half Day Trip on September 7, 20262 adults

Chris has great knowledge of local structure and tides. He has great tackle. We caught a couple different species. We even got to see doulphins right beside the boat! Chris is a great fishing guide. We had a blast!

Reported catch:
Flounder
Chris Smith
Response from Captain

Thanks, Denise! I had a great time with you and your family. Best, Chris

Scott Wallick
Scott Wallick
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Exactly what we wanted!
Half Day Trip on July 4, 20263 adults

Captain Chris was great. We wanted the small boat experience. Chris knew wajt to do to out us in fish. He was attentive, knowledgeable, and personable. Always had a rod and bait ready for us. This was a lot different than tje bass fishing we were used to so Chris carefully explained what we needed to do differently. He’ll even play some great music for you!

Reported catch:
Sheepshead
Gray Triggerfish
Tautog
Chris Smith
Response from Captain

Much appreciated, Scott! You guys were awesome to have out to show what the Delaware Bay has to offer. Would be stoked to fish with y’all again, and glad you liked the tracks! Best, Capt. Chris

Doug Tase
Doug Tase
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Chris was great. Will definitely fish with him again.
Half Day Trip on September 18, 20262 adults

Chris Smith
Response from Captain

Was a pleasure having you guys today! Looking forward to fishing with you guys again.

Keith Espenshade
Keith Espenshade
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Fun flounder fishing.
Half Day Trip on August 11, 20261 adult

Chris was a great captain. He gave me tips for kayak fishing later. We caught some flounder, saw lots of dauphins, and had a good time.

Chris Smith
Response from Captain

Thanks, Keith! Was an absoulte pleasure fishing with you. Best, Capt. Chris

FAQs about Formation Inshore

Formation Inshore offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $450 per group - Kids Fishing Trip (4 hours)
  • US $450 per group - Kids Fishing Trip - 11:00 AM (4 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip (4 hours)
  • US $774 per group, additional US $100 per person after 1 guest - Full Day Trip (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Formation Inshore, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Multimedia system
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Formation Inshore include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (Some live baits we use include; Spot, Minnows, Sand Fleas, Green Crabs, Fiddler Crabs, Bunker and Eels.)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Yes, we handle cleaning, packaging, and ice for your fillets.)
  • Fishing license (All necesary credentials including a fishing license is included while you are fishing during a charter.)
Formation Inshore offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
Formation Inshore offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Fly fishing
  • Drift fishing
Top targeted fish species with Formation Inshore include:
  • Bass (Striped)
  • Black Drum
  • Bluefish (Tailor)
  • Flounder
  • Sheepshead
  • Tautog
  • Triggerfish (Gray)

Your captain

Chris Smith
Chris Smith

Lewes, Delaware, United States

7 Customer reviews
Typical response within 3 hours
Member since April 2026

Capt. Chris Smith - Since I was a kid I've always been passionate about fishing. Now, I've dedicated most of my adult life to pursuing various saltwater species across my local bay, ocean, and coastal tributaries. There's nothing that excites me more than sharing my passion for the outdoors with others. My charters are focused on creating a memorable tailored experience whether you're a novice or an avid angler.

Chris Smith
Chris Smith
7
reviews
2026
member since
~3h
response
Capt. Chris Smith - Since I was a kid I've always been passionate about fishing. Now, I've dedicated most of my adult life to pursuing various saltwater species across my local bay, ocean, and coastal tributaries. There's nothing that excites me more than sharing my passion for the outdoors with others. My charters are focused on creating a memorable tailored experience whether you're a novice or an avid angler.

The fish you can target

Striped Bass
Striped Bass
Black Drum
Black Drum
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Flounder
Flounder
Sheepshead
Sheepshead
Tautog
Tautog
Gray Triggerfish
Gray Triggerfish
Striped Bass
Striped Bass
Black Drum
Black Drum
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Flounder
Flounder
Sheepshead
Sheepshead

Real catches by this captain

  • Felt like we were fishing with one of our good friends.
    James E.
    James E.
  • Exactly what we wanted!
    Scott W.
    Scott W.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
3 persons
Boat length
18 ft
Year built
2023
Boat manufacturer
Parker
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 115HP
Max cruising speed
33 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Multimedia system
Wireless trolling motor
Ice box
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Some live baits we use include; Spot, Minnows, Sand Fleas, Green Crabs, Fiddler Crabs, Bunker and Eels.
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Yes, we handle cleaning, packaging, and ice for your fillets.
Fishing license
All necesary credentials including a fishing license is included while you are fishing during a charter.

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup included in price
Transfer from hotels or jetties in Lewes to departure site is available and included in trip rates.
Child friendly
We accept kids ages 5+. All kids 12 or younger are required to wear a life jacket throughout the durarion of the charter. We have youth sized life jackets available in house.
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Pay online in full

Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.

No additional fees.

Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 Visa

 Mastercard

 American Express

 PayPal

 Checks

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Lewes right now

Bass (Striped)Bass (Striped)
Black DrumBlack Drum
Bluefish (Tailor)Bluefish (Tailor)
FlounderFlounder
TautogTautog

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