Indian River Inlet

7 Fishing Charters

Indian River Inlet Fishing Charters

Search top fishing charters in Indian River Inlet

Top Indian River Inlet Destinations

Indian River Inlet: 7 fishing charters available
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(66 reviews)
Rehoboth Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $450
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(53 reviews)
Dagsboro
 Instant Confirmation
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(44 reviews)
Millsboro
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $600
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(160 reviews)
Dagsboro
trips from $300
Lewes
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $275
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Bethany Beach
 Instant Confirmation
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Bethany Beach
trips from $850

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Indian River Inlet

According to customer reviews, Makai Charters, Sea Monkey Charters, and Dorado Loco are some of the most popular fishing charters in Indian River Inlet. Full list of top fishing charters in Indian River Inlet.

The average price for a private 4 hour Indian River Inlet fishing trip is $534, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you $1,273 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Makai Charters, Sea Monkey Charters, and Dorado Loco all received great reviews from families who booked fishing trips in Indian River Inlet.

The most popular fish species you can target are Flounder, Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), and Black Seabass. Top fishing techniques include Bottom Fishing, Trolling, and Deep Sea Fishing. Inshore fishing, wreck fishing, and nearshore fishing are commonly offered by local guides.

If there’s one place that you should take your nay-saying friend or family member fishing, it’s the Indian River Inlet. After a couple of strikes from the famous North and South Jetties, they’ll develop the taste – take them on a proper charter fishing trip to seal the deal!

The Inlet began its life as an angling destination when the United States Army Corps of Engineers built the North and South Jetties in the late 1930s. The rock and steel jetties have tamed the Indian River Bay, allowing fishers to develop a proper fishing industry. Nowadays the North Shore Marina is the local hotspot where Indian River Inlet fishing charters cast off for exciting inshore, nearshore, and offshore adventures.

Known For

Inshore Fishing

There’s quite a lot to go after inside the inlet, ranging from smallies – perfect for kids – to Cow Stripers – perfect for all anglers. Fishing from the jetties (fishing the rockpiles, as the locals call it) is a popular activity among both resident and visiting anglers and you can catch a variety of fish. Bluefish is a popular target, especially during the Bluefish Blitz – you can land Gator Bluefish right from the jetties. This is the ideal way to get a taste of the area’s action – but the catch can’t compare to something hauled over the side of a boat. As the Bluefish action slows down Striped Bass picks up – the perfect opportunity to upgrade from pier fishing to fighting a Cow from the deck! Other species you can also target in the bay are Spotted Seatrout, Flounder, Black Seabass, and Tautog – though not all are there year-round.

Nearshore Fishing

Step (or well, swim) outside of the Inlet and you’ll be faced with a whole new world of fishing. Nearshore fishing outside of the Indian River Inlet is mostly centered around Tautog and Black Seabass. There are numerous artificial reefs and wrecks dotting the underwater landscape of the Inlet and they’re good places to hit these species. King and Spanish Mackerel move closer to the shore in late spring. Spot and Croaker offer anglers a mixup from the usual action during fall. Sharks, on the other hand, provide you with a constant challenge, be it just off the coast or several miles away. Hammerhead, Bull, Lemon, Nurse, Tiger, the list of Sharks goes on – there are more species you can target than you can shake a stick at! An experienced captain can help you make the right choice as you can keep only one Shark of any species per vessel.

Offshore Fishing

The blue waters off the coast of the Indian River Inlet start swarming with schools of predators and groups of enthusiastic anglers from May to the end of fall. You can start off the offshore season with Bluefish and Mako Shark action, they show up in pelagic waters at the end of spring. After you’ve warmed up, you can graduate to Tuna hook ups – the action stays interesting as you won’t use the same technique for Tuna throughout the summer. After you’ve found your fishing groove with Tuna you can hit the prestigious pelagic predators that are Marlin – they’ll give you a proper fight later in the summer.

Need to Know

Fishing the jetties is normally a low-preparation affair, you show up with some cash and rent out everything you need. One thing you should get are spiked shoes – landing a big fish might require some mild wet rock climbing, which is dangerous even when there aren’t any 6’ waves crashing on you. Luckily, most local shops carry spiked shoes.

Most beaches are protected from pollution by not having parking – unless you can get your hands on a special permit you’ll have to walk to your chosen beach if you’re a fan of surf fishing.

Budget

Indian River Inlet fishing charters offer a wide range of services to anglers, with an appropriately wide range of prices. Solo anglers looking to test the waters of the Inlet can go on a shared half day kayak trip inside the Indian River and Rehoboth Bays for around $200. If you’re not a fan of kayaking or want to take your family fishing inside the calm inshore waters, get ready to set aside $400-$900. Offshore trophy fishermen who want to land a Marlin or Tuna are looking at full day trip, going for about $1300 and above. You can rent rods from local tackle shops for a price of $10 per day plus a $50 deposit. However, charter captains will provide you with equipment and fish cleaning services free of charge. All prices are rough estimates and subject to change.

Getting There

The closest air connection is the Delaware Coastal Airport. It’s located about an hour away by car from the North Shore Marina, one of the major docks in the area. Millsboro is another major hotspot for charter captains to dock at and it’s located about 20 minutes by car from the airport.

Alternatively, Delaware Route 1 runs along the coastline and can get you right on top of the Inlet, whether you’re coming from the south or north. However you get there, once you’re in the Inlet all that’s left to do is get on the water!

Indian River Inlet
Excellent
4.1 / 5
Based on 26613 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

January

The mild weather of the Indian River Inlet means that the waters are fishable, despite the cold. Striped Bass is the main attraction in January.

February

Stripers make way for Perch near the end of the month. You can find Perch in backwaters of the Indian River and Rehoboth Bays. Anglers heading offshore can target Tautog, roughly 25 miles out.

March

Tautog start moving in closer to the shore, as do Mackerel and Seabass. Perch fishing remains good in the backwaters.

April

Seabass fishing picks up as the Tautog move into the Inlet itself. Striped Bass hit the deeper waters of the area. Bluefish show up close enough to the surf to be caught from the shore.

May

The Bluefish Blitz starts around this time of year as they make a run for the Inlet. Spotted Seatrout, Flounder, and Striped Bass fishing all improves. Mako Sharks start getting closer near the end of the month.

June

Inlet action revolves around Tautog and Seabass. The first Tuna start showing up near the middle of June while Kingfish and Croakers move much closer to the shore.

July

Tuna fishing is in full swing in July. Marlin can be reliably targeted near the end of the month. Striped Bass, Flounder, and Bluefish can all be hooked up in the bay waters.

August

Offshore fishing gets a new target as Wahoo start showing up. Black and Red Drum appear in the inlet and Mackerel can be reliably caught from the sandbars facing the Atlantic Ocean.

September

If you’re looking for a Doormat Flounder, this is the month to fish in! Striped Bass and Spotted Seatrout action is good in the Inlet. Longfin Tuna can be targeted offshore.

October

Spotted Seatrout, Croaker, and Flounder are retreating into nearshore waters, but you can still land them by fishing the bottom. If the weather remains fair, you can still go after Tuna in October.

November

As the weather cools down most fishing tends to happen around the shore. Striped Bass fishing from the surf is viable this month.

December

Anglers who can stand the cold winds are rewarded with big Bluefish and Cow Striped Bass in the Inlet.

Indian River Inlet Fishing Calendar

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Yes, the location is easy to get to. There is ample parking, a restaurant (not open in the winter), and other amenities.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes, the location is easy to get to. There is ample parking, a restaurant (not open in the winter), and other amenities.
Pamela  S.
Pamela S. Essex, MD

Michael D Sport Fishing Charters
Michael D Sport Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Bethany Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Captain was flexible with time. Crew was very helpful and experienced. The boatโ€™s cabin was spacious. All around it was a great trip.
Jason  M.
Jason M. New Castle, Delaware
Makai Charters
Makai Charters
Fishing charter in Rehoboth Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(66 reviews)
Captain gave us a day to remember. One of the best trips I have had. We caught 70 or more black sea bass and kept 15. Great on the grill! Makai will see us again for sure!
Joshua  M.
Joshua M. Millbrook, NY
Makai Charters
Makai Charters
Fishing charter in Rehoboth Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(66 reviews)
Our original plan was to fish inshore, but Capt. Coyle recommended we go 10 - 15 miles offshore. That was a great suggestion and we had an amazing day of fishing as we literally caught fish nonstop for 3 hours! Size regs limited what we could keep, but we still had a good haul and, most importantly, a great time! We will be back!
Pamela  S.
Pamela S. Essex, MD
Makai Charters
Makai Charters
Fishing charter in Rehoboth Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(66 reviews)
I had a great experience on Sunday afternoon with Captain Lawrence and Mate Fischer. We had a good bite, and brought home 5 keeper seabass and 2 trout for dinner. The fish kept us busy all afternoon. I will definitely be fishing with these two guys in the future. Mate Fischer is one of the best.
Frank L Misiti Jr
Frank L Misiti Jr State College, PA
Makai Charters
Makai Charters
Fishing charter in Rehoboth Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(66 reviews)
I had a great time on this trip. Cpt. Coyle went the extra mile to make sure I brought home some fish for dinner. Highly recommend and will definitely e booking with Makai charters again.
Michael  C.
Michael C. Carlisle, PA
Makai Charters
Makai Charters
Fishing charter in Rehoboth Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(66 reviews)
Went with two friends for a second trip. Went last year with same group. Caught flounder and sea bass. Trip was fantastic.
Robert  G.
Robert G. Baltimore, MD
Fishing & Crabbing - 24'
Fishing & Crabbing - 24'
Fishing charter in Dagsboro
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(160 reviews)
George was a great captain and took us to some nice spots in Indian River and Rehoboth Bays to see the sites and for us to try some drifts along the bottom for flounder. I think the kids will be up for a longer trip next time!
John  R.
John R. Ellicott City, MD
Fishing & Crabbing - 24'
Fishing & Crabbing - 24'
Fishing charter in Dagsboro
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(160 reviews)
I went crabbing. I had never done this before and was impressed. Capitan George was very patient. I ended up with 1/2 bushel. would go again.
Robert  K.
Robert K. Apollo, PA
Makai Charters
Makai Charters
Fishing charter in Rehoboth Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(66 reviews)
Captain Larry was fantastic and he works hard to give a great fishing experience . We will defiantly come back .
Richard  M.
Richard M. Colora, MD
Makai Charters
Makai Charters
Fishing charter in Rehoboth Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(66 reviews)
Very nice well equipped boat. Captain and mate worked hard to put fish in boat highly recommend this charter
Karl  B.
Karl B. McClure, PA
Fishing & Crabbing - 24'
Fishing & Crabbing - 24'
Fishing charter in Dagsboro
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(160 reviews)
Captain George and mate Georgia kept us on the fish and with non-stop action. They are the best with coaching small children and showing them fishing techniques, answering questions, and ensuring everyone has a good time.
John  R.
John R. Arlington, VA
Sea Monkey Charters
Sea Monkey Charters
Fishing charter in Dagsboro
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(53 reviews)
We had a great time fishing and crabbing with Capt Aaron. He took us to several sites and we were able to catch a good variety of fish which allowed our granddaughter to be the ultimate angler .He was patient, kind and very knowledgable about all of our catches. He had set crab cages out the day before so we finished with a great haul of crabs for our dinner. Thanks again!
Catherine  C.
Catherine C. Milton, Delaware
Fishing & Crabbing - 24'
Fishing & Crabbing - 24'
Fishing charter in Dagsboro
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(160 reviews)
George was super knowledgeable and fun! Had an awesome day! Would highly recommend!!
Michele  P.
Michele P. Schnecksville, PA
Sea Monkey Charters
Sea Monkey Charters
Fishing charter in Dagsboro
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(53 reviews)
We had a very nice day and morning. We caught a lot of fish. No keepers but thatโ€™s ok we enjoyed the day
Michael  G.
Michael G. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Sea Monkey Charters
Sea Monkey Charters
Fishing charter in Dagsboro
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(53 reviews)
Great trip, even if the flounder weren't biting. My son had a wonderful time on his first ever fishing trip on a boat, and Captain Aaron accommodated my sister's hope to swim off of the boat. We had a fantastic time, Captain Aaron was very nice, informative and educational, and helpful.
Kimberly  B.
Kimberly B. Damascus, MD
Makai Charters
Makai Charters
Fishing charter in Rehoboth Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(66 reviews)
This is our second trip out and we were not disappointed. The captain has a new boat with shaded areas and technology to make the rocking at sea minimal. It was so comfortable out, we caught a flounder, and likely 30 other catch and release. Really, this is the best experience for a small family or group. We will be back next year!!
Margaret  G.
Margaret G. Roanoke, VA
Sea Monkey Charters
Sea Monkey Charters
Fishing charter in Dagsboro
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(53 reviews)
The Captain did a great job of getting our 5 year old involved. We had fun fishing and went clamming for the first time. The Captain was very patient and the 3 hour trip was perfect for everyone! We would definitely book again!
Eric  P.
Eric P. LUTHVLE TIMON, MD
Makai Charters
Makai Charters
Fishing charter in Rehoboth Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(66 reviews)
Beautiful clean boat, knowledgeable Captain, quickly got us to our fishing destination. Great fishing location made the day fun and eventful. Would definitely book with Captain Larry again!
John  M.
John M. Montoursville, PA
Makai Charters
Makai Charters
Fishing charter in Rehoboth Beach
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(66 reviews)
Fish werenโ€™t biting but captain and first mate did what they could to make the trip enjoyable. Beautiful new boat
Stephen  T.
Stephen T. Ardmore, PA
Fishing & Crabbing - 24'
Fishing & Crabbing - 24'
Fishing charter in Dagsboro
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(160 reviews)
For the 2nd year in a row we had a wonderful time with Captain George. He is the best for a fun family fishing trip. We canโ€™t wait to do it again next year!
Anthony  A.
Anthony A. Westfield, NJ