Ready to get your line wet in Rehoboth Beach? Makai Charters offers top-notch fishing trips that'll have you reeling in the big ones in no time. Whether you're looking to spend a quick morning on the water or make a full day of it, we've got 6, 8, and 10-hour charters that'll fit your schedule. From the first cast to the last, you'll be targeting some of the Mid-Atlantic's most prized catches – we're talking sea bass, flounder, tuna, and mahi-mahi. Our seasoned captains know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're itching to share their local knowledge with you. So grab your hat and let's hit the high seas for some serious angling action!
When you step aboard one of our Makai charters, you're in for a treat. Our boats are decked out with all the gear you need to land the big one. We're not just talking about rods and reels – we've got state-of-the-art fish finders and GPS to put you right on top of the hotspots. Don't sweat it if you're new to fishing; our crew will show you the ropes and have you fishing like a pro in no time. And for you seasoned anglers out there, get ready to swap some fish tales and maybe learn a new trick or two from our local experts. The waters off Rehoboth Beach are teeming with life, so keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, sea turtles, and maybe even a whale if you're lucky!
Fishing with Makai Charters isn't just about dropping a line and hoping for the best. We use a mix of techniques to maximize your chances of a great catch. When we're after flounder, we'll often drift fish, letting the boat glide over prime spots while you work your bait along the bottom. For sea bass, we might anchor up on a wreck or reef and jig the structure. And if we're chasing after those speedy Spanish mackerel or bluefish, trolling is the name of the game. We'll set up a spread of lures and cruise at just the right speed to entice those fighters to strike. Our crew is always on hand to help you master these techniques, so you'll be hauling in fish like a local in no time.
"Tremendous day! Capt Larry and 1st mate Bill are absolutely the best. They make the trip as easy as possible to manage and definitely set you up for success. The boat is fantastic and in prime condition, extremely clean and very well equipped. These guys have the "feel of the room" for the group and made this an incredible experience for me and my three sons today." - Patrick
"My son and I had a very successful day of fishing. The Capt and first mate took care of all the prep before launching, and during the trip they would reset all of the lines keeping us fully operational immediately after every catch, with bait on hooks and ready for dropping in throughout our 6-hour trip. They brought us to excellent locations and kept us active — the fish were biting all day. The ride out and back in was quick and smooth." - Daniel
"Best charter we've taken to date. On the fish right away, caught lots of fish and a number of keepers. Had a great time - would have been great even if we weren't catching. We will be back!" - Paul
Mahi Mahi, or Common Dolphinfish, are the rockstars of our offshore trips. These acrobatic fighters are known for their stunning colors and delicious meat. They love warm waters and typically show up in our area from late spring through early fall. When you hook into one of these beauties, get ready for a fight – they're known for their high-flying leaps and blistering runs. And let's not forget, they're some of the best-eating fish in the sea!
Sea Bass are the bread and butter of many of our trips. These structure-loving fish hang around wrecks and reefs, making them perfect targets for bottom fishing. They might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and taste. When we hit a good spot, it's not uncommon to catch one after another. The best part? They're available year-round, with peak season being fall and winter.
Spanish Mackerel are the speedsters of the coast. These sleek, silver bullets can zip through the water at incredible speeds, making for an exciting catch when trolling. They typically show up in our waters during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall. When you're reeling one in, keep that rod tip up – these guys are known for their last-minute dives near the boat!
Southern Flounder are the masters of camouflage in our local waters. These flatfish can be found year-round, but the fishing really heats up in the late summer and fall as they prepare for their annual migration. Catching flounder requires a bit of finesse – you'll need to work your bait slowly along the bottom to entice a bite. But when you hook into a big doormat, it's all worth it!
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the sea. These aggressive predators will hit just about anything that moves, making them a blast for anglers of all skill levels. They show up in our waters in the spring and stick around until fall. When a school of blues moves through, hang on tight – the action can be fast and furious. Just watch out for those razor-sharp teeth when you're unhooking them!
Alright, folks, let's wrap this up. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to test your skills or a newbie hoping to land your first big catch, Makai Charters has got you covered. Our 4 to 8-hour trips offer plenty of time to get out there and make some memories. With top-notch gear, expert local knowledge, and a boatload of prime fishing spots, we're ready to give you the fishing adventure of a lifetime. The fish are biting, the sun is shining, and the water's calling your name. So what are you waiting for? Grab your sunscreen, rally your crew, and let's get out there and catch some fish! Book your trip with Makai Charters today and get ready for a day on the water you won't soon forget. Trust us, the only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner!
August 10, 2025
My son and I had a very successful day of fishing. The Capt and first mate took care of all the prep before launching, and during the trip they would reset all of the lines keeping us fully operational immediately after every catch, with bait on hooks and ready for dropping in throughout our 6-hour trip. They brought us to excellent locations and kept us active — the fish were biting all day. The ride out and back in was quick and smooth.
August 11, 2025
Best charter we’ve taken to date. On the fish right away, caught lots of fish and a number of keepers. Had a great time - would have been great even if we weren’t catching. We will be back!
July 16, 2025
Top notch captain Top notch boat Top notch mate Highly recommended!
June 26, 2025
Capt. Larry tried everything in his power to get us on Mahi, but they just weren’t out there. That’s totally understandable. However, our experience was poor given how we were treated throughout the day. First starting when we arrived at the marina at the schedule time of 8am, Larry said to “catch fish we should have left at either 5am or 12pm”, as if to leave at 8am was our decision. The times he said are not options to book for an 8hr trip, nor were they discussed the night before during the checkin call. The other main issue was, we were not even allowed to fish ourselves when pot hopping for Mahi. We asked numerous times to jig the pots and were told “no, I don’t let people fish the pots, we’ll hook them and hand the rod off”, this is what people do for little children, not adults paying >$1,000. If you don’t want amateurs fishing for risk of hooking a pot, you should charter amateur fisherman. Overall very disappointing day.
August 18, 2025
Excellent day on the water with Captain Larry and First Mate Jake. We were on flounder and sea bass all morning. Great boat and equipment. I am sure we will be booking with Makai again.
August 3, 2023
Captain Larry and his mate were great. Took us out 10 miles or so. While we didn't catch a lot of fish on this day, we caught enough sea bass for a nice side dish for dinner. Would definitely re-book another trip with Makai. Very nice boat!
July 16, 2024
Bluefish are aggressive fighters that show up in our waters from spring through fall. Most run 2-5 pounds, but we sometimes see choppers over 10 pounds. Look for them in open water, around inlets, and along beaches - they often give themselves away by churning up the surface as they feed. Blues are popular for their strong fight and oily meat that's great smoked. They hit just about anything, but metal lures and cut bait work well. Watch your fingers - those razor-sharp teeth are no joke. A wire leader is a must to prevent bite-offs. Here's a tip: if you're catching small ones, try upsizing your lure. The bigger blues often hang below the schoolies.
Mahi Mahi are a blast to catch off Rehoboth Beach. These colorful fighters typically run 15-30 pounds and put on an acrobatic show when hooked. You'll find them near floating debris and weed lines, usually within 30 miles offshore. Late summer and early fall are prime times as they follow warm Gulf Stream waters. Mahi are popular for their delicious mild, white meat and the thrill of the catch. They hit hard and run fast, so be ready for action. A good trick is to keep the first one you hook in the water to attract others in the school. Trolling with ballyhoo or squid works well, but have some spinning gear ready to cast if you spot them.
Sea bass are a staple catch around here, averaging 1-3 pounds but sometimes topping 5. You'll find them holding tight to structure - wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms in 60-120 feet of water. They bite year-round but fishing peaks in spring and fall as they migrate. Folks love targeting sea bass for their tasty white meat and the fun of feeling that telltale thump on the line. These aggressive feeders will hit just about any bait, but squid strips are hard to beat. When you find a good spot, drop straight down and work the bottom. A simple two-hook rig with a bank sinker does the trick. Just remember there's a 12.5-inch minimum, so measure carefully before keeping any.
Southern flounder are ambush predators that lie camouflaged on sandy or muddy bottoms. Most weigh 2-5 pounds, but we occasionally see some pushing 10. You'll find them in bays, inlets, and along beaches, especially near structure. Fall is prime time as they move to spawn offshore. Flounder fishing takes patience, but anglers love the challenge and the delicious, flaky white meat. Use light tackle and work your bait slowly along the bottom. Live minnows or strip baits on a fish-finder rig are deadly. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to swallow the bait, then reel down and lift steadily to hook them in the mouth.
Spanish mackerel are fast-moving targets that show up in our waters from spring through fall. Most run 2-4 pounds, but bigger ones up to 8 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for them in open water near inlets, jetties and along the beaches. They travel in schools, so when you find one, you've likely found many. These fish are prized for their oily, flavorful meat that's great on the grill. The fight is quick but exciting - they'll make screaming runs and occasionally jump. Trolling small spoons or jigs at 5-7 knots is effective. My go-to setup is a 1-ounce Clark spoon on a long fluorocarbon leader. Keep an eye out for birds diving - that often means Spanish mackerel are feeding on bait fish below.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 300
Tremendous day! Capt Larry and 1st mate Bill are absolutely the best. They make the trip as easy as possible to manage and definitely set you up for success. The boat is fantastic and in prime condition, extremely clean and very well equipped. These guys have the "feel of the room" for the group and made this an incredible experience for me and my three sons today.