Ready to hit the water and reel in some of the Mid-Atlantic's most prized catches? Makai Charters has you covered with our top-rated fishing trips out of Rehoboth Beach. We're talking full-day adventures that'll have you casting lines, swapping stories, and hopefully landing some impressive fish to brag about later. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our trips are tailored to give you the best shot at hooking into some real beauties.
Hop aboard our well-equipped vessel for 6, 8, or 10 hours of pure fishing action. We'll cruise out to the hottest spots off the Delaware coast, where the fish are biting and the views are unbeatable. Our experienced captains know these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a day of non-stop action. We provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. Just bring your sense of adventure, some snacks, and don't forget that sunscreen – the Delaware sun can be sneaky!
On our charters, we'll use a mix of techniques to target different species. For bottom-dwellers like sea bass and flounder, we'll drop lines and jig along the seafloor. When we're after pelagics like mahi-mahi or Spanish mackerel, we might switch to trolling or casting lures. Our crew will show you the ropes, so even if you're new to saltwater fishing, you'll be reeling them in like a pro in no time. And for you experienced anglers, feel free to bring your favorite rod – we're always game to try out new tactics.
"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
"Top notch captain Top notch boat Top notch mate Highly recommended!" - John
"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." - Ian
Mahi Mahi (Common Dolphinfish): These colorful acrobats are a summer favorite. Known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked, mahi-mahi are as fun to catch as they are delicious to eat. We typically find them near floating debris or weed lines, and they're a blast on light tackle. Peak season is July through September, and they can grow up to 30 pounds in our waters.
Sea Bass: A staple of our bottom fishing, black sea bass are abundant and put up a great fight for their size. They hang around structures like wrecks and reefs, so we'll often drift over these spots to drop our lines. The meat is white, flaky, and perfect for a fish fry. We can target these guys year-round, but spring and fall tend to be prime time.
Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are a blast to catch when they're running. They're known for their blistering runs and tendency to hit fast-moving lures. We often find them in schools near the surface, chasing bait fish. Late summer is usually best for Spanish mackerel, and they average 2-4 pounds – perfect for the grill.
Southern Flounder: Flatfish fanatics, get ready! These bottom-dwellers are prized for their tasty white meat and can be a challenge to hook. We'll use specialized techniques like drifting or jigging to entice them off the sandy or muddy bottom. Flounder fishing heats up in the warmer months, particularly from May to October.
Bluefish: If you're after a hard-fighting fish that'll test your drag, bluefish are your target. These toothy predators are aggressive and travel in schools, often creating exciting topwater action. We might use cut bait or lures to attract them. Blues can show up any time from spring to fall, with some real bruisers topping 10 pounds or more.
Fishing with Makai Charters isn't just about filling the cooler (though that's always a nice bonus). It's about the whole experience – the salty breeze, the camaraderie on board, and those moments of pure excitement when a rod bends double. Our captains aren't just skilled at finding fish; they're great company too, always ready with a local fishing tale or a tip to improve your technique. And let's not forget the scenery – there's something special about watching the sun climb over the Atlantic as you're heading out to your fishing grounds.
So, are you ready to make some fishing memories off the Delaware coast? Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with some fresh fillets or just want a day away from the beach crowds, Makai Charters has the trip for you. With our 4-guest capacity, you'll get plenty of personal attention and time on the rail. Don't wait – the fish are biting, and the best dates fill up fast. Give us a call or book online, and let's get you out on the water for a day of world-class fishing you won't soon forget. Tight lines, and we'll see you at the dock!
July 16, 2025
Top notch captain Top notch boat Top notch mate Highly recommended!
June 26, 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. They average 3-5 pounds but can reach up to 20. Look for them busting bait on the surface - that's the famous "bluefish blitz." They'll hit just about anything, making them great for beginners and pros alike. Use wire leaders though, those teeth are no joke. Chunk baits like menhaden work well, or try casting topwater lures into feeding frenzies for explosive strikes. Blues are good eating when prepared right, just bleed them quickly. Local tip: If you see gulls diving and water churning like a washing machine, get there fast. Toss a metal lure into the fray and hold on tight!
Mahi Mahi are a blast to catch off Rehoboth Beach. These colorful fish average 15-30 pounds but can get up to 87 pounds. Look for them near floating debris or weed lines, especially in warmer months. Mahi are fast swimmers and put up an exciting fight. They're also great eating - mild, sweet flavor that's popular grilled or as sushi. To land one, try trolling with ballyhoo or squid, skipping the bait on the surface to mimic flying fish. Use 30-50 pound tackle since these guys are strong. A local tip: keep an eye out for frigate birds - they'll often lead you right to a school of mahi. The golden sides and blue-green patterns make for awesome photos too. Just be ready for a tough battle once you hook up!
Sea bass are a staple catch around here, usually 1-2 feet long and 2-9 pounds. You'll find them near hard bottom areas, wrecks, and reefs in 60-180 feet of water. Late spring through fall is prime time. Folks love targeting sea bass for their tasty white meat and the fun of feeling that telltale tap-tap-tap bite. Use a sensitive rod with 20-30 pound braid to detect those subtle hits. Squid or clams work great for bait, but soft plastics and jigs catch plenty too. Here's a local trick - when you find a good spot, drop a marker buoy. Sea bass tend to hang around structure, so you can circle back for multiple drifts over the honey hole.
Southern flounder are ambush predators that hang out on sandy or muddy bottoms in coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They typically run 15-18 inches and 2-5 pounds, but can get up to 20 pounds. Fall is prime time as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers prize flounder for their delicate, mild flavor. Drift fishing or anchoring near structure works best. Use a Carolina rig with live bait like bull minnows or mullet. The bite is subtle, so stay alert. Here's a local secret: when you feel that light tap, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to turn the bait in its mouth first. Count to three, then reel down and lift. You'll hook way more fish that way.
Spanish mackerel are speedy little predators, usually 1-2 feet long and 2-4 pounds. Look for them in open water near structures, especially during warmer months when they move closer to shore. They travel in big schools, so once you find them, the action can be fast. Anglers love Spanish macks for their hard fights and tasty meat. Use light tackle - a 7-foot medium rod with 12-20 pound line works great. Troll shiny spoons or cast small jigs into feeding frenzies. Live bait like mullet or sardines is deadly too. Pro tip: Watch for birds diving - that often means Spanish mackerel are pushing bait to the surface. Get there quick and you could be in for some exciting topwater strikes.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 300
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!