Bethany Beach Wreck Fishing Charter | Nomad

Bethany Beach Wreck Fishing With Captain Chris

When you're ready to get serious about bottom fishing along the Delaware coast, Captain Chris Swisher's wreck fishing charter delivers the goods. This isn't your typical half-day bay trip – we're talking six hours of real Atlantic Ocean fishing on productive structures that hold some of the best eating fish in these waters. From his 23-foot Jones Brothers boat, Chris knows exactly where to put you on flounder, sea bass, and whatever else is biting based on the season. The $650 rate covers four anglers completely, and if you've got a fifth buddy who wants in, it's just another $100. Everything's included except your fishing license, so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the cooler.

What to Expect on the Water

Captain Chris runs a no-nonsense operation that starts early and fishes hard. You'll launch from Bethany Beach and head out to his go-to wrecks and structures – spots he's been working for years and knows like the back of his hand. The Jones Brothers boat is built for this kind of fishing, stable enough to handle the Atlantic swells while giving everyone room to fish comfortably. Chris provides all the rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait you'll need, plus he's always got backup gear ready if something breaks off on a big fish. Light snacks, drinks, and ice are part of the deal, though you're welcome to pack your own food in waterproof containers. Just bring your enthusiasm and maybe some Dramamine if you're not used to ocean fishing – those six hours go by fast when the fish are cooperating.

Wreck Fishing Techniques

Wreck fishing is all about precision and patience. Chris positions the boat over structure using his electronics, then it's a matter of getting your bait down to where the fish are holding. Most of the time, you'll be using conventional tackle with enough weight to reach bottom and stay there despite the current. Circle hooks are the standard here – they hook fish in the corner of the mouth and reduce gut-hooking, which is better for the fish and easier for you. Chris will set you up with the right rig for conditions, whether that's a high-low setup for sea bass or a bucktail and strip combo for flounder. The key is keeping your bait near the bottom where these fish feed, and being ready when something picks it up. Don't expect the rod to bend in half – most bites feel like you're hung up on the wreck until you lift and feel the fish shake its head.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Southern flounder are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason – they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean. These flatfish love hanging around wrecks and structure where they can ambush baitfish and crabs. Spring through fall is prime time, with the bigger "doormat" flounder showing up in late fall before they head offshore to spawn. What makes flounder fishing exciting isn't the fight – it's the challenge of feeling that subtle pickup and the satisfaction of seeing a nice flatfish come over the rail. Plus, nothing beats fresh flounder fillets on the dinner table.

Sea bass are year-round residents on these wrecks and they're always willing to eat. These chunky bottom dwellers hit hard and fight surprisingly well for their size, often diving straight back toward the wreck to try and cut you off. The good news is they're not picky eaters – squid, clams, and cut bait all work great. Sea bass in the 12-18 inch range are common, with bigger fish possible depending on the season and current regulations. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat that works in just about any recipe.

Tautog, or "tog" as most anglers call them, are the bruisers of the wreck fishing world. These black, thick-bodied fish have powerful jaws designed for crushing crabs and mussels, which means they can make short work of your tackle if you're not ready. Fall and early winter are peak times for tog fishing, when they move onto the wrecks to feed heavily before winter. Green crabs and white leggers are the go-to baits, and you'll need stout tackle to pull these fish away from their rocky homes. A good tog is worth the effort – their meat is sweet and firm, perfect for chowder or simply pan-fried.

Redfish are the wild cards on these offshore wrecks, especially during their fall migration. When schools of reds move through, the action can be absolutely crazy with multiple hookups and fish in the 20-30 pound range. These copper-colored fighters are pure muscle and will test your gear and your arms. They're not as common as the other species, but when they show up, everyone on the boat knows it. The smaller ones make great eating, while the big breeders are usually released to fight another day.

Bluefish round out the mixed bag and can show up anytime from spring through late fall. These voracious predators travel in schools and when you find them, fast action is almost guaranteed. Blues hit hard and fight dirty, often jumping and tail-walking when hooked. They're excellent smoked or grilled fresh, though their oily meat doesn't keep as long as some other species. When the blues are around the wrecks, it usually means there's plenty of baitfish in the area – which often translates to better fishing for everything else too.

Time to Book Your Spot

Captain Chris Swisher has built his reputation on putting anglers on fish, and this six-hour wreck fishing charter is perfect for anyone looking to get into some serious bottom fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, Chris will put you on fish and make sure you have everything you need for a successful day. The private charter format means you're fishing with your own group at your own pace, without dealing with crowded party boats or strangers. At $650 for up to four