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Delaware surf-fishing permits are sold out after reaching annual cap

Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) reminds First State anglers they must have a surf-fishing permit in order to drive on to area beaches and fish.";

Anglers interested in surf fishing this year are now out of luck if you’re looking to purchase a surf-fishing permit. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) does not have any more surf fishing permits left to sell this season. 

 

 

In 2019, Delaware’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Council established a 17,000 cap on annual surf-fishing permit sales as the fairest way to serve beach users, manage a limited resource and protect against overcrowding at the parks’ beaches.

 

As of Tuesday morning - June 9, 2020 - the cap had been reached.

 

Delaware State Parks Director Ray Bivens says they reduced the number of locations where you could purchase the permits for the last few days and online sales were unavailable, “Just to make sure we don’t go over that 17,000 number, it’s narrowed down to four locations - with each County having at least one. So in New Castle County - it’s Bellevue State Park; in Kent County, you can get it at Killens Pond State Park. And in Sussex County, you can get it at Indian River Life-Saving Station or at Cape Henlopen State Park Office.”

 

Bivens notes that surf-fishing permits also serve as a Delaware State Parks Annual Pass - providing access to all of Delaware’s 17 state parks.

 

He adds the revenue from the sale of the permits is used to operate and maintain the parks.

 

While surf fishing permit sales have ended for 2020, novice surf anglers are encouraged to view the Surf Fishing at Delaware State Parksinformational video that explains surf-fishing rules and regulations in Delaware, what equipment is needed, how to drive on the beach and what to do if a vehicle gets stuck in the sand. There are no current restrictions for non-vehicle, walk-on fishing for those with a valid Division of Fish and Wildlife fishing license. Walk-on surf anglers should only use pedestrian foot traffic access points to access surf-fishing beaches and should use caution near drive-on access points. 

 

 

Kelli Steele has over 30 years of experience covering news in Delaware, Baltimore, Winchester, Virginia, Phoenix, Arizona and San Diego, California.