DNREC’s Natural Resource Police Park Rangers recently conducted a targeted surf fishing enforcement operation on two popular First State beaches.
The move was in response to complaints of surf-fishers failing to abide by regulations.
Park Rangers joined DNREC’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers Saturday to check vehicles on the surf-fishing beach at Fenwick Island State Park, to ensure at least one occupant was actively engaged in surf fishing.
That “actively-engaged” check resulted in 24 citations and warnings for various surf fishing regulations violations, including anglers not possessing required fishing and vehicle equipment.
Park Rangers conducted four additional checks Saturday and Sunday at surf crossings within Cape Henlopen and Fenwick Island State Parks; more than 300 vehicles were checked.
Park Rangers remind surf-fishing permit holders that everyone who drives on designated surf fishing beaches must have a valid surf fishing vehicle permit. Permit holders also must be actively engaged in surf fishing and have required surf fishing vehicle equipment, including a jack, a shovel, a low-pressure tire gauge, board and tow strap and you must have proper saltwater fishing tackle.