Surf fishing permits near limit
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has issued 15,500 of the 17,000 available surf-fishing permits. In 2019, the Delaware’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Council established a 17,000 cap on annual surf-fishing permit sales as the most equitable way to serve all beach users, manage a limited resource and protect against overcrowding of park beaches.
The Division of Parks & Recreation has reduced the number of locations where surf-fishing permits may be purchased; online sales are now unavailable. Locally, the following locations will issue surf-fishing permits until the 17,000 cap is reached:
- Cape Henlopen State Park: 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes
- Indian River Life-Saving Station: 25039 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach
- Killens Pond State Park: 5025 Killens Pond Road, Felton
Surf-fishing permit transfers and replacements are also available at these sites. As a courtesy prior to reaching the 15,500 mark this year, the division issued an e-newsletter and contacted those who purchased surf-fishing permits in 2018 and 2019.
Novice surf anglers are encouraged to view the Surf Fishing at Delaware State Parks informational 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 nonvehicle, walk-on fishing for those with a valid Division of Fish & 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.
Surf-fishing permits also serve as a Delaware State Parks annual pass that provides access to all 17 state parks. Park user fees, including surf-fishing permit fees, provide 65 percent of the Division of Parks & Recreation’s funding, and are used to operate and maintain the parks.
To learn more about fishing in Delaware State Parks, visit destateparks.com/Adventures/Fishing.
