Article by News Briefs
Delaware Sells Out of Surf Fishing Permits and Increases Enforcement Efforts
DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation announced that it has reached its cap of 17,000 Delaware surf-fishing permits. With the cap figure attained, no more surf tag permits will be issued until December 2019
Although surf-fishing permit sales have ended, there are no restrictions for non-vehicle, walk-on fishing, as long as an angler has a Delaware fishing license issued by DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife.
Division of Parks & Recreation statistics show that the issuance of surf fishing permits has increased at a rate of seven percent annually from 2011 to 2017.
At the January meeting, DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation reported a 300% increase over the last year for violations of the “actively-engaged in surf fishing” rule. In response, two new Park Ranger positions were added, one each at Cape Henlopen and Delaware Seashore state parks. In addition, Parks Rangers’ work weeks were expanded from 37.5 to 40 hours, creating 1,000 hours of additional coverage annually for the coastal parks.
In response to complaints of visitors failing to abide by regulations, on Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, DNREC’s Park Rangers conducted the first of several targeted enforcement operations planned to take place this summer. More than 300 vehicles were checked and resulted in 24 citations and warnings for various violations of surf fishing regulations, including anglers not possessing required fishing and vehicle equipment.
Park Rangers remind surf fishing permit holders that all individuals who drive on designated surf fishing beaches must possess a valid surf fishing vehicle permit; including a jack, shovel, low-pressure tire gauge, board, and tow strap; and also must possess proper saltwater fishing tackle.