SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. - Anglers will soon have more freedom to fish without planning ahead, as the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced it will drop surf fishing reservations at several drive-on beaches starting Saturday, July 12.
The changes mean reservations will no longer be required on weekends and holidays for Key Box, Conquest and Faithful Steward beaches at Delaware Seashore State Park, York, Middle and South beaches at Fenwick Island State Park, and Beach Plum Island north of Lewes. These areas make up nearly 64 percent of Delaware’s surf fishing beach access.
“Delaware beaches are the precious jewel of our state’s tourism economy, and requiring beach reservations, where unnecessary, is an example of overregulation that can be streamlined to serve residents better.” said Governor Matt Meyer.
Matt Ritter, director of the Division of Parks and Recreation, said the decision followed two years of reviewing reservation data, occupancy levels and angler feedback. The reservation system, first introduced in 2023, was intended to manage record levels of drive-on surf fishing and protect beach conditions.
Some popular areas will still require reservations on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Those beaches include Gordons Pond, Herring Point, Navy Crossing and Point Crossing in Cape Henlopen State Park, as well as 3 R’s at Delaware Seashore State Park.
“Drive-on surf fishing reached record levels in recent years, and our parks have tried different ways to balance what can be overwhelming demand with the recreational experience so many enjoy,” Ritter said.
DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson said the department is trying to balance predictability with flexibility. “DNREC has certainly heard that some anglers, especially locals, like to wake up on a sunny day and decide to get out on the beach. With this change, we will provide different approaches for different types of visitors.”
Reservations for the remaining regulated beaches will open weekly, with the next openings on Tuesday, July 8 at 11 a.m. for Saturday, July 12, and Wednesday, July 9 at 11 a.m. for Sunday, July 13. Valid surf fishing permit holders can reserve one spot per day on a first-come, first-served basis.
Delaware Natural Resources Police Park Rangers Unit will continue car checks to ensure all anglers have the proper permits and equipment.