DELAWARE – Starting today, anglers planning to surf fish at Delaware’s seven drive-on state park beaches must secure reservations for summer weekends and holidays. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) announced that reservations open at 11 a.m. on May 20 and will be required through Labor Day, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays. This system applies to anglers holding annual and two-year surf fishing permits, who must pay a $4 non-refundable reservation fee per vehicle for each day they plan to fish. Reservations are available online at destateparks.com/surf-fishing or by phone, handled on a first-come, first-served basis until all spots sell out. Weekday fishing does not require reservations except for holidays, which must be reserved by the Thursday before the holiday. Notably, off-peak surf fishing permits do not qualify for reservation eligibility, as those permit holders can only fish during non-peak times. DNREC’s scheduling for reservations opens on Tuesdays for Saturday access and Wednesdays for Sunday access during summer weekends. Anglers are encouraged to plan ahead to ensure access during peak times. For additional details or to secure a spot, anglers can visit Delaware’s official state parks website or contact the reservation hotline at 800-499-8221 during business hours. This reservation process is designed to manage the growing demand and preserve the quality of fishing experiences along Delaware’s coast this summer.
