DOVER, Del. — Beginning July 12, reservations will no longer be required to surf fish at several drive-on beaches in Delaware on weekends and holidays. This change affects 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 near Lewes. These locations have generally not reached full capacity during busy summer days and now make up nearly 64 percent of the state’s surf fishing beach availability. Reservations will still be required at Gordons Pond, Herring Point, Navy Crossing, Point Crossing, and 3 R’s beaches on summer weekends and holidays, due to high demand.
Governor Matt Meyer called the change a reduction of unnecessary regulation, aiming to better serve residents while maintaining fairness on the busiest days. DNREC will monitor beach use this summer to evaluate the impact of removing reservations and adjust policies if needed.
Reservations open July 8 and 9 for the affected beaches, available to valid surf fishing permit holders. Anglers can hold one reservation per day. The off-peak surf fishing permit continues to allow weekday access without reservations, except on holidays. DNREC officials say the decision follows two years of data analysis and feedback. The reservation system, introduced in 2023, has improved visitor experience and conservation, but some beaches have not reached capacity. Natural Resources Police will continue patrols to enforce permits and reservations. More information is available at www.destateparks.com/surf-fishing/.
