Delaware is easing its surf fishing regulations, eliminating reservation requirements for most drive-on beaches. This significant policy shift, effective July 12, 2025, aims to balance accessibility for anglers with managing beach capacity, following a two-year review of usage data and public feedback. While seven of twelve beaches will no longer require reservations, high-demand locations will retain the system.
Delaware Relaxes Surf Fishing Rules
Starting July 12, 2025, surf fishers in Delaware will no longer need reservations for seven of the state’s twelve drive-on beaches. This change, announced by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), comes after a comprehensive review of the reservation system implemented in May 2023 to combat overcrowding.
Key Takeaways
- No Reservations Needed: Seven drive-on beaches will no longer require weekend and holiday reservations.
- Reservations Still Required: Five high-demand beaches will continue to require reservations during peak times.
- Data-Driven Decision: The policy change is based on two years of data showing most beaches rarely reached full capacity.
- Increased Accessibility: Aims to provide more spontaneous access for anglers, particularly locals.
- Future Adjustments: DNREC will monitor the new system and may reintroduce temporary reservations for major holidays like the Fourth of July.
Beaches Affected by the Change
The following beaches will no longer require reservations for surf fishing:
- Delaware Seashore State Park:
- Key Box
- Conquest
- Faithful Steward
- Fenwick Island State Park:
- York
- Middle
- South
- North of Lewes:
- Beach Plum Island
These seven locations account for nearly 64% of the state’s drive-on surf fishing availability and were chosen because they rarely reached full capacity, except during major holidays.
Beaches Still Requiring Reservations
Due to high demand and capacity issues, reservations will remain mandatory for the following five locations during summer weekends and holidays (8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day):
- Cape Henlopen State Park:
- Gordons Pond
- Herring Point
- Navy Crossing
- Point Crossing
- Delaware Seashore State Park:
- 3 R’s
For these beaches, reservations will continue to open weekly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Anglers must possess a valid 1-year or 2-year surf fishing permit and are limited to one reservation per day. Weekday access without a reservation is still available with an off-peak permit.
Rationale Behind the Policy Shift
DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson highlighted the mixed approach, stating, "We will provide different approaches for different types of visitors." This decision reflects feedback from anglers who appreciated the predictability of reservations but also from locals who desired more spontaneous access. Governor Matt Meyer supported the move, emphasizing that "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."
The reservation system, initially introduced in 2023, aimed to manage record-level demand and prevent overcrowding. However, a two-year review revealed that most beaches did not reach full capacity outside of major holidays. DNREC will continue to monitor beach usage and may consider temporary reinstatement of reservations for future high-demand holidays, such as the Fourth of July.
Delaware Natural Resources Police Park Rangers will continue to patrol beaches to ensure compliance with valid permits, equipment, and reservations where applicable.
Sources
- Delaware Drops Surf Fishing Reservations at Most Drive-On Beaches, WJBR.com.
- Delaware eases surf fishing reservation rules at most state beaches, Delaware LIVE News.
- DNREC Drops Surf Fishing Reservations for 7 of 12 Drive-on Beaches, State of Delaware News (.gov).
- DNREC drops surf-fishing reservations for most drive-on beaches, Bay to Bay News.
- Delaware Fishing Report – DNREC, DNREC (.gov).
