Delaware Changes Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Recreational Fishing Regulations

A summer flounder. Graphic illustration: Duane Raver for DNREC

 

Delaware recreational fishing regulations for summer flounder, scup and black sea bass were changed effective May 1, 2022 to ensure the state’s compliance with regional fisheries management plans (FMP) for these species, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today.

A black sea bass. Graphic illustration: Duane Raver for DNREC
A black sea bass. Graphic illustration: Duane Raver for DNREC

The recreational fishing regulations were instituted to sustainably manage each species consistent with FMP recreational harvest limits and to provide recreational fishing opportunities. The changes are:

  • Minimum summer flounder size limit was reduced from 16.5 inches to 16 inches, with a continued four-fish daily limit and all-year season.
  • Scup size limit was increased from 8 to 9 inches, with a continued 50-fish daily limit and all-year season.
  • Black sea bass size limit was increased from 12.5 to 13 inches while the season was shortened by 20 days (runs May 15 through Dec. 11), with a continued 15-fish daily limit.

For more information on the regulations, contact the DNREC Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914 or see the 2022 Delaware Fishing Guide.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

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DNREC’s Aquatic Resources Education Center to host ‘Go Fish Delaware!’ family fishing festival Saturday, May 12

SMYRNA – Visitors of all ages are invited to learn all about fishing at the Go Fish Delaware! Family Fishing Festival to be held, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at the Aquatic Resources Education Center, a DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife facility located off Route 9 east of Smyrna. Admission is free and open to the public.

This free event aims to show kids and adults how much fun fishing can be and to encourage them to take up the sport as a regular outdoor activity. The festival will include basic fishing instruction for kids at the center’s two catch and release fishing ponds, as well as introductory lessons in fresh water fishing, fly fishing, surf fishing, and bass fishing for adult beginners who would like to learn the basics.

In addition to fishing, the center will offer children’s activities and crafts, a touch tank, traditional net making demonstrations, salt marsh tours on the center’s 940-foot boardwalk trail, and tours of the new building with aquariums and aquatic-themed exhibits. Visitors will find information about rain gardens and local wildlife at the outdoor Bayshore Byway interpretive area, and they can walk along an interpretive trail featuring natural and cultural history of the area.

Food vendors will be available onsite, or visitors are welcome to pack a lunch to enjoy outdoors.

Individuals age 16 and older who are not license exempt who wish to fish at the festival must have a current Delaware fishing license and a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number. The free FIN number is included as part of a Delaware fishing license purchase. License-exempt anglers, including Delaware residents 65 and older, may visit www.delaware-fin.com, or call 800-432-9228 toll-free to obtain their free FIN number.

A resident annual Delaware recreational fishing license costs $8.50 for ages 16 through 64. Delaware fishing licenses are sold online, at the licensing office in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, and by license agents statewide. To find a participating agent, or to purchase a license online, visit Delaware Licenses. For more information on Delaware fishing licenses, call 302-739-9918.

For more information on fishing in Delaware, click on the 2018 Delaware Fishing Guide. The guide also is available in printed form at DNREC’s Dover licensing office, and from license agents throughout the state.

The Aquatic Resources Education Center is located east of Smyrna at 2520 Lighthouse Road, which is off Route 9 just north of Woodland Beach. For more information, visit www.de.gov/takf, or email mary.rivera@delaware.gov.

Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 48, No. 100