DNREC to Issue Surf Fishing Permit Vouchers April 14

In response to the eighth modification to the COVID-19 emergency order, issued by Gov. John Carney on March 29, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will issue up to 1,000 additional one-year surf fishing permits for 2021, with a special voucher distribution Wednesday, April 14.

Those who wish to purchase one of the additional 1,000 one-year surf fishing permits must first acquire a special voucher. Vouchers will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on April 14, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the following locations until the allotted vouchers have been distributed:  

  • Brandywine Creek State Park: Hawk Watch parking lot – 150 vouchers available
  • Lums Pond State Park: Area 1 Day Use area – 125 vouchers available
  • Killens Pond State Park: Waterpark parking lot – 125 vouchers available
  • Cape Henlopen State Park: Main beach parking lot – 250 vouchers available
  • Delaware Seashore State Park: South Inlet Day Use Area parking lot – 250 vouchers available
  • Trap Pond State Park: Day use area parking lot – 100 vouchers available

The voucher distribution will take place as a drive-through and participants are asked to stay in their vehicles and wear masks when interacting with park personnel. Each voucher will allow for the purchase of one 2021 surf fishing permit. Vouchers must be redeemed at the same park where they were obtained. Park offices will be open and redemption will be available starting April 14; however, to avoid long delays and ensure the safety of staff and park visitors, voucher holders will have until April 28 to redeem their voucher. DNREC recommends returning the voucher at another date during the two-week window for redemption. There will be no online sales.

These special surf fishing permit vouchers are limited to one per person. The person obtaining the voucher does not have to be the permit holder. If the interested permit holder is not available on the day of the voucher distribution, the voucher may be obtained by a designee with proper information for the permit. The vehicle license plate number and vehicle registration name for which the permit will be purchased is required to obtain a voucher. Vouchers are nontransferable. The permits will be valid until Dec. 31, 2021, and available to residents and non-residents. At 3 p.m. on April 14, no additional permits will be issued, even if all vouchers are not claimed.

Firefighters and EMTs must present a signed application form from their fire company when redeeming a voucher to obtain a 2021 surf fishing permit.

No annual or lifetime pass sales will be handled at these six state parks on April 14.

The surf fishing permit fee for Delaware residents is $90, while out-of-state residents is $180. Delaware residents 62 and older will receive a discounted rate of $80.

 For more information, including answers to frequently asked questions, go to www.destateparks.com or call 302-739-9200.

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. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov or Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov.

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DNREC to Issue 1,000 Additional Surf-Fishing Permits

Special Off-Peak Permit Pilot Program to Cast Off in Late May

In response to the eighth modification to the COVID-19 emergency order, issued by Gov. John Carney on March 29, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will issue up to 1,000 additional one-year Surf-Fishing Permits for 2021.

Those who wish to purchase one of the additional 1,000 regular Surf-Fishing Permits must first acquire a special voucher on a date to be determined. Vouchers will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with details to be announced by the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation in the near future.

Each voucher will allow for the purchase of one 2021 Surf-Fishing Permit.

These special Surf-Fishing Permit vouchers are limited to one per person. Other information about the vouchers that can be announced by DNREC at this time is as follows:

  • The person obtaining the voucher does not have to be the permit holder. If the interested permit holder is not available on the day of the voucher distribution, the voucher may be obtained by a designee with proper information for the permit.
  • The vehicle license plate number and vehicle registration name for which the permit will be purchased is required to obtain a voucher. Vouchers are nontransferable.
  • The permits will be valid until Dec. 31, 2021, and available to residents and non-residents.
  • At the close of business on the date of voucher distribution, no additional permits will be issued, even if all vouchers are not claimed.
  • There will be no online sales.

Firefighters and EMTs must present a signed application form from their fire company when redeeming a voucher to obtain a 2021 Surf-Fishing Permit.

The Surf-Fishing Permit fee for Delaware residents is $90, while the permit fee for out-of-state residents is $180. Delaware residents 62 and older will receive a discounted rate of $80.

 Off-Peak Surf-Fishing Permit Pilot

In addition to the limited voucher-issued Surf-Fishing Permits, DNREC will launch an Off-Peak Surf-Fishing Permit pilot program starting in late May. The off-peak permits will allow anglers to drive-on surf fish during times when Delaware State Park beaches are not at capacity. Unprecedented sales and the need to allow more anglers and beach users to safely social distance during the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the decision to introduce the pilot program.

The Off-Peak Surf-Fishing Permits may be used Mondays through Fridays only, starting June 1 through Sept. 3. Memorial Day and Labor Day are excluded. Starting Tuesday, Sept. 7 through Dec. 31, the off-peak permit may be used seven days a week.

The off-peak permit fee for Delaware residents is $70, while the fee for out-of-state residents is $140. Delaware residents age 62 and older will receive a discounted rate of $60. Off-peak permits may be purchased online and in state park offices.

For more information, including answers to frequently asked questions, go to www.destateparks.com or call 302-739-9200.

 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. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov or Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov.

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DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation Low-Digit Surf-Fishing Tag Auction starts Black Friday

Dover — DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation will auction Low-Digit Surf Fishing Tags starting Black Friday, Nov. 29 at www.usgovbid.com.

Between Nov. 29 and Dec. 11, bidders will have the option to bid on 10 tags, including tags 36, 63, 125 and 225, and on six “choice” categories, ranging from tags 51 to 9999. The highest bidder in each choice category can choose a number, if not already sold, within that category.

The minimum bid for a surf fishing tag is $250. By state law, surf-fishing tags numbered 1 through 200 are limited to vehicles registered in Delaware.

The auction of low-numbered plates was authorized by the Delaware General Assembly and allows DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation to auction low-digit tags to the highest bidder. All proceeds directly benefit Delaware State Parks, which is 65 percent self-funded.

For more information visit www.destateparks.com/LowDigitTags or www.usgovbid.com or by phone at 302-739-9200.

Media Contact: Shauna McVey, DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation, 302-739-9220