DNREC to pilot major changes to surf fishing permit program in 2023

DELAWARE – The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is making some major changes to its surf fishing permitting process.

Lifting The Cap

Starting in 2023, DNREC’s existing 17,000 permit cap will be lifted. This comes after demand for surf fishing permits soared in previous years. Over ten years, the number of permits issued nearly doubled. DNREC says there were 14,792 active permits in 2012, and 29,041 in 2022, including off-peak permits.

“In 2021, we issued 17,000 permits, which sold out in a mater of months – like six months. Then it got even closer, and we arrived where we were last year, where we sold out [permits for] 2022 in just a matter of hours,” said Division Director of Delaware State Parks, Ray Bivens. “We needed to make some very drastic changes. We couldn’t just come back and say we would issue the same amount of permits and do it the same exact way. If this was the chaos we got last year, we wanted to make some major changes for 2023.”

During the 2022 permitting season, Bivens says 79% of purchases were in state, and 21% out of state. He adds that DNREC has received multiple questions about whether Delawareans will receive preference once the permits go on sale.

“Delawareans can’t get preference, as we receive funds from the National Parks Service that limits that we have to have permits available to residents of other states, as well as Delaware. They limit how much we can charge,” said Bivens.

Reservation System

DNREC is also introducing an online reservation system for surf fishing permits. Reservations will be required on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays starting the third week of May through Labor Day Weekend. For $4 a day, surf fishers can reserve access from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

However, reservations will not be available for off-peak surf tag permit holders. Reservations can only be made for specific beach locations, and can be made for one of seven fishing locations.

“It creates a way that people would have equal access and wouldn’t be shut out completely. Across the country, from our National Parks Service, to other state and county parks, and even ourselves, we’ve used a reservation system for managing campground capacity,” said Bivens.

Weekend reservations will be made available weekly. Reservations will be first-come, first-served and will open the same week for the coming weekend, including holidays. Reservations will be accepted starting on the same weekday throughout the peak surf fishing season. The day of the week will be announced by DNREC before the reservation system is launched in May.

Reservations will continue to be taken through 4 p.m. on the day-of if space allows to accommodate same-day reservations. One reservation will be allowed per surf tag permit holder per day, and reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Even after a park reaches capacity, anglers with surf fishing reservations will be allowed into the park. Annual surf fishing permit holders can access the beach without a reservation on weekends and holidays after 4 p.m., but must be off the beach by 8 a.m. the next morning.

Anglers who previously purchased a two-year permit for 2022-2023 will be subject to the new reservation system. A full refund of the second year will be available to permit holders upon request no later than March 31, 2023.

Extra Enforcements

Along with the extra permits and new reservation system, will come additional enforcements, says Bivens. Reservations must be printed and displayed in the vehicle, and mobile verification can be used as a backup.

Permit holders will also be required to watch an instructional video on beach driving tips, mandatory equipment, and safety requirements. “As of right now, it’s a one-time thing. But, again, it’s a pilot that we’re going to roll out over time,” said Bivens.

On the beaches, Bivens says visitors can expect to see additional DNREC officers on patrol to ensure regulations are being followed. Until then, DNREC says sales are anticipated to start in December. For more information, click here.