The new surf fishing rules with drive-on beaches take effect Saturday. (Photo courtesy of DNREC)
Anglers will no longer need reservations to surf fish at most of Delaware’s drive-on beaches starting Saturday, July 12, under a major change announced by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).
The new policy eliminates weekend and holiday reservation requirements at seven beaches that rarely reach full capacity during peak times.
“As surf tag holders have gotten used to the reservation system, we know from customer feedback that many people like the predictability of knowing they will have a spot and won’t be turned away or have to wait in a long line for someone to leave,” DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson said. “At the same time, DNREC has certainly heard that some anglers, especially locals, like to wake up on a sunny day and decide to get out on the beach. With this change, we will provide different approaches for different types of visitors.”
The affected beaches include Key Box, Conquest, and Faithful Steward at Delaware Seashore State Park; York, Middle, and South beaches at Fenwick Island State Park; and Beach Plum Island north of Lewes.
Altogether, the changes affect nearly 64% of the state’s drive-on surf fishing beach availability.
The reservations are dropped for seven of 12 drive-on beaches.
“Drive-on surf fishing reached record levels in recent years, and our parks have tried different ways to balance what can be overwhelming demand with the recreational experience so many enjoy,” said Matt Ritter, director of the Division of Parks and Recreation. “Reservations have become prevalent at state and national parks across the country, and as we evolve our reservation program in Delaware State Parks, we remain committed to providing a good experience for anglers and all our visitors.”
DNREC officials said the decision follows a two-year review of surf fishing data and visitor feedback.
“After careful consideration, we felt making the change to drop reservation requirements for several surf fishing beaches was the right decision,” Ritter said.
Despite rising interest in drive-on surf fishing in recent years, the affected beaches have typically not reached capacity, except during major holidays like the Fourth of July.
Reservations will still be required on summer weekends and holidays for five high-demand locations: Gordons Pond, Herring Point, Navy Crossing, and Point Crossing at Cape Henlopen State Park, and 3 R’s at Delaware Seashore State Park.
Those reservations will remain in effect between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The reservation system was introduced in 2023 to reduce crowding and manage traffic flow during peak beach use. While it helped prevent congestion at certain popular sites, many beachgoers expressed frustration—especially locals who prefer spontaneous trips based on weather.
Reservations for the remaining restricted beaches will continue to open each week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Anglers must hold 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.
DNREC said it will monitor how the new system impacts beach usage and may consider temporary reinstatement of reservations around high-demand holidays like the Fourth of July.
Raised in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Jarek earned a B.A. in journalism and a B.A. in political science from Temple University in 2021. After running CNN’s Michael Smerconish’s YouTube channel, Jarek became a reporter for the Bucks County Herald before joining Delaware LIVE News.
Jarek can be reached by email at jarek@dimgrey-peafowl-504880.hostingersite.com or by phone at (215) 450-9982. Follow him on Twitter @jarekrutz and on LinkedIn.
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