Surf Fishing Tags Sell Out Hours After Going On Sale

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced Tuesday that Delaware standard surf fishing permits sold out just hours after going on sale.

The announcement came after sales reached the cap of 17,000 standard tags issued for the 2022 calendar year.

While no more standard surf fishing permits that allow fishing anytime will be sold until the 2023 season, the popular off-peak permits introduced by DNREC last year are still available and allow fishing all days except summer weekends and holidays.

In 2019, the Delaware Parks and Recreation Advisory Council established a 17,000 cap on standard surf fishing permit sales.

According to the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation, it implemented a first-come, first-served cap on the number of permits issued “as the most equitable way to serve all beach users, and to manage a limited resource, while also protecting against overcrowding of parks beaches.”

Tags ordinarily go on sale much earlier, but this year the sales were delayed because of nationwide supply chain disruptions.

Off-peak surf fishing permits still available

While sales of standard surf fishing permits have ended for 2022, off-peak surf fishing permits are still available.

There is no cap on the number of off-peak surf fishing permits, which were piloted in 2021.

Off-peak surf fishing permits may be used seven days a week during the off-season, which runs from Feb. 1 to May 29 and again from Sept. 6 through Dec. 31.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, off-peak permits may only be used Mondays through Fridays. Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day are excluded.

The off-peak permit also allows entry into all Delaware State Parks without paying the daily entrance fee.

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.

To purchase an off-peak surf fishing permit, go to www.destateparks.com or visit any park office within Delaware State Parks.

For surf fishing rules, regulations and other important information, go to www.destateparks.com/adventures/fishing.