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Lewes fishing captains earn global recognition from FishingBooker

Sara Uzer May 13, 2026Beaches, Business, Headlines, Outdoors

Lewes fishing captains recognized among top fishing guides worldwide

Michael F. Cerchio of Master Sportfishing and Dave Houser of Truetolife Outdoors were recognized among the world’s top fishing guides after earning the 2026 Angler’s Choice Award from FishingBooker. (Photo courtesy of FishingBooker.)

Michael F. Cerchio of Master Sportfishing and Dave Houser of Truetolife Outdoors were recognized among the world’s top fishing guides after earning the 2026 Angler’s Choice Award from FishingBooker. (Photo courtesy of FishingBooker.)

Two fishing captains based in Lewes have earned international recognition after receiving the 2026 Angler’s Choice Award from FishingBooker.

Michael F. Cerchio of Master Sportfishing and Dave Houser of Truetolife Outdoors were among 791 captains worldwide selected for the award.

FishingBooker, which connects anglers with fishing guides globally, said more than 9,400 captains were evaluated for the 2026 recognition. According to the company, the winners represent the top 8.3% of guides worldwide based on customer service, reliability and safety standards.

RELATED STORY: Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announces free fishing days for June 6-7

Both Delaware captains maintained a 98% reliability rating and a 4.8-star average from verified guest reviews throughout 2025, according to FishingBooker.

“Delaware might be a small state, but the professionalism shown by captains like Michael F. Cerchio and Dave Houser is world-class,” said Vukan Simic, CEO of FishingBooker.

To qualify for the award, captains were required to maintain at least a 4.8-star review average, a 98% reliability score and response rate, and complete business and safety verification standards.

The recognition highlights Delaware’s growing reputation as a destination for recreational fishing and coastal tourism.

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Sara Uzer is a journalist from Sussex County with more than 15 years of experience as a writer, editor, and community advocate. She started her career in Washington, DC and has lived in Sussex County for the past five years.

Milford Wellness Village to anchor $1.25M federal grant expanding chronic-disease self-management for caregivers and adults with disabilities
EHRI, based at the Milford campus, is pleased to announce enrollment opportunities in May! MILFORD, Del. — A $1.25 million federal grant awarded several months ago is positioning the Milford Wellness Village as a central hub for expanded mental health education services across Delaware, with Education Health & Research International leading the effort. EHRI, which is headquartered at the Wellness Village, received the funding through the Administration for Community Living, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The organization is responsible for designing and implementing the program, while the Milford campus will serve as the operational base and coordination center. EHRI has announced the first no-charge, once-a-week, six-part course. to help individuals living with ongoing medical conditions, worry, and/or life stressors. “The project directly addresses combined health factors that lower quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities, such as increased healthcare costs and a strain on caregivers and health systems,” said Rabbi Halberstam, EHRI’s chief strategy officer. How the pieces fit together The initiative brings together three key elements: The federal grant provides funding and a program framework focused on prevention and independent living EHRI acts as the lead organization, responsible for program development, coordination, and delivery Milford Wellness Village serves as the physical hub where services, partners, and outreach efforts are connected This structure reflects a broader shift in healthcare toward community-based models that integrate medical, behavioral health, and social services in one location. Focus on mental health and chronic conditions The program will prioritize individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and stress tied to caregiving, grief, financial hardship, or new diagnoses. Rather than providing direct clinical treatment, the initiative emphasizes education and self-management, including: Workshops on stress, grief, and anxiety Tools for managing chronic illness alongside mental health challenges Support resources for caregivers Connections to local healthcare and social services Officials say the goal is to help participants stabilize earlier, reducing the need for emergency care or long-term institutional support. Enrollment Now Open With programming now underway, EHRI officials are pleased to announce enrollment opportunities. Join in a no-cost Workshop, once a week for 6 weeks. Workshops are nationally recognized as making a real difference for individuals living with ongoing medical conditions, worry, and/or life stressors. Bring a loved one or friend and each will learn some new ideas for feeling better and reclaiming control. Tuesdays, May 19 to June 23- 5:30-8 pm Thursdays, May 19 to June 23- 9-1130am Thursdays, June 4-July 9- 5:30-8 pm To register; call, email or go online. Statewide reach through local partners While anchored in Milford, the program is designed to extend across Delaware through a network of partner organizations, including: Mental Health Association in Delaware Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore Jewish Family Services La Red Health Center WeCare Services PACE Your Life Beebe Healthcare Modern Maturity Center These partners will help deliver programming in community settings, expanding access to populations that may not engage with traditional healthcare systems. A growing model for community-based care The initiative comes as Delaware faces increasing demand for mental health services and caregiver support, particularly among its aging population. By linking federal funding, a lead nonprofit organization, and a centralized health campus, the program positions Milford as a model for integrated, community-based care—focused on prevention, education, and long-term independence. If you have any questions, contact Mona Boyer, Milford Wellness Village Education Coordinator Telephone: 302-300-5563 Email: mboyer@milfordwellnessvillage.com ONLINE: https://form.jotform.com/260816298177165
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Milford Wellness Village to Host Free Lunch & Learn on Advance Care Planning
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Preparation allows caregivers to respond calmly and decisively when challenges arise. Taking Care of the Caregiver Caregivers often put their own needs last — but burnout is one of the most serious risks they face. Even small, intentional breaks can help restore balance. Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. Short walks, quiet moments with coffee or tea, reading, stretching, or time with a pet can all help caregivers recharge. Experts recommend scheduling personal time on a calendar and treating it like an appointment that should not be skipped. Caregivers are also encouraged to resist the urge to be “perfect.” Managing a household, a career, and caregiving responsibilities simultaneously is not always realistic — and comparing one’s situation to others only adds unnecessary pressure. Every caregiving journey is different. Balancing Care and Work in the Milford Area For working caregivers, open communication with employers can make a meaningful difference. 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