Surf fishing reservations required starting May 24 at Delaware state parks

Surf fishing reservations will be required starting Saturday.

Anglers planning to surf fish at Delaware State Parks over the summer will need a reservation on weekends and holidays starting Saturday, May 24, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) announced.

The reservation requirement, which applies to the state’s seven multi-use drive-on beaches, is part of DNREC’s effort to manage demand and preserve beach access during peak season.

Reservations for the May 24 kickoff can be made beginning Tuesday, May 20, at 11 a.m., and will continue each week for upcoming weekend dates.

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The policy affects holders of annual and two-year surf fishing permits who wish to drive onto state park beaches between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays through Labor Day.

Off-peak permit holders are excluded from the reservation system, as their permits only allow beach access during non-peak times.

Reservations, which cost a non-refundable $4 per vehicle, must be made online here or by phone.

Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis until sold out.

Reservations open the Tuesday before each Saturday and the Wednesday before each Sunday.

For weekday holidays, such as Memorial Day (May 26), Juneteenth (June 19), Independence Day (July 4), and Labor Day (Sept. 1), the system opens the Thursday prior.

DNREC says the reservation system has been upgraded in response to angler feedback.

Now, vehicle information is automatically linked to reservations when a valid surf fishing permit number is entered. Users can also manage multiple reservations for different permits under a single account.

Permit holders are required to print and display their reservation confirmation in their vehicle for verification by Delaware Natural Resources Police. Those with valid reservations are guaranteed park access even if general day-use parking reaches capacity.

DNREC encourages anglers to cancel reservations they don’t plan to use to allow other fishermen the chance to secure a spot.