DNREC Updates Surf Fishing Reservation System for 2025 Season

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has announced significant changes to its surf fishing reservation system for the 2025 season.

The updated system will eliminate the need for reservations at select drive-on, multi-use beaches on weekends and holidays, beginning Saturday, July 12.

Beaches Removed from Reservation System

Effective mid-July, reservations will no longer be required at the following locations:

• Key Box, Conquest, and Faithful Steward beaches at Delaware Seashore State Park  
• York, Middle, and South beaches at Fenwick Island State Park  
• Beach Plum Island, north of Lewes  

These areas were chosen because they traditionally have not reached capacity on busy summer weekends. With this adjustment, nearly 64% of the state's surf fishing beach availability will no longer require reservations.

"These are your beaches, Delaware," said Governor Matt Meyer. "We are eliminating the need for reservations most of the time, preserving them only for fairness during the busiest days and hours."

He added that the move reduces unnecessary regulation while ensuring accessibility for residents and visitors alike.

System Evaluation and Monitoring

DNREC plans to monitor the impacts of these changes throughout the summer. Matt Ritter, Director of the Division of Parks and Recreation, stated, "We will evaluate beach occupancy levels and assess queuing or crowding issues as anglers surf fish without needing reservations."

Beaches Retaining Reservation Requirements

Reservations will remain in place at high-demand areas with significant capacity issues.

These include:

• Gordons Pond, Herring Point, Navy Crossing, and Point Crossing at Cape Henlopen State Park  
• 3 R's Beach at Delaware Seashore State Park  

At these locations, daily reservations will be required from Memorial Day to Labor Day, during weekends and holidays, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Anglers with valid reservations will be granted access to these beaches, even when day-use parking reaches full capacity.

Balancing Demand and Recreation

Reservations were initially implemented in 2023 to address record-high demand for drive-on surf fishing access. "Reservations have become prevalent nationwide at state and national parks," said Ritter. "We remain committed to balancing visitor demand while providing a good recreational experience for anglers."

DNREC confirms that reservation availability for these beaches will be monitored and adjusted based on surf and weather conditions, ensuring that reserved spots are not left unused.

Feedback Considered for Changes

The updated system reflects feedback from anglers and the evaluation of reservation trends over the past two years. Secretary Greg Patterson of DNREC acknowledged, "Some people like the predictability of a reservation system, while others prefer the flexibility to decide last-minute. With this change, we're offering options for both groups."

Reservation Details

Reservations for the beaches still requiring them will open weekly:

• Tuesday, July 8, at 11 a.m., for fishing on Saturday, July 12  
• Wednesday, July 9, at 11 a.m., for fishing on Sunday, July 13  

Reservations are open to 1-year and 2-year Surf Fishing Permit holders on a first-come, first-served basis and limited to one booking per day. Off-peak surf fishing permits remain unchanged, providing unrestricted access Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Enforcement and Additional Information

The Delaware Natural Resources Police Park Rangers will continue vehicle checks to ensure compliance with fishing permit requirements, equipment standards, and reservations where applicable.

For more information about surf fishing in Delaware's state parks, visit www.destateparks.com/surf-fishing.