Fishing

Set off from Fisherman's Wharf on a fishing adventure. Charter boats available as are Head Boat fishing trips. Fun for the whole family and friends. Call 302-645-8862. Fishing off the pier in Cape Henlopen State Park is fun for the whole family. Licenses are available at the pier. Click here for all information. Another source for fishing or surf fishing is Old Inlet Bait and Tackle Shop. Click here for information.

Crabbing

Information through the Delaware State Parks. Click here for more information. To rent a boat to go crabbing try Rehoboth Bay Marina. Call 302-226-2012, or click here.

Surf Fishing

Surf fishing is popular in the Rehoboth area and there are many places to cast your line. The most popular spots are Tower Road, 3R's Road, the area just north of Indian River Inlet, Cape Henlopen Point, Haven Road and the Navy Jetty area within Cape Henlopen State Park. In May, surf fishermen can usually count on sea trout or weakfish in the Broadkill Beach, Beach Plum Island, Roosevelt Inlet and Lewes Beach areas. Another source for fishing or surf fishing is Old Inlet Bait and Tackle Shop. Click here for information.

If you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, you may drive on the beach in designated surf fishing areas with a Surf Fishing Permit. This permit is issued at most DE State Parks & some fishing/outdoor supply stores for the sole purpose of surf fishing. You also need a license for saltwater fishing. The Surf Fishing Vehicle fee is $90 for Delaware resident and $180 for non-resident. Delaware resident 62 and over, $80, non-resident, $160.  The permit attaches to your car like a license plate and allows beach vehicle access at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware Seashore State Park south of Dewey Beach & at Fenwick Island State Park south of Bethany Beach. Surf fishing vehicle permits are issued for the calendar year. Visit the Division of Parks & Recreation's Web site for additional rules & regulations.

Surf-fishing changes-Summer 2023: 

If you’re planning to drive onto the Delaware beaches to surf-fish this summer, there have been some major changes you need to be aware of.

Walk-on surf-fishing requires only a fishing license. Drive-on surf-fishing requires a permit, available at most state park offices. On weekends and holidays, it also requires a reservation.  For $4 per vehicle per day, reservations can be made at www.destateparks.com/surftagsales . The online system opens Tuesdays for Saturday reservations, Wednesdays for Sunday reservations and Thursdays for holidays. The system is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on weekends and holidays.

The website shows the number of spaces left at each drive-on beach, so if your first choice is booked, there’s likely another beach with space still available.

Fishing Licenses

You need a license for saltwater and freshwater fishing. http://www.eregulations.com/delaware/fishing/fishing-license-information/

Pier Fishing

Good fishing and crabbing can be found on the Cape Henlopen State Park pier, located near the park's entrance, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Typical quarries include spot, trout, croaker, flounder and bluefish. There is a bait and tackle shop in front of the pier. There's no charge to use the pier, but you must pay a small entrance fee at the park's main gates. Other piers can be found at Massey's Landing near Indian River Inlet at the end of Long Neck Road.

Headboats & Charter Boats

Headboats normally provide bait. You can bring your own tackle or sometimes rent a rod and reel for a minimum price. Charter boats can only carry a few fishermen so individual attention is increased, but so is the price tag. Charter boats are available at Lewes and at Indian River Inlet Marina and can be booked by the day or sometimes longer. Charter boats provide tackle and bait. Bring a lunch and your own beverages, sunscreen, sunglasses and a jacket. Here's the contact info to book your fishing trip.

Anglers Fishing Center: Headboat fishing daily, charters available, bottom wreck fishing. All supplies available, Anglers Road in Lewes,
302-645-8688

Fisherman's Wharf: Fishing and cruising center for trips in the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Half-day and full-day trips available, as well as private charters.

Departure hours and prices vary by season. At the drawbridge on Anglers Road in Lewes, 302-645-8862

Hook'em II Charters: Anglers Marina, Lewes, 302-684-2654, Sport Fishing, Light Tackle & Fly Fishing, Delaware Bay Shark Fishing, Ashes at Sea Services,

Dolphin Watch, Sunset Cruise, Eco Tours

Indian River Inlet: Charter boats available, 302-947-1924

Judy V Headboats & Capt. Bob ll Charter Boats: Half-day and full-day trips available, North Indian River Marina, Indian River Inlet, 302-226-2214 or toll free 1-877-613-6022. www.fishjudyv.com.

Lewes Harbour Marina: 302-645-6227

Murphy's Marina: Dagsboro, 302-732-6937

Oak Orchard Marina: Indian River, 302-945-0587