2016

DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife announces spring 2016 trout stocking and opening for downstate ponds Trout anglers encouraged to check requirements before fishing DOVER (Feb. 19, 2016) – The Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife today announced that its spring 2016 downstate trout season will begin Saturday, March 5…

THE DELAWARE LEGISLATIVE SPORTSMEN’S CAUCUS CO-CHAIRS ENDORSE FOUR INITIATIVES BEING CONSIDERED BY THE 148TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY The Co-Chairs of the Delaware Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus have announced that they are endorsing four legislative initiatives currently under consideration by the 148th General Assembly.…

For over a quarter century, it's been our pleasure to introduce fans from around the country, even around the world, to the joy of watching pumpkins go splat, and the excitement of long distance competition. Through the efforts of our devoted volunteers, we have identified, and are in ongoing discussions with, several potential venues located…

Update ..... VEHICLE AND DRIVER HAVE BEEN FOUND THANKS TO SOCIAL MEDIA! DNREC enforcement is looking for this car that was caught on camera tearing up this parking lot.  "We need your help identifying the driver of this vehicle.  If you have any information, we ask that you contact the officers listed on the bottom of the…

Today Governor Jack Markell visited Dewey Beach to see the dune rebuilding project that DNREC is working diligently on.  The Army Corp Of Engineers informed Delaware that there isn't any money for beach replenishment for Bethany Beach to Fenwick Island.  These beaches were hit hard and the dunes are about gone leaving the towns…

Tri-state Bird and Rescue needs your donations of newspapers and used sheets.  Gently used is the term meaning do not drop off old sheets that have been used for anything but sleeping.  From the Facebook page ... "Due to the extreme cold weather, our patients from the Potomac spill were brought inside the Annex on Wednesday night.  While these…

      It is very important and required for some to know all aspects of boating safety.  If you were born after January 1, 1978 it is mandatory to take a boater's safety course to operate a vessel on Delaware waters.  This includes personal water craft such as Jet Skis.  There are several courses offered this year and one of the best is the…

Advisory Council on Wildlife and Freshwater Fish to meet Feb. 23 in DNREC’s Dover auditorium DOVER (Feb. 16, 2016) – Delaware’s Advisory Council on Wildlife and Freshwater Fish will hold its monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23 in DNREC’s auditorium at the Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE…

The Southern Delaware Jeep Club just set up a Go Fund me for Preston Tallhamer and his family.  He is an airman stationed out of Dover Air Force Base  They lost just about everything in a fire the other night when the gas furnace erupted.  Their home was declared unlivable by the Dover Fire Department.  Preston was deployed overseas…

The beaches are flat, and at low tide look a mile wide.  Compared to the summer many people will not recognize them this year.  No chance the state will be able to have them replenished before or by the summer.  Personally I am curious to see how they do on their own building back up.  The dunes are all sheared off and there are three…

Look outside it is snowing!  An arctic blast is headed here this weekend and we are getting  a taste of it Friday (today).  Right now it is snowing in Delaware and we have a wind advisory.  We have a Gale warning in effect from 4 AM Saturday until Sunday morning and a freezing spray advisory until Sunday morning.  Temperatures are going to…

Newly-signed Delaware law changes size, possession limits for American eel DOVER (Feb. 12, 2016) – A new Delaware law that increases size limits and decreases recreational possession limits on American eel is now in effect, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today. The new law, passed by the Delaware General…

Seals migrate to Delaware every winter and their numbers are increasing.  Last year many may remember there were seven of them at one point hanging out at Masseys Landing feeding on fish in the ditch and sunning on the marsh bank across from the fishing pier.  The past couple weeks seals have been seen on the beaches, one was rescued…

On January 29th I attended the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) meeting in Dewey Beach. I have been going to these meetings since the start of this planning committee.  Some of you have heard of this before and many have not. There is a Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal that recreational anglers need to help fill out to…

The Delaware Council of Wildlife Rehabilitators and Educators are asking for everyone's help.  Diamondback terrapins were displaced by storm Jonas.  They are asking everyone to keep an eye out for any turtles and contact them if they find any, they are popping up mostly on Delaware Bay beaches.  Also the coming cold this weekend will…

1/64 ... 1/100 ... 1/200 ... 1/32 jig heads for crappie and perch fishing Winter fishing is a whole different ball game.  You aren't in shorts and barefeet enjoying a sunny day.  In fact if you are crappie fishing you hope for a nice cold, overcast day.  Crappie are schooling fish and a blast to catch once you figure out where they are…

The NWS has issued a winter storm watch for northern Delaware.  Coastal flood advisory is still in effect as well.  High tide this morning hit the dune line along the coast.    A few people reported water making it under the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach.  Northern Delaware might see snow totals from 4 to 8 inches.  Latest from the NWS…

We have a small nor'easter like coastal storm a brewing outside right now and moving up the coast.  We shouldn't see much tidal flooding but it is good to keep it in mind.  The storm keeps shifting, dropping, and then strengthening.  A few days ago it was predicted to dump a lot of coastal snow onto Delaware.  Since then we have been…

The redecking of the Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier started last week.  The fence and lights have been removed as well as some boards from the end.  The crews are starting at the end of the pier and working their way to land.  It is strange to look at the pier and not see the fence or lights.  The pier is closed please stay off of it, I…

Today was the 25th annual Polar Plunge and it was a great success.  Every year the plunge is on what is known as Big Sunday because the Super Bowl is on the same day.  I wanted to get a team together this  year, but it has been a busy few months.  I saw a lot of people I know that participated today.  Everyone was excited and the…

This is going to cause a bit of a back up on these roads next week, but that gnarly curve on a hill, you know which one that I speak of, is where the pipe is being fixed.  Hopefully the road curve can be fixed a bit too, that is one dangerous spot, especially at night.  Mount Joy road and Hollyville have become quite the thoroughfare the past few…

Visited Beach Plum Island State Park  yesterday and the drive on section is now open.  The bay breached the drive on access and pushed sand half way tot he Broadkill River.  There are two more breaches further south on the beach.  The dunes held up for the most part and did their job.  They are "cliffed" and look like a mini version…

This Saturday is the vintage fishing and hunting show in Milford.  I have missed this the last couple of years but am going this weekend.  Should be a good time and they extended the hours this year to 3 PM.  If you are looking for something to do this weekend aside from jumping into the cold ocean water on Sunday for the 25th annual Polar…

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory, whether we like it or not.  It was sixty degrees three days ago and now it is going to snow, but then again it is February.   Just be safe and smart, the roads will be a slushy mess, and still a little hazardous.  Don't forget to wear boots when you are outside, my…

2016 Delaware Fishing Guide now available statewide and online   DOVER (Feb. 1, 2016) – The Division of Fish & Wildlife’s new 2016 Delaware Fishing Guide has arrived with a colorful splash, with distribution to fishing license agents throughout the state, including sporting goods, bait & tackle and hardware stores. Anglers also…

Southern section of Gordons Pond Trail closed for repairs due to damage caused by recent storm   DOVER (Feb. 2, 2016) – High winds and tides associated with the Jan. 22-24 weekend storm that struck Delaware’s coast severely damaged a 2.5-mile section of the Gordons Pond Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park, forcing an extended closure of the…

They say, March will come in like a lion and go out like a lamb, or the opposite.  What do they say about February that starts out like a spring day?  It is sixty plus degrees before noon on February first.  Last winter at this time it was cold but we had a few Indian summer days or do we say spring instead?   Deer season is over and…

Organizers of the Big Barrel Country Music Festival canceled the 2016 event this afternoon on their social media and websites ...  The reasons behind the cancellation is unknown. A Statement from Goldenvoice: We have made the difficult decision to cancel Big Barrel Country Music Festival, due to take place at The Woodlands in Dover,…

The beaches took a beating but will recover.  In the mean time the beach combing has been excellent for those lucky enough to get out there at dead low tides.  Every tide change the sand shifts more, exposing and burying all kinds of treasures.  In some cases these treasures are trash, but entertaining non the less.  I have found all…

Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier closed for decking replacement LEWES (Jan. 22, 2016) – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation’s Planning, Preservation and Development Section today announced the temporary closure of the Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier for replacement of aging decking boards starting on Monday, Jan. 25. Last year, the Division…

DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife announces registration for Delaware’s mandatory wild turkey hunting course   DOVER (Jan. 27, 2016) – With Delaware’s spring wild turkey hunting season fast approaching, DNREC’s Hunter Education Program reminds both resident and non-resident hunters that they must pass a Delaware-approved course on…

The following is a lit of the open drive on beaches.  I would expect them all to be open this weekend.  The reason it takes longer for the drive on beaches is the town beaches get priority by the state for obvious reasons.  The drive ons open have debris be careful, you never know what is under the sand.   There are swales galore and they are…

The beaches are flat and in some spots super saturated with water making driving hazardous.  The debris on some drive on accesses is heavy and others are unscathed.  Parks has to evaluate the crossings and also the beaches.  In Cape Henlopen whole dunes are gone and you could drive to the marsh. Parks may have to put up some fences to…

On Friday just before the blizzard of 2016 hit the coast.  I attended the Fenwick Island Town Council Meeting with Matt Heim of the Assateague Coastal Trust.  He gave an abridged version of his seismic testing presentation.  The council and some of the town's citizens watched with great interest.   After the presentation the council…

The storm rearranged the beaches from North Carolina To New York.  The dunes are sheered off at every Delaware coast town.  The board walk in Rehoboth is covered in sand.  There are several breaches from Fenwick to Broadkill Beach.  I ran around today and took some pictures of each area.  I still have to hit up Lewes, which flooded…

This is a video posted by Tidepool Toys and Games of Bethany Beach, this morning.  The dunes are still there and did their job.  The boardwalk is fine.  Places like Bayshore on the bayside are still flooded along the roads and between some trailers close to the shore line.   Tide is up top the bulkheads but that is about it.  Some roads are…

The dunes at all the Delaware coastal towns took a serious pounding with only a few breaches.  It could have been much worse.  Ron McArthur of the Cape Gazette took these photographs this morning of the dunes in Rehoboth Beach.  The dunes in Bethany and Fenwick survived as well.  Yes they (dunes) look like cliffs and rebuilding them…

We made it through a rough storm, the waves are still up but it is nowhere near as bad.  Delaware still has a coastal flood advisory until noon and a gale warning in affect until 10 AM  Cleanup crews are already all over the place.  It is nice to see the sun today.  The flooding was bad last night, but thankfully not as bad as…

Rehoboth Beach at 7 PM (January 23, 2016) ... Well it was only a matter of time.  We showed the breach in Dewey Beach on Beach Ave, then the breach at Slaughter Beach and South Bowers Beach.  These all happened about the same time today, at high tide.  Witnesses said ... "At 10 AM this morning the dune breached at the drive on for Faithful…

The Ocean City fishing pier took a beating today and is gone, only the building at the entrance remains.  Rob Banach took the picture you see and there is some video from Fishin OC.  I have no idea how our own pier has held up in Cape Henlopen, technically they need to remove the top deck so maybe that helped?  Doubt it.  There is still 2 high…

High tide has hit the inland bay communities and people are seeing water as bad as the floods in 1998.  South Bowers has an air boat on scene evacuating people.  The National Guard is at the firehouse in Oak Orchard, evacuating people Water is up to the mailboxes in some of the lower areas.  The pier took a  pounding and lost…

Blowing snow is slowing DelDOT's progress to clear primary roads Dover -- About 12 hours into this winter storm, the state is blanketed by snow, some areas have drifting, and coastal flooding is a major concern in eastern Sussex County. As the State of Emergency and Level 1 Driving Warning remains in place, crews from the…

Everyone else been up all night from the winds?  Sustained winds at the Indian River Inlet Bridge, 50 miles per hour, with gusts up to 62 miles per hour.  High tide is at 7 AM in Rehoboth and the water is already to the dune base, you can watch waves break and spray onto the boardwalk.  Waves are washing up the dunes and then back…

Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier closed for decking replacement LEWES (Jan. 22, 2016) – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation’s Planning, Preservation and Development Section today announced the temporary closure of the Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier for replacement of aging decking boards starting on Monday, Jan. 25. Last year, the Division…

Governor Markell Issues State of Emergency Announces Level 1 Driving Warning to Begin at Midnight Wilmington, DE –With a severe winter storm expected to generate significant snowfall in New Castle and Kent Counties, as well as coastal flooding and strong sustained winds in Sussex County, Governor Jack Markell has issued a State of…

This is some historical flood data from Weather.gov .  You can tell at what tide heights certain areas flood from this data collected since 1919 from the Lewes tide guage. Lewes Tide today and Saturday 01/22 Fri 12:33 AM -0.49 L 01/22 Fri 07:13 AM 4.87 H 01/22 Fri 01:28 PM -0.41 L 01/22 Fri 07:37 PM 3.8 H…

The first full moon of the year will occur on January 23, 2016 - 08:46 pm (EST).  This is known as the Full Wolf Moon to native American tribes.  Wolf packs would howl hungrily just outside of the Indian villages in the deep snows of midwinter.  It is also referred to as the Old Moon or the Moon After Yule.  Some call it the full snow moon but…

Bethany Beach's Facebook page is urging residents that normally evacuate during floods to do so before this storm hits. "The Town of Bethany Beach is going to be impacted significantly from Winter Storm Jonas over the weekend. This is a large winter storm bringing wind, snow and rain. Significant coastal and back bay flooding is expected. This…

DNREC reminds public that ocean dunes in Delaware State Parks are closed to sledding, snowboarding                                                                                                                                                                                            DOVER (Jan. 21, 2016) – With possible heavy snow in…

All of the east coast Delmarva beach areas into Jersey have to worry about flooding this weekend.  From Chincoteague, Virginia to Seaside Heights New Jersey and between are in the storm's path for coastal flooding.   The full moon is not going to help that at all.   Cold heavy wet winds could produce a lot of ice,  downed trees and…

The last snow we had was fun for a day.  It was predicted five days earlier at a twenty percent chance with flurries.  By the weekend it was a seventy percent chance and we got more than a flurry.  In fact that day WXrisk posted some people could see upwards of three inches of snow.  We had well over a half inch accumulate, with heavy…

Governor Markell seeks nominees for Delaware’s seat on Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council Governor Markell is seeking nominees for Delaware’s obligatory seat on the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (MAFMC). The MAFMC is responsible for managing fisheries in federal waters that extend from three miles to 200 miles offshore,…

Just a heads up ... MARCO a committee to gather information only.  They have zero authority.  So if you do go to this meeting keep that in mind.  The last one was a circus with people thinking that MARCO was going to regulate and possibly shut down the fishery, they had to remind people over and over that they do not have any authority.  Also if…

Tonight the Rehoboth Beach Town Council voted yes for a resolution against seismic testing in the Atlantic Ocean.  They are the 99th town on the East coast to vote for a resolution against seismic testing.  As you have read, seismic testing is being considered for the Atlantic Ocean.  Many groups are against this happening, including…

Barbara Quillen Dougherty doing what she loved most. Barbara Quillen Dougherty loved surf fishing, and that love was ingrained in her by her family over the last century. The history of the family of surf fishers shows where she got her love of fishing and her compassion for others. It was instilled in her by her father, Dr.…

Well it is definitely winter the air hurts my face.  Ponds and low water ways are starting to freeze over with a thin sheet of ice.  The ice stays all day or melts depending on the temperature and wind that afternoon.   Winter spring is definitely over and it was fun.  The fishing is in full winter swing, white perch in the tidal…

Save The Chunk is ingrained in the current and newly elected officials of the World Punkin Chunkin Association. After their well-attended monthly membership meeting on Saturday, there are already plans in the works to make sure the chunk continues in 2016. With Frank Payton at the helm as the newly elected president, he conveys a level of…

Tonight at 7 PM was the first meeting for the proposals involving hunting and license fees and the conservation access permit. There were over 110 people in attendance including the DNREC staff. First and foremost I would like to thank David Saveikis and his staff for taking the time to host these workshops. Those folks…

I just spoke with  John Clark about this hearing since the meeting many are concerned with tonight is the hunting license increase fee proposal.  Delaware will keep its creel limit from last year of four per day at 16 inches with no season.  Black Sea Bass will remain the same as well.  "We asked the ASMFC to host this hearing  because New Jersey…

The other day I spoke to Anthony Greene of Georgetown Delaware.  He is a very upbeat young man and his friends Darin and Lauren Ruark started a Go Fund Me... Anthony's Life Changer,  to help him acquire an Offroad Track Chair.  Anthony lost the use of his legs in a motorcycle accident several years ago (2007), but that has not slowed…

Last night I attended the Advisory Council on Shellfisheries meeting, this was the first one I have ever been too and it was a learning experience.  Rich Wong Biometrician, ( fishery scientist or marine biologist )   did a presentation on the 2016 Oyster quota.  Every year DNREC does surveys to see how much spat is being produced and at which…

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 28-Jan. 3 Reminder for the week: Take note of winter hunting, fishing seasons and prep for weather DOVER (Jan. 8, 2016) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating…

DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife announces amended tilefish regulation to take effect Jan. 11 DOVER (Jan. 8, 2016) – An amended Delaware tilefish regulation that reduces recreational and commercial harvest of the blueline and golden tilefish, species that have grown in fishing popularity in recent years, will take effect Jan. 11, DNREC’s…

As usual Zach King of Delaware Distilling Company is always working on new and innovative techniques to distill fine and unique spirits. This latest venture is right up there. He and Brian Asher, DDC's Ambassador at Large, are taking barrels previously used to age DDC Bourbon and filling them with distilled water. Then they are placing them at…

The striped bass just aren't cooperating for us in Delaware this year.  Boats are still getting into rockfish once they find them off the Jersey coast.  Whales are still all over the area as well.  The Delaware Bay has slowed down from zero to none for striped bass.  The usual places, like the 8's, are not seeing any migratory fish.  …

The Blacktip challenge is a surf fishing tournament that occurs in the peak of the blacktip shark migration.  Blacktip sharks travel in a large school during this time of year and it is not uncommon to see them leaving the water with aerial acrobatics.  This migration makes for prime fishing targeting them on cut bait as well as lures!  …

Not long after saltwater was discovered on Mars, a dune was also found.  Nasa's Curiosity Rover has been taking pictures of the recently discovered dune in the last couple of weeks.  The MPS  (Mars Park Service) sent out Ranger Martin to make sure they kept a safe distance from the protected dunes. " We don't mind visitors to our beaches , but we…

Clarence Aiken ... Harry Aiken's Dad with his 1929 Model A on the beach. (January 2016) ... Recently I had the opportunity to sit down with Harry Aiken and talk fishing. He will tell you ... "I don't tell fishing stories, I tell truths". Harry has been fishing the Delaware Beaches for over seventy-five years. I was so…

Over the weekend, Nikolas Pattantyus was watching a pod of whales from the beach in New Jersey and decided to venture out on his paddleboard for a closer look.  He got up close and personal with the humpbacks while they were feeding.  Not sure I would willingly paddle into a group of whales like that, you could be asking for trouble.…

Well it was a fun weekend ringing in the new year.  If you weren't surf fishing in Cape Henlopen then you wouldn't know but Herring Point beach to Gordons pond was packed with everyone trying to catch striped bass. One buddy said it looked like summer, but at least everyone was actually fishing.  A few small striped bass were caught…

A deep water ROV caught a giant Tuna on camera while inspecting a deep drilling line.  According to the video the line (drill) in the background is four feet across, making this tuna close to eighteen feet long and almost eight feet tall.   Based on the video information what do you think is this fish's actual size.  It certainly is one huge fish!…

I just wanted to say thank you all for a great year, 2015 was a blast.  I am blown away by the amount of website readers and followers on Facebook (28,000 plus).  This year I learned a lot, met some cool people, made a couple of mistakes and as always that just makes you wiser.  For 2016 we have a lot of plans to do some more fun…

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 21-27 Reminder for the week: Time to purchase your 2016 Delaware fishing license DOVER (Dec. 31, 2015) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public…