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2017

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Environmental News

Anglers Invited To Fish For Free In Delaware Waters June 3 And 4

Rich King May 31, 2017

Anglers invited to fish for free in Delaware waters June 3 and 4 DNREC’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police to host 31st Annual Youth Fishing Tournament June 3 DOVER (May 30, 2017) – To celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week, June 3-11, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife invites you to fish, crab and clam in…

First Northern Snakehead Record Set For Delaware

Rich King May 30, 2017

This year Delaware added the northern snakehead to its sport fishing tournament. Now anglers can get a citation and possibly a state record for a northern snakehead. These fish are an invasive species and most likely are here to stay. Some anglers prefer to catch these fish over any freshwater species. The fight they put up is…

Memorable Fishing On Memorial Day Weekend

Rich King May 30, 2017

Great weekend despite the weather. We had some first catches at the docks and another interesting catch many have ever seen before. The fish were biting in the surf more than the flies which is always a good thing the DFM was around a two most of the time, the crazy a full on twelve. Beaches were crowded and so were the waterways.…

Osprey Catch And Release

Rich King May 28, 2017

Safely removing a bird from your fishing line is a chore (May 2017) ... Osprey are my favorite flying anglers, they always let you know there are fish around. They can even let you know when there aren't any fish around. They don't fly a mile off shore if there are fish close to the surf. Shorebirds can get caught up in all kinds of stray…

Memorial Day Weekend Fishing Outlook

Rich King May 26, 2017

I keep getting messages, been all day with the same question. What can I expect this weekend, where do we go, what is biting? Well based on the traffic the entire planet is coming here this weekend. Now what can you expect? A lot of wind, possibly some rain. Pretty much what we have been dealing with for the past two weeks or more. The…

Third Annual Kids Catch-All Fishing Tournament At the Indian River Marina, June 23 – 25

Rich King May 26, 2017

Delaware Surf Fishing is a proud sponsor of this tournament, looking forward to helping raise money for the Lyme Disease Association of Delmarva, Inc. There is still time to become a sponsor of this event. Third Annual Kids Catch-All Fishing Tournament At the Indian River Marina, June 23 - 25 Rehoboth Beach, DE – The staff at…

DNREC’s 31st Annual Youth Fishing Tournament June 3

Rich King May 26, 2017

DNREC’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police to host 31st Annual Youth Fishing Tournament June 3 Tournament marks the start of National Fishing & Boating Week June 3-11; entry forms online DOVER (May 25, 2017) – As part of activities for National Fishing and Boating Week, June 3-11, DNREC’s Fish & Wildlife…

Great Whites Visit Delaware For The Holiday

Rich King May 26, 2017

Not just tourists are here in full force this weekend. We have a couple more visitors that are making their way up the coastline, heading north. I would assume they are in search of the seal population that is getting bigger yearly in Delaware. Mary Lee is far off the coast of Delaware and Maryland. I wouldn't worry too much about her but if…

Shark Fishing in Delaware … the rules clarified

Rich King May 26, 2017

Blue Shark caught by Clay Harrison and released (May 26, 2017) ...THIS WAS WRITTEN THREE YEARS AGO IT STILL APPLIES. Know the rules! Old articles are open to the public. Yesterday I was rewriting an article I did last year when I interviewed Fish and Wildlife Enforcement. Many people are catching prohibited sharks and…

Environmental News

DNREC Secretary’s Order approves issuance of permits for construction and operation of City of Rehoboth Beach outfall

Rich King May 25, 2017

DNREC Secretary’s Order approves issuance of permits for construction and operation of City of Rehoboth Beach outfall DOVER (May 25, 2017) – Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Shawn M. Garvin today signed an order enabling the City of Rehoboth Beach to move forward with construction of an outfall that will…

Environmental News

DNREC reports nine piping plover pairs incubating nests

Rich King May 24, 2017

DNREC reports nine piping plover pairs incubating nests at Cape Henlopen’s Point and Fowler Beach LEWES (May 24, 2017) – With summer just around the corner, beachnesting birds are in full breeding mode, with piping plover and American oystercatcher nests increasing their Delaware numbers and least terns making nest scrapes, DNREC’s…

Vehicle Fire On Savages Ditch

Rich King May 20, 2017

(November 2017) ... A vehicle caught on fire last night near Faithful Steward Drive (Savages Ditch) on surf fishing access in Delaware Seashore State Park. In the video below you can see it was fully involved by the time Dave Eastburn saw it on his way to do a little night fishing. Apparently the vehicle overheated when it was being driven…

Weekend Outlook Fishing In Delaware

Rich King May 18, 2017

The weather is getting hot this week and the waters will warm up a little more, but the fish are hitting like crazy. Masseys Landing is spiking to sixty-nine degrees at low tide and dropping to sixty-two degrees at high tide. The Delaware Bay is about sixty degrees as well as the surf, the upper bay is sixty-four degrees. There was an epic…

Foul Weather Fishing

Rich King May 11, 2017

Lovely weather we are having today, but the fish don't care. The water temperatures at Masseys landing are bouncing between fifty-nine and sixty-one degrees. The Delaware bay and surf are around sixty-one degrees. The temperatures are great for these big bluefish and striped bass. The big blues have schooled up and are now being…

ASMFC Atlantic Striped Bass Board Withdraws Draft Addendum V & Maintains Current Measures until Completion of 2018 Benchmark Stock Assessment

Rich King May 11, 2017

ASMFC Atlantic Striped Bass Board Withdraws Draft Addendum V & Maintains Current Measures until Completion of 2018 Benchmark Stock Assessment Alexandria, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board chose to not advance Draft Addendum V to Amendment 6 to the Fishery Management Plan…

The Tamaroa Was Sunk At The Del Jersey Land Reef Site

Rich King May 11, 2017

The Tamaroa sitting high in the water. (May 10, 2017) ... Yesterday I was invited to watch the sinking of a piece of history. This was probably the best birthday present I have ever received, thank you to the state of Delaware for the invite. I was also covering this for Delaware State News. I arrived at the Delaware Bay Launch service in…

Sunday Funday Shenanigans

Rich King May 7, 2017

It has been a great weekend, and the fishing was good too, well except for today. When I get together with a group of friends you just never know how the day is going to turn out. Friday we fished the inlet and beaches pretty hard. It wasn't too bad, we caught a few twenty to thirty plus inch bluefish in the surf, with the…

Cooking & Recipes

Spring Break Ceviche

Rich King May 6, 2017

For the hunting and fishing types, this is typically the most non-eventful part of the year until the perch and shad start running and turkey season opens up. This is also about the only time of year a chef in these parts can take a break from work. This year I took my annual spring break trip down to Florida to see friends and…

Fly Fishing Delmarva

I Don’t Know If I’m Going Fishing Today

Rich King May 6, 2017

I remember saying that right before an empty can of something was thrown at me by my brother or one of the other mechanics working at the local garage. Back when I was 18, I would go on a work binge, and then take time off to loaf and enjoy being young. Mostly I fished. What I didn't know back then was, telling a bunch of dudes who chose a…

Water Temperatures, Beach Conditions And Illinois Whammies The Skunk

Rich King May 5, 2017

Well this is a lovely day, it is raining so hard the man cavern sounds like a freight train, and you can't see out the windows. Metal buildings are very loud with heavy rain, the thunder is a nice added attraction. We are cleaning up the gear and getting ready for the weekend. My buddy Chris from Illinois has been out for two days…

Non Profit Organizations

Hogs And Heroes Donates To The Ocean View Police Department

Rich King May 5, 2017

Hogs And Heroes is a non-profit organization founded in 2008, they are not a motorcycle club. They are a group of like-minded individuals that raise money for military, police, firefighters, and EMT personnel. They do this through fundraisers they host through out the year. Anything from benefits to raffling off large items, last…

Whale Washes Up Near Rehoboth Beach

Rich King May 4, 2017

Earlier this morning a large whale washed up onto the beach at Henlopen Acres just above Rehoboth beach. Suzanne Thurman from MERR is on scene right now with DNREC trying to figure out how they can move it to the state park and do a necropsy. Suzanne said this is a humpback whale and because of that NOAA requires certain procedures…

Restricted Beach Access Survey Results

Rich King May 3, 2017

Well it looks like the "beach coalition" is not going to take no for an answer and have turned up the heat. They are using a lawyer and a lobbyist to try and pressure the state of Delaware (Governor John Carney and DNREC secretary Shawn Garvin) into not allowing trucks to park in front of their houses and communities, which are located in…

Inland Bays Got The Blues

Rich King May 3, 2017

We had a great weekend for weather the Delmarva Outdoors Expo was a blast. Thank you to all who attended, vended, and supported the event. Next year is going to be even better and bigger, we are already planning. Fishing was great over the weekend, I had to watch all my friends fish and torture me with pictures they kept sending to me. Thanks…

Environmental News

First Recipient Of Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament’s Elite Angler Award

Rich King Apr 26, 2017

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announces first recipient of Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament’s Elite Angler award DOVER (April 26, 2017) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife today announced the first recipient of the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament’s new Elite Angler award is Thomas Passwaters Sr., of Milford, a…

Fishing For Blues Is Off The Hook

Rich King Apr 26, 2017

The weather this weekend is going to be beautiful, you need to go to the Delmarva Outdoors Expo! Fishing will be awful, I promise. I'm kidding! Fishing is off the hook, especially for bluefish. Seriously they are all over the place. Even in areas we don't usually see them. The last couple of days including today the tide has…

One Last Chance To Stop The Rehoboth Waste Water Outfall Project

Rich King Apr 25, 2017

Well apparently we have one last shot at stopping the waste water outfall project. Rehoboth beach wants to pump their waste water out into the ocean, near the Hen and Chicken shoals. If you have been following this then I don't need to go into a lot of details, but I am not in favor of this project. In fact many are not in foavor…

Update On Whale At Port Mahon

Rich King Apr 24, 2017

Yesterday a small whale washed up against the fishing pier at Port Mahon. Alex Tkachuk was there fishing and sent me a couple of pictures. Someone there called DNREC, and I called Suzanne Thurman at MERR. They sent a crew out there to decide what to do with it which most likely would be tow it off the pier out into the bay or even…

Win A Charter Trip From The Delmarva Outdoors Expo

Rich King Apr 24, 2017

WIN A CHARTER TRIP!!! ... Delmarva Outdoors Expo weekend passes purchased before the event will only qualify for this giveaway. Order your weekend passes ahead of time to be entered to win a Charter trip with Fish Whisperer charters. You will also receive ten extra door prize tickets. Door prizes will be given away every 15 minutes all weekend.…

Delmarva Outdoors Expo Has Something For Everyone

Rich King Apr 23, 2017

The first annual Delmarva Outdoors Expo will be held on April 28th to the 30th at the state fairgrounds in Harrington, Delaware. Darrell Meade wanted to organize an outdoors show in the area and he has hit a home run. "I wanted to do something on the scale of the Harrisburg show for this area, we have always needed a show like this. Delmarva…

Bent Poles And Straight Hooks

Rich King Apr 22, 2017

Two years ago today was roughly the beginning of this yearly bluefish run. Since then I have had to keep pliers with me just to re-bend my hooks. You have to love the fight of these gator bluefish. We have been having a lot of fun chasing them up and down the coast. When and where is the question on everyone's mind. We have been finding…

The Stories Of The Catch Are Just As Fun

Rich King Apr 20, 2017

The best part of fishing are the stories, you just never know what madness will ensue during a normal day of fishing. Today the reel friend surf fishing crew are fishing at Cape Henlopen today. Sue Sokira text, call me you get a chance you have to hear this story. I call, she answers the phone ... "So Jason Duncan is reeling in a skate and…

Fly Fishing Delmarva

Spring Has Sprung!

Rich King Apr 20, 2017

Just before my trip to fish with my brother and father last week I fished with Gene from Backwater Angler up on the Gunpowder. This was one of three trips in a row where I'd sat on the freeway in hours of traffic while watching the weather go from perfect to awful before I was even close to the river. Gene and I fished a stretch of water I'd…

Good And Bay Day Of Fishing

Rich King Apr 19, 2017

We all have those days. One day is hot as hell and the next is a total skunk, today was that day, the skunk and it felt like hell. We went back to the Cape Henlopen Fishing pier beach and it was a total wash out. It happens. For all of you complaining of the "spot burn" get over it, the tackle shop, Lighthouse Bait and Tackle are…

Environmental News

Additional closure needed to assist beachnesters at the Point at Cape Henlopen State Park

Rich King Apr 19, 2017

Additional closure needed to assist beachnesters at the Point at Cape Henlopen State Park LEWES (April 13, 2017) – On March 1, the Point at Cape Henlopen State Park was closed for migratory and beach nesting shorebirds.The closed sections, including a stretch of ocean beach and dunes, and a half mile along the bay shoreline, were marked…

Rats To Blues We Saw A Lot Of New Fish Today

Rich King Apr 18, 2017

The alarm is set for five in the morning, but you are already up contemplating where to go and what to use, the excitement keeps you awake. Then the alarm goes off while you're in the shower. This is everyday for me this time of year. Where do we go, what do we try for etc.etc. Today was no exception aside from the fact I knew…

Cooking & Recipes

Allure Of The Shad

Rich King Apr 17, 2017

(April 2018) ... March - still winter, and it often feels like it here on Delmarva. Cold and windy, gray, maybe even a last snowstorm and a short freeze to come.Yet, there are also those warm days announcing the approach of spring - the sun is rising and setting a little farther to the nartherd (north) every day. The red-winged blackbird is…

Keeper Stripers In The Surf And Those Bluefish

Rich King Apr 17, 2017

Hope everyone had a great Easter, some anglers had a fantastic Easter. There have been some decent catches up and down the coast. The water temperatures are good for the fish and not so much for my feet. I just got feeling back in my toes this morning. I saw people swimming this weekend, ya'll are nuts! The weather was perfect…

Lyrid Meteor Shower Has Started

Rich King Apr 17, 2017

April's shooting stars, the Lyrid meteors tend to be bright and often leave trails and are active each year from about April 16 to the 25th. You should be able to see about ten to twelve meteors per hour at the peak, which is on the morning of the 22nd and the 23rd. Sometimes a rare surge will increase during the peak viewing times and you…

Booooooofish!!

Rich King Apr 16, 2017

Happy Easter everyone. It is a great day in the surf and area waters. We have a lot of fish being caught. Trophy season for striped bass in Maryland has been fair to poor according to most, but some fish were caught. It isn't as good as it usually is and probably has to do with the Susquehanna flooded out from the heavy rains. …

Fishing Is Off The Hook

Rich King Apr 15, 2017

We are now into some serious spring fishing action and it has really heated up since a few days ago. For a couple of weeks we have been slamming the short striped bass in the surf, back bays, the bridges around ocean city and the Oceanic Pier. We took Outdoors Delmarva fishing yesterday in the surf and the action was on fire. Lots…

Blue Crabs Are Filling Pots

Rich King Apr 15, 2017

The inland bay temperatures are reaching close to sixty degrees and dropping to as low as fifty-four degrees at high tide. The fishing has been good the flounder are in and the short striped bass are all over the place. The shallower waters have seen the best action since the water is a bit warmer. All of the inland bays are…

Icehouse Bait And Tackle Grand Opening

Rich King Apr 14, 2017

The Icehouse bait and tackle shop at 110 New Rd, Lewes, DE 19958 is now open again. Captain Les Clemmer of the Martha Marie charter services has reopened the shop. He is the new owner and is excited to get this business up and running again. Seriously if you want to talk about a man who has a real addiction and affinity for…

Flounder Action Has Started

Rich King Apr 14, 2017

Spring fishing is finally getting better. Anglers have been creaming rats in the surf on most of the beaches. The action has been hot too. Small striped bass are hitting just about anything we throw at them, bloodworms are working well, but we are doing just as good if not better throwing lures. Literally it is a catch every cast…

The Drum Are On The Run

Rich King Apr 11, 2017

A few years ago, about mid March, a friend of mine caught a fat black drum off Broadkill beach on bloodworms. It was something we see, but not that often. Then about two years ago the big black drum started running the bay beaches from Beach Plum Island State park to Slaughter Beach. I'm not talking about the little twenty…

A Whale Of A Time Fishing

Rich King Apr 11, 2017

You never know what you are going to see off the coast. It is not uncommon to see whales in our waters, even near the beach. Over the weekend while exploring different cuts to fish a friend of mine almost got a whale of a catch. "We were pulling onto herring point after trying south all day and decided to look for birds along the…

Fly Fishing Delmarva

Changing Plans On The Fly

Rich King Apr 10, 2017

Sometimes you tie flies late at night for weeks thinking you're going to go on a particular adventure and then everyone gets scared you're going to out-fish them and the plans change. Saturday was one of those days. As it's not all trout at our house I always have the boot-foots and stripping basket in the truck when I head to the D. Even…

Delmarva’s First Outdoors Expo to be held April 28 – 30th has something for everyone and the entire family

Rich King Apr 10, 2017

Delmarva’s First Outdoors Expo to be held April 28 – 30th has something for everyone and the entire family Harrington, DE - Anglers, hunters, shooters, campers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages: don’t miss the first annual Delmarva Outdoors Expo to be held April 28 - 30th at the Delaware State fairgrounds in…

Weekend Outlook For Fishing

Rich King Apr 7, 2017

The inland bays peaked to almost fifty-eight degrees during the week. This morning we are looking at forty-nine degrees and peaking to fifty-five degrees. This trend will continue for a few days and may drop a few degrees with today's rain and frontal system. The Delaware bay is holding around fifty degrees in Lewes, even up north…

Striped Bass Spawning Season Starts Let The Big Girls Go

Rich King Apr 4, 2017

Before you got too excited, the fish in the picture was caught in April of 2014. However the Delaware Bay and river is coming alive with large migratory striped bass. This is the beginning of the next phase of the striped bass spring run, when the fish start moving into the spawning grounds. We already have tons of the small male…

Surf Rats, Blues, Skates, and Dogs

Rich King Apr 2, 2017

Well the bite is seriously on and doesn't seem to slow down. Either it shuts down for a little while or we walk away leaving them chewing. There are a lot of small short bass in the surf,"rats" and the occasional keeper is landed. The fish are mostly hitting white colors for flies, swim shads and bucktails. Some days they will…

Orca Breaches in C&D canal

Rich King Apr 1, 2017

About an hour ago Chris Ragni and Brian Mack were cruising along in the work boat when they saw something breach in the canal. "It looked like a huge white dolphin so we moved in closer to get a better look. We were stunned when we saw it breach again and it was a killer whale." Now the boys are trying to figure out what to do…

Summer Flounder Are Here

Rich King Mar 29, 2017

The Henbit is flowering big time in the fields, those little purple flowers and that usually indicates it is time to start catching summer flounder. A few days ago the first summer flounder of the year was caught in Virginia. Usually by this time of year, someone catches at least one flounder in Delaware from the inland bays and the…

From Stripes To Blues

Rich King Mar 28, 2017

Congrats to Mike Duncan for the first documented keeper striped bass of the season, and a huge thanks for the release. Over the weekend we did a lot of fishing in different areas with a lot of different gear and colors. Not much was hitting the colorful rigs, jigs, and bucktails. The bass all seemed to prefer white swim shads, and…

Route 24 Closed In Long Neck

Rich King Mar 27, 2017

Replacement of Crossroad Pipes Will Require a Portion of SR 24 to be Closed Long Neck: The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) would like to alert motorists that the removal and replacement of multiple crossroad pipes will impact the following roadway: 7 a.m. on Monday, March 27 until 5 p.m. on Friday, April 7, pending…

The Delaware Outdoor Expo Was A Huge Success

Rich King Mar 27, 2017

We had a great time at the Delaware Outdoor Expo on March 11 at the fairgrounds in Harrington. The turnout was overwhelming, with over three thousand people. At one point there was a line at the door for a good hour and a half. Everyone had a great time, and the vendors were all very pleased. For a first time annual…

Weekend Outlook For Fishing

Rich King Mar 24, 2017

If you haven't seen the weather though it is going to be windy, Saturday is going to be a nice day in the seventies, and Sunday is looking pretty good too. There is a slight chance of rain Sunday but it should still be a good day and the overcast skies will be perfect for striped bass fishing. Which by the way has been good in many…

Delmarva Outdoors Expo Available Accommodations

Rich King Mar 22, 2017

Since this is a three-day event and we have a lot going on, many have been asking where can they stay. We have the campground on the fairground's property available. You can camp in an RV or a tent for $35 a night or $100 for a three-day package for a space. You can register on the fairgrounds website for a campsite or RV space. …

Striped Bass Are On The Move

Rich King Mar 20, 2017

Everyone is asking when is the spring run going to start. What everyone should be doing is fishing, seriously. The cherry blossoms are two weeks early, dogwoods are blooming already, and trees have huge buds. Spring was basically here the last week of February, and the fish started moving around. The Henbit in the fields are…

Delmarva Outdoors Expo Sponsors

Rich King Mar 17, 2017

The Delmarva Outdoors Expo would like to thank our sponsors and if anyone is still interested in sponsoring this great event we would be happy to have you on board. Just get in touch we have many levels available. Meet some of the area businesses helping us right now ... WBOC is a presenting sponsor. They are helping us immensely as a…

Heads Up Susquehanna Flats Anglers This Could Be You

Rich King Mar 17, 2017

This is from my buddy Joe Yack and a warning to anyone fishing the Susquehanna flats this year. Seems DNR is targeting striped bass anglers heavier this year. People have gotten fines for taking pictures. IF YOU FISH THE SUSQUEHANNA FLATS YOU MUST READ THIS! This year (2017), there is an increased enforcement on the Susquehanna Flats catch…

Spring’s Winter Fishing

Rich King Mar 17, 2017

Happy St Paddy's day! The water temperatures have plummeted heavily since this last winter blast. The Inland Bays and tidal creeks have dropped almost fourteen degrees. At the beginning of the week Masseys Landing was in the upper forties and today it is peaking to about thirty-six degrees, dropping as low as thirty-four degrees the last…

Environmental News

Interactive Shellfish Aquaculture Map For The Inland Bays

Rich King Mar 16, 2017

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife unveils interactive shellfish aquaculture map for the Inland Bays DOVER (March 16, 2017) – The Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife’s shellfish aquaculture program has posted an interactive online map that provides site-specific information helpful for selecting shellfish aquaculture…

Environmental News

Delaware’s recreational summer flounder size limit to increase to 17 inches effective April 1

Rich King Mar 15, 2017

Delaware’s recreational summer flounder size limit to increase to 17 inches effective April 1 Possession limit and season dates unchanged DOVER (March 15, 2017) – Effective April 1, Delaware’s recreational minimum size limit for summer flounder will increase to 17 inches. DNREC Secretary David S. Small signed an Emergency…

Pending Delaware State Record Catfish Caught

Rich King Mar 15, 2017

Despite the bad weather and gnarly conditions. Some people got out and went fishing before storm Stella decided to try and get her groove back. The action wasn't bad for striped bass in the Broad Creek for anglers trying to catch large mouth bass. Nothing like the shock of a twenty pound striped bass on a crank bait with light gear. One…

Survey On Proposed Drive On Beach Access Restrictions

Rich King Mar 14, 2017

This is the survey we put together to get the public's input about this proposed beach access restriction by the beach coalition group. We also added a few other things for you to answer to get your take on the crowded issues. One thing I do notice is the beach access coalition seems to be asking for the most extreme in hopes of getting the…

Update On Storm Stella

Rich King Mar 14, 2017

Welcome to the new Delaware Surf Fishing, and by new, I mean we are now on the amazon servers so we can handle all of this traffic and the site will no longer time out. I want to thank everyone who has subscribed and continues to subscribe for supporting these efforts. Without all of you this would not have been possible. The…

Coastal Flood Warning For Sussex and Kent County

Rich King Mar 13, 2017

Okay ... so if you haven't heard yet, Stella is getting her groove back by slamming us with a nor'easter. The last thing I would worry about is snow, but instead, concentrate on flooding. New Castle you're gonna probably get buried in snow and Kent will be a mix most likely. Sussex is going to get mostly wet, but that could change.…

You Can Still Stop The Rehoboth Wastewater Outfall Project But Time Is Short

Rich King Mar 9, 2017

Press Release from Surfrider foundation. The T shirt is our design and will be out in 2 weeks. From our Friends at MERR: Dear Members, It has come to our attention that there is a rapid push to get the DNREC permits approved for the Rehoboth Outfall before acting Secretary Small steps down -this action is expected to occur within the…

Delaware Outdoor Expo Food Trucks And Program Book

Rich King Mar 9, 2017

This Saturday is the day, come ready to enjoy some great presentations, and meet all kinds of outdoor vendors. Also come hungry!! We have a bunch of food trucks to satisfy any craving. I'm not going to mention my favorite because they all are, I'm gonna need to diet after Saturday that much I can "guaruntee". Might have to enter…

Delaware Outdoor Expo Sponsor, Vendors, And Demonstration Schedule

Rich King Mar 7, 2017

Saturday March 11th is the first annual Delaware Outdoors Expo brought to you by Delaware State News. Located at the state fairgrounds in Harrington, the expo will start at 8 a.m.and last until 4 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the event and online with a bonus for early bird ticket buyers, two additional door prize tickets. Door prizes include a…

Winter Is Coming Back But The Fish Don’t Care

Rich King Mar 7, 2017

If you are waiting for fair weather to get out fishing, you might want to think again and just go fish. Lots of activity in all the area tidal waters and ponds. People are doing well in many of the usual spots you would find migratory bass on the move or schooling. The bait shops are all open for the 2017 season, some more so on…

The Storm Of 62 Was 54 Years Ago

Rich King Mar 6, 2017

Now 55 years ago today March 6, 2107 ... This was written in 2016 not long after Storm Jonas hammered the coastline It was forecast as a normal winter storm. Tides were predicted at 2 to 5 feet higher than normal with flooding in low lying areas. Gale force winds from a storm moving across the country that would head offshore. A typical…

Cold Start To Pond Season For Trout

Rich King Mar 5, 2017

It was roughly twenty degrees when trout season opened for Newton and Tidbury ponds Saturday. That didn't stop about a hundred and fifty anglers from trying at Newton's pond though. The air was crisp and sharp to the nose when you breathed. nothing like going from spring February into the winter of march. Wizards of the long wands…

Osprey Have Arrived In Delmarva

Rich King Mar 5, 2017

Usually the osprey don't start showing up until Saint Patrick's Day weekend. So far this year they have been seen as early as the last week of February. Like any migratory species, we even have some holdovers that stay year round. These birds are my favorite fish finders. Especially at the beach, when they are in close above the…

The 2017 Flounder Pounder Open

Rich King Mar 3, 2017

THIS COMPNANY HAS OWED DSF A $1,000 FOR OVER 6 YEARS. Never work with Paradise they do no pay their bills. If you do work with them get it in writing and get paid up front. As soon as you are done with your "agreement" they decide to renegotiate your payment. They do this to every vendor and it is a nightmare trying to get your money.…

Fly Fishing Delmarva

The Fly Fishing Show in NJ and Boot Foot Waders

Micah Dammeyer Mar 3, 2017

The Fly Fishing Show in NJ and Boot Foot Waders Don’t panic. If you missed “The Big Show” in Somerset New Jersey, you can catch the same crew up in Lancaster PA March 4th and 5th. I sat it out last year (I had dues to pay at home) but got to be a part of the zoo again this year. I was there tying a few flies and telling all my best fishing…

Cooking & Recipes

Canadian Cheesesteak

Tom Deptula Mar 3, 2017

Canadian Cheesesteak Winter is here, and fishing has slowed to a crawl. If you are fortunate enough to have a seafaring vessel, tog season is about the most action you’ll find. For many fishermen, this time of year ushers in a foreboding sense of cabin fever in anticipation of a long winter season. If you’re like me, now is the time to put down…

Herring Are Running And Striped Bass Are Hitting

Rich King Mar 2, 2017

The warm weather has triggered a lot of fishing action. Crab pots are now legal to put in the water and in some shallow water areas you could actually catch some on the warmer days around the inland bays and tidal creeks. Snakeheads are hitting, but that may shut down with the coming colder weather. Friday and Saturday night's lows…

Fee Season Now In Effect In Delaware State Parks

Rich King Mar 2, 2017

Fee season now in effect in Delaware State Parks DOVER (March 1, 2017) – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation reminds visitors to Delaware’s state parks that entrance fees are back in effect, being collected through Nov. 30, 2017. Revenue generated from park entrance fees is used to manage 16 state parks and more than 26,000 acres…

State Parks Say No To Restricted Beach Access

Rich King Feb 28, 2017

The article title speaks for itself. I want to thank all of you for sending in emails, the phone calls, letters, and those who sent up smoke signals to let the folks at the state know your support to say no to restricted beach access. Within forty-eight hours the governor and parks officials have received a great deal of support for…

February Spring Fishing And Flowers

Rich King Feb 27, 2017

Is February the new March? The trees in my woods are budding, dogwoods are popping flowers, daffodils are out, and the weeping willows are turning green with small leaves. If I didn't know better I would say spring has already started. There are other signs of an early spring wake up call from nature. Saturday there were a gazillion…

The Point At Cape Henlopen State Park To Close For 2017 Beachnesting Season

Rich King Feb 27, 2017

The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park to close for 2017 beachnesting season (DNREC) ... LEWES (Feb. 27, 2017) – The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park, including a stretch of ocean beach and dunes, and a half mile along the bay shoreline, will close beginning Wednesday, March 1, for the benefit of threatened and endangered beachnesters…

Delaware Prepares New Summer Flounder Creel Limit For 2017

Rich King Feb 27, 2017

As you probably know the ASMFC Addendum XXVIII is requiring all east coast states reduce summer flounder catches by thirty percent and due to last years catch totals we also have to add eleven percent. So essentially we have to comply with a forty-one percent reduction for the 2017 summer flounder fishing season. There has been and…

DNREC Spring 2017 Trout Stocking And Opening For Downstate Ponds

Rich King Feb 27, 2017

DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife announces spring 2017 trout stocking and opening for downstate ponds Trout anglers encouraged to check requirements before fishing DOVER (Feb. 17, 2017) – The Division of Fish & Wildlife today announced that Delaware’s spring 2017 downstate trout season will begin Saturday, March 4 with…

Save Your Beach Access On Delaware State Park Beaches

Rich King Feb 24, 2017

(February 2017) ...You might know this, but for the most part not many people do or ever hear about it. For the past two years a small group of wealthy people that are landlords and homeowners, mostly landlords, petition the state parks to stop surf fishing vehicles from parking in front of their rental properties in Fenwick Island State park and…

Environmental News

MAFMC & ASMFC Set Black Sea Bass Specifications for 2017 and 2018

Rich King Feb 21, 2017

MAFMC & ASMFC Set Black Sea Bass Specifications for 2017 and 2018 Benchmark Assessment Finds Resource Not Overfished & Overfishing Not Occurring Kitty Hawk, NC – The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) have approved revised specifications for…

Good Fishing On a Warm Weekend

Rich King Feb 21, 2017

The fishing over the weekend was great for many anglers. Bait hasn't been too much of an issue, you can either catch minnows or buy them at some local shops. Grass shrimp is a go to bait this time of year, but you have to catch them in tidal creeks. Another good spot to look is in canals and boat basins around the inland bays. …

Oceanic Pier Gets A Good Cleaning

Rich King Feb 20, 2017

It was a beautiful weekend, the beach towns were packed like a typical summer weekday. The traffic that piled up on Friday was reminiscent of summer. A three day weekend will do that when the temperature is predicted to hit seventy degrees. The boardwalks were packed and the line at Thrashers was insane. I spent Friday afternoon…

The 2017 Delaware Outdoor Expo Update

Rich King Feb 17, 2017

The 2017 Annual Delaware Outdoor Expo is at the state fairgrounds in Harrington on March 11th at 8 AM. This is going to be a great event. Tickets now on sale online, get them in advance for more chances to win great door prizes. Our sponsor is Baker’s Power & Turf/Husqvarna Group from Millsboro, Delaware. We will have more than seventy…

Indian Summer Weekend

Rich King Feb 17, 2017

Delaweather is in full effect, either hot or cold, just have to pick your day. This weekend is going to be beautiful with a slight chance of rain Saturday evening. Temperatures will hit close to seventy degrees in the mid sixties. High tide the Indian River Inlet is around noon. The water temperatures are sill in the low forties…

The 2017 Annual Delmarva Outdoors Expo Attractions Update

Rich King Feb 17, 2017

We have a lot of great attractions going on within the Delmarva Outdoors Expo. The Dock Dogs will be holding a three-day competition. The First State Retriever Club will do a few demonstrations. The Saltwater Fly Anglers of Delaware will be teaching fly casting. Delaware Surf Fishing (Rich King) with Harry Aiken will be…

Red Drum Stock Assessment Indicates Overfishing Not Occurring

Rich King Feb 16, 2017

Red Drum Stock Assessment Indicates Overfishing Not Occurring Alexandria, VA – The 2017 Red Drum Stock Assessment and Peer Review Report indicate overfishing is not occurring for red drum in either the northern (North Carolina-New Jersey) or southern (South Carolina-Florida) stocks. The assessment was unable to determine an overfished/not…

Free Park Access Proposed For Delawareans Who Already Have Free Park Access

Rich King Feb 15, 2017

Every so often this gets proposed to parks as an incentive to get people outdoors more. A proposal to allow Delawareans only, free park access, except we already have free access to all Delaware state parks. The legislators look at the entrance passes and for some reason get this confused as an access pass, because it is called an…

Fly Fishing Delmarva

So Why Fly Fishing?

Micah Dammeyer Feb 15, 2017

I’m often asked what the appeal of fly fishing is, or what drew me to fly fishing, or – often – “isn’t it boring?” That last one gets me fired up and I end up taking the inquirer down a long path where I try to enlighten them on the subtleties of fly fishing. This topic itself has come up in my head as I think about “where does…

Russian Spy Ship Off Delaware Coast

Rich King Feb 14, 2017

Okay, everyone keeps asking me where this Russian spy ship is off our coast. Since Delaware is such a small coastline, I doubt it is really off our coast anymore at this point, but earlier this morning it was out there ... about seventy miles out there. I don't know what they are doing, but I doubt they are fishing or headed to the…

Fly Fishing Delmarva

Pickerel On The Fly

Rich King Feb 13, 2017

Despite the rain on Sunday, Matt Dammeyer managed to get out and fish. He is a member of the Saltwater Fly Anglers of Delaware club and an avid fly angler. He also is the brother of our fly fishing writer Micah Dammeyer from Knee Deep Fly Fishing guide service. Matt has been preparing for a few days tying flies, perch flies. Not…

Seals On The Beaches What You Need To Know

Rich King Feb 12, 2017

Seals migrate to Delaware every winter and their numbers are increasing. The past couple weeks seals have been seen on the beaches of Delaware and Ocean City, MD. When seals pull up on the docks around the inland bays, for the most part they are just resting and chilling. When they pull up on beaches that is usually the same…

Taugin In Love Creek, Wait. What?

Rich King Feb 12, 2017

I have caught tautog in some weird spots around the inland bays. Some of these spots you wouldn't think to find a tautog, like the jetties of Pot Nets. Other places you would think there should be tautog, but I haven't seen one caught there before, such as the Roosevelt inlet jetty. Not to say there aren't any there, we just…

Non Profit Organizations

Punkin Chunkin Press Release

Rich King Feb 11, 2017

For over three decades, we have planted the seed of “Who can Chunk a Pumpkin the Furthest” . Each year a champion is crowned with nothing more than bragging rights that they are King and/or Queen of this unique World Championship event. Punkin Chunkin has attracted hundreds of thousands of spectators to Delaware since 1986. We are a Delaware…

Beach Combing Was Killer Today

Rich King Feb 10, 2017

Usually we find a lot of sea glass and the recent beach replenishment has really added some treasures to the beaches. I dropped by Dewey Beach today to see if the alien was still lurking in the dune access. The alien wasn't there, but as I was about to leave, Matt Adams sends me a picture on messenger. "Check this out!!!" I look…

The Martians Have Landed In Dewey Beach

Rich King Feb 9, 2017

Beach combing went next level in Dewey Beach a few days ago. Is anyone missing this alien? This might explain a few crop circles on a Deldot map I saw recently for the bypass proposal. Do you recognize this martian??!! From a Town of Dewey Beach email: "The Martians have landed in Dewey Beach--or at least one of them! This wooden…

Non Profit Organizations

Wounded Heroes Hunting Camp (WHHC)

Rich King Feb 9, 2017

I recently met Chris Rupp, he was asking me about helping him set up some trips for veterans to take them surf fishing. I said I would be delighted and honored to help. I always help organizations that help our veterans whom we owe so much. Chris Rupp as it turns out runs the 501(c)(3) Wounded Heroes Hunting Camp (WHHC). I always…

Winter Clamming Abides

Rich King Feb 9, 2017

Alicen Sharp holding a clam she raked up The commercial clammers are always out there searching for clams around the inland bays. They have their favorite spots and are quite successful on most days. Wading in chest deep water to get to areas that this time of year which are much easier to access due to the lower winter tides.…

The Alpha Centaurid Meteor Shower Peaks Tonight

Rich King Feb 8, 2017

The Alpha Centaurids is named after the constellation Centuarus. This meteor shower appears to radiate from Centaurus which is one of the largest constellations in the night sky, containing two of the ten brightest stars, including Alpha Centari. Which is the closest star to our Sun. The radiant's center for this meteor shower is four…

An Eclipsed Full Snow Moon And A Comet

Rich King Feb 8, 2017

We are going to get a treat Friday night. The full snow moon is February's moon, some tribes called it the full hunger moon because the winter weather made for harsh hunting conditions. You wouldn't be able to tell that this week since it is going to hit the high sixties today. So much for the harshest month for snow, which …

Kent County Sewage Spill Suspends Delaware Bay Shellfish Harvest

Rich King Feb 7, 2017

Kent County sewage spill suspends Delaware Bay shellfish harvest, prompts DNREC caution for recreational use of St. Jones River Public advised to avoid length of river from Dover to Bowers until wastewater spill dispersed DOVER (Feb. 7, 2017) – DNREC Secretary David Small issued an emergency order today suspending commercial and…

2017 Delaware Fishing Guide And Rulers

Rich King Feb 7, 2017

The new 2017 Delaware fishing guide is out and will be available in most shops this week. The shops that are closed for the season will have them once they open. The new fishing rulers are also ready and all will be delivered at the same time. The new Delaware fishing guide has a couple of new features. The new additions to the…

Non Profit Organizations

The 26th Annual Special Olympics Delaware Lewes Polar Bear Plunge

Rich King Feb 7, 2017

The 2017 annual Lewes Polar Plunge as usual was on Superbowl Sunday. Rehoboth Beach hosts the event for the Special Olympics of Delaware. There are activities all weekend, including chili contests, a 5k run, and other events. This is the one time of the year in the off-season that Rehoboth Beach is as crowded as the Fourth of…

Learn To Fish In Long Neck

Rich King Feb 6, 2017

Every winter at the Long Neck Elementary school in the cafeteria by Dan Hellman and Larry Grimm. They have six classes every year, on Tuesday nights at 6 PM and charge $10 for the series of classes to help pay for the cafeteria access. I have been meaning to check these out for the last two years and finally made it last week. Dan…

Non Profit Organizations

26th annual Lewes Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Delaware

Rich King Feb 4, 2017

26th annual Lewes Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Delaware Event Date: Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017 (with Plunge activities also taking place Feb. 4) Event Time: 1:00 p.m. Location: Rehoboth Beach, Del. REHOBOTH BEACH — Sunday, February 5, at 1:00 p.m. is the date and time for one of Delaware’s largest fundraising events…

Environmental News

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 23-29

Rich King Feb 3, 2017

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 23-29 Reminder for the week: Conservation Order allows snow goose harvest DOVER (Feb. 3, 2017) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, Fish &…

Delmarva Outdoors Expo Advance Tickets Now On Sale With A Bonus

Rich King Feb 3, 2017

The Delmarva Outdoors Expo advanced tickets are now on sale. The event is April 28th 29th, and 30th at the state fairgrounds in Harrington, Delaware. Daily and weekend passes will also be available at the event everyday. Daily tickets are $5 and weekend passes are $10. If you purchase tickets online in advance you will receive a…

Fly Fishing Delmarva

Fly Tie Saturdays With The Club

Rich King Feb 2, 2017

Every Saturday the Saltwater Fly Anglers of Delaware Club meets at Lewes Harbor marina to tie flies, tell lies and eat donuts. They gather about nine in the morning rain or shine and set up on tables around the room. Everyone brings their tying gear, and set ups their vices to tie flies. You never know who is going to be there and…

Summer Flounder Regulations ASMFC Meeting Update

Rich King Feb 2, 2017

Today the ASMFC held their meeting to decide the regulations for the summer flounder, scup and black sea bass. I know you are all mainly concerned with summer flounder, and what the new regulations or creel limits will be for Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey. Once the votes are in the recommendation will be passed along to NOAA to…

Winter Fishing Report

Rich King Feb 2, 2017

Almost seems like an oxymoron to some when you say winter fishing. No, we don't catch frozen fish, but in some cases we all but freeze ourselves. So far we have had some very nice, mild days and the water hasn't frozen over too much. Mostly a light ice coating here and there along the edges of the ponds that melts by mid morning in the sun.…

Beach Combing Is Good

Rich King Feb 1, 2017

The beauty of a nor'easter are the treasures that are unveiled everyday. Beach glass has been easy to find this week and so are sand dollars. The hard part for some people is where to look for beach glass, if you know where to look beach glass is much easier to find. Honestly it can be anywhere at any given time, but there are a…

Delaware Vintage Hunting & Fishing Memorabilia Show & Sale

Rich King Feb 1, 2017

Every year Mike Pusey puts on the the Delaware Vintage Hunting & Fishing Memorabilia Show & Sale. The show is located in the Reagan Watson Auction Building, 115 N. Washington St., Milford. The early bird entrance will start at 8 AM for $10 and have first crack at the collectibles, otherwise later entry is $4 starting at 9…

Ghost Crab Pots Around The Inland Bays

Rich King Jan 31, 2017

Mike Meibaum and Lorenzo Grey were boating around Rehoboth bay this past weekend. They ran into a few ghost crab pots and decided to help out and remove several of them. Some of the pots had crabs in them, which they let go, since it is past crab pot season and they weren't planning on crabbing anyway. A few crab pots had old…

Environmental News

Delaware’s 28th Annual Beach Grass Planting

Rich King Jan 30, 2017

Hello! We are planning the 28th Annual Beach Grass Planting. Our efforts this year will be focused on dunes that have bare areas that were not planted last year. Each March since 1990, many dedicated volunteers have helped to build and protect Delaware’s sand dunes by planting Cape American beach grass on Delaware’s ocean and…

Environmental News

Spring Trout Stocking Begins in Maryland Lakes and Streams

Rich King Jan 30, 2017

Press Release DNR ... The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has begun stocking about 338,000 brown, golden and rainbow trout throughout the state ahead of the 2017 fishing season. “The trout stocking program raises several hundred thousand trout at our hatcheries, which are stocked for anglers of all ages and skill levels,” said…

Non Profit Organizations

Frets 4 Vets Needs Your Help

Rich King Jan 30, 2017

The other night I met with Tom Baker the founder of Frets 4 Vets. I wanted to see how they are making out and they could really use our help. He and his board members have gotten a lot done with Frets 4 Vets, but they need the financial support from the community. I always hear I'd like to help the vets or see more done for them,…

The Farmer, The Chef, & The Fisherman

Tom Deptula Jan 28, 2017

The Farmer, The Chef, & The Fisherman By Tom Deptula I love to fish. I fish for anything that swims and eats. I love fishing saltwater, freshwater, creeks, rivers, branches, bays and bridges. I love the excitement of striper fishing the jetty at the inlet on a cold November night or stumbling into an action-packed perch or largemouth…

Environmental News

Allen Harim Reaches Agreement with Artesian on Wastewater Company will no longer discharge wastewater into nearby creek

Rich King Jan 27, 2017

This is awesome news!!! I was at every meeting to fight the fact Allen Harim wanted to dump even more water into Beaverdam Creek, which drains into the Broadkill River, to the Roosevelt Inlet, and ultimately the Delaware Bay. Representative Steven Smyk and I spoke to representatives from Allen Harim and DNREC about why we didn't want this…

Beach Access Upgrades For Delaware State Parks

Rich King Jan 27, 2017

The drive on beach accesses in some of the parks were filled in with debris and sand from the first nor'easter of 2017, which always happens. Parks have been clearing them out and for the most part they are all good to go now, I drove on all of them yesterday. The access at Fenwick Island state park, the middle surf fishing…

Fly Fishing Delmarva

Fly tying with Jello

Rich King Jan 27, 2017

Written in 2015, but thought we would share this again. Ever use Jello to dye feathers? Yup, you read that correctly. Now I am sure you are thinking, you can't even glue snot to Jello, much less tie it up or put it on a hook. So how do you tie flies with Jello? Shawn Rakes showed me a book this Saturday (2015) at the Saltwater Fly…

Nothing Like A Crappie Day Of Winter Fishing

Rich King Jan 26, 2017

The Payton kids went fishing yesterday day with Pop pop. You have to love these stories, when the kids get all geared up and it is like a spring day outside in January. It was nearly sixty degrees a couple days after the nor'easter blasted Delmarva. The kids first went and caught grass shrimp in some local tidal creeks with Pop…

The First Annual Delmarva Outdoors Expo

Rich King Jan 26, 2017

This April on the 28th, 29th, and 30th is the first annual Delmarva Outdoors Expo at the state fairgrounds in Harrington, Delaware. This event will feature many demonstrations and competitions. A dock dog competition all three days starting at four on Friday, competing for distance, height, and retrieval speed. We will have more details…

Is Beach Replenishment A Waste Of Money And Natural Resources

Rich King Jan 25, 2017

(January 2017) ... Why Beach Replenishment (now referred to as beach nourishment) is a Waste of Money and Natural Resources: A look at why it’s necessary to begin embracing newer coastal engineering technology ... Written by Dennis A. Schirmer, II The decision of the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) to deny the Southern Delaware Beaches a…

Environmental News

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announces exciting additions to the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament

Rich King Jan 24, 2017

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announces exciting additions to the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament DOVER (Jan. 24, 2017) – The Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife is pleased to announce the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament and the Live Release program will this year begin offering collectible award lapel pins to anglers for…

Water Is Receding

Rich King Jan 24, 2017

We have a coastal flood warning in effect until 11 AM. Route 1 is still closed, but should open once the water recedes. That is becoming more common these days with nor'easters. You can thank rising sea levels, the bays are silted in more each year, the inlet lets in a lot more water since it was dredged, and route 1 is built on…

Oak Orchard Prepares For Flooding

Rich King Jan 23, 2017

Update as of 2:45 PM (since I wrote this) ... tide is coming back in fast and hard. Water almost washing to dune base in Rehoboth. Expect flooding around the inland bays in ... Well this is a lot of fun, the wind is ridiculous. Now that all of this water has been pushed up against the coast flooding will be an issue on the next high tide.…

Nor’easter Update First High Tide Observations

Rich King Jan 23, 2017

Update 6:30 AM .... Lewes ferry has been canceled today. Crossings Cancelled Monday January 23 Due to high winds and rough sea conditions from the storm, all departures for Monday January 23, 2017 are being cancelled. Water on road in Oak Orchard at Chiefs road at the marina. We have a coastal flood and wind advisory in…

Ventusky Real Time Wind And Waves

Rich King Jan 22, 2017

Ventusky waves screen for the Delaware area. Not long ago I was made aware of a new application that you can only use on a computer, it shows meteorological data worldwide, in real time. I know several apps do this now on our phones, but this one impressed me. It is a company called ventusky out of Czechoslovakia, and they…

First Nor’easter Of 2017 Hits Monday

Rich King Jan 22, 2017

We are going to get walloped with the first nor'easter for the year Monday with gusting winds upwards of 45 mph. The brunt of the storm will be Monday, but the winds will pick up tonight and last into Tuesday afternoon. We have a dense fog advisory tonight, and frankly it is pretty thick right now. Gale warnings are in effect…

Have You Recieved One Of These Cards

Rich King Jan 20, 2017

The other day a buddy of mine was at Beach Plum Island State park walking and working his dogs. He has been coming here all of his life. His was the only vehicle in the parking lot and this nice little card was left on the windshield. I'm going to go out on a limb and say this person doesn't like fishermen, or people. This…

Pending World Record Tautog Caught in Maryland Today (2015)

Rich King Jan 20, 2017

This happened in 2015 in January. Haven't seen anything this close this year hit the scales. When Ken Westerfeld from Queens New York, went on his annual taugtog fishing trip in Maryland today I am sure he hoped for a great day of fishing, even dreamed of catching a monster fish, but rarely does one get to experience catching a…

Fishing For Togzilla

Rich King Jan 19, 2017

The weather has been flip flopping as much as this cold I acquired. If you haven't had the pleasure of the winter "funk" going around just wait, it is the gift that keeps on giving. Seriously I hope none of you get this because being in bed for days on end sucks. Watching your friends go fishing when you can't is even worse, even in the…

Environmental News

ASMFC Public Comments For Summer Flounder Due By Thursday 5 PM

Rich King Jan 18, 2017

Last night was the ASMFC public comment period for the flounder reductions. You have until Thursday by 5 PM to get your comments to the ASMFC. You can email your comments to krootes-murdy@asmfc.org Without going into a huge amount of detail there are five options. You can see the options at this link, DRAFT ADDENDUM XXVIII TO THE…

Environmental News

ASMFC public hearing in Dover on recreational summer flounder harvest reduction options

Rich King Jan 16, 2017

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to hold Jan. 17 public hearing in Dover on recreational summer flounder harvest reduction options DOVER (Dec. 30, 2016) – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) will hold a public hearing on a proposed addendum to the interstate fishery management plan (FMP) for summer flounder at…

Opening of trails along C&D Canal celebrated by Delaware, Maryland officials

Rich King Jan 14, 2017

Opening of trails along C&D Canal celebrated by Delaware, Maryland officials Mark completion of the continuous trail that includes Michael N. Castle and Branch Canal Trails in Delaware, and the Ben Cardin Trail in Maryland DELAWARE CITY (Jan. 13, 2017) – The grand opening of recreational trails along the Chesapeake and Delaware…

Environmental News

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 2- 8

Rich King Jan 13, 2017

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 2- 8 Reminder for the week: After-hours entry, off-roading and target shooting in wildlife areas are unlawful DOVER (Jan. 13, 2017) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe…

January Is The Full Wolf Moon

Rich King Jan 11, 2017

The first full moon of the year 2017 will occur today, on Jan. 12 at 6:35 AM. 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…

View From The Deep Blue

White Marlin Caught By Jet Ski Fishermen

Rich King Jan 11, 2017

Today some of the Delaware Jet Ski crew drove down to Ocean City Maryland and dropped in their skis. Every weekend some of the boys get together and do an offshore fishing trip, to the old grounds. Today was another planned trip except, Rob Jones, Rob Wolhar, Brian Stier, and Jack Dillon headed to Masseys canyon to do a little…

Environmental News

National Academies Releases New Review of Marine Recreational Information Program

Rich King Jan 10, 2017

National Academies Releases New Review of Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), Recognizes Agency for "Impressive Progress" January 10, 2017 Today, the National Academies of Sciences released a comprehensive follow-up review to its 2006 independent, expert analysis of NOAA Fisheries’ saltwater recreational information collection…

Delaware Outdoor Expo 2017 Update

Rich King Jan 10, 2017

A lot of vendors are signing up for the Delaware Outdoor Expo at the state fairgrounds in Harrington on March 11th at 8 AM. This is going to be a great event. There will be eleven presentations ranging from fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities. If you would like to be a vendor at the event you can download this…

Drive On Beach Conditions

Rich King Jan 9, 2017

The parks are open but the drive on accesses are full of snow, and in some spots it is a good three to four feet deep. Do not try to cross these areas you will get stuck. You still have to air down to drive onto the beach, the snow makes that seem like it is not necessary. You will be sinking in snow and sand too boot. Seems weird…

Redemption

Rich King Jan 9, 2017

“Redemption” By Ethan Henry Well it’s that time of the year that’s the worst for most of us fishermen. The air is cold and crisp the, the rods are up to dry, there is not many fish biting and our minds are left wondering about the big one that got away. For some, they just get over it. For others it will drive them crazy. For me…

Name Your Fish For Fun

Rich King Jan 9, 2017

Name Your Fish For Fun By ... Kevin Blouch I was involved in a family fishing tackle business all my life. We sold saltwater tackle too, but I was 3 hours away from the ocean in Reading Pa. I listened to tales from the customers and became obsessed and dreaming of fishing in the ocean or any saltwater. So I did. Nobody ever showed me, I…

Delaware Surf Fishing Outdoors and More

Beach Access and Etiquette

Rich King Jan 9, 2017

Beach Access/Etiquette Hello everyone from SDJC and DSF. Let’s talk about proper equipment for driving on the beach. Last time we gave a list of the equipment required by DENREC. You also find the required equipment list in your state park pamphlet when you get your beach tag. So since you will have these items; let’s go over some tips…

Winter Fishing

Rich King Jan 9, 2017

This was written a day before the storm hit us and snowed us in. Last weekend I went out and about with some friends looking for ghosts. We drove all over the ocean looking for birds and whales. We heard some blue fin were spotted offshore about ten to twelve miles. Ghost hunting is not easy, first you have to find fish,…

Seals And Snow Totals

Rich King Jan 8, 2017

The seal at Courseys pond spillway keeps crossing route 15 and going into the pond. Please keep an eye out if you are traveling in that area, so it does not get hit by a car. Yesterday it was sitting in the middle of the road. MERR is aware of the situation and wants to remind everyone to stay at least a hundred and fifty feet away…

Snowshizzle aka Storm Helena update

Rich King Jan 7, 2017

Due to the nature and necessity of this news, this is free to read for the public. Please subscribe to Delaware Surf Fishing for future updates, reports, and releases. Thank You. Well that was a fun day! It finally stopped snowing near Georgetown around seven this evening. I was talking to Tim Furlong of NBC 10 at 5 AM he sent…

State of Emergency and Level 1 Driving Warning Lifted in Sussex County

Rich King Jan 7, 2017

Due to the nature of this news, this is free to read for the public. Please subscribe to Delaware Surf Fishing for future updates and releases. Thank You. The back roads are still rough with drifting snow. The DelDot crews are hard at it and had their own issues today, so give them a break. I have seen three plow trucks stuck on the side of…

Environmental News

DNREC Confiscates Two smalltooth sawfish rostrums

Rich King Jan 6, 2017

DOVER (Jan. 6, 2017) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Dec. 26-Jan. 1 made 676 contacts with anglers, hunters, boaters and the general public,…

Environmental News

BOEM Denies Atlantic Seismic G&G Permits

Rich King Jan 6, 2017

BOEM Denies Atlantic Seismic G&G Permits 01-06-2017 WASHINGTON, DC The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) today announced the denial of six pending geophysical and geological (G&G) permit applications to conduct airgun seismic surveys in the Mid- and South Atlantic Planning Areas of the Atlantic Ocean. The decision is based on…

Snowy Owls Visit Delaware And Delmarva

Rich King Jan 5, 2017

They're back! In the winter of 2013 there was a massive irruption of snowy owls (Bubo Scandiacus) and they were all over the place in Delaware and Delmarva. You literally couldn't go anywhere without seeing or hearing about a snowy owl. Ever since then everyone has been hoping to see one again. Last year we didn't see too many of…

Snowstorm Shifts What’s In Store For Delaware

Rich King Jan 5, 2017

Well the first snow storm of the year is coming and the predictions have been all over the map, pun intended. The hardest part is predicting how far north the storm would reach and how far into Delmarva. As of Thursday afternoon we are looking at a shift more to the north and northwest which puts Delaware in the track for much more snow by…

Dune Sledding in Cape Henlopen

Rich King Jan 5, 2017

So the other day some kids went sledding on the dunes in Cape Henlopen State Park.

Dune Being Ruined In CHSP

Rich King Jan 5, 2017

Last winter a few kids went sledding on this dune and everyone lost their minds, many saying kids will be kids what is the big deal? Well the big deal is now this dune is being used as a path and is getting worse and worse. Parks had to put signs there, that I am sure cost money, and are obviously being ignored. Not just one sign,…

Environmental News

Dunes in state parks closed to sledding and snowboarding

Rich King Jan 5, 2017

Dunes in state parks closed to sledding and snowboarding REHOBOTH BEACH (Jan. 5, 2017) – With predictions of snow in the forecast, DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation reminds residents and visitors that dunes should not be used for sledding or snowboarding. “Dunes contain fragile habitat and provide protection for the beaches and…

Comets, Northern Lights, Martians, and Shooting Stars … Oh My!

Rich King Jan 4, 2017

Looks like a busy start to 2016 for star gazing. We are going to start out with the possibility of northern lights, a comet is dropping by, mars is in the mix, and the first meteor show of the year, the Quuadrantids will crank up. Wednesday night the northern lights might light up the sky. Will we be able to see this in Delaware?…

Quadrantid meteor shower of 2017 peaks

Rich King Jan 4, 2017

The Quadrantids will reach its peak at sixty to 120 meteors ZHR. The Zenithal Hourly Rate (ZHR) is the amount of meteors expected per hour during a peak, the Quadrantids are one of the top three. However this event can be disappointing due to the speed of the peak, it may only last a few hours or less. You need to be in a dark…

The Flounder Wars

Rich King Jan 3, 2017

There is a lot of misinformation going around about the new "proposed" flounder regulations. Some of the info is so off that it is causing people to get up in arms, pointing fingers at each other. Some groups are starting petitions to stop the ASMFC. The confusion being created as it turns out is the intention of some of the people putting…

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