Yearly Archives

2018

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Time For Some Fishing

Rich King May 2, 2018

Well it looks like mother nature kicked old man winter to the curb. The water temperatures are finally holding over fifty degrees and we have fish! It has been a long slow spring and the majority of fish are about three weeks late. There have been random catches but nothing like it was this time last year. Flounder started showing up a…

PETA’s Letter To Slaughter Beach

Rich King May 2, 2018

Press release from PETA sent out May 1st ... PETA Asks Mayor to Rename Town in Honor of Its Horseshoe Crab Sanctuary Slaughter Beach, Del. – Today, PETA sent a letter to the mayor of Slaughter Beach suggesting that the town’s name be changed to the kinder, positive, and more appropriate “Sanctuary Beach.” PETA points out that not only…

PETA Wants To Change The Name Of Slaughter Beach

Rich King May 1, 2018

So this just happened ... PETA sent a letter to the mayor asking to change the name of Slaughter beach to Sanctuary Beach. Has anyone at PETA ever used the Google? Because Slaughter Beach does not mean what they think it means. The most popular origin is it was named after the original postmaster. Wait till they find out what…

Toggin With Seals

Rich King May 1, 2018

One of the best things about fishing on the days of the skunk are the sites you see. The wildlife in Delaware is really diverse this time of year. Spring fish showing up, migratory birds in transition (coming and going), and of course our favorite mammals, the seals, and whales. You can much more diversity in nature this time of year. You…

DNREC’s Aquatic Resources Education Center to host ‘Go Fish Delaware!’ family fishing festival Saturday, May 12

Rich King May 1, 2018

DNREC’s Aquatic Resources Education Center to host ‘Go Fish Delaware!’ family fishing festival Saturday, May 12 SMYRNA (May 1, 2018) – Visitors of all ages are invited to learn all about fishing at the Go Fish Delaware! Family Fishing Festival to be held, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at the Aquatic Resources Education…

Rules For The 2018 Chillaware Island Spring Surf Fishing Tournament

Rich King May 1, 2018

I would like to thank everyone for joining us this year for the first annual Chillaware Island Spring Surf Fishing Tournament. First off we increased the fishing area to all of Delaware Seashore State parks drive on beaches. You will be able to fish from Keybox to Faithful Steward. Parks has allowed us again to extend the fishing…

Fish Gut Friday

Rich King Apr 28, 2018

Fish Gut Friday .. Finally Back In The Surf By Suzanne Martin It has been way too long since I hit the surf with a mission . Today I started my day at Ice House in Lewes with Jasper my lab in tow. We picked up our fresh bunker, clams , and bloods and headed to CHSP. The beach was foggy , and the water rough, perfect! I was just…

Surfing With Striped Bass

Rich King Apr 26, 2018

(April 26, 2018) ... You just never know how or where you are going to get a fishing update. This morning at Herring Point the surfers were out for a "sesh". Mike Powell was there taking pictures of his buddies in the line up. When he got home and looked at his pictures he was very surprised. "I took the shot at 9 AM…

Seal Watching In Rehoboth Bay

Rich King Apr 26, 2018

(April 2018) .. There are a lot of seals here this year. Seems like we have more here every year. A few years ago they were hanging out in groups around Masseys Landing on the banks of the ditch. Yesterday Matt trucks was out scouting some places to flounder fish in his kayak when he spotted a few seals on one of the small islands. "Once in…

A Chunk Of Whale Washed Up On The Beach

Rich King Apr 26, 2018

Yesterday some friends were fishing Beach Plum Island State park and this large piece of whale washed upon the beach next to them. "We pulled it up and set it near the truck." I called MERR to let them know a chunk of whale blubber washed up in case they wanted to check it out. We are just putting this out there in case anyone…

Go Fish Delaware A Family Fishing Festival

Rich King Apr 25, 2018

Check it out on May 12th, 9 AM to 2 PM ...Go Fish Delaware! Family Fishing Festival at the Aquatic Resources Education Center. This is located on route 9 at 2520 Lighthouse Road, Smyrna, DE. This is a great facility to learn all about Delaware's waterways. This year they are adding this Fishing Festival for families. We have been invited up…

Fishing Report For What It’s Worth

Rich King Apr 25, 2018

The weather is crazy, what is up with Mother Nature? Hot , cold, rain, wind ... it is like three seasons in one day. The fishing is all messed up the inland bays are hitting about fifty-six at low tide, and dropping to fifty-three at high tide. The surf is just above fifty degrees,and so is the Delaware bay. That is good news for…

Finding Pottery Beach Combing

Rich King Apr 23, 2018

(April 2018) ... I was surf fishing tonight and my friend wanted to do some beach combing. Good combination when you fish like I do on an empty beach. The opportunities are extensive, fish for a bit at a cut and then drive to the next spot. She moves cut to cut beach combing. We travel in the same direction, I fish the cuts. "The shells out…

Fishing Has Finally Picked Up

Rich King Apr 23, 2018

This weekend I wouldn't say it went off, but people have been catching fish and this is just the fringes of the action to come. From Jersey to Assateague the action has picked up. First and foremost, trophy striped bass season didn't start out so well for many anglers. The catches were low this year for opening day. Either due to lack of fish…

The Delmarva Outdoors Expo Activities List Is Extensive.

Rich King Apr 23, 2018

First responders and military active or retired receive a 20% discount at the gates on weekend passes only to the Delmarva Outdoors Expo Whenever you do a large event like this you want it to have more than just vendors and some food trucks. Activities for the whole family are great entertainment. This year the Delmarva Outdoors Expo…

Overfalls Lightship Will Arrive Back In Lewes This Week

Rich King Apr 23, 2018

The tide is about right, the weather is looking good. The crew of the Northstar 10 tugboat owned by Phil Risko and captained by Billy Fehn, will start towing the Overfalls Lightship from the Maurice river in New Jersey, and across the Delaware bay to arrive near Lewes at 7 PM, Thursday evening, April 26th. Tow Boat Us Indian River with Captan…

Sunday Funday Earth Day Beach Clean Ups

Rich King Apr 23, 2018

"Sorry I am late to the beach clean up" ... "No Worries we have yet to start." ... "Okay so when I get there do I just get out and start picking up shit?" "Yaaasssssssssss" ... Actual conversation I had yesterday with a friend of mine. Good to see so many people volunteer to clean up areas around Delmarva on Earth Day. Some folks just…

A Dozen Quick And Easy Ways To Celebrate Earth Day

Rich King Apr 22, 2018

A dozen quick and easy ways to celebrate Earth Day Shauna McVey For most people, Earth Day is just a blip on the calendar that environmentalists and hippie folk might chime in on every April 22. But for us environmentalists and/or hippie folk, it’s much more. We as a society tend to take our home planet for granted, despite the fact that…

Friday Fishing Report … Bass, Birds, But Where Are The Blues?

Rich King Apr 20, 2018

Bunker are in thick at the beach and the inland bays. So thick they brought a whale into the pier in Ocean City, Maryland. Otherwise it is a little quiet out there. There are a lot of rats, or short striped bass in the surf being caught on bloodworms and bucktails. Mostly on the incoming tide is the best action which is about now (2PM) into the…

Whale Hits Ocean City Pier

Rich King Apr 20, 2018

Troy Bickle is fishing the Ocean City pier and just had a whale of a close encounter. Check out the video below. A small whale came towards the pier and literally ran into the pier pole and then headed back out to sea. I would assume it is chasing all of the bunker we have in the surf right now. Troy Bickle ... "A little before noon we…

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: April 9-15

Rich King Apr 20, 2018

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: April 9-15 Reminder for the week: Start the boating season off right by wearing your lifejacket DOVER (April 20, 2018) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe…

DNREC Announces Summer Flounder Minimum Size Reduction To 16.5 Inches For Recreational Anglers

Rich King Apr 20, 2018

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announces summer flounder minimum size reduction to 16.5 inches for recreational anglers DOVER (April 20, 2018) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced that the summer flounder minimum size has been reduced to 16.5 inches for recreational anglers, half an inch less than the previous…

MV Twin Capes Will Be Sunk Next Month

Rich King Apr 19, 2018

The tugboat, Justin, maneuvers the MV Twin Capes out of her berthing slip at the Cape May Ferry terminal. The MV Twin Capes is scheduled to be sunk at the Del-Jersey-Land Artificial Reef off the Delaware coast by May 31st. We learned this last night at the Tidal Finfish advisory board meeting. Delaware needs the ferry sunk…

Catching Pickerel In The Spring

Rich King Apr 18, 2018

Catching Pickerel In The Spring By John Kwoka I like catching Chain Pickerel….there I said it! To me it’s the most underrated and far too often dismissed freshwater fish in the Delmarva area. Why this hard-fighting fish gets such dismissive treatment by a lot of anglers is a mystery to me especially since most freshwater fisherman practice…

DNREC’s New Online Interactive Pond Maps For Delaware Anglers

Rich King Apr 18, 2018

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announces new online interactive pond maps for Delaware anglers New maps provide current information for fishing DOVER (April 17, 2018) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife today announced the release of newly-interactive online maps that allow anglers and other users to easily locate…

Bluegilling

Rich King Apr 18, 2018

Bluegilling By John Kwoka At this time of the year; most of my time is spent thinking about last hunting season and the upcoming fishing season which is the case for a lot of Delmarva outdoorsmen and women. But hunting season is over till turkey season in April and the weather isn’t nice enough to go fishing. So you are limited to…

The Lyrid Meteor Shower Starts Tonight

Rich King Apr 16, 2018

Aprils’s shooting stars, the Lyrid meteors tend to be bright and often leave trails and is 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 mornings of the 22nd and the 23rd. Sometimes a rare surge will increase during the peak viewing times and you…

DelDOT Proposes To Widen Sections of Route 24

Rich King Apr 16, 2018

There was a workshop tonight at the Beacon Middle School about the possibility of widening route 24. We all know how bad traffic is on route 24 not only in the summer but at certain times of the day. I avoid it completely on weekdays when the schools are letting kids in and when kids get out of school. It is a mess, and we all…

Tidal Tables Are The Best Beach Table Ever

Rich King Apr 16, 2018

Chris Gibbons has started making Tidal Tables available to the public. He painstakingly does these by hand and it is all original artwork. Not only are they gorgeous tables but very functional at the beach. He recently added a bait table to this line and I have been informed they will have a ruler on them. He wood burns all of the designs…

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: April 2-8

Rich King Apr 16, 2018

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: April 2-8 Reminder for the week: It’s opening weekend for Delaware’s turkey season DOVER (April 13, 2018) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and…

Delaware Advisory Council on Tidal Finfisheries to meet April 18 in Dover

Rich King Apr 16, 2018

Delaware Advisory Council on Tidal Finfisheries to meet April 18 in Dover DOVER (April 16, 2018) – Delaware’s Advisory Council on Tidal Finfisheries will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, in the DNREC Auditorium, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901. The Council will discuss changes to finfish regulations, recent actions affecting Delaware…

Flounder And Bluefish Arriving

Rich King Apr 15, 2018

Saturday was a good day on the water for a few folks. The wind was vicious, I'm missing three layers of skin after the sand blasting we got at the beach. We moved behind the great dune Saturday after Corby tried Herring point and said it was just way too much wind. We were set up with bloodworms hoping for some short bass, the water was…

Fly Fishing Delmarva

Tying Hendrickson’s Flies

Rich King Apr 14, 2018

I was whipping up a handful of flies for an outing on the gunpowder and thought I’d record it and pass it along. The Hendrickson’s are a big mayfly that we see in the early season on many Eastern rivers in the spring. The Big Gunpowder Falls sees good activity on warm sunny days. I like to fish them by swinging them down and across in the…

Chillaware Island Spring Surf Fishing Tournament Prizes Update

Rich King Apr 14, 2018

We have a bunch of cool prizes donated by some of our sponsors. Helly Hansen, Lighthouse View Bait and Tackle, Fenwick Bait and Tackle, and Icehouse Bait and Tackle. We have added a kid's division since we have a bunch of upcoming anglers signed up, good luck to all of you and show up your parents! Anglers can also fish all of Delaware Seashore…

Fish Marks The Spot

Rich King Apr 13, 2018

We are just driving along the beach at Fenwick Island looking at cuts and rips. "where do you want to fish?" "Up to you dude we have three good choices we can see with the binoculars." Chris ..."Let's go down there to that big cut." We head down and not long after we get there, an osprey drops this bunker near us. Thanks to…

Rats In The Surf And Blues On The Way

Rich King Apr 13, 2018

One day it'snot andthe next day it's hot, yesterday was hot. The water temperatures in the surf are around forty-six degrees. It is going to be windy this weekend, but you should tough it out and hit the water. Small craft advisory into Saturday. This warm up is helping that creep up slowly. Masseys Landing is fluctuating between…

The Overfalls Lightship Return To Lewes Is Postponed

Rich King Apr 12, 2018

The Overfalls Lightship was scheduled to return to Lewes Friday the 13th, but now has been postponed. The biggest issue with jobs like this is the fact you have to rely on the weather to coincide with tides. We are looking at some heavy winds for Friday and the southwest wind will lower the water level in the canal to the point it…

Drive on Beach Parking Rules Clarified

Rich King Apr 12, 2018

Parking Rules On Delaware State Park Drive On Beaches (April 2018) ... Due to recent complaints and such online, especially Face"drama"book, I decided to reach out to Delaware State Parks' enforcement and get some of the rules clarified people complain about all of the time. One of the big ones has been the direction you can park. I spoke…

Maryland DNR New Proposal For Hooks, Bait, Striped Bass From May 16 Through Dec.15

Rich King Apr 12, 2018

New Proposal for Hooks, Bait, Striped Bass — May 16 through Dec.15 “After further consultations with anglers, charter boat captains, legislators and watermen, we believe the revised regulations strike the right balance between conservation and recreation,” Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “By…

Lighthouse View Bait And Tackle Opens This Weekend

Rich King Apr 11, 2018

Well one sure sign of spring is when Dave Beebe opens up Lighthouse View Bait And Tackle. He has been unpacking boxes for a couple of weeks. I know he is excited you can see it in his eyes. "Those bluefish better show up I am armed to the teeth for them this year. Then they better leave so there is spot and croaker to catch all…

Lewes Icehouse Bait and Tackle Is Stocked To The Gills

Rich King Apr 11, 2018

Lewes Icehouse Bait and Tackle is now open daily from 9 to 5 and has some killer sales they are doing weekly, which are listed below. They have a new Facebook page you should like and follow. They also offer a 10% discount to all DSF discount card members. This is a great little shop that was originally started by Harry Aiken. Back then…

Wider Beaches And Clean Water

Rich King Apr 11, 2018

Today at the beach was beautiful. The wind coming off the water was chilly,but it was still gorgeous out there. The smell of the salt air thick in your lungs is a welcome feeling. We explored the beaches today looking for fish signs and wanted to check out the beach conditions. When you come over the Charles W Cullen bridge…

Gordons Pond Air Station And 3Rs Get An Upgrade

Rich King Apr 11, 2018

3R's got an upgrade and it is very nice, wait til you see it. The Gordons pond air station is almost done. We told you a couple of months ago that it was being upgraded. Today we saw that parks have completed the air compressor building so it will not be long before it is in full operation. It is scheduled to be done before Memorial…

Overfalls Lightship Return Schedule

Rich King Apr 11, 2018

You have probably heard by now the Overfalls Lightship is returning to Lewes on Friday. She was towed to New Jersey to get a new paint job and some of the zincs replaced on her hull. The zincs are to protect the hull from stray electricity in the Lewes Canal. So far the schedule for her return is set for Friday the thirteenth. …

Delawarean Breaks North Carolina Bluefin Tuna Record

Rich King Apr 9, 2018

On March 17th Capt. Dennis Endee of Wanchese, NC owner of A-Salt Weapon Sportfishing Charters out of Pirate’s Cove Marina in Manteo went out with a party of eight for trophy tuna fishing. Retired Army Brigadier General Scott Chambers, from Townsend, Delaware was among that group of anglers. Once they reached about forty miles off Oregon…

DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation closes end of Cape Henlopen fishing pier for repairs from ice damage

Rich King Apr 9, 2018

DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation closes end of Cape Henlopen fishing pier for repairs from ice damage DOVER (April 9, 2018) – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation announced today it has closed a 20-foot portion of the Cape Henlopen fishing pier indefinitely due to ice damage that occurred this winter. The area closed…

DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation to close Holts Landing Boat Ramp while parking lot is improved and expanded

Rich King Apr 9, 2018

DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation to close Holts Landing Boat Ramp while parking lot is improved and expanded DOVER (April 9,2018) – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation announced today it will close the boat ramp and adjacent parking lot at Holts Landing State Park later this month on weekdays while renovations are made to…

Beach Clean Up … What Happens To Trash On A Windy Beach

Rich King Apr 9, 2018

Yesterday volunteers met at the south side inlet parking lot to clean the beach, it was thirty-four degrees and very windy. In fact it was so cold we almost called it quits before even venturing onto the beach. I also knew there would hardly be any trash on the beach, the wind was blowing right down the coast line. Moving sand and…

Tow Boat US Indian River Adds To Her Fleet

Rich King Apr 9, 2018

Captain Clarke Droney is headed north with the newest addition to the Tow Boat US Indian River fleet ... "We are adding a twenty-seven foot SeaArk with twin three hundred horsepower Suzuki outboards. We just have to add some more equipment, get her Delaware registration numbers and she will be ready to serve. We will keep her at…

The Delaware Bay Will Turn Blood Red This Week

Rich King Apr 8, 2018

I had to wait to publish this due to April fools and all that fun we had the last week. Did you know that killer whales are now listed as a sight to see in the C&D canal on Google? It is amazing how far an April Fools joke can spread. So, yes the upper Delaware bay really will run blood-red next week, and the reason why is…

Maryland DNR Withdrawals Emergency Striped Bass Regulations

Rich King Apr 6, 2018

Earlier today the Maryland Department of natural Resources withdrew the emergency striped bass regulations for the Chesapeake bay. We have no idea why this was done it seemed to be rather popular among most anglers that fish the bay. The idea was to reduce mortality rates with the use of circle hooks and reduced the size limit to…

Where Do You Find Sea Glass?

Rich King Apr 6, 2018

I get asked this a lot especially after we post a picture on Facebook of our finds. It is easy to find sea glass if you know where to look. Yesterday at low tide in the surf in Delaware Seashore state park the conditions were perfect. The waves are starting to reform the washed out beach area, and this is exposing a lot of shells…

Harry Aiken’s Accuracy Casting Competitions

Rich King Apr 6, 2018

Delaware Surf Fishing is sponsoring the Harry Aiken's Accuracy Casting Competition at the Delmarva Outdoors Expo this year. We have a large space we have reserved for the competition. This is going to be a lot of fun and will bring back the accuracy casting competitions that were held up and down the coast. Cost to compete .. it is free,…

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: March 26-April 1

Rich King Apr 6, 2018

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: March 26-April 1 Reminder for the week: Safe, ethical hunting practices encouraged for Delaware turkey season opening April 14 DOVER (April 6, 2018) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and…

Delaware Reefs Are Getting Beefed Up

Rich King Apr 5, 2018

We have a reef program in Delaware that has done some great work building up our artificial reefs. Jeff Tinsman is the head of the Delaware Reef Program. The handy Delaware Reef Guide published by DNREC has all the coordinates and information about our fourteen artificial reef sites. This is a great guide to have…

Overfalls Lightship Scheduled To Return Next Week

Rich King Apr 5, 2018

The Overfalls lightship in Lewes was taken to New Jersey for a new paint job and to upgrade some of the zincs on her hull. It was a process to get her out of the slip. Tow Boat US Indian River with Captain Clarke Droney will meetup with the ship outside of the Roosevelt inlet and guide her to the slip in Lewes. I was aboard Tow…

Sprinter … When Old Man Winter Just Can’t Let It Go

Rich King Apr 5, 2018

Dela-weather, whether you like it or not. If you haven't heard, we may have snow this weekend. Sussex county might get spared, but the north could see a good blanketing. Old Man winter just won't let go this year. Now we are in a new season ... Sprinter. Old Man Winter ... "Look ... I am sorry, but I just want a shot at these…

Strawternatives, Because Plastic Straws Suck

Rich King Apr 4, 2018

Every single time I walk onto the beach, the first thing I always find is a straw, and not one mind you but a fistful. We throw out over five hundred million plastic straws a day in the United States. Rarely do they get recycled, but instead wind up in landfills, or in our case, wash up on the beaches. There are several reasons why…

Striped Bass Are On The Move

Rich King Apr 3, 2018

Over the last few days striped bass have been moving up the Delaware Bay into the Delaware River. These are most likely resident fish, but they are females full of eggs, and big. No one has seen any sea lice on them which is a good sign to identify ocean striped bass. The Nanticoke river is seeing the same activity, with spawning females heading…

Tomorrow A Chinese Space Station Will Crash And It Is Going To Snow … In April

Rich King Apr 1, 2018

I keep forgetting about the Tiangong-1 space station. This is not an April Fools' joke which we have been having some fun with today. Yes, it is possible it will snow tomorrow, but mostly up north. I was hoping for clear skies to watch this station crash into the atmosphere and burn up.. It will be a crap shot to be where the Tiangong-1,…

Tracking The Lewes Cougar

Rich King Apr 1, 2018

(Apr 1 2019) ... Not long ago on a Lewes social media page someone posted they saw the Lewes cougar down town. Something that as of late has become legend. We have been looking for the Lewes cougar on our trips to the beach, and we have yet to find any evidence. Until now. A couple of weeks ago we found some large prints…

Delaware State Parks Says No To Eating Dogs

Rich King Apr 1, 2018

(April 2018) ... Signs are always placed for a reason, like the ones in the state park bathhouses that says do not wash dishes in sinks. I mean who does that, "Hey honey get the kids and the dishes, we are going to the park. Don't forget the detergent and sunscreen" So I figured someone had to do something monumental to…

The Sand Elk Are Emerging

Rich King Apr 1, 2018

The sand elk of Cape Henlopen State Park are emerging. These elk are special to this area. According to a customer of Lighthouse View bait and tackle, the sand elk are here to stay. Apparently a hundred years ago they came over on the landbridge from New Jersey and populated the area now known as Cape Henlopen state park. "That's a Sand Elk.…

Rehoboth Beach Closes For Piping Plovers

Rich King Apr 1, 2018

It was bound to happen. Those little birds sure can shut down a beach. All it takes is a sighting and a possible nest. Next thing you know a half mile of beach is closed. The beaches at the avenue have been invaded by piping plovers. They decided they wanted to hang out on the walk on beaches and skip the drive on beaches this year. "We…

Full Blue Easter Moon

Rich King Mar 31, 2018

Tonight is the last blue moon of the year. This is when two full moons occur in the same month, hence the term once in a blue moon.. The march full moon is called the Worm Moon by most native american tribes. "At the time of this spring Moon, the ground begins to soften and earthworm casts reappear, inviting the return of robins.…

Lot of Food In The Water

Rich King Mar 31, 2018

We have been on the beach the past few days fishing and exploring the tidelines. That is where you find some of the best evidence of fish in the surf. Yesterday I found a bunch of crab claws and one or two spider crab molts. That is always a good sign if they are molting. Today I found a sea robin minnow that was still alive. I…

Easter Beach Cleanup

Rich King Mar 31, 2018

Great morning to walk the beach and collect trash. Seriously, it was nice out. I wish we were fishing instead, the gannets were circling hard and raining on bait. There are bunker out there, you can see a lot of slicks out front. That was all I could think about while I was walking the beach, I wish I was fishing and why isn't…

Have You Dropped Your Crab Pots Yet? Bunker Are Here!

Rich King Mar 30, 2018

Crabs are emerging around the inland bays just in the past week or so. The water is still really chilly, but some crabs have been seen and caught. Masseys Landing jumped up six degrees in two days and is now peaking at forty-eight degrees. Captain Terry Murray dropped his commercial pots a few days ago and had a good haul for the…

What’s New This Spring In Delaware State Parks

Rich King Mar 30, 2018

Delaware State Parks put out a newsletter and we wanted to share it with you and all the cool things you can do in Delaware State Parks. Spring into Something New! Spring is a season of fresh starts and new beginnings, so just as the buds on…

Beach Clean Ups

Rich King Mar 30, 2018

The weekly beach clean ups are going well. Despite the fact the storms cleaned the beaches off we are still finding at least a bag of trash on the beaches. The heavy winds are sweeping most of the trash into the dunes or burying it in the sand. It doesn't take as long to clean a beach when the trash is limited. It is kind of…

Delaware’s Striped Bass Spawning Season Begins April First

Rich King Mar 30, 2018

The striped bass spawning season is almost upon us. It is already in full effect in the Chesapeake. Anglers over there are catching some big bass. While we are seeing a lot of short bass catches there have been a few smaller keepers here and there. Out tidal creeks and inland bays are really active right now. Bunker have been…

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: March 19-25

Rich King Mar 30, 2018

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: March 19-25 Reminder for the week: Harvest of river herring, use of nets near spillways, retaining striped bass during spawning season unlawful in Delaware DOVER (March 30, 2018) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that…

Hearns Pond boat ramp to be closed April 2-4 for courtesy dock installation

Rich King Mar 30, 2018

Hearns Pond boat ramp to be closed April 2-4 for courtesy dock installation DOVER (March 29, 2018) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today that the boat ramp at Hearns Pond will be closed from April 2-4 to install a courtesy dock. A courtesy dock is a floating structure located alongside a launching ramp that makes…

Maryland Set To Reduce Striped Bass Size

Rich King Mar 28, 2018

Emergency Action Seeks to Reduce Minimum Size Requirement for Striped Bass March 27, 2018 Move to 19-Inch Rockfish Comes After Robust Stakeholder Input; Maintains Conservation Levels The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is moving forward with emergency regulations that will reduce the minimum size of striped bass for charter boat and…

Pennywise May Or May Not Be Roaming New Castle County

Rich King Mar 28, 2018

Pennywise may or may not be roaming New Castle County By Shauna McVey Stephen King’s original “It” is my all-time favorite movie. Well, the first half since that’s the only part my parents recorded on VHS when the miniseries aired in 1990. Pennywise launched my love of scary movies and books, but I think we’d all prefer if he stay on the…

Good Weekend Fishing

Rich King Mar 27, 2018

This time last year we were rat wrangling in the surf. Which is catching small short bass one after another in the surf, it is fun and we coined the term one afternoon. Because when we all start joking in the surf you never know what is going to come out of our mouth. You can use surf rods down to small bass rods for catching shorts. The…

The Chillaware Island Spring Surf Fishing Tourney Expands

Rich King Mar 26, 2018

The Chillaware Island Spring Surf Fishing Tourney has grown faster than we expected. We are adding a kids division and expanding the fishing options. Last year when we did the fall tourney we only used 3Rs because we figured with only six weeks to promote the tourney it would not bring in big numbers. We had about one hundred and…

Will Delaware Change The 2018 Summer Flounder Size Limit

Rich King Mar 26, 2018

Delaware is in the process of changing the flounder size limit, but will it remain all year? Right now the summer flounder limit is seventeen inches and four fish per angler, per day. We don't have a season for flounder like the northern states. Delaware is in the process of changing our summer flounder size limit to sixteen and a half inches.…

Nor’easter Showers Bring Mylar Flowers

Rich King Mar 26, 2018

Last weeks nor'easter rocked us a good bit, but we survived. When you live at the coast you get used to bad coastal storms it is part of the way of life here. Like living on the west coast and dealing with earthquakes, and droughts. The wildlife here at the beach is used to this weather and will react accordingly. Marshes flood…

First Annual Capital Outdoor Sportsmen Event

Rich King Mar 23, 2018

The first annual Capital Outdoor Sportsmen Event is on April 21 to the 22nd at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds. This event was organized by Sharon Gertz and she is very excited to bring this to her area, "I wanted to do this for years and now I finally have the opportunity. We have some wonderful sponsors ... Leo's Vacation Center, Maryland…

Yearling Harp Seal To Be Rescued By MERR

Rich King Mar 23, 2018

Leah Reynolds was called to the beach today to check on a seal sighting. We asked her to share her story and some details as a MERR volunteer. You will be hearing more from Leah as a field reporter for Delaware Surf Fishing. She will be a wonderful addition to our team. The seal will be rescued this evening or tomorrow morning. According to…

Where Are You Gonna Fish This Weekend

Rich King Mar 23, 2018

Parks are hoping to have the drive ons open tomorrow, be careful driving at high tide. All you are gonna find out there is skates, but not too many tourists. A lot of people are headed this way for the weekend to start opening up their houses for the coming season. Traffic will be a little heavier than it has been this winter. Fishing…

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: March 12-18

Rich King Mar 23, 2018

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: March 12-18 Reminder for the week: Boaters urged to check gear before putting vessels in the water DOVER (March 23, 2018) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure…

Drive On Accesses Are Still Closed

Rich King Mar 23, 2018

The beaches are recovering from the nor'easter Parks are in the process of evaluating the drive on accesses. I am sure they are waiting to see what the next high tide does since some of the beaches are flat with big swales. 1:45 PM is high tide today at Indian River Inlet. The water is still up a bit along the coast. I know…

Why Are There TV Antennas On The Beach In Bethany

Rich King Mar 22, 2018

The other day while making videos of the storm surge from storm Toby, the spring nor'easter. I took some random shots of Bethany beach and posted the videos and pictures. I didn't think much about it, but dozens of people have asked me what are those TV antennas doing on the beach. Most thought it was something that washed up from…

Update On The Rescued Grey Seal Banshee

Rich King Mar 22, 2018

The other day a female grey seal pup was found on the beach in Bethany. She was reported to the Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation (MERR) Institute, who likes to record all sightings and also check on the seal's health. Usually they are just relaxing on the beach and taking a rest. MERR likes to keep a record of the ons that visit…

OC Reef Foundation Reef Report 3/21/18

Rich King Mar 22, 2018

From the desk of Capt. Monty Hawkins, Pres. OC Reef Foundation Reef Report 3/21/18 Dinner Date! Major Contributions! Greetings Reef Sponsors, After a year of modest reef building, the Ocean City Reef Foundation now has a lot going on. This year's Reef Dinner will be held at Seacrets again. We're assured by Seacret's banquet staff we'll…

Poof … It Is Snowing Hard In Sussex County

Rich King Mar 21, 2018

Careful what you wish for it is snowing like gangbusters out here in the country. All day everyone on social media has been complaining where is the snow, now people are complaining where are the snow plows. Route 1 below Dover is proving to be a disaster now due to accidents and jammed up traffic. Near the beach there is less…

Bethany Beach Loses A Walkway

Rich King Mar 21, 2018

About the only thing I have seen or heard of damage wise is Bethany beach losing a walkway on one of their dune crossovers. There is a tree or two down here and there and a couple of blown transformers. The stairs in Bethany were essentially temporary anyway until the beach replenishment could happen. When sandy hit the stairs were…

Governor John Carney Issues Level 1 Driving Warning for Kent and New Castle Counties

Rich King Mar 21, 2018

The north is getting a decent amount of snow fast. Sussex county is just now seeing snowfall and has been dealing with minor tidal flooding all day. No dunes have breached, despite the heavy and high seas pummeling the beaches, and route 1 is clear along the coast. The back bays flooded a wee bit, but not as bad as expected. The next high…

The Real Reason The Seas Are Angry My Friends

Rich King Mar 21, 2018

Whoever pissed off this guy and stole his ball, please give it back. Poseidon is really upset and is just sitting in the surf contemplating his next move. He has already slapped three guys in the line up trying to catch a wave and tried to stab one body boarder who got in his way. We are heading down to the beach soon to discuss…

Storm Toby And The Second Day Of Spring

Rich King Mar 21, 2018

Storm Toby, our spring nor'easter, so far is just pummeling us with winds and rain, which is much worse in my opinion than the impending snow we may or may not see today. We are five hours away from high tide and the ocean is on top of the beach, almost to the dune line. The inland bays are full of water at low tide. typical…

Governor John Carney Issues State Of Emergency For Delaware

Rich King Mar 20, 2018

DOVER, Del. – With an impending winter storm expected to impact Delaware, Governor John Carney on Tuesday issued a State of Emergency statewide authorizing the Delaware National Guard to assist state and local officials with any necessary response and recovery for this winter storm effective midnight on Wednesday, March 21, 2018. The…

Storm Toby Update First Day Of Spring Flooding

Rich King Mar 20, 2018

The first high tide was not that bad there has been moderate tidal flooding in all the usual spots for the inland bay communities. DelDOT is set up and ready for route 1 to flood, because it isn't if, at this point, but when. At midnight is the next high tide, roughly around 1 to 2 AM is when you should be concerned about that area…

When Are The Fish Getting Here?

Rich King Mar 20, 2018

This is my favorite question. Because you can't predict the exact time you can only go by what has happened the past few years and hope that holds true for the coming season. The best example are the spring drum and now blue fish runs. Times change every year due to previous water and weather conditions. The past three years…

First Day Of Spring Arrives With Angry Seas

Rich King Mar 20, 2018

Happy first day of spring, and our next guest ... Here comes the nor'easter, the seas are up along the coast line. We are in a coastal flood warning from 8 PM tonight until 5 PM Thursday night. Those of you along the inland bays knows what that means, it is going to flood. How much is a good question and remains to be seen. Those…

And For Our Next Two Noreasters, Best Weather Report Ever!

Rich King Mar 19, 2018

Anyone tired of these nor'easters yet? Tired of weather reports that are wrong or misleading? Tired of all the Facebook pages vying for attention with constant updates? NOAA via the national Weather service broke the internet today with their report. We do storm reports on DSF because it is a big aspect of fishing and people are…

MERR To The Rescue

Rich King Mar 19, 2018

Seals are still showing up on the beaches. This little guys is presently being rescued by MERR. It will be evaluated and brought back to health and then released back to the wild. I have no idea why it is being rescued, but if MERR felt it needs to be, then it needs help. If you see a seal on a beach or anywhere, do not approach…

Opsrey Are Arriving On Delmarva

Rich King Mar 19, 2018

During the beach clean up on Sunday we observed an osprey picking up nest building materials. The nest was in front of the maintenance area at naval crossing, and you can't see the nest unless you are on the beach, south of naval crossing. It was great to see our favorite fish finders arrive. That is surely a sign of better…

Why Glass Is Bad On A Beach

Rich King Mar 19, 2018

This is not the beach glass I like collecting, we find a lot of glass that is like this. As much as we like collecting beach glass and people make jewelry out of it, glass is bad on a beach for many reasons. Due to our passion for beach clean ups I recognize it is hypocritical to like collecting beach glass. I get that, but glass…

3 Guys, 3 Buckets, 3 Hours, 3 Miles, One Clean Beach

Rich King Mar 19, 2018

Whoever schedules a beach clean up the day after St. Patty's day is crazy ... guilty as charged. We met on Sunday morning at 9 AM in Cape Henlopen state park at the point comfort station crossing area. Chris and Andrew were there when I arrived. We waited a bit until after 9 AM and then started out on the beach. I told the…

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: March 5-11

Rich King Mar 19, 2018

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: March 5-11 Reminder for the week: Spring Aboard is here! DOVER (March 16, 2018) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC Fish…

Not The Donuts We Like At The Beach

Rich King Mar 17, 2018

At some point in the last twenty-four hours or less, someone decided to go all "yeehaa" and do donuts all over the beach in Cape Henlopen at navy Crossing. Ignorant stuff like this is how we lose access to our park beaches after hours. It is also used as an excuse by people like the beach coalition folks to take away your access…

Artist Writes An Important Message In The Sand Of The New Ocean City Inlet Beach

Rich King Mar 16, 2018

If you haven't seen it yet, the constant winds and storms have pushed tons of sand sand, literally, into the Ocean City inlet and created a beach along the north Jetty wall. The last time this happened was superstorm Sandy. Eventually the sand will wash out, but for now even the surfers are digging some of the cool waves it has…

DNREC Mosquito Control Section’s spraying season to begin with larviciding wooded wetlands

Rich King Mar 16, 2018

DNREC Mosquito Control Section’s spraying season to begin with larviciding wooded wetlands DOVER (March 16, 2018) – DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section within the Division of Fish & Wildlife will begin its annual spring woodland pool spraying campaign Saturday, March 17 onwooded wetlands near select populated areas in southern Sussex…

Ocean City Reef Foundation Reef Report

Rich King Mar 16, 2018

From the desk of Captain Monty Hawkins ... Greetings Reef Sponsors, After a year of modest reef building, the Ocean City Reef Foundation now has a lot going on. We're close to inking a deal with a major corporate sponsor - - it's huge. This sponsorship will bring the Bass Grounds Reef Restoration project to life. The Nature…

Former Delawareans on the hunt for funds to catch tasty, reef-harming lionfish

Rich King Mar 15, 2018

Former Delawareans on the hunt for funds to catch tasty, reef-harming lionfish By Shauna McVey New fish have started to enter the Delaware culinary market thanks to two of Delaware Surf Fishing’s favorite environmentalists, Ashley Ridout and Brian Asher. This power couple left Sussex County for the warmer waters of the Gulf Coast last…

First Beach Clean Up Of The 2018 Season

Rich King Mar 15, 2018

We were going to continue with beach clean ups all winter, but mother nature wasn't too cooperative. Add to that everyone getting really busy (namely me) and we just didn't have the time. I would love to have the February spring weather back, the first clean up however did turn out to be a nice day for a walk on the beach and…

Beach replenishment project in the Towns of Bethany, South Bethany, and Fenwick Island to begin this spring

Rich King Mar 13, 2018

Beach replenishment project in the Towns of Bethany, South Bethany, and Fenwick Island to begin this spring News from the Town of Bethany Beach: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Philadelphia District has announced the schedule for the much-needed repair of our beach. The work on our beach is slated to begin May 15, 2018 and…

Upstate trout season to open April 7 in seven New Castle County streams

Rich King Mar 13, 2018

Upstate trout season to open April 7 in seven New Castle County streams DNREC announces Red Clay Creek to be stocked for first time in 30 years thanks to improved water quality; trout anglers also should note that changes have been made to original stocking schedule DOVER (March 14, 2018) – Delaware’s spring upstate trout season will…

DNREC’s DuPont Nature Center to reopen April 4

Rich King Mar 13, 2018

DNREC’s DuPont Nature Center to reopen April 4 Volunteers sought for spring cleanup day March 18 DOVER (March 13, 2018) – The DuPont Nature Center at Mispillion Harbor Reserve, a DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife facility located in the heart of Delaware’s Bayshore Region, will reopen Wednesday, April 4 after being closed for the…

Last Day For Public Comment About Offshore Drilling In The Atlantic

Rich King Mar 9, 2018

Today is the last day to put in your public comments about offshore drilling in the Atlantic ocean and the eastern seaboard. This is a bad idea for fishermen. Not only could these rigs be right in the middle of the canyons, but a spill would be detrimental to our ecosystem. Seismic testing alone will alter migratory patterns of all of the…

Cargo Containers Washing Up On Beaches

Rich King Mar 8, 2018

During the storm a week ago, the "westeaster", or bomb cyclone. A container ship off the coast of North Carolina lost seventy cargo containers. Now they are washing up on beaches south of us, but you never know where these will show up. Also mariners (boaters) should be careful since many of these will float just under the surface and are…

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Return is Sentinel of Chesapeake Bay Ecosystem Recovery

Rich King Mar 8, 2018

DNR press release Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Return is Sentinel of Chesapeake Bay Ecosystem Recovery March 5, 2018 Department Researcher among 14 Co-authors in National Academy of Sciences Report A new research article published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences analyzes the positive impact of long-term…

The Delaware Outdoors Expo is Saturday

Rich King Mar 7, 2018

Come out this Saturday to the Delaware Outdoors Expo and check out our booth, Delaware Surf Fishing with Diamond State Custom Tackle. I will be able to sign you up for the Chillaware Island Spring Surf Fishing Tournament. Diamond State Tackle, local makers of superior fishing gear, will be debuting their new mullet rigs with spinners. I…

Southbound Route 1 closed for flooding.

Rich King Mar 7, 2018

Just below Dewy beach DelDOT has closed the right lane of route 1 dues to inland bay flooding. Something which has been occurring every high tide for the past couple days. If you want to save some time with alerts get the DelDOT app in the google play store so you can keep up with these alerts and much more. It is easy to use you…

The largest St. Pat’s Parade around steps off this Sunday in Milton

Rich King Mar 7, 2018

Girl Goes Local ... The largest St. Pat’s Parade around steps off this Sunday in Milton By Shauna McVey Twelve miles west of the Cape Henlopen coast lies a quaint town with one of Sussex’s best kept secrets: The Milton St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Don’t let the name fool you. This parade isn’t just a parade, and it won’t be held on St.…

Fishing Is Picking Up Even In The Bad Weather

Rich King Mar 7, 2018

Fishing, well actually catching is and has been picking up for resident striped bass. That February warm up got them all excited. Once that happens they tend to not slow down or stop, kind of like trying to put toothpaste back in the tube. Anglers are catching short striped bass in all the tidal creeks and along the Delaware bay…

Marsh Fire On Route 1 Today

Rich King Mar 6, 2018

The marsh caught fire today just below the Charles W Cullen bridge on the southbound side of route 1. You would think with the high water this wasn't possible, but it doesn't take long for that dead grass to dry out in high winds and some sunshine. There were four sections of marsh and brush that caught fire according to the Bethany…

Beach Conditions In Delaware Seashore State Park And A Breach

Rich King Mar 6, 2018

I checked out the beaches in Delaware Seashore State Park today, the drive on was open, but I wouldn't go anywhere near there if the tide is coming in and here is why ... The water is washing across the beach to the dune edges easier. Because the storm we just had pushed a lot of sand up onto the beach and filled in most of the…

The Storm of 62 was 56 Years Ago

Rich King Mar 6, 2018

56 years ago today, March 6, 1962 ... 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 winter…

Big Waves And Flooded Beaches

Rich King Mar 6, 2018

The storm surge is till hitting the coastline with heavy wave action. Surfers are excited from what I hear down at the inlet, there are some sick waves. Rehoboth beach and all the ocean beach towns are getting water to the dune line at high tide. We are two hours from high tide and the water is already washing over the beaches. …

Maryland Schedules Public Hearing on Black Drum Draft Addendum I

Rich King Mar 5, 2018

Maryland Schedules Public Hearing on Black Drum Draft Addendum I Arlington, VA – Maryland has scheduled their hearing to gather public comment on Draft Addendum I to the Black Drum Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The details of this hearing are as follows: Maryland Department of Natural Resources March 15, 2018 at 5:30 PM Maryland DNR 580…

Nor’easter Expected To Hit On Wednesday

Rich King Mar 5, 2018

We just got past a west'easter that flooded us like a nor'easter. Yes I made up west'easter. On Wednesday we have another storm slated to hit. This will be a nor'easter thanks to the true northeast winds. Snow is predicted for the northeast, I doubt southern Delaware will see any, but that could change tomorrow or in…

Expect Minor Tidal Flooding Into Monday

Rich King Mar 4, 2018

The coastal flood warning is until 3 PM this afternoon. All the usual low spots are filling with water due to tidal flooding. The full moon we just had and the winds are keeping water in the inland bays and causing flooding around the area. I would expect to last the next few high tides due to the heavy winds and storm surge we are…

Expect Minor Tidal Flooding Today

Rich King Mar 3, 2018

If you live in an area that usually floods form tidal flooding from storms, expect that to happen within the next few hours. Roosevelt inlet is already up to the road edge and coming over in Lewes on Pilottown road below the university. This is at the Canary creek area, which always floods there first. Low lying areas will hold water at…

Full Moon, High Tide, and Gale Force Winds

Rich King Mar 3, 2018

Good luck to all the anglers in Delaware hitting the trout ponds for opening day. Not a big fan of wind. Monday looks much better. At least we will see diminishing winds later this afternoon and the sun is already trying to break through the clouds. The storm so far has just been wind damage; signs down, boats blown over, extreme blow out…

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Feb. 19-25

Rich King Mar 2, 2018

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Feb. 19-25 Reminder for the week: Wildlife area visitors encouraged to know and follow rules DOVER (March 2, 2018) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe…

Maryland Considering Changes to Striped Bass Regulations Public Comments Needed

Rich King Mar 2, 2018

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is considering changes to the recreational and charter boat summer and fall striped bass fishery. The changes will require the use of circle hooks while chumming or live-lining, regardless of the target species. There is a possibility that the regulation may limit the size of the “J” hook…

The Bomb Cyclone Has Dropped

Rich King Mar 2, 2018

I love these weather terms and so do the weather and news sites. Sounds scary right? The real term for this phenomenon is explosive cyclogenesis, or bombogenesis and it is actually very common. It refers to a low pressure system's central pressure when it drops 24 millibars in 24 hours. A millibar is a unit of pressure…

Public Hearing For DNREC, DDA Proposed Firearm Regulations Set For Monday, March 12 In Dover

Rich King Mar 1, 2018

Public hearing for DNREC, DDA proposed firearm regulations set for Monday, March 12 in Dover DOVER (March 1, 2018) – Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and Department of Agriculture (DDA) will conduct a joint public hearing Monday, March 12 on proposed regulations for possessing firearms in Delaware’s…

Drive On Beach Access Closed For Weekend

Rich King Mar 1, 2018

I just heard from Delaware state park administrators that drive on beach accesses in Fenwick Island State Park and Delaware Seashore State park will be closed today (afternoon) in anticipation of this storm. This is for the safety of not only the public but the people who would have to rescue anyone who gets stuck. Let's also not…

The Calm Before The Storm

Rich King Mar 1, 2018

It is eerily calm out, there is little to no wind. That will change as the day progresses and then tomorrow the storm kicks it up a few notches. So far we are still on track for major winds, minor to major coastal flooding and all that nor'easter jazz. It is hard to predict these so go easy on the weather people, yes they still get…

March Will Roll In Like An Angry Lion

Rich King Feb 28, 2018

They say March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb or the other way around. Well the bar has been set, she is getting it all in the beginning of this month, like a pride of angry lions. We are starting off March first, tomorrow, with a big nor'easter like storm. Coastal flood watch, High wind watch and almost a dozen other…

Data Workshops Scheduled for Atlantic Menhaden Single-Species & Ecological-Based Benchmark Stock Assessments

Rich King Feb 28, 2018

Data Workshops Scheduled for Atlantic Menhaden Single-Species & Ecological-Based Benchmark Stock Assessments Arlington, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has begun work on two Atlantic menhaden-specific benchmark assessments: a single-species benchmark assessment and an ecological-based benchmark assessment. The…

Weekly Beach Clean Ups Will Start On March 11

Rich King Feb 28, 2018

We are starting the weekly beach clean ups for 2018 this march on the 11th at 9 AM. I was going to start this coming weekend but the winds are gonna be crazy and well ... I hate windy fishing, which is even worse when you are trying to find trash in a sandstorm. Last year the DSF clean up crew racked up hundreds of volunteer hours…

Want To Help The Inland Bays? Then Take This Survey

Rich King Feb 28, 2018

Tell us YOUR concerns about the Inland Bays! This brief survey will help the Center focus on your community’s concerns relating to the health of the Rehoboth, Indian River, and Little Assawoman Bays –and the land surrounding them. As a token of our appreciation, each participant that includes their mailing address will receive:…

Crooked Hammock takes first place at 2018 Delaware Beer Drinker’s Choice Awards

Rich King Feb 27, 2018

Crooked Hammock takes first place at 2018 Delaware Beer Drinker’s Choice Awards By Shauna McVey Crooked Hammock Brewery’s second Delaware Beer Drinker’s Choice Awards was one big, Sunday fun day, beer-loving fest. I am by no means a beer aficionado, but as a brand new Sussex Countian I like to check out new-to-me places and events to…

Delaware State Park Passes Required In March

Rich King Feb 27, 2018

The winter free for all is over in Delaware Start Parks. Every year in the winter the parks are wide open to any and all that would like to visit them, this starts on November 30th. Some of the in-park features are not open to the general public without a pass or entrance fee, such as the Brandywine zoo. The parks themselves…

Point at Cape Henlopen to close March 1 for 2018

Rich King Feb 26, 2018

DNREC announces the Point at Cape Henlopen to close March 1 for 2018 beachnesting season LEWES (Feb. 26, 2018) – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation today announced that 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 Thursday, March…

Look Up At The Humanity Star On Friday

Rich King Feb 26, 2018

The Humanity Star will pass over Delaware on Friday morning. What is the humanity star? It is a geodesic dome satellite that was launched into orbit on January twenty-first. Covered in highly reflective panels, this causes it to appear like it is blinking rapidly as it passes across the night sky. It will be brighter than the…

Delaware State Parks Upgrades More Air Stations

Rich King Feb 23, 2018

Last week Savages Ditch air station across from the Faithful Steward crossing was closed to replace the air hoses. That has been completed and the air station is open again, it only took a couple of days. By the way the area on the bayside is called Savages Ditch, the dune cross over or drive on access road is Faithful Steward,…

Got Shrimp?

Rich King Feb 21, 2018

(February 2016) ... If you are looking for a great bait, then grass shrimp is on menu. The tidal creeks, especially at low tide are loaded with shrimp and the fish are going nuts for them. This warm up has really gotten mother nature stirred up, even the peeper frogs are out again, in February. White perch and all the usual freshwater suspects…

Governor Carney seeks nominees for two At-Large vacancies on the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council

Rich King Feb 20, 2018

Governor Carney seeks nominees for two At-Large vacancies on the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council Governor Carney is seeking nominees for two vacant At-Large seats on the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (MAFMC). One of the two seats is currently held by New York and the second is held by North Carolina. Although legally…

Savages Ditch Air Station Closed

Rich King Feb 20, 2018

The air station at Savages Ditch that serves Faithful Steward Crossing in Delaware Seashore State Park is closed for air hose upgrades for at least a week. As soon as the work is completed it will reopen. For those that do not know this is the last air station on the bay side before the Charles W Cullen bridge that spans the Indian…

Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier Section Is Closed

Rich King Feb 20, 2018

Recently Delaware State parks closed the end of the Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier. This is the newer section that was opened up a few years ago. Some of the pylons that were repaired with cement and a poly wrap are cracking or split. Parks is going to evaluate the damage and will have a timeline when the section will be repaired and…

DNREC, DHSS issue new fish consumption advisories that reflect continuing improvement in water quality for Delaware waterways

Rich King Feb 20, 2018

DNREC, DHSS issue new fish consumption advisories that reflect continuing improvement in water quality for Delaware waterways DOVER (Feb. 20, 2018) – New fish consumption advisories issued today by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Public…

Save The Great Marsh Sign The Petition

Rich King Feb 16, 2018

There are proposed plans to develop the land that backs up to the Great Marsh. Many of us feel this is bad idea. Not just for the added congestion etc. that is always an argument and these days a given, especially in the summer. The main concern for many of us is the fact this could and will destroy a very valuable ecosystem and…

February Spring Fishing

Rich King Feb 16, 2018

The recent warm ups and rain storms are waking up the fish. We had three days of sixty degree rainy weather and this caused the water temperatures to jump up a full eight degrees in several area tidal creeks and rivers. The constant cold and freezing dropped the water temperatures to thirty-eight degrees and lower. Last week's warm…

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Feb. 5-11

Rich King Feb 16, 2018

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Feb. 5-11 Reminder for the week: Spring ahead of Spring Aboard DOVER (Feb. 16, 2018) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, Fish…

Spring 2018 Trout Stocking And Opening For Downstate Ponds

Rich King Feb 16, 2018

DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife announces spring 2018 trout stocking and opening for downstate ponds Trout anglers encouraged to check requirements before fishing DOVER (Feb. 15, 2018) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife today announced that Delaware’s spring 2018 downstate trout season will begin Saturday, March 3, with the…

DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation’s economic impact study for Delaware state parks praised at Tower 3 lighting ceremony

Rich King Feb 12, 2018

DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation’s economic impact study for Delaware state parks praised at Tower 3 lighting ceremony LEWES (Feb. 12, 2018) – Against the backdrop of the ceremonial lighting of the World War Two-era Tower 3 at Delaware Seashore State Park, Governor John Carney, DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin and other officials…

Delaware’s Youngest Fly Tyer

Rich King Feb 12, 2018

Saturday I dropped by to see the Saltwater Fly Anglers Of Delaware Club at their weekly fly tie meets. Chad Betts was there with his son Cohen, locals of Milton,DE. You will probably recognize Cohen, he is the young man on the cover of the 2018 Delaware Fishing Guide with the striped bass and a huge smile. Ever since I met Cohen he…

Chillaware Island Spring Surf Fishing Tournament Registration

Rich King Feb 12, 2018

Registration is now available for the annual Chillaware Island Spring Surf Fishing Tournament. If you want an event T-shirt, we have that option just select the registration with a T-shirt. These cost $15 with early registration. This is the best time to get this shirt, the day of the tourney we will have some shirts but not a lot…

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 29-Feb.4

Rich King Feb 12, 2018

Reminder for the week: Conservation Order allows snow goose harvest

Virginia Withdraws Appeal to Amendment 3 For Menhaden

Rich King Feb 7, 2018

Just announced by the ASMFC, this is good news for the menhaden populations. When We contacted theASMFCas to why they withdrew there wasn't a reason submitted with the withdraw. ASMFC .... "This is a schedule change notice for the ASMFC’s meeting on February 8, 2018. The Commonwealth of Virginia has withdrawn its appeal of Amendment 3 to the…

DNREC’s 2018 Delaware Fishing Guide And Fishing Rulers Now Available

Rich King Feb 6, 2018

DNREC’s 2018 Delaware Fishing Guide and fishing rulers now available DOVER (Feb. 5, 2018) – The Division of Fish & Wildlife’s 2018 Delaware Fishing Guide and fishing rulers for measuring legal-sized catches have landed wherever anglers purchase a Delaware fishing license, including bait & tackle shops, and sporting goods and…

Once In A Blue, Super, Blood Moon Photographs

Rich King Feb 2, 2018

If you braved the chilly weather and got up early the other day then you got a chance to see the super blue blood moon. Unfortunately for me the camera has bit the dust, literally. The optics have gone south and taking pictures, especially moon shots are impossible. We were treated to a visible super, blue, blood moon. When the…

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 22-28

Rich King Feb 2, 2018

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 22-28 Reminder for the week: State game refuges DOVER (Feb. 2, 2018) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, Fish &…

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission 2017 Annual Report

Rich King Jan 29, 2018

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is pleased to present you with our 2017 Annual Report, http://www.asmfc.org/files/pub/2017AnnualReport.pdf. It describes the Commission’s activities and progress in carrying out our public trust responsibilities for the valuable marine fisheries under Commission stewardship. Included in this report…

Here comes the Super, Blue, Blood, Moon

Rich King Jan 29, 2018

On January 31st we will be treated to a super moon, that will be a blue moon and also a blood moon. A stellar trifecta for any stargazer. This has not happened since 1866. The west coast will see the full lunar eclipse (Blood Moon) the east coast will see a partial eclipse in the early morning, because by the time the eclipse is full the moon…

29th Annual Beach Grass Planting, the Planting O’ The Green!

Rich King Jan 29, 2018

Hello! We are planning the 29th Annual Beach Grass Planting, the Planting O’ The Green!Our efforts this year will be focused on areas where dune repairs were made and 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…

Reel Friends Doing Really Great Stuff

Rich King Jan 26, 2018

Reel Friends Doing Really Great Stuff Fish Gut Friday ... Suzanne Martin With the longer days coming each day, and a few warmer temperatures ,it gives me spring fever, and makes me long for real spring days. Also the slow approach of waiting for that first day bait fish is spotted makes me think of events coming up, like sales…

Delmarva Outdoors Expo 2018 Vendor Applications

Rich King Jan 24, 2018

The Delmarva Outdoors Expo is now accepting vendor applications and sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring the event please contact us at admin@delaware-surf-fishing.com . If you would like a vendor application you can download that here Delmarva Outdoors Expo 2018 Vendor Application. There are a lot of new attractions being…

Proposed New Regulations For Firearms Possession Within Delaware State Parks, Wildlife Areas, And State Forests

Rich King Jan 19, 2018

DNREC, DDA propose new regulations for firearms possession within Delaware state parks, wildlife areas, and state forests DOVER (Jan. 19, 2018) – The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) have proposed new regulations expanding the scope of legal…

She Fisherwoman Part Deux

Rich King Jan 19, 2018

She Fisherwoman Part Deux Fish Gut Friday ... Suzanne Martin If a "hen frigate " was any ship carrying a Captains wife, then a "She Captain " is a bold women distinguished for courageous enterprise in the history of the sea. ~ from the book "She Captains" This week is a part two of stories I have collected from some of the…

Fly Fishing Delmarva

Fly Tie Saturdays

Rich King Jan 18, 2018

This past weekend was the first of many fly tie Saturday gatherings for the Saltwater Fly Anglers of Delaware Club. Also known affectionately as the donut club, we eat a lot of donuts. This last Saturday meeting was laid more so than most. Usually it is crowded the first meet, but the weather as of late has been an issue for many.…

Beach Combing Is Great This Time Of Year

Rich King Jan 17, 2018

As much as we all hate the cold, if you get that one nice day to hit the sand box, you should do it at low tide. This is the best time of year to go beach combing, for a few reasons. Mostly the fact that hardly anyone is here, there is less competition finding beach treasures. However you do have to compete with those of us that…

DelDOT’s Eye Over Indian River Inlet Shows More Than Traffic

Rich King Jan 16, 2018

DelDOT's Traffic Camera On The north Tower Of The Indian River Inlet Bridge Shows Beach, Weather, Water and Traffic Conditons at The Indian River Inlet If you don't us the DelDOT app on your phone to pay attention to the traffic cameras, you should. Especially these days, I constantly see posts on locals pages asking if the Indian River Inlet…

The Indian: An Iconic Lewes Boat Is Floated For The Last Time

Rich King Jan 12, 2018

During the January blizzard of 2018 we dealt with a lot of heavy snow and ice. Not too big of a deal if you are on land, but if you were a boat in some of the marinas, there could be issues. Many if not all of the larger boats in the Lewes Marina were stuck on the bottom after extreme low tides. Due to the recent full moon and the…

She Fisherwoman

Rich King Jan 12, 2018

Fish Gut Friday ... She Fisherwoman Suzanne Martin “She Captains, women that infamously possessed the “Bodies of women, and the souls of men”. Some were bold and crafty pirates, that terrorized their shipmates, doing “deeds beyond the valor of women.” Others were sirens, whom the mariners made rover captain for her beauty. Like their male…

Governor Carney Releases Statement on Trump Administration’s Offshore Drilling Plan

Rich King Jan 11, 2018

Governor Carney Releases Statement on Trump Administration’s Offshore Drilling Plan WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s plan to open up areas in the Atlantic Ocean, including waters off the Delaware coastline, to oil and gas drilling: “Drilling for oil and gas…

Fly Tie Saturdays Start This Weekend

Rich King Jan 11, 2018

Every year the Saltwater Fly Anglers of Delaware club meets to tie flies. Saturdays at Lewes Harbor Marina the club sets up and ties flies for a few hours. We tel lies, eat a lot of donuts and drink gallons of coffee. The sessions start at 9 am and continue to about noon. The public is welcome to come to learn about fly fishing,…

Oyster Stock Status 2018 In The Delaware Bay

Rich King Jan 11, 2018

Oysters are doing better and better according to Rich Wong, Biometrician, ( fishery scientist or marine biologist ), he gave a presentation last night on the status of Delaware's oyster beds in the bay. Recruitment and spat growth is up and has been increasing since 2015. The quota for 2016 was 10,662 bushels, 2018 has been…

2018 Blue Crab Status

Rich King Jan 11, 2018

Last night I attended the Shellfish advisory committee meeting. There were several topics including how the blue crab harvest will be for 2018. Trawl surveys are done on juvenile crabs to do counts to get an idea of the amount of crabs we should see in 2018. This allows DNREC to set the quota for commercial watermen. This is only…

Iced Over Bays

Rich King Jan 9, 2018

The Delaware and Chesapeake and inland bays are all iced over. In some areas the ice is so thick you have to use barges to break a path for boats with lesser hulls. Maryland has been using ice breakers for the islands to deliver food, mail, and school kids. The Coast Guard put out level two ice alerts for the northern Chesapeake…

Ice Fishing It Is

Rich King Jan 9, 2018

We get nasty weather every winter but we don't always get the prolonged cold like we did way back in the day. In the late seventies I can remember winters like this when we had some crazy blizzards. Ponds would freeze and for a good part of the winter you could skate on them, in one area it was the best way to get around the…

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 25-31

Rich King Jan 8, 2018

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 25-31 Reminder for the week: It’s a good time to take a Boater Safety Course DOVER (Jan. 5, 2018) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public…

Winter Weather Advisory Freezing Rain

Rich King Jan 7, 2018

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ 250 PM EST Sun Jan 7 2018 ...A WINTRY MIX OF PRECIPITATION IS EXPECTED ON MONDAY AFTERNOON AND MONDAY EVENING... .A weak warm front is forecast to approach from the southwest on Monday and it should lift through our region during the afternoon and evening hours.…

Level 2 Driving Restriction Still In Effect

Rich King Jan 5, 2018

THE STATE OF EMERGENCY AND LEVEL 2 DRIVING RESTRICTION REMAIN IN EFFECT THROUGHOUT SUSSEX COUNTY. GOVERNOR CARNEY ALSO HAS AUTHORIZED THE DELAWARE NATIONAL GUARD TO ASSIST STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS WITH ANY NECESSARY RESPONSE AND RECOVERY FOR THIS SEVERE WINTER STORM. Seriously the roads suck. You cannot be forced to come to work during a…

10 Things We Are Not Dealing With Right Now

Rich King Jan 5, 2018

10 Things We Are Not Dealing With Right Now Fish Gut Friday ... Suzanne Martin Seems like the main subject of everyone's conversation these days is the cold polar cyclone hell mess the whole east coast is experiencing this past week. Everywhere you look, people are just trying to keep up with what mother nature has been dishing out. …

Snow Is The Least Of Our Worries

Rich King Jan 3, 2018

We already had a good snow for 2017 and now they are saying we will see anywhere from one inch to ten inches, and the coast will get the brunt of the snow. This of course depends on which model you are using. I am not worried about snow, it is fun to play in and not too bad to get around in, even in this cold. I am worried about…

DNREC winter reminder: Dunes in state parks closed to sledding and snowboarding

Rich King Jan 2, 2018

DNREC winter reminder: Dunes in state parks closed to sledding and snowboarding REHOBOTH BEACH (Jan. 2, 2018) – With winter now in full force and predictions of snow in the forecast, DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation reminds residents and visitors that sledding or snowboarding are illegal on dunes within Delaware state parks. “Dunes…

Delaware Outdoor Expo Set For March

Rich King Jan 2, 2018

The annual Delaware Outdoor Expo, brought to you by Delaware State News is on March 10th from 8 AM to 4 PM. Not to be confused with the three day Delmarva Outdoors Expo in April. I know there was some confusion last year. There were over three thousand attendees last year, this is a great way for a vendor to get in front of a lot…

Yes Saltwater Can Freeze

Rich King Jan 2, 2018

I have seen this question or statement many times on social media this week. Can saltwater freeze? I didn't know you could get ice on the ocean. Have people seen the arctic or north pole? Yes saltwater can freeze. Fresh water freezes at thirty two degrees Fahrenheit, but seawater freezes at about twenty eight (28.4) degrees…

New Year Starts With A Super Blue Moon, A Blood Moon, And A Black Moon

Rich King Jan 2, 2018

Happy New year and welcome to 2018. January first was the full wolf moon, which also happens to be a super moon. That means the moon's orbit is in perigee, its closest point to Earth. The moon this year will be full, just as the moon hits its closest point in orbit (perigee), making it appear up to fourteen percent larger and…

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