December 2019

Millville Fire Company's Outdoorsman Marketplace Gun Raffle …. Millville Fire Company's Outdoorsman Marketplace Gun Raffle is being conducted by Hocker's. All proceeds will be donated to the Millville Fire Company. There will also be a gun vendor at the Outdoorsman Marletplace, and you can purchase firearms there on January 11th. The…

This comes up ever year. How can I get my fishing license on January 1st if the state offices are closed? This year luckily the first isn't a Sunday, there is a new automated system in place for fishing licenses to be purchased online it will activate or reset for 2020 on January 1st. You need to use a computer to get your license online…

Event : Coastal Flood StatementDescription : * WHAT…Up to one half foot of inundation above ground level inlow-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE…Little Assawoman Bay and the tidal waterways that flowinto it.* WHEN…Until 5:00 PM this afternoon.* IMPACTS…Minor roadway flooding is possible. Cupola park 1:30 PM Dec 31st, 2019…

Suzanne Marina Has Been Surf Fishing Delaware Beaches A long Time, She Wrote Fish Gut Fridays, Now For A Review by Suz Its hard to believe we are at the end of 2019 with a new year and new adventures awaiting us just around the corner . Looking back on the past year is always fun and helps me get out of the winter funk that it is way to…

Most Of The Trash On Our Beaches Comes From The Ocean As Do Other Treasures We Occasionally Find Sunrise this morning waiting on the clean up crew to arrive, little fishing and looking for sea glass while I wait (December 2019) ... The day started out like any other day at the beaches in Delaware Seashore State Park. I took a gander at…

The warm air in December and year round not only makes for a great day, but also for some serious illusions. Lewis said he watched this ship float over Fort Miles today from the fire watch tower. Last week we watched the ice breakers floating in the air. We see this a lot off our coast on dead calm days. This illusion is a type of mirage…

Every foggy morning and day I try to get out to the beaches to catch a fog bow. They tend to happen fast and it is a right place right time kind of thing, much like fishing. It is hard to get nature to do what you want when you are out and about, you have to get lucky and pay attention. Fog bows are sometimes called white rainbows, they…

The things you hear while fishing are not always what you think you heard. Indian Summer in December, today was a beautiful sixty plus degrees. We went snot rocket hunting at the Millsboro pond boat ramp and fished off the new bulkhead in the new parking lot. That is pickerel fishing for those not in the know of what the ditch pickles…

DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation hosts First Day Hikes across Delaware DOVER (Dec. 27, 2019) – New Year’s Day is a great time to kick the 2020s off on the right foot with one of 18 First Day Hikes hosted by DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation. First Day Hikes is a national movement sponsored by America’s State Parks to encourage…

The FAA on Dec 31st is seeking public comments about identifying unmanned aircraft systems (drones) of all classes. There are apps that can tell you what planes are flying over your head now at all times. The FAA is proposing and seeking public comments on the same type of Identification system for drones and unmanned aircraft of all…

Maryland Department of Natural Resources has a great trout stocking program. (Dec 27, 2019) ... Maryland Department of Natural Resources crews stocked 3,450 trout into the Savage River Reservoir, the reservoir is located in Garrett County. Specific trout stocking details and locations can be found on our trout stocking map. Download the …

Christmas tree recycling – a Delaware post-holiday tradition – carries on statewide for 2019/2020 Take your tree to a yard waste site or contact your waste collector DOVER (Dec. 26, 2019) – The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control encourages Delawareans to recycle your Christmas tree at one of many yard waste recycling…

The Indian River Inlet Bridge is Shrouded in Fog This Morning It is fun to check the fishing conditions, surf fishing beaches, and of course the traffic with the Indian River Inlet Bridge, (Charles W Cullen Bridge) DelDOT traffic cams . We have seen birds feed on top of the pylons, and even watched my truck drive onto the beach to…

(Dec 24, 2019) ... It took a minute but we were all looking and said, hey isn't that ... nah it can't be .. yes, yes it is!! .. It's Santa!! In our best Elf voices. We saw Santa surfing during the beach clean up the other day. "I'm just trying to get a sesh or two in before the long haul coming up. Got to stay fit through the year, this is…

We got our beachin' tree up! Just a quick reminder. I want everyone to have a great holiday. That means, slow the hell down and pay attention on the roads. You will get there. The beach isn't going anywhere and despite how annoying that uncle you only see once a year can be, we all want to see you at the table. Be nice to the…

DNREC raises public awareness of effluent bypass situation at Lewes wastewater treatmentplant, announces temporary closure of shellfish harvest areas in lower Delaware Bay DOVER (Dec. 23, 2019) – The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control was notified Wednesday, Dec. 18 of equipment malfunctions at the Lewes wastewater…

DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife announces Delaware hunting seasons opening in January Late deer seasons provide last chance to harvest deer DOVER (Dec. 23, 2019) – For hunters still looking to harvest a deer, firearm deer seasons opening in January and continuing archery seasons, some extending into early February, provide the last…

Some states use Christmas trees to rebuild areas lacking in dunes, or destroyed by storms. Here in Delaware we don't have that problem, our dunes are established and rebuild themselves just fine. Our dunes actually move, they are known as walking dunes. At times the state will have to rebuild an area that was breached. Every year in March…

(Dec 21, 2019) ... The winter solstice is upon us, Happy First Day of Winter. Also known as hiemal solstice or hibernal solstice, and midwinter. Now why would we be happy about the first day of winter? Because now the days will get longer by almost a minute each day. The earth's north pole is now on maximum tilt away from the sun, this…

Proposed Regulations Striped Bass: Feedback Needed by January 21, 2020 Proposed Regulations (Proposal Published in the Maryland Register) A regulatory proposal for striped bass has been printed in the Maryland Register.  The department is seeking comments on the proposal. Comments provide the department with additional information and…

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC)Winter Meeting February 4 – 6, 2020The Westin Crystal City Arlington, Virginia Just a note from DSF ... If you send in comments prior to this meeting they will make the agenda and be considered. Despite that people think writing letters doesn't help, it actually does. Comment information is…

(Dec 20, 2019) Last year we were fishing the point and this snow goose just walked by everyone. It wandered down the beach a piece, turned around and walked past us again. Not a care in the world that we were there, eating "seaweed" as it went. It was weird, wasn't a flock in sight, just hanging out at the beach. This went on for weeks,…

The 2019 issue of Habitat Hotline Atlantic is now available (Dec 20, 2019) In This Issue Marine Aquaculture Along the Atlantic Coast and BeyondAquaculture and the Needy Fish: An Introduction to the Fishy Aspects of Farming the Sea ..............................................1 Restorative Aquaculture: Can Farming Shellfish and Seaweed Provide…

The Hideout Arcade Bar and Grill the newest hangout on Route 1 is a step back in time Forty two and a half years ago, I was nine years old and Star Wars premiered. I stayed in the theatre and watched it twice, back to back. Now that one is the the fourth in a series of an epic saga that ended last night. It was a perfect ending, I…

Editorial written By Steven Epstein, founder of the Chesapeake Bay Defenders. Why they fight for the Menhaden. The Bay Cap, a limit on the Menhaden allowed to be taken from the Chesapeake Bay by Omega Protein has been a hot topic lately.  The company purposefully exceeded the cap and showed no remorse.  Now A Moratorium on the Menhaden…

Secretary of Commerce Finds Commonwealth of VirginiaOut of Compliance with Atlantic Menhaden Amendment 3 Menhaden Fishing in Virginia Waters to Close June 17, 2020 if 51,000 metric tons Chesapeake Bay Reduction Fishery Cap Not Implemented Arlington, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission received notification today that the…

DNREC preparing for upcoming dredging of Massey’s Ditch Doug Parham took this shot of the Dredge barges all hooked together and ready to start. (Dec 12, 2019) ... I dropped by Masseys Landing the other day to watch the J.F. Brennan crews work on the dredge barges. These boys have some serious equipment. There are workers here from…

MAFMC December 2019 Council Meeting Report The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council met December 9-12, 2019 in Annapolis, Maryland. During this meeting, the Council: Approved the use of regional conservation equivalency for the recreational summer flounder fishery in 2020* Approved status quo recreational scup and black sea bass management…

DNREC’s Natural Resources Police deliver 585 toys to U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program DOVER (Dec. 18, 2019) – After a statewide gift-giving campaign throughout the holiday season, DNREC Natural Resources Police units from Delaware State Parks, the Division of Fish & Wildlife, and the Division of Community Affairs’…

Tim Bingnear "misplaced" his fishing bag at the Indian River Inlet near Bubble Gum beach over a week ago on Saturday. He has exhausted his efforts in locating it on his own, and is hoping someone may have picked it up. He is offering a $200 reward for its return, intact. That means all of the contents, not just an empty bag. You can email…

MAFMC Council and Commission Recommend Recreational Bluefish Management Measures for 2020 ANNAPOLIS, MD – Last week, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) recommended and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) approved new recreational fishing regulations for the 2020 Atlantic bluefish fishery from Florida…

The second annual Millville Fire Company's Outdoorsman Marketplace, presented by the Voice Radio Network’s The Vault Classic Rock 103.5 &102.9 on January 11th 7 AM to 3 PM. Millville Fire Company's Outdoorsman Marketplace 2020 is benefiting the Millville Volunteer Fire Company to help raise money for a new fire hall. This is an…

In reaction to Omega Protein's purposeful and blatant over-fishing of Menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay, nine coastal governors have asked for a moratorium . Whale feeding on bunker (Dec 12 2019) ... The Menhaden or bunker issue with Omega Protein purposely over-fishing the Chesapeake bay cap has created a huge stir. Yesterday nine…

DUI Checkpoints Tonight In All Three Delaware Counties The Office Of Highway Safety announced there will be DUI checkpoints in all three Delaware counties Saturday night from 10 PM to 2 AM. The Delaware Office of Highway Safety is coordinating Operation Checkpoint Strikeforce in all three counties statewide, this is part of the Safe…

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 2-8 Reminder for the week: Waterfowl hunters, check your gear for prohibited lead shot, ensure your boats are weather and safety ready DOVER (Dec. 13, 2019) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve…

Maryland Fishing Report – Dec. 11, 2019 Last Fishing Report for the Decade December 11, 2019 ... Excerpt of the weekly Maryland Fishing ReportWhile everyone is caught up in the pre-holiday rush, those looking for a little respite will find plenty of fun fishing opportunities this month. The preseason stocking of trout has begun and walleye,…

PUBLIC NOTICE ...The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fishing and Boating Services 2020 Recreational Cobia Fishery - Effective 1/1/20 WHAT THIS NOTICE DOES The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that the recreational cobia fishery is closed from 12:01 a.m. January 1, 2020 through 11:59 p.m. May 31, 2020.…

Striped Bass are showing up in the Delaware surf and a few other waterways. Friday the thirteenth is supposed to be an unlucky day, but not if you were surf fishing this morning. The boys are back in town for their annual surf fishing excursion. They do this every year. This is the same crew that was surf fishing together when Ben Smith…

(Dec. 12, 2019) ... I am on a lot of mailing lists for all of the fishery groups, councils, managers etc. The Mid Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) has an update they send out now for wind farm projects along the East coast. We will keep posting these as we get them. I think anglers as a whole need to stay up to date on these…

Sometimes when we catch a fish, especially on structures; wreck, jetty, rock pile, or reef fishing, the line snags and breaks. You ever wonder what happens next? The fish don't usually swim off, and it stays hooked to that snagged line until it breaks free or die. In most cases they die. Fish will not live long enough for the hook to…

I know a lot of folks coming down this weekend to fish the surf in hopes of the elusive fall migrating striped bass. Dan's Bait and Tackle said they might have fresh bunker on Friday, we will know on, Friday. Boats are marking fish, they may or may not come close to shore and there is only one way to tell, just like the card game. You got…

Last Full Moon Of The Decade, The Full Cold Moon, Occurred at 12:12 AM On 12/12 The cold moon is December's full moon. This year that occurred at 12:12 AM on the 12th of December or 12/12. I just love funny stuff like this that feeds my inner nerd. Mike Givens from Surf & Turf photos took this shot at 12:12 AM on 12/12 in Bethany…

DNREC preparing for upcoming dredging of Massey’s Ditch, Masseys Landing Is Open, But Be Mindful Of The Equipment, Workers, and Caution areas. LONG NECK (Dec. 10, 2019) – DNREC’s Shoreline & Waterway Management Section is preparing for the upcoming dredging of a vital channel for Delaware boaters, Massey’s Ditch, which is the main waterway…

It is almost hot outside right now, even a little muggy feeling, or moist. But wait because here comes Dela-winter. Warm like spring one day, then snow and cold the next. The Euro and Canadian models are showing about 1.5 to 3 inches of snow tomorrow with this "burst". The GFS is showing less, all are showing a snow "event". Then it will…

Thursday is The Full Snow Moon And Friday the Thirteenth Is The Geminid Meteor Shower Peak On Friday the thirteenth into early Saturday the fourteenth's morning the Geminid Meteor Shower will peak, also known as the gem.  This yearly meteor shower is probably the top favorite of star gazers.  This shower not only has a higher than most rate of…

The northern snakehead, dubbed the "frankenfish", is an invasive species, first discovered in Maryland's Potomac river in 2004. Since then there has been disagreements between fishermen, DNR and scientists over the detrimental effects of this invasive species. There are many "bucket biologists" that feel the fish is not hurting our…

Delaware Surf Fishing Numbered Black Surf Tag Auction Ends Soon and Look At These Current Bids! You still have a couple of days to register at US Govbid and go for that special number. This is the only auction this year for the Delaware State Park's Delaware Surf Fishing Black numbered surf tags. The Delaware Surf Fishing Numbered…

Beach Clean Up At Beach Plum Island State Park today, We Pick Up What Others Won't. Beach Plum Island State Park surf fishing drive on beach was covered in plastic trash today. One would think the water and wind must have pushed a lot onto the sand, but as you really look you realize it is daily. Recently someone said to me "Why do…

Delaware State Parks released a video on the Delaware Surf Fishing beaches' rules, regulations and information. The rules for Delaware surf fishing beaches, access and regulations are covered in this video by Delaware State Parks. It is a great video that covers a few of the myth rules like four wheel drive is actually not required. …

The Indian River Coast Guard Station crews will start removing the buoys (aids to navigation) around the Rehoboth Bay, Indian River Bay, and Roosevelt Inlet. These are the seasonal buoys removed each year. If the inland bays freeze the buoys can be damaged. These are also cleaned and then stored for next year. Usually the buoys are put back…

We have been bailing short bass in the surf and around the inland bays, but today a couple anglers who took a shot got into some serious action. Pulling stretches, mojos and bunker spoons. Once they found bait fish schools, they found striped bass, lots of them. In Delaware waters right out front feeding on bunker and sand eels. There are…

Today the Sierra Club of Delaware responded to Caeser Rodney Institute's Use Of Misinformation Scare Tactics In Their Save Our Beach View Campaign Whether you are for or against the Skipjack wind farm you should at least get the correct information to be able to make an informed opinion. The fact of the matter is that the wind farm…

2020 Annual Passes and Surf-Fishing Permits are Officially on Sale Now! Buy Your 2020 Annual Passes and Permits Online Annual PassesOne pass, endless adventures! Get your 2020 Annual Pass and enjoy free admission to Delaware State Parks for an entire calendar year. Annual Passes are available online or from any park office.Buy now» Surf…

DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation extends deadline for Fenwick Island State Park Improvements Survey FENWICK (Dec. 5, 2019) – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation has extended the Fenwick Island State Park Proposed Improvements Survey deadline to Jan. 15, 2020. The extension is to allow further input regarding…

Right now the Delabear as it has been dubbed is running through yards in Wilmington, Delaware near Trolley Square. Can we get this bear a beer? He should be named Trolley Square Bear by the end of the day. Authorities are trying to round him up. Stay away and indoors for your own safety. Check it out live on NBC 10 Philadelphia with Tim…

Recently There Have Been Numerous Dead Atlantic Sturgeon Found Along The Coast OF Delaware There have been a lot of Atlantic sturgeon sightings recently, mostly dead ones washed up onto shore. Carcasses are usually found on beaches, and the edge of marshes. Many people do not know who to contact for these sightings, just send the…

*UPDATE-Subject Located* Gold Alert Canceled for Missing Hockessin Teen Date Posted: Wednesday, December 4th, 2019 New Castle – The Delaware State Police are canceling the Gold Alert for 15 year old Joseph B. Iubatti 3rd of Hockessin, he has been located. Gold Alert Issued for Missing Hockessin Teen – New Castle Presented by…

Black bear reportedly seen in northern New Castle County; public advised to contact DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police if spotted WILMINGTON (Dec. 4, 2019) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife has received reports of a black bear sighting from residents and local police agencies in the north Wilmington area and northern New…

December 5th is the Last Day For Public Comments for the MAFMC December Meeting Next week is the MAFMC December meeting (Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council). December 5th at 5 PM is the last day for public comments to be submitted to make the agenda. This meeting will discuss a myriad of topics about several species. Summer…

New Castle DSP 12/3/2019 – The Delaware State Police are issuing a Gold Alert for 15 year old Jospeph B. Iubatti 3rd of Hockessin, who was last seen at approximately 4:59 p.m., Tuesday, December 3, 2019 in the 500 block of S. DuPont Hwy., New Castle. Joseph is described as a white male, 5’6″ tall, 110 lbs., thin build, brown shoulder…

It is that time of year to get your Annual Delaware Surf Fishing Tags The 2020 Delaware Surf Fishing tags or permits go on sale December 6th in the Delaware State Park offices, the Indian River Life Saving Station, area retailers, and online. We will post the link when it becomes active.I highly recommend you get a two year tag. Parks…

Saturday morning about twenty four people gathered in Delaware Seashore State Park for a free surf fishing tournament on 3Rs drive on beach. The Fall Fish Bowl 2019 was underway, the water was cold, the waves were huge, but the wind had laid down. Laura Cook decked out in her Helly Hansen bibs and a choice hat for keeping warm It…

The South Pylon DelDOT Traffic Web Cam On The Charles W Cullen Bridge Has A New Attraction, A Peregrine Falcon. About a month ago David Silvera was checking out the delDOT traffic web cam on the Charles W Cullen Bridge south pylon. There are four cameras around the bridge, two of them on the pylons. On the same day I was looking at…