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DSF News
DSF News is the section we post news related to the fishing community, weather, and the like.
NOAA Fisheries Seeks Comments on Proposed 2023 Bluefish Commercial and Recreational Specifications
NOAA ... NOAA Fisheries is proposing the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s recommended catch specifications for the 2023 bluefish fishery. These proposed catch limits are largely unchanged from what was previously projected for fishing year 2023, with adjustments to the final recreational harvest limit to account for a 2021 recreational…
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DNREC’s Low-Digit Surf Fishing Tag Auction to Start Nov. 22
Dover (Nov 15, 2022) .. he Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will hold its annual auction of low-digit surf fishing plates starting Tuesday, Nov. 22, at 9 a.m., at usgovbid.com. The online auction benefits Delaware State Parks. Between Nov. 22 and Dec. 9, bidders will have the option to bid on 15 tags including…
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Delaware’s Advisory Council on Tidal Finfisheries Meeting Tuesday
Dover (Nov 11, 2022) ... Delaware’s Advisory Council on Tidal Finfisheries will hold a hybrid (in-person and virtual) meeting to discuss various tidal finfish management issues tomorrow at 6 p.m. Tuesday, November 15. The in-person meeting will be held at the Kent Conservation District Building, 1679 S. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901 and you must…
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Public Hearing and Extension of the Public Comment Period to the Proposed Rule to List Queen Conch Under the Endangered Species Act
From NOAA November 9, 2022 ... NOAA Fisheries will hold a virtual public hearing and reopen the public comment period related to the proposed rule to list the queen conch as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Since the hearing will be held online, the public can join by internet or phone regardless of location. The…
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Blood Moon 2022 The Full Beaver Moon Lunar Eclipse
That was the last full lunar eclipse until 2025. Every time it is a little different. I've been up every day for the Antares launch the past two days so getting up early for the blood moon wasn't much of a problem. The fact I am ready to drop at 9 PM is a problem. Sleep is overrated right? I got up at 4 am walked outside looked at the…
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DNREC to Pilot Changes to Delaware Surf Fishing Permit Program for 2023
DNREC to Pilot Changes to Delaware Surf Fishing Permit Program for 2023
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today changes are to be piloted for the 2023 surf fishing permit program after record interest in the program in 2022. One of the biggest changes will be the elimination of a cap in effect…
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New DSP Surf Tag Program To Be Announced This Afternoon
The news stations just called for interviews to ask our reaction about the new surf tag program. which apparently is being announced today, we were just informed ... around 1 PM. They will be here at 2 PM for my reaction. HaaaahaaaahaaaaaaaStay tuned .. No one knows how they are going to announce this either BTW Yeah ... I can't wait to hear my…
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Hurricane Sandy The Super Frankenstorm Hit 10 Years Ago
October 28 2012, it was 10 years ago today. She started out as Frankenstorm the potential Halloween Hurricane. I get a picture from a friend of mine on the morning of the 28th. This is a giant wave in Hatteras right now, you are going to get hammered in several hours. I was house sitting at Broadkill beach. I took one look at that storm surge…
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DNREC Works Into Fall on Beach Nourishment Projects
Dover (October 14, 2011) ... The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is set to continue beach nourishment along the Delaware Bay when the DNREC Shoreline and Waterway Management Section begins a month-long project Monday, Oct. 17 at Pickering Beach in Kent County that will bring some 3,500 cubic yards of sand trucked…
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Tower Road Bathhouse And Parking Lot Closes Today Until Spring
(Oct 11, 2022) ... The Tower road bathhouse and parking lot are closed and will reopen in spring. The parking lot is scheduled to reopen before spring and will be announced. That is the bathhouse below Dewey beach with the World War II Firewatch tower in the parking lot. Which is being renovated and will also open in the spring. The stairs…
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Advanced Hydrographic prediction Service real time tides
How to use the Advanced Hydrographic prediction Service
NOAA's NWS has an amazing service or product; Advanced Hydrographic Prediction Service. This provides real time tides with predicted tides on a graph. The graphs update every five minutes. There are stations all over the waterways. These services are the data services (feeds) for…
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Coastal Flood Advisory For Sussex County Till Monday
Oct 1, 2022 ... Sussex County is in a flood advisory, that means it is going to flood but not bad enough for a warning (yet). The inland bays are stacked with water and full. Each high tide will get a little worse. Monday night's high tide should be the highest over normal. We are looking to at least Tuesday morning for higher than usual…
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Surf Fish The Hurricane Ian Storm Surge But Watch Your Six
This is walk on surf fishing don't bother driving
People always ask should I fish this (every) storm, and they absolutely should. We always fish nor'easter conditions in the fall for striped bass. Hurricanes aren't much different except the intensity. Bait fish will be pushed into pockets and against structure. The resident striped bass love…
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NOAA’s NWS Launches Wave Detail Experiment Just In Time For Hurricane Fiona
(PHI) Mount Holly NJ is a participating office
(Sept 2022) ... NOAA's National Weather Service has launched a new experimental forecast with better details on waves or swells. The new product will show more detailed helpful information. Feedback is requested on this new version of the Coastal Waters Forecast. The addition of the new…
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Menhaden Reduction Fleet Off Lewes Beach
The Reduction fleet is in town, off of Lewes beach. I assume fishing the Delaware bay. Though they have to stay out of the EEZ these menhaden reduction fleets can fish the mouth of the Delaware Bay. You can follow their movement on the Marine Traffic app. When the planes show up to spot fish, those are tracked on the flight apps. The…
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Arrest on Charge of DUI Made After Newark Man Drives Vehicle Into Surf on Navy Beach at Cape Henlopen
(DOVER Sept 9, 2022) ... Delaware Natural Resources Police State Park officers arrested 48-year-old Donald R. Quill Jr. of Newark, Del. on a charge of driving under the influence (DUI) and additional traffic violations Thursday evening after he drove his vehicle into the ocean on Cape Henlopen. At approximately 7:20 p.m., on Sept. 8, officers…
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DNREC Recreational Water Advisory Rehoboth Beach
Recreational Water Advisory .... Reason: BacteriaLocation: Rehoboth-Rehoboth Ave Beach Rehoboth-Virginia Ave BeachStart Date: 09/07/2022Start Time: 2:30 PMEnd Date: 09/08/2022End Time: 4:30 PM Description: Recreational Water AdvisoryComments: A water quality advisory has been issued for Rehoboth-Rehoboth Ave Beach following bacterial…
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Joe’s 42 Dodge Surf Rat Rod
I drove out to the point on Friday to meet some people, drop some gear off for three time because he is that special. I dDecided to drive the whole point, because I forgot to ask where they were and assumed a usual spot, Nope instead this rat rod was in that spot. So I jumped out of my truck and asked "Can I take a picture of that beautiful…
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DNREC to Reopen The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park Sept. 1
Bayside Beach to Remain Closed for Shorebird Migration Through Oct. 1
Dover Sept 1 2022 ... The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will reopen The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park, including a stretch of ocean beach and dunes, and a half-mile along the bay shoreline on Thursday, Sept. 1. The bayside beach will remain…
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DNREC Emergency Order Changes American Shad Limits Tomorrow
DNREC August 26, 2022 ... American Shad regulations have been amended to reduce the recreational possession limit and require minimum twine size on commercial gill nets. The regulations: 7 DE Administrative Code 3591 American Shad and Hickory Shad Creel Limits; 3592 Atlantic Ocean American Shad Season and Closure; Addition of 3593:…
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Two Recreational Water Advisories Issued For Rehoboth Beach
DNREC ... Description: Recreational Water Advisory Reason: BacteriaLocation: Rehoboth-Rehoboth Ave Beach & Rehoboth-Virginia Ave Beach Comments: A water quality advisory has been issued for Rehoboth-Rehoboth Ave Beach following bacterial results which were above the recreational water quality standard. These bacteria most likely originate…
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Current Water temperatures From Upwelling
The upwellings every summer create much cooler water conditions along the coast and into the bays. More so this summer than the past years. Between tides, it is the most noticeable around the bays and some beaches. Over ten degree temperature fluctuations in Masseys ditch, according to the USGS survey station. It is making the fishing a little…
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Possession of Shortfin Mako Sharks now prohibited in state waters.
Dover (August 8, 2022) ... DNREC has modified the Atlantic Sharks regulation (7 DE Administrative Code 3541: Atlantic Sharks) by adopting the Shortfin Mako Shark retention ban currently in effect in federal waters for state waters. This regulation change prohibits the possession of Shortfin Mako Shark by any fisherman. This regulation went into…
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These Three Beaches Under A Recreational Water Advisory
DNREC monitors the waters off the beaches, it tests for levels of Enterococci bacteria. This is at all guarded, and some unguarded, public beaches during the swimming season (summer). Today Bethany Beach, Dewey Beach-Dagsworthy, and Rehoboth-Rehoboth Ave Beach. All three of these town beaches have high levels of Enterococci bacteria. DNREC ..…
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Hunters Must Now Register Trail Cameras, Deer Stands and Ground Blinds Left on State Wildlife Areas
Dover (August 2022) ... Effective Aug. 1, 2022, hunters are required to register temporary deer stands, deer ground blinds and trail cameras that they place and leave overnight on state wildlife areas, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. Registration, which is free through an online deer stand…
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Saturday’s Shooting Star Trifecta
The early Perseids are arriving, the Delta Aquarids peak Saturday night and the Alpha Capricornids meteor shower is in town and will peak soon. The Delta Aquarids peak this Saturday around midnight to early dawn is the best "peak" shower we will have for summer. If you saw that big greenie last night it was probably an early Delta fireball…
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Looking for fish in the surf? Check the current wrack line for leftovers
Reading the beach is a must for finding good structure, but what about finding actual fish feeding? One of many things we look for when searching for a good spot to surf fish are recent leftovers from feedings. Depending on the targeted species, or time of year. What to look for changes, not the technique. This time of year we look for sand…
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Salps The Clear Blobs Washing Up On The Beach
The salps (salpae, or salpa) are back and washing up on the beaches. Not in huge numbers yet. One year they were so thick in the surf your lines would get coated up with them and make it all the way to your reel. It was slimy. then dried up and crusty. Especially with braided line. They can clog up line to the point you are cutting it off and…
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Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine has expanded to include Sussex County
Rehoboth Beach, Georgetown, Ocean View, Milford and Seaford
(Dover July 12, 2022) ... The Delaware Dept. of Agriculture extended the Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine to include Sussex County. I didn't think it would take too long for these to infest this area and they were spotted here few years ago (2019), just took a while to get established.…
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DNREC Sinks Floating Casino Turned Commercial Scallop Vessel ‘Texas Star’ onto Delaware’s Artificial Reef System
Dover (June 30, 2022) ... The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control continued to broaden the recreational appeal of Delaware’s renowned artificial reef system by sinking the Texas Star, originally outfitted as a floating casino, at a reef site 16.5 miles offshore of the Delaware coast, with readings…
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Summer Striper Slot Season Starts
The best tasting striped bass are the shorts, and we get to catch and keep them in the summer. Only in the Delaware Bay and her tributaries are legal. From July first to August thirty-first anglers can catch and keep one striped bass at 20 to 25 inches. The tributaries are any that run into the Delaware Bay; Broadkill River and Canary creek…
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surf Angler Water Rescue At Cape Henlopen Last Weekend
A man was rescued before he drowned by beach goers last weekend.
June 2022 ... Day one of 'school's out for the summer' and Christina, Sandy (the beach dog), and I head up to Herring Point to fish with the Bluefish Slayer, Suzanne Martin. We spend the day catching up, and telling stories. Next to the rocks (navy jetty) we see a little…
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Air Down More For The Soft Sand
If the beach feels worse than usual take out more air
Faithful steward crossing to coin beach used to be real bad, now it's worse. That has been very loose sand ever since Sandy. Literally a guaranteed area to get stuck, even aired down if you aren't careful. At 16 psi it is no problem, 20 psi it is rough. The fuel truck blew through…
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Delaware Seashore State Park OSV Crossing Update
The three northern DSSP OSV (Over Sand Vehicle) accesses are still closed.
It is understandable why Key Box, Conquest, and Faithful Steward beaches are closed once you walk the entire beach. The beach has levels and these are too thin near the dunes to drive during high tide. In some spots a spring or lunar tide will flood the beach to the…
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Delaware State Parks Expected to Set Visitation Record
After breaking attendance records in 2021
DOVER (May 27, 2022) Press Release ... After breaking attendance records in 2021, Delaware State Parks is on pace to set another visitors’ attendance mark by the end of 2022, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. In 2019, prior to the…
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DNREC Announces Beach Access Closures Due to Storm Damage
DOVER (May 26, 2022) ... The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today that multiple Delaware State Parks drive- and walk-on crossings will be closed this Memorial Day Weekend due widespread erosion along Delaware’s coastline sustained during a May 8 nor’easter.
Faithful Steward Crossing…
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Maryland DNR Tagging Study Offers Money for Harvesting Northern Snakeheads
Snakeheads in the Chesapeake Bay or Blackwater River Worth up to $200
MD DNR Press Release ... (MAY 25, 2022) ... In an effort to monitor invasive northern snakeheads in the Chesapeake Bay and Blackwater River, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announces a new tagging program in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife…
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Aquatic Resources Education Center Take A kid Fishing Schedule
‘Take A Kid Fishing!’ Events Announced and Registration Now Open
DNREC PRESS RELEASE Dover (May 24, 2022) ... The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control invites budding anglers ages 6 through 15 to join the DNREC Division of Fish of Fish and Wildlife aquatic resource educators and learn how to fish with a parent,…
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Crews Work to Contain Fire on Barge in Delaware Bay
DNREC Onsite to Assess Possible Environmental Impacts
Local emergency responders have been working into the afternoon today to contain a fire aboard a cargo barge in Delaware Bay approximately nine miles off the coast of Port Mahon. Crews from the U.S. Coast Guard and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental…
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White Shark In Wicomico River Was A False Ping
Another Ocearch white shark went land shark over the weekend.
The OCEARCH shark tracker pinged a white shark in the Wicomico River over the weekend. This was a false ping. It happens on occasion. False signals are usually crossed signals from GPS transmitters in airplanes and cell phones. Now we have a flying shark headed inland that…
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DO NOT drive through the wet sand
The Quicksand is on the ocean side of the swale
So we keep saying do not park in or drive through swales. We thought it went without saying not to try to drive between the swale and the ocean, especially do not try to cross the drain (cut). In the wettest sand possible out there besides driving into the ocean. These fellows are…
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With Delaware Bay Beach Nourishment Projects Complete, DNREC Now Works Toward Restoring Atlantic Coastline
Recovery from the Recent Nor’easter to Continue Into Fall
Dover May 16, 2022) ... DNREC Press Release ... Having recently completed beach nourishment projects in five Delaware Bay beach communities, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control today begins the next phase of restoring parts of Delaware’s…
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Shipwreck at Cape Henlopen Pictures
The exposed shipwreck bottom at Cape got a little beaten up
There is an old shipwreck buried in the beach of the Harbor of Safe Refuge in Cape Henlopen State Park. Just below the point comfort station walk over access. It was exposed a few years ago during a storm. Parks roped off the area for people's protection. Those iron spikes…
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The Beaches Look Amazing Not Damaged
A surf angler and surfer will tell you these beaches look wonderful now.
Usually we get nor'easters in winter, the beaches get rearranged, then DNREC and the towns "fix" the mess and we never see the structure again. Not this time! I know the beach towns are upset and want sand for hightide and tourists. They are not allowed to…
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Navy Crossing’s cypress knees and stumps Exposed
(May 12, 2022) ... Every heavy storm surge exposes the cypress knees and stumps on the drive on beach at navy crossing just below the great dune. Usually a few are exposed in the tide pools, as the waves dig out around the cypress knees' root system. The root systems are complex and hold fast.
Cypress knees and stumps exposed by the…
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May’s Full Blood Flower Super Moon Weekend Is Clear
After a good spring bor'easter we like to have an old fashioned super blood moon at the beach.
The lunar eclipse this weekend is the only one we will see in North America this year. This is also a faster lunar eclipse, only lasting two hours. Which is great considering some of the times these start and last into the late twilight…
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Assateague OSV closed until further notice due to damage UPDATED
Just Announced Today (May 12) They May Be Able To Open Up The OSV For Saturday. Assateague Island National Seashore (May 11, 2022) ... The recent storm and wind event has caused considerable damage to the Oversand Vehicle area in Maryland. The beach has been very badly scoured. It has narrowed significantly in places and has many large scarps…
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BOLO Oyster Cages BOLO
Inland Bay Oyster Farms Survived A Beating
As the bor'easter's conditions continue. One group is still working on seeing if they have any damage today, well how much damage at this point. Oyster farmers around the inland bays prepped their farms for storm damage and surge. That always helps, but a couple cages always break loose, it is…
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Walked The Old Inlet Bridge Road Today On The Beach
Nor'easters Always Expose All Kinds Of Treasures
The nor'easter continues to eat away at the beaches, each high tide. Some of the old access road for the last Charles W Cullen bridge was buried in the dune after Sandy. Some of it is exposed now on the beach surface. Be careful if you trip, it's your own asphalt. Black Sand On…
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Low Tide, High Winds, Big Waves, Typical Nor’easter Continues Into Tuesday
17.4 is the largest wave height at 1 AM, wind at 72 mph in Lewes.
We are here ... low tide, the beaches are washed to the dunes, waves are still in the 16 foot range. These are typical nor'easter conditions. Inland bay communities are flooded as usual. Plenty of water stacked up to flood the next two high tide cycles. Last night…
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Current Nor’easter conditions Low Tide is An Hour Away
This nor'easter will push water for a few days
This is going to be a stacked up water event for the inland bays. Three to four days of Northeast winds pushing water. Route 1 will absolutely flood after or during high tide this afternoon which is at 2 PM. The amount of water pushing in already was up above normal from us coming out of…
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ASMFC Approves Amendment 7 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass
Amendment Strengthens Measures To Support Stock Rebuilding
Press Release ... ASMFC ... Arlington, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission approved Amendment 7 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Atlantic Striped Bass. The Amendment establishes new requirements for the following components of the FMP: management…
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Delaware Changes Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Recreational Fishing Regulations
Press Release ... Delaware Changes Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Recreational Fishing Regulations
Dover (May 5, 2022) ... Delaware recreational fishing regulations for summer flounder, scup and black sea bass were changed effective May 1, 2022 to ensure the state’s compliance with regional fisheries management plans (FMP) for these…
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Striped Bass Catching Weather Inbound
Storm and overcast conditions are perfect for surf fishing for larger striped bass
Unless you live under a shell, the striped bass run has been underway for a while now. One thing that annoys Delaware surf anglers. The striped bass rarely run our beaches in blitz conditions like Jersey. We rarely see a blitz, mostly because no one is…
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NOAA Delaware’s Weather and Outdoor Activity Survey
NOAA wants to give you two dollars to fill out this survey.
I've never received one of these in the mail, but I hear about them a lot. Usually in the form of people asking is this for real. Ken Conner ...."Afternoon rich. Unsure if you have any knowledge of this but just got it in the mail and it asks about saltwater fishing a lot in the…
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Brandywine Shadfest 2022
Brandywine Shadfest 2022 Press release .... Join us on Sunday, May, 22, 2022 for the 2nd Annual ShadFest, a FREE family-friendly celebration of the Brandywine River and the return of the American shad! Kick-off the morning with the ShadRun 5K race through Brandywine Park. (Walking is welcomed)REGISTER HERE: https://bit.ly/shadrun5k\ WHEN:…
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TFFAC Surf Tag Update You Missed
The vehicle capacity of Delaware State Park drive on beaches is a mind-blowing 2,800 to 4,000 vehicles.
The other night the Tidal Finfish Advisory Council TFFAC was presented with data and facts from the secretary of DNREC and director of state parks. There was not a lot of people in attendance, only 60 sent in emails. Odd…
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Migratory Spawned Out Striped Bass On The Move
Migratory striped bass once spawned out are spring skinny
All of your seasoned striped bass anglers are familiar with these fish in many ways from baits, and habits all the way to physiology. The newer anglers are still learning. If you want to know whether you have a striped bass laden with eggs or not, the difference is very obvious.…
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US Wind will be conducting geophysical surveys within Indian River Bay early as May 7, 2022
US Wind (April 19, 2022) ... Attached is the update for the current US Wind survey status. The PSV Regulus has completed operations in the US Wind Lease Area and has departed. The small-craft survey vessel R/V Westerly, continues in the near-shore environment off Indian River along with a support vessel with offshore fisheries liaison, and a…
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Easter Weekend Canal Flounder
Adam Aguado caught this keeper summer flounder over Easter weekend. It was nearly 18 inches. Way to go mon, first one of the year for us and in that crap weather last weekend "Weather was rough, tried a lot of places, and I had to really work my butt off for em, first one was a keeper. ". Jigging Gulp and softies. The new summer…
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Assateague Island National Seashore Will Remove Auto Pass Gate
Just talked to the ranger station in Assateague Island National Seashore. The auto yearly pass gate is to be removed next week. Right now it works, but it will be taken out and everyone will have to stop to show their ID with a signed park pass. Which is the requirement for all national parks by the National Park Service I was told. No idea…
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Recycle Your Old and Used Fishing Line For Footwear Research
Turn your old fishing line into kicks
I saw a post online and thought we could help this young lady out We may have a few miles of old fishing line laying around. I know all of us do. We won't throw it out, we say we will use it for something later, and we don't. Then we add another roll to the shelf of never ending fishing line.Genevieve…
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Delaware Surf Fishing Report April 22, 2022
Time to hit that twenty four hour soak, the chessy girls are arriving
The weather snapped and tried to kill us, but the fishing only dropped a bit for a couple of days. It hadn't really amped up heavily yet, but even the south slowed down. It is back on track. Fish on the "run", really don't care at that point. They either slow down or…
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The Shark Is Back At Captain Bones Bait, Tackle, and Hunting
Captain Bones Bait, Tackle, & Hunting has the shark back out front. "After homie decided to jump his tank in front of a bus. He needed a little "work". "The taxidermy man about cried when he seen what we brung him." said Sean Foley. Taxidermist Bill Petrick, owner of Petrick Taxidermy in Wilmington Delaware got him all fixed up to go home.…
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Delaware Changes Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Regulations For 2022
This evening at the TFFAC meeting a fishery update given by John Clark for Delaware. Due to federal requirements for reductions in catch limits for Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass. This will all be made official and what not by the state soon before the seasons start. Flounder is being reduced to sixteen inches and four fish per…
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Attention Boaters New Fire Extinguisher Regulations For 2022
The Coast Guard is amending portable fire extinguishing equipment requirements for recreational vessels that are propelled or controlled by propulsion machinery
The fun part is trying to figure out how or if this applies to you and your boat's current fire extinguisher. The Boat US Foundation broke it down very well. "Effective April 20th,…
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Maryland Announces 2022 Summer Flounder Limits
MD DNR April (2022) ... The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the season, catch limit, and minimum size for the 2022 summer flounder fishery. This notice supersedes all notices effective prior to April 18, 2022 affecting the 2022 summer flounder fishery. SEASON The season is open January 1, 2022 through…
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Dolphin And Wahoo Changes Effective May 2nd, 2022
NOAA Fisheries Announces Changes to Catch Levels, Sector Allocations, Accountability Measures, and Management Measures for Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic
NOAA BULLETIN ... Key Messages: NOAA Fisheries announces the final rule for Amendment 10 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic (Dolphin…
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Coastal Flood Warning, Wind Advisory With Lil Nor’easter conditions
Striped bass weather is here, but are the fish?
Gonna to get a little nautical nor'easter style weather-wise, wet with a big blow. Not too big a deal, but the wind is already trimming my trees. Wind, has it even stopped blowing since last year? Bonus is I could use some more firewood for this chilly day and night, just not too much fun…
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Public Comment on Harvest Control Rule Draft Addenda to Close Friday, April 22nd at 11:59 PM
ASMFC (April 18, 2022) ... The deadline for submitting public comment on the Recreational Harvest Control Rule Draft Addenda to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and Bluefish FMP is this Friday, April 22nd at 11:59 PM. If you haven’t already submitted comment, please to do by then. The Draft Addenda is…
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How Old Is Your Black Drum
(April 2022) ... We all like catching big fish, but sometimes that big fish could be older than the angler. Letting these fish go to help increase breeding stocks is the main bonus, not eating a thirty year old fish is the other. People would be surprised just how old some of these fish get. Black Drum are starting to hit in the surf in Delaware…
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Flying Ship Off Rehoboth Beach
That crazy mirage type thang is happening, Fata Morgana
Love the crazy stuff you see at the coast. Fata Morgana being one of my favorites. We have an inversion layer off Rehoboth Beach.
Fata Morgana creates a floating ship off Rehoboth Beach April 15th .. photo by Laura Cook
This phenomenon is called Fata Morgana, a type of…
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Delaware Surf Fishing Report April 15th 2022
The fish species variety is picking up as are the catches.
It's been a hot minute of nothing but white perch and the winter fish. Then things warmed up a bit and the short striped bass started schooling and feeding heavier several weeks ago. That has been fun, but we always want more action. Warmer weather makes for longer days to…
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Delaware’s Advisory Council on Tidal Finfisheries (TFFAC) Meeting Virtually April 20th
Delaware’s Advisory Council on Tidal Finfisheries will meet virtually to discuss various tidal finfish management issues at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 20th. For the web link and phone-in number for the meeting, and for more information, including the meeting agenda (all below), or visit the Delaware Public Meeting Calendar at …
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Celebrate Earth Day with Marsh Madness
Salt Marsh Tours at the Aquatic Resources Education Center
Dover (April 13, 2022) ... The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control invites the public to celebrate Earth Day 2022 by visiting a tidal salt marsh, one of the most amazing ecosystems on earth. DNREC’s Aquatic Resources Education Center will host a special…
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US Windfarm Fishing Facts For Anglers
The windfarms will benefit fishing with huge reef structures.
A couple Wednesdays ago, I attended a briefing for Delaware recreational fishermen given by US Wind. Most of you are familiar with Orsted aka Skipjack, who has the offshore wind lease area that’s off the coast of Delaware. US Wind owns the rights to a lease area that stretches from…
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Charles W Cullen Bridge Lit Up Orange
DelDOT is throwing out their own colors on the Charles W Cullen bridge lights in recognition of Work Zone Safety Awareness week. This the politest way to say slow the hell down to motorists, in the road side work zones. We have tons of roadwork around Delaware and it gets frustrating. Let the workers have their space.
Charles W Cullen…
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NOAA Proposes Changes to Recreational and Commmercial Atlantic Shortfin Mako Shark Retention Limits
NOAA .. (April 8, 2022) ... Summary ... NOAA Fisheries announces a proposed rule to establish a flexible shortfin mako shark retention limit with a default limit of zero in commercial and recreational highly migratory species (HMS) fisheries. What will it do? ... Under the proposed rule, NOAA Fisheries would establish a flexible shortfin…
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New Jersey sets First Ever Flounder Slot Limit On The Atlantic Coast
New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council Set The Summer Flounder Season With A Slot Limit.
The New Jersey summer flounder season is May 2 to September 27th. A three fish possession limit with a slot. Two fish at 17 to 17.99 inches (yes you read that right), and one fish at 18 inches or greater. That is a pretty slim slot for a flat fish, but…
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The Tidal Finfish Advisory Council Seeks Public Input On Surf Tags
(April 5, 2022) ... The Tidal Finfish Advisory Council (TFFAC) advises DNREC on many issues and voices concerns of their constituents. In other words your county reps for the TFFAC are your way to reach out to DNREC. It is how I ask DNREC questions about limits, making changes, and concerns about the fishery. Due to the recent issue(s)…
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Orca Migrates Through Lewes Canal
I was looking on the Lightship Overfalls Live Webcam in Lewes, Delaware Just to check the tide, weather, water conditions and wouldn't you know it. The orca migration has started. I spotted one moving through the Lewes Canal , near the Lightship Overfalls. Murder pandas are on patrol looking for some fun.
Orca seen migrating through the…
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DNREC Adds “Facilities” To The Sandbars
A new pilot program, "Cousin Eddie" has been initiated by DNREC
The weekend crowds at the sandbars in Rehoboth Bay have motivated DNREC to put some facilities out there. The trash and dog poop is easy enough, they said the water washes that away each tide. But they feel some facilities are needed to cut down on human waste in the water.…
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DNREC’s New Sandbar Tag
After seeing the ridiculous amount of money parks is pulling off beaches. DNREC decided may as well monetize the sandbars. Since everyone wants to park and we need money for facilities. We decided to make this sand bar tag. This will help us pat for officers ot patrol the bars and facilities for all that recycled beer. Taking a page from…
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You Can Ride Stifler’s Mom In Lewes
Mrs. Robinson Redux, Stifler's Mom, the original cougar is offering rides in Lewes
You never know what you will see at the docks in any marina, USA. Lewes, Delaware is no exception, from fish carcasses nailed to posts, distance peeing contests in the canal after a night of drinking (fire chief won that one), and now we have ... riding…
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Invasive Nutria Collection Boxes
If you have seen any of these weird looking boxes floating in marsh areas. These were placed by the USDA Wildlife Services for invasive nutria studies. The boxes have a wire array that collect hair samples as a nutria, muskrat, otters etc. pass through. "The nutria (Myocastor coypus), a large, semi-aquatic rodent native to South America,…
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Birder Citizen Scientists Sought By DNERR
Help Document Bird Species at Delaware Reserves Citizen Science Project at Blackbird Creek and St. Jones Runs Through 2022
The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) is encouraging visitors to help with a data collection project by documenting the species of birds they see while visiting the Blackbird Creek and St. Jones reserves.…
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Sewer Break Discharges Wastewater into Christina River
DNREC (March 24, 2022) ... The New Castle County Department of Public Works repaired a force main break, which caused wastewater to overflow and spill into the Nonesuch Creek and Christina River. The overflow occurred when the force main ruptured near 419 Old Airport Road in New Castle. The wastewater spill was reported to the Delaware Department…
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BOLT-2 Sounding Rocket Bolts Off The Pad
Sounding rockets are sick fast. I think it hits velocity before it lights. You know those bottle rockets from the 80's with the paper fuses that would cook your finger before you got the lighter away. Just like those. Yes, I'm that old. These sounding rockets just rip off the pad, like a rocket. Derp.
BOLT-2 Sounding Rocket blasts off…
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Fishbites Fight Club’s New Six Inch Curly Tail Swim Grubs
Field tested and approved by one of the best Flounder Anglers
Fishbites has a Fight Club grub line that is great for targeting fish that will hit scented artificial baits. Basically all fish will hit artificially scented baits in one form or another, some brands more than others. We all like to try a variety for different fishing…
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ASMFC Joint Delaware-N.J. Public Hearing on Harvest Control Rule Draft Addenda
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to Hold Virtual Joint Delaware-N.J. Public Hearing March 28 on Harvest Control Rule Draft Addenda
Dover (March 21, 2022) ... The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) will hold a joint Delaware-New Jersey virtual public hearing regarding the Recreational Harvest Control Rule Draft…
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Safeguard Your Surf Tags and Stickers From Theft
Stolen surf tags and stickers increased as surf tag sold out earlier each year
First off if you are stealing a surf tag or sticker it is useless. The sticker now matches the license plate of the vehicle. The best way to safeguard the sticker is to slice it a little with a razor blade. After you put the sticker on the tag, not before. If…
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The Ell Series surf tags are finally Shipping
If you haven't received your surf tag yet, check your account status on your Delaware State Parks Reserve America account just sign in. There is a shipping status for your account. It is possible much like this one, that the L shaped tags are harder to mail. No idea why some are taking so long. based on the looks of this one, it was shot out…
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Free Parking For Fishing In Lewes May End
Lewes Town Council Has Knew Parking Charges Proposed
The Roosevelt inlet is a host to a variety of fish species and is a popular fishing spot for many shore anglers. Looking for summer flounder, striped bass, northern pufferfish, bluefish, croaker, spot, and all the summer favorites. Cast netting for mullet, baitfish, and bunker moving…
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House Bill 197 To Add Fees To Surf Tags and Park Passes
There is a Bill in Dover, that has passed the house already. Introduced last year. Proposing to add a fee or service charge to agents issuing surf tags. For example a bait shop as an agent is paid a dollar to take your info and issue a Delaware recreational fishing license. Personally I think that fee is way too low for the work involved.…
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Hundreds Of Dead Bunker Lining the Delaware Coastline
These fish are dead, but not just from a low oxygen kill
During the warm up many people were seeing a lot of dead fish on the beaches. These are bunker, or menhaden. The comments on social media local pages are hilarious. Just because it looks blue doesn't make it a bluefish kids. Use our Delaware Fish ID page to help with that we…
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Weekend Outlook For Surf Fishing … It’s Gonna Get Nautical
I would still go surf fishing just mind the weather.
(March 11, 2022) ... Nasty storm incoming this weekend, heard possible snow at the end of the mess. After this weather expect the fishing to start picking up and continue into spring. Short striped bass are already getting more active around the inland bays. Water temperatures…
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Upstate Trout Season to Open in New Castle County Streams With Youth-Only Day
Upstate Trout Season to Open in New Castle County Streams With Youth-Only Day April 2 Designated Trout Streams Closed to All Fishing Saturday, March 19 through Friday, April 1
Dover (March 10, 2022) ... Delaware’s 2022 upstate stream trout season will open for youth anglers only under age 16 at 7 a.m. on Saturday, April…
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Port Mahon Fishing Pier Reopened
DNREC Reopens Port Mahon Fishing Pier After Emergency Repairs
Dover (March 7, 2022) ... The Port Mahon Fishing Pier has been reopened after completion of emergency repairs, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today.
Dave Okonewski fishing Port Mahon pier
The pier, located off Port…
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Charles W Cullen Bridge Lit Blue and Yellow For Ukrainian Solidarity
The Charles W Cullen Bridge was Lit Blue And Yellow to honor the Ukrainian people.
Lighting up this bridge is a great tribute. This bridge has become a beacon for many who live and visit here, including many Ukrainian and Russian peoples. It can be seen for miles off our coast, marking a safe port for all watermen. Now it symbolizes…
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Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to Hold Virtual Delaware Public Hearing on Striped Bass Management Plan
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) will hold a virtual public hearing for Delaware regarding Draft Amendment 7 to the Atlantic Striped Bass management plan on Thursday, March 10 from 6-8 p.m., the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. Atlantic coastal states from Maine through Virginia have…
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Newly released Photos For the Anniversary Of the Storm of 62
The Delaware Public Archives Releases Series of Never Before Seen Storm of 62 Photos
On march 6th, 1962 a Nor'easter unlike ever seen before, ground up the east coast. Now known as the storm of 62 or the Ash Wednesday Storm, it devastated our little coastline of Delmarva. That storm today would cause unimaginable damage. Unfortunately the…
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DNREC to Close The Point at Cape Henlopen for Beachnesting Season
Dover (Feb 25, 2022) ... The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will close The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park, including a stretch of ocean and bay beach, Tuesday, March 1. Since 1993,
tern
The Point has closed annually for most of the spring and summer for the benefit of threatened and endangered…
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Antares Sends NG 17 Into Orbit
Remote Cameras Catch A Difficult Shot
Saturday, February 19th at noonish, NASA lit a candle. Antares headed towards space to rendezvous with the International Space Station. Another successful resupply mission for NASA, Northrop Grumman, and The Wallops Island Flight Facility Crew. Congratulations to all for a successful launch. Due…
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States Schedule Public Hearings on Atlantic Striped Bass Draft Amendment 7
Arlington, VA (Feb 16, 2022) ... – The Atlantic coastal states of Maine through Virginia have scheduled hearings to gather public input on the Atlantic Striped Bass Draft Amendment 7. Some hearings will be conducted via webinar and some hearings will be conducted in person. Additional details on participating in the webinars can be found later in…
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Check Your Delaware Surf Fishing Tag Shipment Status
We keep getting messages and posts to the group page. When are surf tags shipping? If you ordered your tag online, which the entire planet did in four hours. Then you can check your account status on your Delaware State Parks Reserve America account just sign in. There is a shipping status for your account. Notifying you when your Delaware…
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The Charles W Cullen Bridge Scene Is Green
Many Are Asking Why Is The Indian River Inlet Bridge Green
(February 14 2022) ... The Charles W Cullen bridge is usually blue at night. The color is intended to not harm or interfere with wildlife, specifically bats. Before the Super Bowl weekend, the lights were switched to green. No one knew why. We have been sitting around the office all…
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NASA Highlights Science on Next Northrop Grumman Space Station Mission
Antares is scheduled to launch Saturday February 19th.
NASA (February 3, 2022) ... Northrop Grumman is targeting launch for no earlier than 12:39 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19. The Cygnus spacecraft, carried atop an Antares rocket, will launch from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Virginia.…
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Governor’s Office Seeks Nominees for Delaware’s Obligatory Seat on Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council
(Dover Jan 7, 2022) ... The Office of Governor John Carney is seeking candidates to be nominated for Delaware’s Obligatory Seat on the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (MAFMC). For consideration as a nominee by the Governor for submission to and selection by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a candidate must be a…
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Draft Amendment 7 for Atlantic Striped Bass Is Open For Public Comment
The ASMFC has released Draft Amendment 7 for Striped bass management for public comment. I suggest you do a lot of reading if you are not familiar with any of this before you comment. "The last time a new plan amendment to the Atlantic Striped Bass FMP was adopted was in 2003 (Amendment 6) ". Well thought out comments work better than…
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Delaware State Parks Requests Public input On Surf Tags
(Feb 2, 2022) ... Delaware State Parks wants your input on surf tag issues. Email the PR department, Shauna McVey shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov let them know your thoughts and ideas. They are waiting to hear from all of you. This is the only way you will get any reaction. Social media is just a sounding wall. You are wasting your time and ours…
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Delaware State Parks Standard Surf Fishing Permits Sold Out
DSF .... THESE TAGS DID NOT SELL OUT THERE WAS A SERVER GLITCH. People were charged for multipole tags for servers crashing. There are probably thousands of tags being returned or reimbursed. That is my guess base don the amount complaining online about multiple charges. Some people were charged five times trying to get one tag.
Parks…
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Crashing Servers Charging Twice For Surf Tags and stop calling 911
The Delaware Surf Fishing Tag debacle continues
This morning five minutes before it was to open, the parks' servers crashed at 10:55 AM. From there it just kept snowballing. Our servers took a hit for thirty seconds (5k hits in a minute) but we just auto spin up more servers and take the load. Many people who do make it through online…
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Order Your Delaware Surf Fishing Tags Online Save The Office Line Hassle
Parks is not going to run out of Delaware surf fishing tags on the first day, week, or even month. So calm down. I absolutely expect the servers to crash minutes after 10 AM. But keep hitting that enter key harder, it will work eventually. Screaming at the computer is optional, and fun for others in the office. Will surf fishing tags sell out…
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Watch ISS Fly Over Snow Covered Virginia and Delaware Beaches
Watch the International Space Station fly over a snow covered Virginia and portions fo Delmarva. You can see the point sticking out into the Delaware Bay.
https://twitter.com/ISSAboveYou/status/1487988801397923841?t=GADyPi95ELZnKCHqlhLA2Q&s=19&fbclid=IwAR0QV_zP5D-8vQtWBdXeiN8HKVhzOMnEvW-raRaBEScCdInOAl6kuYKd9-k
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31st Annual Beach Grass Planting Signs ups
31st Annual Beach Grass Planting will be held on March 19, 2022
(DNREC Jan 31, 2022) ... Hello! We are planning the 31st Annual Beach Grass Planting! Our efforts this year will be focused on areas where dune repairs were made and to fill in other areas in need of grass.
Prior to COVID each March since 1990, many dedicated volunteers have…
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The web cam views are erie Looking
All of the beach web cams are fogged up and covered in snow, adding a neat effect to the scene. Screenshots look dope of the Ocean City pier.
Lightship Overfalls Live Webcam Lewes, Delaware
Cape Henlopen Check The Osprey Cam For Traffic
Indian River Inlet web cam
Rehoboth Beach web cams …Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk web camRehoboth…
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2022 Blizzard Morning
We have a little over a foot of snow on the ground (crunchy rain flood) out here in the countryside of Sussex county. There are three to four foot snow drifts all across the property. At least the trees aren't caked with snow. I'm worried less about losing them to wind. The last snow took out enough trees. Powdery, blowy snow is much…
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State of Emergency, Level 2 driving restriction issued in Kent and Sussex Counties; Driving warning issued for New Castle County
WILMINGTON, Del. – In preparation for a severe winter storm (blizzard warning) to impact the State of Delaware, Governor John Carney on Friday issued a State of Emergency in Kent and Sussex counties, and authorized the Delaware National Guard to assist state and local officials with any necessary response and recovery.
Governor Carney also…
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Atlantic Striped Bass Board Approves Draft Amendment 7 for Public Comment
January 28, 2022 ... ASMFC Atlantic Striped Bass Board Approves Draft Amendment 7 for Public CommentHearings to be Conducted Throughout March
Arlington, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board approved for public comment Draft Amendment 7 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for…
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Check The blizzard Conditions on the beach web cams
There are a lot of beach webcams you can use to check conditions. Not just roads, but beaches and the surrounding attractions. Asmu7ch as I want to go explore in the snow tomorrow it might be just a bit too deep. Next up. Can you drive in the snow on a drive on beach? The real question is why would you want to?
Lightship Overfalls Live…
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Blizzard Warning Yaaasssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!
I remember the blizzard of 1978, it was amazing for a ten year old kid. I've never been more excited for horrible weather or prepared. Our winter storm warning has turned full blizzard warning. With a coming blizzard and knowing how bad the wind moves snow out here in the fields. It is going to get deep in many areas with drifting snow. You…
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Winter Storm Warning
WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM FRIDAY TO 7 PM ESTSATURDAY…
(NWS Jan 27, 2022)Winter Storm Warning ... Inland Sussex-Delaware Beaches-Western Monmouth-Eastern Monmouth-Ocean-Atlantic-Cape May-Atlantic Coastal Cape May-Coastal Atlantic-Coastal Ocean-Southeastern Burlington-Including the cities of Georgetown, Rehoboth Beach,…
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Delaware Bay, Horseshoe Crab Board Accepts ARM Framework Revision and Peer Review for Management Use
Horseshoe Crab Board Accepts ARM Framework Revision and Peer Review for Management Useand Initiates Draft Addendum to Consider Changes to Delaware Bay Management
Arlington, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Horseshoe Crab Management Board reviewed and accepted for management use the 2021 Revision of the Adaptive Resource…
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Frozen Food Fight
These two eagles were having a discussion over the one eagle's catch. This happened on Millsboro pond in front of about a hundred cobra chickens (Canadian geese). Which seemed pleased they were not the target lunch for the moment.
No fish for you!! You may test that assumption at your convenience.
Once it was decided he wasn't…
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Many Hunting Opportunities Available as 2021/22 Hunting Season Nears End
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day and Snow Goose Conservation Order to Open; Other Seasons Continue
(Dover January 27, 2022) ... A wide variety of hunting opportunities are available in February, including the opening of the Snow Goose Conservation Order that begins Tuesday, Feb. 1 and the second special youth waterfowl hunting day on Saturday, Feb.…
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2022 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing
The 2022 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing is now available online. The booklets or paper copies will be available until late February. https://www.eregulations.com/maryland/fishing/ New Rules and Featured information anglers need to be aware. 2021 Records: The Atlantic Swordfish state record was broken twice.You don’t have to have a…
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ASMFC Virtual Winter Meeting Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board
Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board – Revised Agenda & Meeting Overview; Advisory Panel Comments on the Scope of New Options for Draft Amendment 7; Public Comment
Tomorrow January 26, 2022 from 1:30 - 5 PM is the Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board meets during the ASMFC's winter meeting. Striped Bass Draft Amendment 7 is on the…
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Indian River Inlet Wall Scheduled To Be Fixed
Army Corp Of Engineers to fix inlet jetty
This has been a long time coming. Constant storms and erosion have slowly created this damaged area of the Indian River inlet for years. As it got hammered more by storm surges, it got worse and worse faster. This popular fishing section of the north Indian River Inlet jetty wall has been closed…
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Ninety Nine Ghost Crab Pots Out Of the Water
The Ghost Crab Pot Round Up Day Two and Final
Delaware Sea Grant and the University of Delaware with the help of the Center For The Inland Bays gathered at Warwick Park on Monday for the last day to remove more ghost crab pots. Thirty five were collected on Monday.
Diamond back terrapin found alive in a ghost crab pot. there were 12…
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Maryland Announces Recreational (Private and Charter) Striped Bass Regulations for 2022
Announcement Regarding the Maryland 2022 Recreational Striped Bass Fishing Regulations
(January 24, 2022) ... The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced the following regulations for the 2022 recreational striped bass fishery (private and charter) in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay. The 2022 regulations are…
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12 days of Surf Tagmas
On the first day of Surf TagmasMy state park sent to meA pack of Fishbites sand flea
On the Second day of Surf TagmasMy state park sent to meTwo diamond jigsAnd a pack of Fishbites sand flea
On the Third day of Surf TagmasMy state park sent to meThree bunker pensTwo diamond jigsAnd a pack of Fishbites sand flea
On the Fourth day of Surf…
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Lewes Has A New Webcam
Check out the Lewies Canal on the Lightship Overfalls Live Webcam
Watch the Lewes canal live from the Lightship Overfalls docked in Canal park in Lewes, Delaware. The webcam pans around the canal and the park from the top fo the ship. Zooming in on the Lewes Town docks, and the drawbridge over the Lewes Canal. I'm watching the tug boat…
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Public Input Sought on Water Trust Priorities and Projects
Strategic Plan Comments Sought in Jan. 25, Feb. 2 and Feb. 10 Virtual Meetings
The Delaware Clean Water Trust Oversight Committee will host three virtual public information sessions to hear from Delaware residents and businesses about how the trust should support water quality improvements with historic dedicated funding through the Delaware…
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APAIS Field Technician Job Opening For Little Creek Delaware Area
Ever seen those folks at fishing areas around Delaware interviewing anglers about their catches? There is a job opening for one of these positions. It is a seasonal job but pays well ($31,000) and is outdoors. I have a few friends that do this job and they love it. "We get to work outside all day and talk to anglers. We are also helping…
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Delaware State Parks Surf Fishing Permits, Annual Passes on Sale in February
(Dover Jan 20, 2022) ... The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today that the sale of 2022 Delaware State Parks surf fishing permits will begin Tuesday, Feb. 1 and the sale of annual passes will begin Tuesday, Feb. 15. Sales will begin at 10 a.m. both days. The sale of 2022 surf fishing permits and annual…
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House Natural Resources Committee Passes Recovering America’s Wildlife Act
January 19, 2022 (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – This afternoon, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (H.R. 2773), which is led by Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) Co-Chair Representative Debbie Dingell (MI) and CSC Member Representative Jeff Fortenberry (NE), passed the House Natural Resources Committee on a bipartisan vote. The passage of Recovering…
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Delaware State Park Surf Fishing Tags Go On Sale On …
At the Delaware Advisory Council On Tidal Finfisheries meeting tonight. DNREC announced that there will be a press release going out at some point. Surf fishing tags will start going on sale or issued on February 1, 2022. The usual sale mechanisms will be in place for issuing tags; online and offices or vendors.. However covid restrictions…
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Ghost Crab Pot Round Up Day One
Ghost crab pots are a hazard around the inland bays
If you've never had the pleasure of your day ruined by snatching up a ghost crab pot with your lower unit, then are you even boating around the inland bays? Ghost crab pots are not only a boating hazard they are detrimental to aquatic life. Especially diamond back terrapins. One…
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Ghost Crab Pot round up Information
Inland Bay Boaters Can Get Permits To Remove Ghost Crab Pots
(January 18, 2022) ... From the desk of Kate Fleming, Coastal Ecology Specialist, Delaware Sea Grant, University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean and Environment ... Attached is the permit application (downloadable below) if you or others want to apply to remove pots this…
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Rehoboth Bay Reopened to Shellfishing
DNREC Reopens Rehoboth Bay Shellfish Harvest 21-Day Emergency Closure Ends Jan. 18
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control today announced the end of a 21-day emergency closure of commercial and recreational shellfish harvest of oysters, clams and mussels in the Rehoboth Bay that went into effect Dec. 28 after a…
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Shellfish Advisory Council Meeting
Delaware Council on Shell Fisheries to meet virtually on Thursday
Dover (Jan 13, 2022) ... Delaware’s Council on Shell Fisheries will meet virtually at 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 20. The Council will discuss various shellfish management issues, and other related topics. For information on connecting to the meeting and the meeting agenda,…
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Delaware Advisory Council on Tidal Finfisheries to meet virtually
(Dover Jan 12, 2022) ... Delaware’s Advisory Council on Tidal Finfisheries will meet virtually to discuss various tidal finfish management issues at 6 p.m. Wednesday, January 19. For the web link and phone-in number for the meeting, and for more information, including the meeting agenda, visit the Delaware Public Meeting Calendar at …
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Every Surf Angler and Beach User Needs One Of These
Add this tool to your surf fishing gear.
Ever drop a number two circle hook hook in the sand and can't find it? I don't know how I managed without this pin pointer metal detector for so long. I have saved hours of wasted time, I use it frequently and I just got it. A pin point metal detector is used to do just that pin point whatever you…
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Our Snow From Space
It looks deeper in my woods
The satellite shot of the storm looks like someone swiped a paint brush across a map, or white out. Check out the GOES image viewer to see satellite shots on a constantly updated loop.
My back yard has a foot of snow in the woods and two foot drifts.
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DNREC Winter Reminder: Dunes In State Parks Closed To Sledding And Snowboarding
DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation reminds residents and visitors that sledding or snowboarding are illegal on dunes within Delaware state parks.Except for marked crossings, dunes are closed year-round to pedestrian traffic and activities in Cape Henlopen and Delaware Seashore state parks.
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Rough surf conditons
It is still a bit nautical along the coast with high tide pushing water to the dune bases. I'd expect to see the drive on accesses still closed till at least lunch. Tide will be higher for another cycle at least and calm down into Wednesday. Small Craft Advisory is in effect for the Atlantic, Delaware Bay has been canceled. Use The Beach…
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Drive on accesses closed and Some Parking lots
Jan 3 2022 ... All of the drive on accesses are closed and some of the parking lots are closed. I'd guess the lots that are closed are the same ones that are closed at night. The inlet and cape are open, just can not drive onto a beach. Be careful walking the beach, waves are still flooding the beaches with wide surf. Murphy's Law says…
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Coastal Flood Warning
The snow is not the only storm issue.
While everyone has snow fever, inland bay communities need to look to the water. There is a coastal flood warning into the early afternoon. It is an hour past high tide (8:30 AM). This morning the beaches flooded to the dunes. Delaware State Park drive on beach accesses have been closed. Big waves…
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One to one hundred inches
It is going to snow
No idea how bad, but the most reliable (Delmarva WX) say a decent amount in the eight inch range to upwards of a foot possible. Chances are it will definitely snow, that is good enough for me. I'm over prepared as usual. Snacks for days in the shop and the truck. On the 4th of January in 2018 we had a nice ten…
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2022 Delaware Fishing Licenses Online
Bait shops can also set you up with a recreational fishing license today.
Get your Delaware recreational fishing license now, so you aren't fishing dirty in the new year. Usually it is annoying to get your fishing license the first day of the new year. Now that it is all online, and a Saturday, it is much easier. I like the online…
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DNREC to Close, Reduce Hours at Some Facilities for January
Park programs are also scheduled to have changes
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) will close or reduce hours for several public activities and facilities following the surge in coronavirus cases driven by the omicron variant. While state parks, nature and wildlife areas continue to be open, the…
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Non Offset Circle Hooks Required For Striped Bass
Coast wide circle hook regulation for striped bass
(Dec 30, 2021) ... Now that migratory striped bass starting to show in better numbers, finally. Just a reminder if you are targeting striped bass in Delaware or anywhere on the east coast. Anglers are required to use non offset circle hooks for striped bass when using bait only. Any…
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Additional Delaware Deer Hunting Seasons to Open in January
Numerous Hunting and Trapping Seasons Continue Statewide
Firearm deer hunting seasons opening in January and continuing archery deer seasons provide the last chance for hunters to harvest deer during the general 2021/22 Delaware hunting season, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today.
Hunters are…
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Sewage Spill Suspends Shellfish Harvesting in Rehoboth Bay
Sewage Spill Suspends Shellfish Harvesting in Rehoboth Bay
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control today issued an emergency closure of commercial and recreational shellfish harvest of oysters, clams and mussels in the Rehoboth Bay after a spill from a residential sewer line in the Long Neck area of…
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DNREC Encourages Delawareans to Recycle Christmas Trees
Residents May Drop Off Trees at Yard Waste Sites Throughout the State
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control encourages Delawareans to regift their real Christmas trees to the environment by recycling them at one of the many yard waste recycling facilities located throughout the state. Tree mulch is great for…
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Voluntary New Right Whale Slow Zone East of Ocean City
On December 11, 2021, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's acoustic array detected the presence of right whales east of Ocean City, Maryland. A VOLUNTARY Right Whale Slow Zone is in effect immediately and expires on December 26, 2021. Mariners are requested to avoid or transit at 10 knots or less inside the following areas where…
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ASMFC 2022 Winter Meeting Preliminary Agenda, Public CommentGuidelines, and Meeting Details
(Dec 10, 2021) ... Please find attached and below the preliminary agenda and public comment guidelines for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s 2022 Winter Meeting, January 25-27, 2022, in Arlington, VA. The agenda is also available at www.asmfc.org/home/2022-winter-meeting. Also attached is the travel authorization form and…
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Beach Nourishment Projects Set for Pickering Beach, Kitts Hummock, Bowers, South Bowers, and Slaughter Beach
Dover (Dec 10, 2021) ... The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Shoreline and Waterway Management Section expects to begin beach nourishment work in the Pickering Beach, Kitts Hummock, Bowers, South Bowers, and Slaughter Beach communities in early January 2022.
Beach nourishment projects introduce sand into the…
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Numbered Delaware Surf Fishing Tag Auction Ends today
Fourteen tags so far totaling $28,805.01 with four hours left to Auction
The Auction for the Delaware State Park's Delaware Surf Fishing numbered tags ends this afternoon. So far the bids are up there and will probably remain. I think you are required to bid $200 over the current bid price. If you look at the bidders link, it is a few…
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MAFMC and ASMFC to Consider Final Action on Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment
(Dec 8, 2021) ... Next week, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board (Board) will consider final action on the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment during the Council’s …
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Recreational Fishing Wind Farm Workshop
Do you have questions or concerns about wind farms and recreational fishing?
(Dec 5, 2021) ... I encourage recreational anglers to attend this online meeting and ask those questions. I asked if this is open to the public. It is and the meeting will focus primarily on recreational fishing. This is one of seven of these virtual…
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2022 Delaware State Parks Annual Pass, Surf Fishing Permit Sales Delayed
2022 Delaware State Parks Annual Pass, Surf Fishing Permit Sales Delayed
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today the sale of 2022 Delaware State Parks annual passes and surf fishing permits will be delayed due to nationwide supply chain disruptions. Due to this delay, 2021 surf fishing…
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Snow Geese Rafting Off Cape Henlopen
We fished the point on Sunday and on the way out noticed a small raft of snow geese about two hundred yards off the beach. Good to see those kids back in town. Lot of flying jerky for the surf snack box. I wonder if the point's snow goose that wanders the beach all day will be back this year. The snow geese were reported on eBird, spotted…
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Additional Delaware Hunting, Trapping Seasons To Open in December
Waterfowl and Antlerless Deer Hunting Seasons, Numerous Trapping Seasons Included
Dover (Nov. 30, 2021) ... Delaware waterfowl hunters are gearing up for the state’s third duck hunting season segment, which runs from Friday, Dec. 10 through Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, and the second Canada goose hunting season segment, which runs from Friday,…
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Winter Seasonal Clamming Opens Tomorrow
Winter clamming is rewarding
The seasonal clamming areas around the inland bays open every year on December first, time to make some clams casino! These are the areas in yellow on the map that are closed during the summer due to high bacteria levels. Right now the inland bays are really clear. Once the bacteria and algae die off the water…
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Crab Pot Season Ends In Delaware
Crabbing is open year round in Delaware
(November 30, 2021) ... We crab all year long in Delaware, just not with crab pots, handlines, drop traps and rings are allowed. The season for crab pots ends November 30th (today) and reopens on March first. Time to pull the pots and get them cleaned up for next year. People are still catching…
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ASMFC to Convene Black Drum Benchmark Stock Assessment Data Workshop
ASMFC to Convene Black Drum Benchmark Stock Assessment Data Workshop
Arlington, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission will convene a Data Workshop as part of the development of a benchmark stock assessment for black drum that will be used to inform management. At the Workshop, the Black Drum Technical Committee and Stock…
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Offshore Wind Energy Guidance for Mitigating Impacts to Fisheries Meetings
BOEM (Nov 22,2021) ... The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is developing guidance to mitigate potential impacts from offshore wind projects on commercial and recreational fisheries and fishing. The first step in this process is to gain knowledge from the people and organizations that know and use these areas. BOEM will host a…
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Low-Digit Surf Fishing Tag Auction Starts Nov. 22
DNREC’s Low-Digit Surf Fishing Tag Auction Starts Nov. 22
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will auction low-digit surf fishing plates starting Monday, Nov. 22, at 9 a.m., at www.usgovbid.com. Between Nov. 22 and Dec. 9, bidders will have the option to bid on 15 tags including tags 26, 54, 132, 211, 301, 454 and…
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The Leonids Meteor Shower Peaks Tonight
(Nov 16, 2022) ... After midnight is the best time to start viewing the Leonids meteor shower, typically producing 10 to 15 meteors per hour. The Leonids are produced by the debris trail of the orbital path of Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. Look above he constellation Leo. The Leonids have produced some of the most impressive shows in history. …
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Advisory Council on Tidal Finfisheries will meet virtually Nov 17th
Delaware’s Advisory Council on Tidal Finfisheries will meet virtually to discuss various tidal finfish management issues at 6 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, November 17. For the web link and phone-in number for the meeting, and for more information, including the meeting agenda, visit the Delaware Public Meeting Calendar at …
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New Right Whale Slow Zone East Of Ocean City MD
On November 11, 2021, the Woods Hole Ocean City buoy detected right whales East of Ocean City, MD. Because of this detection, the right whale Slow Zone is in effect immediately until November 26, 2021. All vessels 65 feet (19.8 meters) or longer must travel at 10 knots or less. Other boats just be wary of the possibility. Slow Zone waters…
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Delaware Surf Fishing Tags Will Go On Sale Soon
The question of the month has been when are the surf tags going on sale.
(Nov 14, 2021) ... I contacted parks the other day to see when surf tags were going on sale. "We are working on that right now, getting everything in place. It will be late November to early December. We will be able to confirm a date soon. The low digit…
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DNREC to Remove Holts Landing State Park Boat Ramp Dock
DNREC to Remove Holts Landing State Park Boat Ramp Dock for Repairs
(Dover Nov 12, 2021) ... The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will remove the Holts Landing State Park boat ramp dock next week (Nov 15 -19th) until spring 2022. The dock was damaged by a storm and a severe low- and high-tide cycle. The dock…
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November’s Beaver Full Blood Moon Is The Longest Lunar Eclipse In A Century
The longest partial lunar eclipse also known as a blood moon is November 19th. The partial lunar eclipse event will last 3 hours and 28 minutes according to NASA, the longest in a century. From 2:19 AM to 5:47 AM, peaking just after 4 AM when the lunar eclipse reaches 97% coverage. A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes through earth's…
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Small Craft Advisory Spring Tides Continue
Spring tide still an issue in Lewes today with the combination of the winds. Expect some minor tidal flooding on roads. in the usual spots. Water is still rough with more wide surf today. Big waves all afternoon and will calm down into the evening. The rest of the week will calm a little more, then pick back up on Friday. With a possible…
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2022 Derelict Crab Pot Round-Up Sign ups in Indian River
UD and Delaware Sea Grant have set dates for the 2022 Volunteer-based Derelict Crab Pot Round-Ups in Indian River
Delaware Sea Grant and University of Delaware have set target dates for the 2022 Volunteer-based Derelict Crab Pot Round-Ups in Indian River! Round-Ups will be hosted on the first three good weather days between January 13…
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November Meteor Showers Are Starting To Peak.
The Leonid, Southern And Northern Taurids Meteor Showers are Here
The Sothern Taurids are the first to peak with maximum activity Thursday, Nov. 4, into the early hours of Friday, Nov. 5. Northern Taurids one week later on the night of Thursday, Nov. 11, into Friday, Nov. 12. The Taurids are created by debris left behind by Encke's…
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Spring Tides This Weekend
The term spring tides has nothing to do with the season.
(Nov 4, 2021) ... Saturday we will see some minor tidal flooding in low areas from spring tides, in the fall. Also known or referred to as king tides. The term spring tide is a common historical term that derives from the idea the tide is "springing forth". Which it does twice each…
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Incredibly Rare Coin Found On A Delaware Beach
Not your typical rare coin find on coin beach.
Everyone wants to find buried treasure at the beach. It is a fantasy of every breach comber when they hunt the beaches for "treasures". Who wouldn't want to find a bit of pirate loot? Even if it was just a copper coin for the common folk. My buddy Joey "Baga Donuts" and his dad were here…
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Happy Halloween Learn To Cast Spells To Catch Fish
Time to cast some spells, put a curse on a googan, and get the children ready for bait, I mean fishing. In case your fishing has not been as good as Agnes’ we have a couple fish summoning spells for you to try. By the way the right eye flounder in England is called the Witch Flounder. There is also an eel called the…
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Look For The Northern Lights Tonight
A coronal Mass Ejection, CME, a massive one will create an aurora borealis (northern lights that can be seen as far south as Washington DC. Delaware is in the Fair to poor area for viewing. Due to location and clouds. But we might get lucky. The CME was on Thursday morning. Learn more at the Northern Lights Center
Northern lights…
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Beach Conditions After The Nor’easter
Small Craft Advisory For Lower Delaware Bay until noon
It is almost low tide (9:5 AM), the surf is calmer, but still wide with wash. Seas are still upwards of eight feet and will calm down later this afternoon. There are few swales, but the beaches were washed smooth in most areas. I'd be careful at the point even without seeing it I can…
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DSP’s Current Sussex County Road Closures Due to The Nor’easter
DSP Dewey Beach, DE- Delaware State Police is updating the traffic advisory issued for Eastern Sussex County. As a result of the current weather conditions, the following roadways are closed or impassable. Coastal Hwy between John J. Williams Hwy, Rehoboth and Garfield Parkway, Bethany. Long Neck Road south of Cove Road, Millsboro. Camp…
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Route 1 closed Between Dewey And Bethany Beach
I didn't think that would take too long. High tide hadn't hit yet and route 1 was already flooding. Keep up with DelDOT advisories for route 1 to reopen later tonight. http://deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/#advisories.
Route 1 at the bridge is clear.
Route 1 below Dewey Beach
Route 1 below Dewey Beach
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Throw Back To Hurricane Super Storm Sandy
October 29th 2012 We got Hammered by Sandy
While we sit around in this nor'easter, it is the same time we got hit by Super Storm Sandy in 2012. That was a wild three plus days for sure. I got a text from a buddy in North Carolina with a picture of a monster wave. I was staying at Broadkill beach. I packed my truck and left, this was…
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Nor’easter Conditions What To Expect
The nor'easter hit this morning with high winds and heavy surf.
At least it isn't pouring, yet, but rain is the least of our worries. It is dead low tide right now (8:44 AM) and the water is up as much as a typical high tide. The water has been up so much recently we are used to the higher wrack lines. Water is stacked up in the…
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Augustine Beach Boat Ramp Continues Temporary Closures
Augustine Beach Boat Ramp Continues Temporary Closures for Dredging Through Nov. 11
The parking lot at Augustine Beach is ample for boaters and visitors alike.
Periodic closures of the Augustine Beach Boat Ramp near Port Penn and adjacent intertidal beach located on the south side of the existing rock groin will continue through Nov. 11 due…
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Piping Plovers Experience Poor Nest Productivity Year in Delaware
Piping Plovers Experience Poor Nest Productivity Year in DelawareDNREC Provides Updates on Other Beach-Nesting Bird Species
Dover (Oct 21, 2021) ... Beach-nesting piping plovers experienced poor nest productivity on their breeding grounds in Delaware during 2021, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced…
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Trout Stocked in White Clay Creek
Trout Stocked in White Clay Creek to Provide Fall Fishing Opportunities
Dover (Oct 20, 2021) ... Rainbow trout were stocked in White Clay Creek today to provide anglers the opportunity to fish for trout in the fall and winter, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced. About 1,000 pounds of 12- to 13-inch…
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Rosedale Beach Boat Ramp to Close Temporarily for Repairs
Rosedale Beach Boat Ramp to Close Temporarily for Repairs
Dover (Oct 19, 2021) ... The Rosedale Beach boat ramp and parking lot on Indian River Bay will temporarily close for ramp repairs beginning Thursday, Oct. 21, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. The project will include a concrete patch…
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Augustine Beach Boat Ramp Temporary Closure Extended
Augustine Beach Boat Ramp Temporary Closure Extended Through Oct. 28
(Oct 19, 2021) ... The Augustine Beach Boat Ramp near Port Penn and adjacent intertidal beach located on the south side of the existing rock groin will remain periodically closed through Oct. 28 to complete maintenance dredging of the boat ramp access channel, the Delaware…
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Moon lit beach.
Moon lit beach. The surf is glowing and calm, like the edge of a lake. The moon reflects bright in the wet sand.Wind is non existent, almost to the slack of the low tide now. Nothing stirring in the water, but the lap of the waves. The ships at the anchorage are aglow, small cities floating on the bay. The light houses turn and turn. I can see my…
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Black Sand On Delaware Beaches
Why is the sand black?
Every coastal storm erodes the beaches, stirring and shifting the sand. The amount of sand that moves around is huge in some areas. Dark streaks or large patches of black sand collect along the beaches' surface. It freaks people out, but it is supposed to be there. A combination of dense minerals such as,…
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Calmer But Wide, Check The Beaches At Low Tide
The last storm surge waves carved a new profile in the beach face, surf fishing structure is different for a while.
Surf is wide and washed out, but much calmer than expected. Low tide is around five thirty. I would go out now to dark and scout the beaches for good cuts and little tide pool holes. When high tide is in full, those will…
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Beach Driving Hazard At Conquest
There is a small drop off on Conquest Beach
(Sept 24, 2021) ... For anyone driving out at night to get a spot for the tournament. Seeing beach hazards and holes at night is tough due to shadows. This drop off is the same it would be deceptively small looking at night.The drop off is on the upper beech at Conquest, just south of the drive…
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Weekend beach conditions are a little nautical
The surf fishing beaches look good for driving, just a wider surf wash
(Sept 23, 2021) ... The weekend conditions will be a little "active" for surf fishing. Five foot swells Friday that will calm into Sunday. Wide surf wash conditions for fishing. Small cliffs at the surf's edge. Exploring at low tide would help find good cuts for…
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We Trashed Over A Hundred Turtle Killers Tuesday
Mylar and latex balloons are the real turtle killers
(Sept 23, 2021) ... Tuesdays beach clean up was productive, we set a new record for Mylar Balloon catches. I hate saying that about trash but it was a good day to clean a beach. Much like surf fishing success stories, we hit it at the right time. I drove on early around six in the…
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Faithful Steward Crossing Cleared
This morning a lone dozer cleared the loose sand on Faithful Steward crossing. The access is used the most since it is the only one open at night. This is done by soil and conservation or maybe they are called watershed stewardship now I can never keep up with all the department name changes.
Bulldozer clearing sand from Faithful Steward…
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Delaware’s Council on Recreational Fishing Funding will meet virtually today at 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 21.
Pay attention to this council! Your Fishing License Money Is At Stake
I've asked hard questions in the past at these council meetings and been called a piece of shit by Eric Burnley. Who shouldn't be on the council anymore as it has term limits. Neither should some of the other council members. It is not a bipartisan representation…
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