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DSF News
DSF News is the section we post news related to the fishing community, weather, and the like.
Chillaware Island Spring Surf Fishing Tournament Prizes Update
We have a bunch of cool prizes donated by some of our sponsors. Helly Hansen, Lighthouse View Bait and Tackle, Fenwick Bait and Tackle, and Icehouse Bait and Tackle. We have added a kid's division since we have a bunch of upcoming anglers signed up, good luck to all of you and show up your parents! Anglers can also fish all of Delaware Seashore…
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The Overfalls Lightship Return To Lewes Is Postponed
The Overfalls Lightship was scheduled to return to Lewes Friday the 13th, but now has been postponed. The biggest issue with jobs like this is the fact you have to rely on the weather to coincide with tides. We are looking at some heavy winds for Friday and the southwest wind will lower the water level in the canal to the point it…
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Drive on Beach Parking Rules Clarified
Parking Rules On Delaware State Park Drive On Beaches
(April 2018) ... Due to recent complaints and such online, especially Face"drama"book, I decided to reach out to Delaware State Parks' enforcement and get some of the rules clarified people complain about all of the time. One of the big ones has been the direction you can park. I spoke…
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Maryland DNR New Proposal For Hooks, Bait, Striped Bass From May 16 Through Dec.15
New Proposal for Hooks, Bait, Striped Bass — May 16 through Dec.15
“After further consultations with anglers, charter boat captains, legislators and watermen, we believe the revised regulations strike the right balance between conservation and recreation,” Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “By…
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Lighthouse View Bait And Tackle Opens This Weekend
Well one sure sign of spring is when Dave Beebe opens up Lighthouse View Bait And Tackle. He has been unpacking boxes for a couple of weeks. I know he is excited you can see it in his eyes. "Those bluefish better show up I am armed to the teeth for them this year. Then they better leave so there is spot and croaker to catch all…
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Lewes Icehouse Bait and Tackle Is Stocked To The Gills
Lewes Icehouse Bait and Tackle is now open daily from 9 to 5 and has some killer sales they are doing weekly, which are listed below. They have a new Facebook page you should like and follow. They also offer a 10% discount to all DSF discount card members.
This is a great little shop that was originally started by Harry Aiken. Back then…
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Wider Beaches And Clean Water
Today at the beach was beautiful. The wind coming off the water was chilly,but it was still gorgeous out there. The smell of the salt air thick in your lungs is a welcome feeling. We explored the beaches today looking for fish signs and wanted to check out the beach conditions. When you come over the Charles W Cullen bridge…
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Gordons Pond Air Station And 3Rs Get An Upgrade
3R's got an upgrade and it is very nice, wait til you see it. The Gordons pond air station is almost done. We told you a couple of months ago that it was being upgraded. Today we saw that parks have completed the air compressor building so it will not be long before it is in full operation. It is scheduled to be done before Memorial…
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Overfalls Lightship Return Schedule
You have probably heard by now the Overfalls Lightship is returning to Lewes on Friday. She was towed to New Jersey to get a new paint job and some of the zincs replaced on her hull. The zincs are to protect the hull from stray electricity in the Lewes Canal.
So far the schedule for her return is set for Friday the thirteenth. …
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Delawarean Breaks North Carolina Bluefin Tuna Record
On March 17th Capt. Dennis Endee of Wanchese, NC owner of A-Salt Weapon Sportfishing Charters out of Pirate’s Cove Marina in Manteo went out with a party of eight for trophy tuna fishing. Retired Army Brigadier General Scott Chambers, from Townsend, Delaware was among that group of anglers.
Once they reached about forty miles off Oregon…
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DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation closes end of Cape Henlopen fishing pier for repairs from ice damage
DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation closes end of Cape Henlopen fishing pier for repairs from ice damage
DOVER (April 9, 2018) – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation announced today it has closed a 20-foot portion of the Cape Henlopen fishing pier indefinitely due to ice damage that occurred this winter. The area closed…
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DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation to close Holts Landing Boat Ramp while parking lot is improved and expanded
DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation to close Holts Landing Boat Ramp while parking lot is improved and expanded
DOVER (April 9,2018) – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation announced today it will close the boat ramp and adjacent parking lot at Holts Landing State Park later this month on weekdays while renovations are made to…
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Beach Clean Up … What Happens To Trash On A Windy Beach
Yesterday volunteers met at the south side inlet parking lot to clean the beach, it was thirty-four degrees and very windy. In fact it was so cold we almost called it quits before even venturing onto the beach. I also knew there would hardly be any trash on the beach, the wind was blowing right down the coast line. Moving sand and…
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Tow Boat US Indian River Adds To Her Fleet
Captain Clarke Droney is headed north with the newest addition to the Tow Boat US Indian River fleet ... "We are adding a twenty-seven foot SeaArk with twin three hundred horsepower Suzuki outboards. We just have to add some more equipment, get her Delaware registration numbers and she will be ready to serve. We will keep her at…
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The Delaware Bay Will Turn Blood Red This Week
I had to wait to publish this due to April fools and all that fun we had the last week. Did you know that killer whales are now listed as a sight to see in the C&D canal on Google? It is amazing how far an April Fools joke can spread. So, yes the upper Delaware bay really will run blood-red next week, and the reason why is…
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Maryland DNR Withdrawals Emergency Striped Bass Regulations
Earlier today the Maryland Department of natural Resources withdrew the emergency striped bass regulations for the Chesapeake bay. We have no idea why this was done it seemed to be rather popular among most anglers that fish the bay. The idea was to reduce mortality rates with the use of circle hooks and reduced the size limit to…
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Where Do You Find Sea Glass?
I get asked this a lot especially after we post a picture on Facebook of our finds. It is easy to find sea glass if you know where to look. Yesterday at low tide in the surf in Delaware Seashore state park the conditions were perfect. The waves are starting to reform the washed out beach area, and this is exposing a lot of shells…
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Harry Aiken’s Accuracy Casting Competitions
Delaware Surf Fishing is sponsoring the Harry Aiken's Accuracy Casting Competition at the Delmarva Outdoors Expo this year. We have a large space we have reserved for the competition. This is going to be a lot of fun and will bring back the accuracy casting competitions that were held up and down the coast.
Cost to compete .. it is free,…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: March 26-April 1
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: March 26-April 1
Reminder for the week: Safe, ethical hunting practices encouraged for Delaware turkey season opening April 14
DOVER (April 6, 2018) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and…
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Delaware Reefs Are Getting Beefed Up
We have a reef program in Delaware that has done some great work building up our artificial reefs. Jeff Tinsman is the head of the Delaware Reef Program. The handy Delaware Reef Guide published by DNREC has all the coordinates and information about our fourteen artificial reef sites. This is a great guide to have…
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Overfalls Lightship Scheduled To Return Next Week
The Overfalls lightship in Lewes was taken to New Jersey for a new paint job and to upgrade some of the zincs on her hull. It was a process to get her out of the slip. Tow Boat US Indian River with Captain Clarke Droney will meetup with the ship outside of the Roosevelt inlet and guide her to the slip in Lewes. I was aboard Tow…
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Sprinter … When Old Man Winter Just Can’t Let It Go
Dela-weather, whether you like it or not. If you haven't heard, we may have snow this weekend. Sussex county might get spared, but the north could see a good blanketing. Old Man winter just won't let go this year. Now we are in a new season ... Sprinter. Old Man Winter ... "Look ... I am sorry, but I just want a shot at these…
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Strawternatives, Because Plastic Straws Suck
Every single time I walk onto the beach, the first thing I always find is a straw, and not one mind you but a fistful. We throw out over five hundred million plastic straws a day in the United States. Rarely do they get recycled, but instead wind up in landfills, or in our case, wash up on the beaches. There are several reasons why…
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Tomorrow A Chinese Space Station Will Crash And It Is Going To Snow … In April
I keep forgetting about the Tiangong-1 space station. This is not an April Fools' joke which we have been having some fun with today. Yes, it is possible it will snow tomorrow, but mostly up north. I was hoping for clear skies to watch this station crash into the atmosphere and burn up.. It will be a crap shot to be where the Tiangong-1,…
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Tracking The Lewes Cougar
(Apr 1 2019) ... Not long ago on a Lewes social media page someone posted they saw the Lewes cougar down town. Something that as of late has become legend. We have been looking for the Lewes cougar on our trips to the beach, and we have yet to find any evidence. Until now.
A couple of weeks ago we found some large prints…
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Delaware State Parks Says No To Eating Dogs
(April 2018) ... Signs are always placed for a reason, like the ones in the state park bathhouses that says do not wash dishes in sinks. I mean who does that, "Hey honey get the kids and the dishes, we are going to the park. Don't forget the detergent and sunscreen" So I figured someone had to do something monumental to…
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The Sand Elk Are Emerging
The sand elk of Cape Henlopen State Park are emerging. These elk are special to this area. According to a customer of Lighthouse View bait and tackle, the sand elk are here to stay. Apparently a hundred years ago they came over on the landbridge from New Jersey and populated the area now known as Cape Henlopen state park. "That's a Sand Elk.…
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Rehoboth Beach Closes For Piping Plovers
It was bound to happen. Those little birds sure can shut down a beach. All it takes is a sighting and a possible nest. Next thing you know a half mile of beach is closed. The beaches at the avenue have been invaded by piping plovers. They decided they wanted to hang out on the walk on beaches and skip the drive on beaches this year.
"We…
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Full Blue Easter Moon
Tonight is the last blue moon of the year. This is when two full moons occur in the same month, hence the term once in a blue moon.. The march full moon is called the Worm Moon by most native american tribes. "At the time of this spring Moon, the ground begins to soften and earthworm casts reappear, inviting the return of robins.…
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Easter Beach Cleanup
Great morning to walk the beach and collect trash. Seriously, it was nice out. I wish we were fishing instead, the gannets were circling hard and raining on bait. There are bunker out there, you can see a lot of slicks out front. That was all I could think about while I was walking the beach, I wish I was fishing and why isn't…
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What’s New This Spring In Delaware State Parks
Delaware State Parks put out a newsletter and we wanted to share it with you and all the cool things you can do in Delaware State Parks.
Spring into Something New!
Spring is a season of fresh starts and new beginnings, so just as the buds on…
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Beach Clean Ups
The weekly beach clean ups are going well. Despite the fact the storms cleaned the beaches off we are still finding at least a bag of trash on the beaches. The heavy winds are sweeping most of the trash into the dunes or burying it in the sand.
It doesn't take as long to clean a beach when the trash is limited. It is kind of…
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Delaware’s Striped Bass Spawning Season Begins April First
The striped bass spawning season is almost upon us. It is already in full effect in the Chesapeake. Anglers over there are catching some big bass. While we are seeing a lot of short bass catches there have been a few smaller keepers here and there. Out tidal creeks and inland bays are really active right now. Bunker have been…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: March 19-25
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: March 19-25
Reminder for the week: Harvest of river herring, use of nets near spillways,
retaining striped bass during spawning season unlawful in Delaware
DOVER (March 30, 2018) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that…
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Hearns Pond boat ramp to be closed April 2-4 for courtesy dock installation
Hearns Pond boat ramp to be closed April 2-4 for courtesy dock installation
DOVER (March 29, 2018) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today that the boat ramp at Hearns Pond will be closed from April 2-4 to install a courtesy dock. A courtesy dock is a floating structure located alongside a launching ramp that makes…
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Maryland Set To Reduce Striped Bass Size
Emergency Action Seeks to Reduce Minimum Size Requirement for Striped Bass
March 27, 2018
Move to 19-Inch Rockfish Comes After Robust Stakeholder Input; Maintains Conservation Levels
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is moving forward with emergency regulations that will reduce the minimum size of striped bass for charter boat and…
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Pennywise May Or May Not Be Roaming New Castle County
Pennywise may or may not be roaming New Castle County
By Shauna McVey
Stephen King’s original “It” is my all-time favorite movie. Well, the first half since that’s the only part my parents recorded on VHS when the miniseries aired in 1990. Pennywise launched my love of scary movies and books, but I think we’d all prefer if he stay on the…
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The Chillaware Island Spring Surf Fishing Tourney Expands
The Chillaware Island Spring Surf Fishing Tourney has grown faster than we expected. We are adding a kids division and expanding the fishing options. Last year when we did the fall tourney we only used 3Rs because we figured with only six weeks to promote the tourney it would not bring in big numbers. We had about one hundred and…
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Will Delaware Change The 2018 Summer Flounder Size Limit
Delaware is in the process of changing the flounder size limit, but will it remain all year? Right now the summer flounder limit is seventeen inches and four fish per angler, per day. We don't have a season for flounder like the northern states. Delaware is in the process of changing our summer flounder size limit to sixteen and a half inches.…
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Nor’easter Showers Bring Mylar Flowers
Last weeks nor'easter rocked us a good bit, but we survived. When you live at the coast you get used to bad coastal storms it is part of the way of life here. Like living on the west coast and dealing with earthquakes, and droughts.
The wildlife here at the beach is used to this weather and will react accordingly. Marshes flood…
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First Annual Capital Outdoor Sportsmen Event
The first annual Capital Outdoor Sportsmen Event is on April 21 to the 22nd at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds. This event was organized by Sharon Gertz and she is very excited to bring this to her area, "I wanted to do this for years and now I finally have the opportunity. We have some wonderful sponsors ... Leo's Vacation Center, Maryland…
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Yearling Harp Seal To Be Rescued By MERR
Leah Reynolds was called to the beach today to check on a seal sighting. We asked her to share her story and some details as a MERR volunteer. You will be hearing more from Leah as a field reporter for Delaware Surf Fishing. She will be a wonderful addition to our team.
The seal will be rescued this evening or tomorrow morning. According to…
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Where Are You Gonna Fish This Weekend
Parks are hoping to have the drive ons open tomorrow, be careful driving at high tide. All you are gonna find out there is skates, but not too many tourists. A lot of people are headed this way for the weekend to start opening up their houses for the coming season. Traffic will be a little heavier than it has been this winter.
Fishing…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: March 12-18
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: March 12-18
Reminder for the week: Boaters urged to check gear before putting vessels in the water
DOVER (March 23, 2018) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure…
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Drive On Accesses Are Still Closed
The beaches are recovering from the nor'easter Parks are in the process of evaluating the drive on accesses. I am sure they are waiting to see what the next high tide does since some of the beaches are flat with big swales.
1:45 PM is high tide today at Indian River Inlet. The water is still up a bit along the coast.
I know…
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Why Are There TV Antennas On The Beach In Bethany
The other day while making videos of the storm surge from storm Toby, the spring nor'easter. I took some random shots of Bethany beach and posted the videos and pictures. I didn't think much about it, but dozens of people have asked me what are those TV antennas doing on the beach. Most thought it was something that washed up from…
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Update On The Rescued Grey Seal Banshee
The other day a female grey seal pup was found on the beach in Bethany. She was reported to the Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation (MERR) Institute, who likes to record all sightings and also check on the seal's health. Usually they are just relaxing on the beach and taking a rest. MERR likes to keep a record of the ons that visit…
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OC Reef Foundation Reef Report 3/21/18
From the desk of Capt. Monty Hawkins, Pres. OC Reef Foundation
Reef Report 3/21/18
Dinner Date!
Major Contributions!
Greetings Reef Sponsors,
After a year of modest reef building, the Ocean City Reef Foundation now has a lot going on.
This year's Reef Dinner will be held at Seacrets again. We're assured by Seacret's banquet staff we'll…
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Poof … It Is Snowing Hard In Sussex County
Careful what you wish for it is snowing like gangbusters out here in the country. All day everyone on social media has been complaining where is the snow, now people are complaining where are the snow plows.
Route 1 below Dover is proving to be a disaster now due to accidents and jammed up traffic. Near the beach there is less…
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Bethany Beach Loses A Walkway
About the only thing I have seen or heard of damage wise is Bethany beach losing a walkway on one of their dune crossovers. There is a tree or two down here and there and a couple of blown transformers. The stairs in Bethany were essentially temporary anyway until the beach replenishment could happen. When sandy hit the stairs were…
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Governor John Carney Issues Level 1 Driving Warning for Kent and New Castle Counties
The north is getting a decent amount of snow fast. Sussex county is just now seeing snowfall and has been dealing with minor tidal flooding all day. No dunes have breached, despite the heavy and high seas pummeling the beaches, and route 1 is clear along the coast. The back bays flooded a wee bit, but not as bad as expected. The next high…
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The Real Reason The Seas Are Angry My Friends
Whoever pissed off this guy and stole his ball, please give it back. Poseidon is really upset and is just sitting in the surf contemplating his next move. He has already slapped three guys in the line up trying to catch a wave and tried to stab one body boarder who got in his way.
We are heading down to the beach soon to discuss…
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Storm Toby And The Second Day Of Spring
Storm Toby, our spring nor'easter, so far is just pummeling us with winds and rain, which is much worse in my opinion than the impending snow we may or may not see today. We are five hours away from high tide and the ocean is on top of the beach, almost to the dune line. The inland bays are full of water at low tide. typical…
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Governor John Carney Issues State Of Emergency For Delaware
DOVER, Del. – With an impending winter storm expected to impact Delaware, Governor John Carney on Tuesday issued a State of Emergency statewide authorizing the Delaware National Guard to assist state and local officials with any necessary response and recovery for this winter storm effective midnight on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.
The…
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Storm Toby Update First Day Of Spring Flooding
The first high tide was not that bad there has been moderate tidal flooding in all the usual spots for the inland bay communities. DelDOT is set up and ready for route 1 to flood, because it isn't if, at this point, but when. At midnight is the next high tide, roughly around 1 to 2 AM is when you should be concerned about that area…
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First Day Of Spring Arrives With Angry Seas
Happy first day of spring, and our next guest ... Here comes the nor'easter, the seas are up along the coast line. We are in a coastal flood warning from 8 PM tonight until 5 PM Thursday night. Those of you along the inland bays knows what that means, it is going to flood. How much is a good question and remains to be seen. Those…
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And For Our Next Two Noreasters, Best Weather Report Ever!
Anyone tired of these nor'easters yet? Tired of weather reports that are wrong or misleading? Tired of all the Facebook pages vying for attention with constant updates? NOAA via the national Weather service broke the internet today with their report.
We do storm reports on DSF because it is a big aspect of fishing and people are…
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MERR To The Rescue
Seals are still showing up on the beaches. This little guys is presently being rescued by MERR. It will be evaluated and brought back to health and then released back to the wild. I have no idea why it is being rescued, but if MERR felt it needs to be, then it needs help.
If you see a seal on a beach or anywhere, do not approach…
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Opsrey Are Arriving On Delmarva
During the beach clean up on Sunday we observed an osprey picking up nest building materials. The nest was in front of the maintenance area at naval crossing, and you can't see the nest unless you are on the beach, south of naval crossing. It was great to see our favorite fish finders arrive.
That is surely a sign of better…
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Why Glass Is Bad On A Beach
This is not the beach glass I like collecting, we find a lot of glass that is like this. As much as we like collecting beach glass and people make jewelry out of it, glass is bad on a beach for many reasons. Due to our passion for beach clean ups I recognize it is hypocritical to like collecting beach glass. I get that, but glass…
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3 Guys, 3 Buckets, 3 Hours, 3 Miles, One Clean Beach
Whoever schedules a beach clean up the day after St. Patty's day is crazy ... guilty as charged.
We met on Sunday morning at 9 AM in Cape Henlopen state park at the point comfort station crossing area. Chris and Andrew were there when I arrived. We waited a bit until after 9 AM and then started out on the beach. I told the…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: March 5-11
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: March 5-11
Reminder for the week: Spring Aboard is here!
DOVER (March 16, 2018) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC Fish…
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Not The Donuts We Like At The Beach
At some point in the last twenty-four hours or less, someone decided to go all "yeehaa" and do donuts all over the beach in Cape Henlopen at navy Crossing.
Ignorant stuff like this is how we lose access to our park beaches after hours. It is also used as an excuse by people like the beach coalition folks to take away your access…
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Artist Writes An Important Message In The Sand Of The New Ocean City Inlet Beach
If you haven't seen it yet, the constant winds and storms have pushed tons of sand sand, literally, into the Ocean City inlet and created a beach along the north Jetty wall. The last time this happened was superstorm Sandy. Eventually the sand will wash out, but for now even the surfers are digging some of the cool waves it has…
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DNREC Mosquito Control Section’s spraying season to begin with larviciding wooded wetlands
DNREC Mosquito Control Section’s spraying season to begin with larviciding wooded wetlands
DOVER (March 16, 2018) – DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section within the Division of Fish & Wildlife will begin its annual spring woodland pool spraying campaign Saturday, March 17 onwooded wetlands near select populated areas in southern Sussex…
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Ocean City Reef Foundation Reef Report
From the desk of Captain Monty Hawkins ...
Greetings Reef Sponsors,
After a year of modest reef building, the Ocean City Reef Foundation now has a lot going on. We're close to inking a deal with a major corporate sponsor - - it's huge. This sponsorship will bring the Bass Grounds Reef Restoration project to life.
The Nature…
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Former Delawareans on the hunt for funds to catch tasty, reef-harming lionfish
Former Delawareans on the hunt for funds to catch tasty, reef-harming lionfish
By Shauna McVey
New fish have started to enter the Delaware culinary market thanks to two of Delaware Surf Fishing’s favorite environmentalists, Ashley Ridout and Brian Asher. This power couple left Sussex County for the warmer waters of the Gulf Coast last…
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First Beach Clean Up Of The 2018 Season
We were going to continue with beach clean ups all winter, but mother nature wasn't too cooperative. Add to that everyone getting really busy (namely me) and we just didn't have the time. I would love to have the February spring weather back, the first clean up however did turn out to be a nice day for a walk on the beach and…
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Beach replenishment project in the Towns of Bethany, South Bethany, and Fenwick Island to begin this spring
Beach replenishment project in the Towns of Bethany, South Bethany, and Fenwick Island to begin this spring
News from the Town of Bethany Beach: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Philadelphia District has announced the schedule for the much-needed repair of our beach. The work on our beach is slated to begin May 15, 2018 and…
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Upstate trout season to open April 7 in seven New Castle County streams
Upstate trout season to open April 7 in seven New Castle County streams
DNREC announces Red Clay Creek to be stocked for first time in 30 years thanks to improved water quality;
trout anglers also should note that changes have been made to original stocking schedule
DOVER (March 14, 2018) – Delaware’s spring upstate trout season will…
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DNREC’s DuPont Nature Center to reopen April 4
DNREC’s DuPont Nature Center to reopen April 4
Volunteers sought for spring cleanup day March 18
DOVER (March 13, 2018) – The DuPont Nature Center at Mispillion Harbor Reserve, a DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife facility located in the heart of Delaware’s Bayshore Region, will reopen Wednesday, April 4 after being closed for the…
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Last Day For Public Comment About Offshore Drilling In The Atlantic
Today is the last day to put in your public comments about offshore drilling in the Atlantic ocean and the eastern seaboard. This is a bad idea for fishermen. Not only could these rigs be right in the middle of the canyons, but a spill would be detrimental to our ecosystem. Seismic testing alone will alter migratory patterns of all of the…
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Cargo Containers Washing Up On Beaches
During the storm a week ago, the "westeaster", or bomb cyclone. A container ship off the coast of North Carolina lost seventy cargo containers.
Now they are washing up on beaches south of us, but you never know where these will show up. Also mariners (boaters) should be careful since many of these will float just under the surface and are…
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Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Return is Sentinel of Chesapeake Bay Ecosystem Recovery
DNR press release
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Return is Sentinel of Chesapeake Bay Ecosystem Recovery
March 5, 2018
Department Researcher among 14 Co-authors in National Academy of Sciences Report
A new research article published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences analyzes the positive impact of long-term…
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The Delaware Outdoors Expo is Saturday
Come out this Saturday to the Delaware Outdoors Expo and check out our booth, Delaware Surf Fishing with Diamond State Custom Tackle. I will be able to sign you up for the Chillaware Island Spring Surf Fishing Tournament.
Diamond State Tackle, local makers of superior fishing gear, will be debuting their new mullet rigs with spinners.
I…
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Southbound Route 1 closed for flooding.
Just below Dewy beach DelDOT has closed the right lane of route 1 dues to inland bay flooding. Something which has been occurring every high tide for the past couple days. If you want to save some time with alerts get the DelDOT app in the google play store so you can keep up with these alerts and much more.
It is easy to use you…
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The largest St. Pat’s Parade around steps off this Sunday in Milton
Girl Goes Local ...
The largest St. Pat’s Parade around steps off this Sunday in Milton
By Shauna McVey
Twelve miles west of the Cape Henlopen coast lies a quaint town with one of Sussex’s best kept secrets: The Milton St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Don’t let the name fool you. This parade isn’t just a parade, and it won’t be held on St.…
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Marsh Fire On Route 1 Today
The marsh caught fire today just below the Charles W Cullen bridge on the southbound side of route 1. You would think with the high water this wasn't possible, but it doesn't take long for that dead grass to dry out in high winds and some sunshine. There were four sections of marsh and brush that caught fire according to the Bethany…
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Beach Conditions In Delaware Seashore State Park And A Breach
I checked out the beaches in Delaware Seashore State Park today, the drive on was open, but I wouldn't go anywhere near there if the tide is coming in and here is why ...
The water is washing across the beach to the dune edges easier. Because the storm we just had pushed a lot of sand up onto the beach and filled in most of the…
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The Storm of 62 was 56 Years Ago
56 years ago today, March 6, 1962 ...
This was written in 2016 not long after Storm Jonas hammered the coastline
It was forecast as a normal winter storm. Tides were predicted at 2 to 5 feet higher than normal with flooding in low lying areas. Gale force winds from a storm moving across the country that would head offshore. A typical winter…
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Big Waves And Flooded Beaches
The storm surge is till hitting the coastline with heavy wave action. Surfers are excited from what I hear down at the inlet, there are some sick waves. Rehoboth beach and all the ocean beach towns are getting water to the dune line at high tide. We are two hours from high tide and the water is already washing over the beaches. …
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Maryland Schedules Public Hearing on Black Drum Draft Addendum I
Maryland Schedules Public Hearing on Black Drum Draft Addendum I
Arlington, VA – Maryland has scheduled their hearing to gather public comment on Draft Addendum I to the Black Drum Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The details of this hearing are as follows:
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
March 15, 2018 at 5:30 PM
Maryland DNR
580…
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Nor’easter Expected To Hit On Wednesday
We just got past a west'easter that flooded us like a nor'easter. Yes I made up west'easter. On Wednesday we have another storm slated to hit. This will be a nor'easter thanks to the true northeast winds. Snow is predicted for the northeast, I doubt southern Delaware will see any, but that could change tomorrow or in…
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Expect Minor Tidal Flooding Into Monday
The coastal flood warning is until 3 PM this afternoon. All the usual low spots are filling with water due to tidal flooding. The full moon we just had and the winds are keeping water in the inland bays and causing flooding around the area. I would expect to last the next few high tides due to the heavy winds and storm surge we are…
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Expect Minor Tidal Flooding Today
If you live in an area that usually floods form tidal flooding from storms, expect that to happen within the next few hours. Roosevelt inlet is already up to the road edge and coming over in Lewes on Pilottown road below the university. This is at the Canary creek area, which always floods there first.
Low lying areas will hold water at…
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Full Moon, High Tide, and Gale Force Winds
Good luck to all the anglers in Delaware hitting the trout ponds for opening day. Not a big fan of wind. Monday looks much better. At least we will see diminishing winds later this afternoon and the sun is already trying to break through the clouds.
The storm so far has just been wind damage; signs down, boats blown over, extreme blow out…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Feb. 19-25
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Feb. 19-25
Reminder for the week: Wildlife area visitors encouraged to know and follow rules
DOVER (March 2, 2018) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe…
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Maryland Considering Changes to Striped Bass Regulations Public Comments Needed
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is considering changes to the recreational and charter boat summer and fall striped bass fishery. The changes will require the use of circle hooks while chumming or live-lining, regardless of the target species. There is a possibility that the regulation may limit the size of the “J” hook…
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The Bomb Cyclone Has Dropped
I love these weather terms and so do the weather and news sites. Sounds scary right? The real term for this phenomenon is explosive cyclogenesis, or bombogenesis and it is actually very common. It refers to a low pressure system's central pressure when it drops 24 millibars in 24 hours. A millibar is a unit of pressure…
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Public Hearing For DNREC, DDA Proposed Firearm Regulations Set For Monday, March 12 In Dover
Public hearing for DNREC, DDA proposed firearm regulations set for Monday, March 12 in Dover
DOVER (March 1, 2018) – Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and Department of Agriculture (DDA) will conduct a joint public hearing Monday, March 12 on proposed regulations for possessing firearms in Delaware’s…
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Drive On Beach Access Closed For Weekend
I just heard from Delaware state park administrators that drive on beach accesses in Fenwick Island State Park and Delaware Seashore State park will be closed today (afternoon) in anticipation of this storm. This is for the safety of not only the public but the people who would have to rescue anyone who gets stuck. Let's also not…
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The Calm Before The Storm
It is eerily calm out, there is little to no wind. That will change as the day progresses and then tomorrow the storm kicks it up a few notches. So far we are still on track for major winds, minor to major coastal flooding and all that nor'easter jazz. It is hard to predict these so go easy on the weather people, yes they still get…
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March Will Roll In Like An Angry Lion
They say March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb or the other way around. Well the bar has been set, she is getting it all in the beginning of this month, like a pride of angry lions. We are starting off March first, tomorrow, with a big nor'easter like storm. Coastal flood watch, High wind watch and almost a dozen other…
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Data Workshops Scheduled for Atlantic Menhaden Single-Species & Ecological-Based Benchmark Stock Assessments
Data Workshops Scheduled for Atlantic Menhaden Single-Species & Ecological-Based Benchmark Stock Assessments
Arlington, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has begun work on two Atlantic menhaden-specific benchmark assessments: a single-species benchmark assessment and an ecological-based benchmark assessment. The…
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Weekly Beach Clean Ups Will Start On March 11
We are starting the weekly beach clean ups for 2018 this march on the 11th at 9 AM. I was going to start this coming weekend but the winds are gonna be crazy and well ... I hate windy fishing, which is even worse when you are trying to find trash in a sandstorm. Last year the DSF clean up crew racked up hundreds of volunteer hours…
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Want To Help The Inland Bays? Then Take This Survey
Tell us YOUR concerns about the Inland Bays!
This brief survey will help the Center focus on your community’s concerns relating to the health of the Rehoboth, Indian River, and Little Assawoman Bays
–and the land surrounding them.
As a token of our appreciation, each participant that includes their mailing address will receive:…
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Delaware State Park Passes Required In March
The winter free for all is over in Delaware Start Parks. Every year in the winter the parks are wide open to any and all that would like to visit them, this starts on November 30th. Some of the in-park features are not open to the general public without a pass or entrance fee, such as the Brandywine zoo. The parks themselves…
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Point at Cape Henlopen to close March 1 for 2018
DNREC announces the Point at Cape Henlopen to close March 1 for 2018 beachnesting season
LEWES (Feb. 26, 2018) – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation today announced that the Point at Cape Henlopen State Park, including a stretch of ocean beach and dunes, and a half mile along the bay shoreline, will close beginning Thursday, March…
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Look Up At The Humanity Star On Friday
The Humanity Star will pass over Delaware on Friday morning. What is the humanity star? It is a geodesic dome satellite that was launched into orbit on January twenty-first. Covered in highly reflective panels, this causes it to appear like it is blinking rapidly as it passes across the night sky. It will be brighter than the…
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Delaware State Parks Upgrades More Air Stations
Last week Savages Ditch air station across from the Faithful Steward crossing was closed to replace the air hoses. That has been completed and the air station is open again, it only took a couple of days. By the way the area on the bayside is called Savages Ditch, the dune cross over or drive on access road is Faithful Steward,…
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Governor Carney seeks nominees for two At-Large vacancies on the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council
Governor Carney seeks nominees for two At-Large vacancies on the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management
Council
Governor Carney is seeking nominees for two vacant At-Large seats on the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (MAFMC). One of the two seats is currently held by New York and the second is held by North Carolina. Although legally…
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Savages Ditch Air Station Closed
The air station at Savages Ditch that serves Faithful Steward Crossing in Delaware Seashore State Park is closed for air hose upgrades for at least a week. As soon as the work is completed it will reopen. For those that do not know this is the last air station on the bay side before the Charles W Cullen bridge that spans the Indian…
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Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier Section Is Closed
Recently Delaware State parks closed the end of the Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier. This is the newer section that was opened up a few years ago. Some of the pylons that were repaired with cement and a poly wrap are cracking or split. Parks is going to evaluate the damage and will have a timeline when the section will be repaired and…
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DNREC, DHSS issue new fish consumption advisories that reflect continuing improvement in water quality for Delaware waterways
DNREC, DHSS issue new fish consumption advisories that reflect continuing improvement in water quality for Delaware waterways
DOVER (Feb. 20, 2018) – New fish consumption advisories issued today by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Public…
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Save The Great Marsh Sign The Petition
There are proposed plans to develop the land that backs up to the Great Marsh. Many of us feel this is bad idea. Not just for the added congestion etc. that is always an argument and these days a given, especially in the summer. The main concern for many of us is the fact this could and will destroy a very valuable ecosystem and…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Feb. 5-11
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Feb. 5-11
Reminder for the week: Spring ahead of Spring Aboard
DOVER (Feb. 16, 2018) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, Fish…
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Spring 2018 Trout Stocking And Opening For Downstate Ponds
DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife announces spring 2018 trout stocking and opening for downstate ponds
Trout anglers encouraged to check requirements before fishing
DOVER (Feb. 15, 2018) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife today announced that Delaware’s spring 2018 downstate trout season will begin Saturday, March 3, with the…
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DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation’s economic impact study for Delaware state parks praised at Tower 3 lighting ceremony
DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation’s economic impact study for Delaware state parks praised at Tower 3 lighting ceremony
LEWES (Feb. 12, 2018) – Against the backdrop of the ceremonial lighting of the World War Two-era Tower 3 at Delaware Seashore State Park, Governor John Carney, DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin and other officials…
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Delaware’s Youngest Fly Tyer
Saturday I dropped by to see the Saltwater Fly Anglers Of Delaware Club at their weekly fly tie meets. Chad Betts was there with his son Cohen, locals of Milton,DE. You will probably recognize Cohen, he is the young man on the cover of the 2018 Delaware Fishing Guide with the striped bass and a huge smile. Ever since I met Cohen he…
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Chillaware Island Spring Surf Fishing Tournament Registration
Registration is now available for the annual Chillaware Island Spring Surf Fishing Tournament. If you want an event T-shirt, we have that option just select the registration with a T-shirt. These cost $15 with early registration. This is the best time to get this shirt, the day of the tourney we will have some shirts but not a lot…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 29-Feb.4
Reminder for the week: Conservation Order allows snow goose harvest
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Virginia Withdraws Appeal to Amendment 3 For Menhaden
Just announced by the ASMFC, this is good news for the menhaden populations. When We contacted theASMFCas to why they withdrew there wasn't a reason submitted with the withdraw.
ASMFC .... "This is a schedule change notice for the ASMFC’s meeting on February 8, 2018. The Commonwealth of Virginia has withdrawn its appeal of Amendment 3 to the…
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DNREC’s 2018 Delaware Fishing Guide And Fishing Rulers Now Available
DNREC’s 2018 Delaware Fishing Guide and fishing rulers now available
DOVER (Feb. 5, 2018) – The Division of Fish & Wildlife’s 2018 Delaware Fishing Guide and fishing rulers for measuring legal-sized catches have landed wherever anglers purchase a Delaware fishing license, including bait & tackle shops, and sporting goods and…
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Once In A Blue, Super, Blood Moon Photographs
If you braved the chilly weather and got up early the other day then you got a chance to see the super blue blood moon. Unfortunately for me the camera has bit the dust, literally. The optics have gone south and taking pictures, especially moon shots are impossible. We were treated to a visible super, blue, blood moon. When the…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 22-28
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 22-28 Reminder for the week: State game refuges
DOVER (Feb. 2, 2018) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, Fish &…
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Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission 2017 Annual Report
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is pleased to present you with our 2017 Annual Report, http://www.asmfc.org/files/pub/2017AnnualReport.pdf. It describes the Commission’s activities and progress in carrying out our public trust responsibilities for the valuable marine fisheries under Commission stewardship. Included in this report…
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Here comes the Super, Blue, Blood, Moon
On January 31st we will be treated to a super moon, that will be a blue moon and also a blood moon. A stellar trifecta for any stargazer. This has not happened since 1866. The west coast will see the full lunar eclipse (Blood Moon) the east coast will see a partial eclipse in the early morning, because by the time the eclipse is full the moon…
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29th Annual Beach Grass Planting, the Planting O’ The Green!
Hello! We are planning the 29th Annual Beach Grass Planting, the Planting O’ The Green!Our efforts this year will be focused on areas where dune repairs were made and dunes that have bare areas that were not planted last year.
Each March since 1990, many dedicated volunteers have helped to build and protect Delaware’s sand dunes by planting Cape…
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Delmarva Outdoors Expo 2018 Vendor Applications
The Delmarva Outdoors Expo is now accepting vendor applications and sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring the event please contact us at admin@delaware-surf-fishing.com . If you would like a vendor application you can download that here Delmarva Outdoors Expo 2018 Vendor Application. There are a lot of new attractions being…
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Proposed New Regulations For Firearms Possession Within Delaware State Parks, Wildlife Areas, And State Forests
DNREC, DDA propose new regulations for firearms possession within Delaware state parks, wildlife areas, and state forests
DOVER (Jan. 19, 2018) – The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) have proposed new regulations expanding the scope of legal…
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Beach Combing Is Great This Time Of Year
As much as we all hate the cold, if you get that one nice day to hit the sand box, you should do it at low tide. This is the best time of year to go beach combing, for a few reasons. Mostly the fact that hardly anyone is here, there is less competition finding beach treasures. However you do have to compete with those of us that…
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DelDOT’s Eye Over Indian River Inlet Shows More Than Traffic
DelDOT's Traffic Camera On The north Tower Of The Indian River Inlet Bridge Shows Beach, Weather, Water and Traffic Conditons at The Indian River Inlet
If you don't us the DelDOT app on your phone to pay attention to the traffic cameras, you should. Especially these days, I constantly see posts on locals pages asking if the Indian River Inlet…
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The Indian: An Iconic Lewes Boat Is Floated For The Last Time
During the January blizzard of 2018 we dealt with a lot of heavy snow and ice. Not too big of a deal if you are on land, but if you were a boat in some of the marinas, there could be issues. Many if not all of the larger boats in the Lewes Marina were stuck on the bottom after extreme low tides. Due to the recent full moon and the…
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Governor Carney Releases Statement on Trump Administration’s Offshore Drilling Plan
Governor Carney Releases Statement on Trump Administration’s Offshore Drilling Plan
WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s plan to open up areas in the Atlantic Ocean, including waters off the Delaware coastline, to oil and gas drilling:
“Drilling for oil and gas…
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Fly Tie Saturdays Start This Weekend
Every year the Saltwater Fly Anglers of Delaware club meets to tie flies. Saturdays at Lewes Harbor Marina the club sets up and ties flies for a few hours. We tel lies, eat a lot of donuts and drink gallons of coffee. The sessions start at 9 am and continue to about noon. The public is welcome to come to learn about fly fishing,…
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Oyster Stock Status 2018 In The Delaware Bay
Oysters are doing better and better according to Rich Wong, Biometrician, ( fishery scientist or marine biologist ), he gave a presentation last night on the status of Delaware's oyster beds in the bay. Recruitment and spat growth is up and has been increasing since 2015. The quota for 2016 was 10,662 bushels, 2018 has been…
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2018 Blue Crab Status
Last night I attended the Shellfish advisory committee meeting. There were several topics including how the blue crab harvest will be for 2018. Trawl surveys are done on juvenile crabs to do counts to get an idea of the amount of crabs we should see in 2018. This allows DNREC to set the quota for commercial watermen. This is only…
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Iced Over Bays
The Delaware and Chesapeake and inland bays are all iced over. In some areas the ice is so thick you have to use barges to break a path for boats with lesser hulls. Maryland has been using ice breakers for the islands to deliver food, mail, and school kids. The Coast Guard put out level two ice alerts for the northern Chesapeake…
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Ice Fishing It Is
We get nasty weather every winter but we don't always get the prolonged cold like we did way back in the day. In the late seventies I can remember winters like this when we had some crazy blizzards. Ponds would freeze and for a good part of the winter you could skate on them, in one area it was the best way to get around the…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 25-31
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 25-31 Reminder for the week: It’s a good time to take a Boater Safety Course
DOVER (Jan. 5, 2018) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public…
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Winter Weather Advisory Freezing Rain
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
250 PM EST Sun Jan 7 2018
...A WINTRY MIX OF PRECIPITATION IS EXPECTED ON MONDAY AFTERNOON
AND MONDAY EVENING...
.A weak warm front is forecast to approach from the southwest on
Monday and it should lift through our region during the afternoon
and evening hours.…
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Level 2 Driving Restriction Still In Effect
THE STATE OF EMERGENCY AND LEVEL 2 DRIVING RESTRICTION REMAIN IN EFFECT THROUGHOUT SUSSEX COUNTY. GOVERNOR CARNEY ALSO HAS AUTHORIZED THE DELAWARE NATIONAL GUARD TO ASSIST STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS WITH ANY NECESSARY RESPONSE AND RECOVERY FOR THIS SEVERE WINTER STORM.
Seriously the roads suck. You cannot be forced to come to work during a…
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Snow Is The Least Of Our Worries
We already had a good snow for 2017 and now they are saying we will see anywhere from one inch to ten inches, and the coast will get the brunt of the snow. This of course depends on which model you are using. I am not worried about snow, it is fun to play in and not too bad to get around in, even in this cold. I am worried about…
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DNREC winter reminder: Dunes in state parks closed to sledding and snowboarding
DNREC winter reminder: Dunes in state parks closed to sledding and snowboarding
REHOBOTH BEACH (Jan. 2, 2018) – With winter now in full force and predictions of snow in the forecast, DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation reminds residents and visitors that sledding or snowboarding are illegal on dunes within Delaware state parks.
“Dunes…
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Delaware Outdoor Expo Set For March
The annual Delaware Outdoor Expo, brought to you by Delaware State News is on March 10th from 8 AM to 4 PM. Not to be confused with the three day Delmarva Outdoors Expo in April. I know there was some confusion last year. There were over three thousand attendees last year, this is a great way for a vendor to get in front of a lot…
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Yes Saltwater Can Freeze
I have seen this question or statement many times on social media this week. Can saltwater freeze? I didn't know you could get ice on the ocean. Have people seen the arctic or north pole? Yes saltwater can freeze. Fresh water freezes at thirty two degrees Fahrenheit, but seawater freezes at about twenty eight (28.4) degrees…
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New Year Starts With A Super Blue Moon, A Blood Moon, And A Black Moon
Happy New year and welcome to 2018. January first was the full wolf moon, which also happens to be a super moon. That means the moon's orbit is in perigee, its closest point to Earth. The moon this year will be full, just as the moon hits its closest point in orbit (perigee), making it appear up to fourteen percent larger and…
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Wind Chill Advisory, Small Craft Advisory, Gale Warning, And Freezing Spray
Wind Chill Advisory
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
343 AM EST Sun Dec 31 2017
New Castle-Kent-Inland Sussex-Delaware Beaches-Cecil-Kent MD-
Queen Annes-Talbot-Caroline-Hunterdon-Somerset-Middlesex-
Western Monmouth-Eastern Monmouth-Mercer-Salem-Gloucester-Camden-
Northwestern…
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Chillaware Island Spring Surf Fishing Tournament 2018
Save the date! May 5th will be the First annual Chillaware Island Spring Surf Fishing tournament. We have a lot of details to tell you about and are still working with sponsors. If anyone would like to be a sponsor please get in touch at admin@delaware-surf-fishing.com. This spring tournament will be just like the fall tournament we just…
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Maryland Tagged Blue Claw Crab Found In The Gulf Side Of Florida
Two years ago people were catching tagged blue claw crabs near us in the Chesapeake and its tributaries. We got in touch with the people doing the tagging for the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) Animal Tracking Studies. The interview was interesting and informative. We learned a great deal especially about migration…
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November/December Issue Of ASMFC Fisheries Focus
The November/December issue of ASMFC Fisheries Focus is now available at http://www.asmfc.org/uploads/file/5a45939aFishFocusNovDec2017.pdf.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Upcoming Meetings
page 2
Report From the Chair
A Year in Review
page 3
Species Profile
Tautog
page 4
Fishery Management Actions
Atlantic Menhaden
Black Sea Bass…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 18-24 Reminder for the week: Time to renew your 2018 Delaware fishing license
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 18-24
Reminder for the week: Time to renew your 2018 Delaware fishing license
DOVER (Dec. 29, 2017) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating…
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States Schedule Public Hearings on Draft Addendum XXX Options For Black Sea Bass Recreational Fisheries for 2018
States Schedule Public Hearings on Draft Addendum XXX
Board Seeks Input on Regional Management Options
for Black Sea Recreational Fisheries for 2018 and Beyond
Arlington, VA – Atlantic states from Massachusetts through Virginia have scheduled their hearings to gather public comment on Draft Addendum XXX to the Black Sea Bass Fishery…
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DNREC, DDA prepare to respond to Delaware Supreme Court’s Dec. 7 decision allowing firearms in state parks and forests
DNREC, DDA prepare to respond to Delaware Supreme Court’s Dec. 7 decision allowing firearms in state parks and forests
DOVER (Dec. 22, 2017) – The Delaware Supreme Court, by decision dated Dec. 7, 2017 in the matter of Bridgeville Rifle & Pistol Club, LTD, overturned a Superior Court ruling and ended a ban on visitors’ possessing…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 11-17
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 11-17
Reminder for the week: A new year brings the need for a new boat registration
DOVER (Dec. 22, 2017) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe…
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Lewes Beach Replenishment Closes Roosevelt Inlet Parking Lot
A couple of weeks ago a high, chain link fence was put up around the Roosevelt Inlet parking lot. The beach replenishment project is underway and the crews need the parking lot as a staging area for the dump trucks and heavy equipment. This is not a typical beach replenishment like we see on the ocean beaches in Bethany this year. …
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ASMFC Approves Black Sea Bass Draft Addendum XXX for Public Comment & ASMFC and MAFMC Initiate Bluefish Amendment
ASMFC Approves Black Sea Bass Draft Addendum XXX for Public Comment & ASMFC and MAFMC Initiate Bluefish Amendment
Annapolis, MD – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) met jointly to establish recreational specifications for black sea bass, scup, and…
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One Minute Wetlands VIDEO By DNREC
New video series – ‘One Minute Wetlands’ – now available on DNREC’s YouTube Channel
DOVER (Dec. 20, 2017) – The new Delaware Wetlands video series, “One-Minute Wetlands,” premieres this week on DNREC’s YouTube Channel with two new videos: “Free Ranging Marshes” and “Marsh Gas.” The series is produced by DNREC’s Division of Watershed…
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Recreational and Commercial Harvest of Atlantic Cobia (Georgia through New York) to Open in Federal Waters in 2018
NOAA Fisheries Service .. Fishery Bulletin
Recreational and Commercial Harvest of Atlantic Cobia (Georgia through New York) to Open in Federal Waters in 2018
KEY MESSAGE:
Recreational and commercial harvest of Atlantic migratory group cobia (from Georgia through New York) will open at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2018, in…
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ASMFC Approves Interstate FMP for the Atlantic Migratory Group Cobia
ASMFC Approves Interstate FMP for the Atlantic Migratory Group Cobia
Linthicum, MD – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission approved the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Atlantic Migratory Group (AMG). The FMP complements many of the aspects of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s (SAFMC) cobia…
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Second Earthquake Hits Dover Area
Yesterday at 12:45 am a second quake hit near the Dover area, roughly the same spot as the quake a couple weeks ago. About eight miles northeast of Dover, DE. This was only a magnitude of 1.2, but that was enough to shake a few people awake. This was a very small quake and barely registered on the scales so to speak. The earthquake alert sites…
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FWC Charges 3 In Connection To Shark Dragging Video
Not long ago everyone saw this video of a shark being dragged behind a boat. Recently the people in the video were charged with animal cruelty by the FWC. The official press release is below.
FWC charges 3 in connection to shark dragging video
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Hillsborough County State…
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Geminid Meteor Shower Peaks
The crew at the beach fishing and watching the Perseids .. Photo by Chip Thompson ...The meteor in the other image is from this one,blown up on my phone ... Chip Thompson
On Wednesday night (Dec. 13) into early Thursday morning (Dec. 14) the Geminid Meteor Shower will peak, also known as the gem. This yearly meteor shower is…
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Here Come The Gale Force Winds
Adam May was checking surf conditions at Tower road not long ago, and stumbled upon this deer in the surf. "It was just laying there, I knew it was alive, but didn't want to get too close in case it decided to rush me. It was disoriented and when it tried to stand up it would wobble a little and then fall back down. He was stuck in…
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DNREC announces new deputy secretary and chief of staff in the Office of the Secretary
DNREC announces new deputy secretary
and chief of staff in the Office of the Secretary
DOVER (Dec. 8, 2017) – Secretary Shawn M. Garvin announced today that the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will welcome two new staff members Dec. 11: Deputy Secretary Lisa Borin Ogden, and a new chief of staff to the DNREC…
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Snow Or No Snow?
I don't think at this point it is a question of whether it will snow, but how much will we get. Personally if it is going to snow I need a good amount to pull the car hood behind the four wheelers. Every weather service is calling for either just rain, a mix, or one to eight inches of snow, the most I have seen predicted. Even…
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Sunday Super Moon Funday
This year 2017 only has one "super moon". What is a super moon? It is when the moon is closest in orbit to the earth and we get almost thirty percent more moonlight. The full moon will be much brighter. Don't worry if you miss this one we will have two more in 2018, on Jan. 1 and Jan. 31, 2018. NASA ... "The late January…
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Delaware Offshore Wind Working Group to hold Dec. 5 public workshop in Lewes
This is a DNREC press release, the picture is a joke to get your attention that I added. In my opinion we need wind farms, they are a good idea, offshore and on land. People who complain about them being a eye sore should go look across the Indian River bay at the coal power plant that looks like something on a Pink Floyd album cover. I am…
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Why Is That Crane Off Rehoboth Beach
The work on the Rehoboth outfall project began not long ago, and that crane off the shore is digging the trench to set the pipe. Now if I wanted to do some fishing I would probably want to get "downstream" of this digging during an outgoing tide. Last year when the sand dredger was digging sand for the Rehoboth beach replenishment,…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Nov. 13-26
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Nov. 13-26
Reminder for the week: Loaded firearms prohibited in or on motor vehicles, motorboats or farm machinery
DOVER (Dec. 1, 2017) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe…
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Earthquake Gives Delaware A Quick Shake
Not ten minutes ago the house shook for a few seconds, then a post pops up on Facebook, and then fifty more. Meanwhile I am thinking was that an earthquake? From PA to New Jersey and all over the state of Delaware it was felt. A 4.4 to 5.06 magnitude quake hit and the epicenter is reported to be near Dover, Delaware according to…
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Overfalls Lightship Towed Out of Lewes
Setting up the rope for the pull and tow.
Today I accompanied Captain Clarke Droney of Tow Boat US Indian River to the Lewes Canal. He was assisting the Northstar 10 tugboat owned by Phil Risko and captained by Billy Fehn. Hired to pull the Overfalls Lightship out of her slip in the Rehoboth Lewes Canal, and tow her to the Dorchester…
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Crab Pot Season Ends
You can still crab all year long in Delaware, just not with crab pots, handlines and the drop traps and rings are also okay to use. The season for crab pots ends November 30th and reopens on March first. Time to pull the pots and get them cleaned up for next year. People are still catching crabs in the warmer water areas around the inland…
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Time For Some Seasonal Clamming
The seasonal clamming areas 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, especially Rehoboth bay. Once the bacteria and algae die off the water clears up real…
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What Is The EEZ And Why Is It Important
The EEZ, short for the Exclusive Economic zone, is a boundary that allows countries to regulate the natural resources in the waters within their "boundaries" for fishing and non-fishing industries.
As defined by NOAA ... "The exclusive economic zone is the zone where the U.S. and other coastal nations have jurisdiction over natural…
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What To Do When You Find A Dead Bald Eagle
Yesterday a buddy of mine sent me a message. "Hey there is a dead bald eagle south on route 1 bridge on magnolia by trap shooters rd looks to be a dead bald eagle on the side of the road , what do I do?" Good question, I told him to contact DNREC's fish and wildlife enforcement. I knew they would have an answer. Not twenty minutes…
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Coast Guard Will Be Enforcing Three Mile limit On Striped Bass
United States Coast Guard Bulletin ...
The cold air brings with it many things each year; pumpkin-spiced coffee, frost on the ground, droves of holiday shoppers and adventurous fishermen heading out to brave chilling winds and frigid waters to catch Atlantic Striped bass.
Striped Bass are a prized favorite for anglers up and down the…
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2018 Paradise Bay Flounder Tournament Ups The Ante
The 2018 Paradise Bay Flounder Tournament details have been announced and Al Tortella at Paradise Island has upped the ante for the bay tournament for 2018. The prize money has been increased and you can fish two days instead of one. This is the largest bay flounder tournament held on the inland bays, and in Delmarva. You won't…
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Flounder Pounder Open 2018 Will Be Off The Hook!
The 2018 Flounder Pounder Open's details have been set for next year and you want to get the dates reserved for this one! Go on vacation, quit your job, you won't want to miss the largest flounder tournament in the world. Al Tortella owner of Paradise Island has really amped it up for 2018. The Flounder Pounder Open will now be five days…
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Ice House Bait And Tackle Holiday Midnight Madness Sale
Icehouse Bait and Tackle is located at 110 New Road in Lewes, Delaware. less than a block from the Lewes canal off Pilottown road. Captain Les Clemmer has added a lot of new gear over the summer and is also carrying hunting items including archery supplies and ammunition. He has the hard to find twenty-two rounds. Icehouse Bait…
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Seaford man pleads guilty to felony resisting arrest in connection with assault on DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officer
Seaford man pleads guilty to felony resisting arrest in connection with assault on DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officer
LAUREL (Nov. 22, 2017) – A Seaford man who assaulted a DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officer Oct. 3 after he was found trespassing after hours in the Nanticoke Wildlife Area…
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Diamond State Custom Tackle Black Friday Sale And More
Now you can save big on tackle with Diamond State Custom Tackle's Black Friday to Cyber-Monday sale! Not only only do they have two combo packages that already save you money, but now they are on sale for a limited time for the holidays. Get stocked up for next year, or help fill a friends gear box for the holidays. They make great…
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Spotted Lanternfly Is Delaware’s Next Invader
Spotted Lanternfly adult
(NOV 20, 2017)Today the Delaware Department of Agriculture put out an alert. A spotted lanternfly was found in New Castle county. You may not think this is a big deal but in fact is a very big deal, especially to the forestry and agriculture industries. Pennsylvania has had issues with the Spotted Lantern fly since…
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Status Quo Won, Menhaden Zero
I attended the ASMFC Menhaden Management Board's meeting the other day and I will say this, I am very disappointed in the outcome. In fact I am embarrassed by the outcome, Delaware in particular helped by voting for this bad decision. Months ago I had meetings with our governor and other state officials and I was given the impression…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Oct. 30- Nov.5
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Oct. 30- Nov.5
Reminder for the week: Hunters and residents encouraged to review Delaware hunting and wildlife area regulations
DOVER (Nov. 9, 2017) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure…
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2017 DNREC’s Delaware Coastal Cleanup drew 1,500-plus volunteers who collected 3.8 tons of trash
2017 DNREC’s Delaware Coastal Cleanup drew
1,500-plus volunteers who collected 3.8 tons of trash
DOVER (Nov. 9, 2017) – This year’s DNREC-sponsored 30th annual Delaware Coastal Cleanup held Sept. 16 drew 1,567 volunteers, who collected 3.8 tons of trash from 47 sites along more than 75 miles of Delaware’s waterways and coastline stretching from…
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Orionids Will Peak Friday Night
The Orionids, the most popular meteor shower for many stargazers, will peak Friday night, Oct 20th into the early dawn hours of Oct. 21st. The reason for the popularity is the meteors are from fragments of ice and dust in the trail left behind by Halley’s Comet. The Earth passes through this dust trail ever year around October 20 to the 22nd.…
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DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Announces Annual Fall Trout Stocking For White Clay Creek
DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announces annual fall trout stocking for White Clay Creek
NEWARK (Oct. 18, 2017) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today the annual fall trout stocking for White Clay Creek – a DNREC practice since 2007 allowing anglers an opportunity to do some fall fishing in a mellow…
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Chillaware Surf Fishing Tournament
I want to thank everyone for coming out this Saturday and fishing the first annual Chillaware Island Surf Fishing tournament. I had a blast putting this together. We could not have done this without our sponsors and venue. Big Chill Beach Club, Big Chill Surf Cantina, Liquid Board shop, Crooked Hammock, WBOC Outdoors…
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Chillaware Surf Fishing Tournament Fall Fishing Tips
So the weather despite being nasty today, will be better tomorrow and the waves will lay down a lot more. This is classic fall weather fishing and we are loving it. Hopefully the east winds have pushed in some fish. So how do you fish these conditions? That's easy ...
You will need some weight for sure. Four ounces will do…
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Aquaponics 101… A workshop series offered by the DSU Cooperative Extension Aquaculture Technical Assistance and Outreach Program
Aquaponics 101
A workshop series offered by the DSU Cooperative Extension Aquaculture Technical Assistance and Outreach Program
Come join us as we explore aquaponics, the integration of aquaculture and hydroponics. The primary goal of the Aquaponics 101 workshop series is to help new and prospective aquaculture producers gain the…
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Chillaware Surf Fishing Tournament Get Signed Up Now
We are less than a week away from the first annual Chillaware Surf Fishing tournament. We have a lot of people signed up and are planning on cutting off online entries By Wednesday, if you haven't signed up do so soon on the Eventbrite Chillaware Surf Fishing Tournament page. You will be able to pick up your registration packets…
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Third Annual Boo-Que By The Sea
The third annual Boo-Que By The Sea is on October 20th to the 21st at the southside campground at the Indian River Inlet in Delaware Seashore State park. This is one of the largest Kansas City Barbecue Society competitions east of the Mississippi. "The KCBS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and enjoying barbeque, is the…
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Stand Up Paddle Board Safety
With the growing popularity of Stand Up Paddle boarding there are more adventurers out on the water than ever before. Most of us, even brand new beginners can get ourselves on the board even if it’s just kneeling or sitting and have the ability to paddle forward. You may not be using proper form or the most efficient or effective strokes, you…
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Swimmer’s Itch What You Need To Know
Swimmers itch can be an issue this time of year but is very rare
(July 2021) ... Update to this article ... This swimmer's itch below was never officially confirmed by this angler, nor a doctor. When asked to confirm this by the media they were told to not contact his doctor, and to just take his word for it. He instead created a…
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The Point Bayside Is Fully Open
The closed area of the bayside of the point has been taken down this morning by parks. You can now access the entire bayside of the point. Walking in from the overlook parking lot above point comfort station access is now possible and even from the Cape Henlopen fishing pier. Just be careful of the water coming in at high tide if…
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46.5-Pound Golden Tilefish Establishes New Delaware State Record For Deep-water Species
DNREC confirms that 46.5-pound golden tilefish establishes new state record for deep-water species
LEWES (Sept. 22, 2017) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife has confirmed a new state record in the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament: a 46-pound, 8-ounce golden tilefish, caught in the Atlantic Ocean Aug. 25 by Tom Schanno of…
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The First Annual Chillaware Surf Fishing Tournament Update
The First Annual Chillaware Surf Fishing Tournament is on October 14th.
Sign up now to get your space reserved! We are limiting this to 125 anglers due to the amount of space on 3Rs beach. Sign ups will NOT be available the day of the tournament. Sign up for tickets at this link. We also need to have a head count for the packets we are…
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All Beach Crossings Are Open Except
The beaches are narrow at high tide, but drive-able. Be careful of wet soft sand. If it looks questionable don't drive across it check it first. All of the surf crossings are open except Faithful Steward in Delaware Seashore State park. I would imagine due to water in swales in front of the ramp, that is typically what happens at this…
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Drive On Beaches Closed To Vehicles Till Thursday And Possibly Longer
State parks says the drive on beaches will be closed to vehicles until Wednesday morning. They will evaluate the beaches tomorrow morning and decide from there whether they will open them. right now the tide is low and the beaches are clear. High tide could push water up to the dune edges again in some areas. We are still looking…
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Hurricane Jose Is Here To Stay
Hurricane Jose must love the northeast beaches. According to all of the models and weather stations. Hurricane Jose is not only slowing down, but is literally going to spin back around after it moves further northeast. It will be farther offshore,but still sendus some storm surge. It is going to hook northeast as it gets closer…
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Inland Bays Update
The back bays or the inland bays are handling this okay on the first high tide. However tonight could be an issue, since the water is stacking up in the bays and unless a lot of it goes out at low tide, the lowareas will flood a little worse tonight about 11 PM. High tide is at 9 Pm at the Indian River Inlet. The usual low spots…
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Dune Breach At Conquest Beach Update
Hurricane Jose breached the dune this morning and closed route 1. This was in combination with bay water flooding the southbound lane first, then the dune breached and closed the entire highway. The breach is a couple hundred yards south of the drive on access at Conquest beach. The area where water has been washing in and…
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Dune Breach Closes Route 1 Southbound Lane
Route 1 southbound was just closed for water on the highway. This was mostly bay water, until the dune breached below Dewey Beach that is also flooding the highway. " The breach is at Conquest Road and is flowing heavily through the dunes from the beach across route 1." Del Dot has closed the southbound lane for now. We will let…
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Jose Floods Route 1
Well so far route 1 is flooded near conquest drive on access in Delaware Seashore State Park. The highway is passable but use caution. The waves are huge and fast this morning. Water is to the dunes on all of the beaches. High tide is at 8:40 AM at the Indian River Inlet. You can expect to see water on route 1 for a couple of…
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Surf Fishing Beaches Are Closed
Delaware State Parks have closed all surf fishing beaches until Tuesday. They will evaluate the beaches on Tuesday to see whether they can be reopened. High tide is at 6 PM this evening and the beaches are already getting washed over and we have an hour until high tide. Yesterday evening Gordons Pond washed over at the towers where the…
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First Nautical Flea Market held at Island Watersports in Fenwick
On October 21st the first annual Nautical Flea Market will be held at Island Watersports in Fenwick Island in the parking lot. The event starts at 8 AM and lasts until 3 PM. I asked Mike Ferrari why he was putting on this event. "We decided to do it for the local community to get together, and it ended up as an opportunity to…
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Here Comes Hurricane Jose
We have a tropical storm warning starting tonight, high surf advisory, and a coastal flood advisory into Wednesday evening the twentieth of September. Even though the storm is off the coast we will still see the effects of storm surge. Waves are larger and faster, the surfers are going to love this if it hits just right. The…
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Chillaware Surf Fishing Tournament On October 14th
Save the date! On October 14th, Delaware Surf Fishing is hosting the first annual 2017 Chillaware Surf Fishing Tournament. With the help of our sponsors Big Chill Beach Club, Liquid Board Shop, Crooked Hammock, Big Chill Surf Cantina, Taco Reho, Helly Hansen, El Dorado and Diamond State Custom Tackle. A portion of proceeds will be donated…
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DNREC Needs Our Input For Tautog And Black Sea Bass
From the Desk of John Clark, Fisheries Section Administrator, Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife
Hey Rich,
I hope you are well on this rainy start to the Labor Day weekend. I am wondering if you can help us out by getting feedback from your readers and members about the following tog and black sea bass issues. The tog issue has been out…
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