Delaware Fishing License reminder from DNREC

Delaware Fishing License reminder from DNREC

DOVER (Jan. 6, 2014) …. DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section reminds anglers that it’s time to purchase their 2014 Delaware fishing licenses, as their 2013 licenses expired on Dec. 31. A valid fishing license is required for fishing, crabbing and clamming in Delaware in both tidal and non-tidal waters.

A resident annual fishing license costs $8.50 for ages 16 through 64. Anglers under the age of 16 and residents age 65 and older are not required to purchase fishing licenses in Delaware. Some requirements differ for non-resident anglers. Exempt persons may purchase fishing licenses if they so choose to help support fisheries management in Delaware.

Recreational anglers fishing Delaware waters also are required to obtain a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (F.I.N.) number; this number is generated automatically on all individual fishing licenses sold through Delaware’s electronic licensing systems. License-exempt anglers, including Delaware residents 65 and older; non-resident boat fishing license holders who do not have an individual license; and individuals fishing on licensed boats who do not have an individual license, must obtain their free F.I.N. number by visiting www.delaware-fin.com or calling 800-432-9228 toll-free.

Delaware fishing licenses are sold online, at the licensing office in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, and by license agents statewide. To find the participating agent nearest you, or to purchase a license online, click Delaware Licenses. For more information, visitwww.fw.delaware.gov/fisheries.

Anglers also are reminded that the recreational black sea bass season closed in Delaware coastal waters beginning on Jan. 1, 2014. Federal waters, which begin 3 miles from shore, also closed on Jan. 1. Open season(s) for 2014 have not been finalized, but recommendations under consideration are for open seasons from May 19 to Sept. 18 and from Oct. 18 to Dec. 31, as well as a minimum size of 12.5 inches and a 15-fish daily harvest limit. Open season dates, minimum size and harvest limits for 2014 will be announced when finalized.

For more information on black sea bass or other Delaware fishing regulations, call the Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914 or visitwww.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Fisheries.

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife recognizes and thanks the majority of anglers, hunters and boaters who comply with and support Delaware’s fishing, hunting and boating laws and regulations. Citizens are encouraged to report fish and wildlife and boating violations to the Delaware Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section by calling 302-739-4580. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030 or online atwww.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Hunting/Pages/OpGameTheft.aspx.