Delaware Surf Fishing Tag Voucher Information

Delaware State Parks Announces Voucher Details

Anyone glad this wasn’t a robocall? On April 14th you can line up for your vouchers in a few Delaware state parks. There is some info you need to know to get these vouchers as well as where, below. May the odds be ever in your favor. Who wants to tailgate one of these?

DE state parks …
How can I get a surf fishing permit?

The Division will distribute 1,000 vouchers at six locations. The vouchers may be redeemed over a two-week period for a one-year surf-fishing permit.
Vouchers will be distributed from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 14, 2021 only, on a first-come, first-served basis.
The voucher distribution will take place as a drive-through, and participants are asked to stay in their vehicles and wear masks when interacting with park personnel.
Vouchers are not available online. All sales will be held at six park locations only, which will provide access in all three Delaware counties and to non-resident anglers in surrounding states.

What information should I be aware of or bring to get a voucher?

The vehicle license plate number AND vehicle registration name for the vehicle for which the permit will be purchased must be provided to obtain a voucher.
When redeeming the voucher at a park office, you will need the vehicle registration form (copy or digital accepted) AND the voucher.
The person obtaining the voucher does not have to be the permit holder. If someone is not available on April 14, they can have someone else obtain the voucher as long as that person provides the vehicle license plate number and the name of the person that the vehicle is registered under.
Vouchers are nontransferable.
Only one-year permits are available; they will be valid until Dec. 31, 2021.
These permits are available to residents and non-residents.
At the close of business on the date of voucher distribution, no additional vouchers will be issued, even if all vouchers are not claimed.

Where can I get a voucher?
Brandywine Creek State Park: Hawk Watch parking lot – 150 vouchers available

Lums Pond State Park: Area 1 Day Use area – 125 vouchers available

Killens Pond State Park: Waterpark parking lot – 125 vouchers available

Cape Henlopen State Park: Main beach parking lot – 250 vouchers available

Indian River Life Saving Station: Southeast day area parking lot – 250 vouchers available

Trap Pond State Park: Day use area parking lot – 100 vouchers available.

For the full Delaware State Parks Surf Fishing Tag Voucher FAQs click here

DE State Parks press release … (Dover April 9, 2021) … In response to the eighth modification to the COVID-19 emergency order, issued by Gov. John Carney on March 29, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will issue up to 1,000 additional one-year surf fishing permits for 2021, with a special voucher distribution Wednesday, April 14.

Those who wish to purchase one of the additional 1,000 one-year surf fishing permits must first acquire a special voucher. Vouchers will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on April 14, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the following locations until the allotted vouchers have been distributed:

Brandywine Creek State Park: Hawk Watch parking lot – 150 vouchers available
Lums Pond State Park: Area 1 Day Use area – 125 vouchers available
Killens Pond State Park: Waterpark parking lot – 125 vouchers available
Cape Henlopen State Park: Main beach parking lot – 250 vouchers available
Delaware Seashore State Park: South Inlet Day Use Area parking lot – 250 vouchers available
Trap Pond State Park: Day use area parking lot – 100 vouchers available

The voucher distribution will take place as a drive-through and participants are asked to stay in their vehicles and wear masks when interacting with park personnel. Each voucher will allow for the purchase of one 2021 surf fishing permit. Vouchers must be redeemed at the same park where they were obtained. Park offices will be open and redemption will be available starting April 14; however, to avoid long delays and ensure the safety of staff and park visitors, voucher holders will have until April 28 to redeem their voucher. DNREC recommends returning the voucher at another date during the two-week window for redemption. There will be no online sales.

These special surf fishing permit vouchers are limited to one per person. The person obtaining the voucher does not have to be the permit holder. If the interested permit holder is not available on the day of the voucher distribution, the voucher may be obtained by a designee with proper information for the permit. The vehicle license plate number and vehicle registration name for which the permit will be purchased is required to obtain a voucher. Vouchers are nontransferable. The permits will be valid until Dec. 31, 2021, and available to residents and non-residents. At 3 p.m. on April 14, no additional permits will be issued, even if all vouchers are not claimed.

Firefighters and EMTs must present a signed application form from their fire company when redeeming a voucher to obtain a 2021 surf fishing permit.

No annual or lifetime pass sales will be handled at these six state parks on April 14.

The surf fishing permit fee for Delaware residents is $90, while out-of-state residents is $180. Delaware residents 62 and older will receive a discounted rate of $80.