Advisory Council on Wildlife and Freshwater Fish to meet Feb. 23
Advisory Council on Wildlife and Freshwater Fish to meet Feb. 23 in DNREC’s Dover auditorium
DOVER (Feb. 16, 2016) – Delaware’s Advisory Council on Wildlife and Freshwater Fish will hold its monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23 in DNREC’s auditorium at the Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE…
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Please Help The Tallhamers
The Southern Delaware Jeep Club just set up a Go Fund me for Preston Tallhamer and his family. He is an airman stationed out of Dover Air Force Base They lost just about everything in a fire the other night when the gas furnace erupted. Their home was declared unlivable by the Dover Fire Department. Preston was deployed overseas…
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Beach Conditions and Cape Henlopen Breaches
The beaches are flat, and at low tide look a mile wide. Compared to the summer many people will not recognize them this year. No chance the state will be able to have them replenished before or by the summer. Personally I am curious to see how they do on their own building back up. The dunes are all sheared off and there are three…
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Snow Chances, WInd Advisory And An Arctic Blast For Valentines Day Weekend
Look outside it is snowing! An arctic blast is headed here this weekend and we are getting a taste of it Friday (today). Right now it is snowing in Delaware and we have a wind advisory. We have a Gale warning in effect from 4 AM Saturday until Sunday morning and a freezing spray advisory until Sunday morning. Temperatures are going to…
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Delaware law changes size, possession limits for American eel
Newly-signed Delaware law changes size, possession limits for American eel
DOVER (Feb. 12, 2016) – A new Delaware law that increases size limits and decreases recreational possession limits on American eel is now in effect, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today.
The new law, passed by the Delaware General…
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What To Do When You See A Seal In Delaware
Seals migrate to Delaware every winter and their numbers are increasing. Last year many may remember there were seven of them at one point hanging out at Masseys Landing feeding on fish in the ditch and sunning on the marsh bank across from the fishing pier. The past couple weeks seals have been seen on the beaches, one was rescued…
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MARCO Needs Recreational Angler Input
On January 29th I attended the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) meeting in Dewey Beach. I have been going to these meetings since the start of this planning committee. Some of you have heard of this before and many have not. There is a Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal that recreational anglers need to help fill out to…
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Diamondback Terrapins Being Displaced From Extreme High Tides
The Delaware Council of Wildlife Rehabilitators and Educators are asking for everyone's help. Diamondback terrapins were displaced by storm Jonas. They are asking everyone to keep an eye out for any turtles and contact them if they find any, they are popping up mostly on Delaware Bay beaches. Also the coming cold this weekend will…
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Winter Fishing Is A Whole Different Ball Game
1/64 ... 1/100 ... 1/200 ... 1/32 jig heads for crappie and perch fishing
Winter fishing is a whole different ball game. You aren't in shorts and barefeet enjoying a sunny day. In fact if you are crappie fishing you hope for a nice cold, overcast day. Crappie are schooling fish and a blast to catch once you figure out where they are…
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Winter Storm Watch Issued Waves Pounding Ocean City Pier
The NWS has issued a winter storm watch for northern Delaware. Coastal flood advisory is still in effect as well. High tide this morning hit the dune line along the coast. A few people reported water making it under the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach. Northern Delaware might see snow totals from 4 to 8 inches. Latest from the NWS…
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Coastal Flood Advisory And Watch
We have a small nor'easter like coastal storm a brewing outside right now and moving up the coast. We shouldn't see much tidal flooding but it is good to keep it in mind. The storm keeps shifting, dropping, and then strengthening. A few days ago it was predicted to dump a lot of coastal snow onto Delaware. Since then we have been…
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Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier Update
The redecking of the Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier started last week. The fence and lights have been removed as well as some boards from the end. The crews are starting at the end of the pier and working their way to land. It is strange to look at the pier and not see the fence or lights. The pier is closed please stay off of it, I…
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25th Annual Polar Plunge 2016
Today was the 25th annual Polar Plunge and it was a great success. Every year the plunge is on what is known as Big Sunday because the Super Bowl is on the same day. I wanted to get a team together this year, but it has been a busy few months. I saw a lot of people I know that participated today. Everyone was excited and the…
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Mt. Joy Road will Close on Monday
This is going to cause a bit of a back up on these roads next week, but that gnarly curve on a hill, you know which one that I speak of, is where the pipe is being fixed. Hopefully the road curve can be fixed a bit too, that is one dangerous spot, especially at night. Mount Joy road and Hollyville have become quite the thoroughfare the past few…
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Beach Plum Island State Park Update
Visited Beach Plum Island State Park yesterday and the drive on section is now open. The bay breached the drive on access and pushed sand half way tot he Broadkill River. There are two more breaches further south on the beach. The dunes held up for the most part and did their job. They are "cliffed" and look like a mini version…
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3rd Annual Delaware Vintage Fishing/Hunting memorabilia show/sale
This Saturday is the vintage fishing and hunting show in Milford. I have missed this the last couple of years but am going this weekend. Should be a good time and they extended the hours this year to 3 PM. If you are looking for something to do this weekend aside from jumping into the cold ocean water on Sunday for the 25th annual Polar…
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NWS Issues Winter Weather Advisory
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory, whether we like it or not. It was sixty degrees three days ago and now it is going to snow, but then again it is February. Just be safe and smart, the roads will be a slushy mess, and still a little hazardous. Don't forget to wear boots when you are outside, my…
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2016 Delaware Fishing Guide now available statewide and online
2016 Delaware Fishing Guide now available statewide and online
DOVER (Feb. 1, 2016) – The Division of Fish & Wildlife’s new 2016 Delaware Fishing Guide has arrived with a colorful splash, with distribution to fishing license agents throughout the state, including sporting goods, bait & tackle and hardware stores. Anglers also…
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Gordons Pond Trail closed for repairs
Southern section of Gordons Pond Trail closed for repairs due to damage caused by recent storm
DOVER (Feb. 2, 2016) – High winds and tides associated with the Jan. 22-24 weekend storm that struck Delaware’s coast severely damaged a 2.5-mile section of the Gordons Pond Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park, forcing an extended closure of the…
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Indian Summer In February
They say, March will come in like a lion and go out like a lamb, or the opposite. What do they say about February that starts out like a spring day? It is sixty plus degrees before noon on February first. Last winter at this time it was cold but we had a few Indian summer days or do we say spring instead? Deer season is over and…
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Big Barrel Country Music Festival Canceled
Organizers of the Big Barrel Country Music Festival canceled the 2016 event this afternoon on their social media and websites ... The reasons behind the cancellation is unknown.
A Statement from Goldenvoice:
We have made the difficult decision to cancel Big Barrel Country Music Festival, due to take place at The Woodlands in Dover,…
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Land Shark Teeth Showing Up On Delaware Beaches
The beaches took a beating but will recover. In the mean time the beach combing has been excellent for those lucky enough to get out there at dead low tides. Every tide change the sand shifts more, exposing and burying all kinds of treasures. In some cases these treasures are trash, but entertaining non the less. I have found all…
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Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier closed for decking replacement
Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier closed for decking replacement
LEWES (Jan. 22, 2016) – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation’s Planning, Preservation and Development Section today announced the temporary closure of the Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier for replacement of aging decking boards starting on Monday, Jan. 25.
Last year, the Division…
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Registration For Delaware’s Mandatory Wild Turkey Hunting Course
DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife announces registration for Delaware’s mandatory wild turkey hunting course
DOVER (Jan. 27, 2016) – With Delaware’s spring wild turkey hunting season fast approaching, DNREC’s Hunter Education Program reminds both resident and non-resident hunters that they must pass a Delaware-approved course on…
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Drive On Beaches That Are Open
The following is a lit of the open drive on beaches. I would expect them all to be open this weekend. The reason it takes longer for the drive on beaches is the town beaches get priority by the state for obvious reasons. The drive ons open have debris be careful, you never know what is under the sand. There are swales galore and they are…
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Drive On Beaches Still Closed to Vehicles
The beaches are flat and in some spots super saturated with water making driving hazardous. The debris on some drive on accesses is heavy and others are unscathed. Parks has to evaluate the crossings and also the beaches. In Cape Henlopen whole dunes are gone and you could drive to the marsh. Parks may have to put up some fences to…
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Fenwick Island Says No To SeismicTesting
On Friday just before the blizzard of 2016 hit the coast. I attended the Fenwick Island Town Council Meeting with Matt Heim of the Assateague Coastal Trust. He gave an abridged version of his seismic testing presentation. The council and some of the town's citizens watched with great interest. After the presentation the council…
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Beach Combing Is A Treasurefest On East Coast
The storm rearranged the beaches from North Carolina To New York. The dunes are sheered off at every Delaware coast town. The board walk in Rehoboth is covered in sand. There are several breaches from Fenwick to Broadkill Beach. I ran around today and took some pictures of each area. I still have to hit up Lewes, which flooded…
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Video Of Bethany Beach
This is a video posted by Tidepool Toys and Games of Bethany Beach, this morning. The dunes are still there and did their job. The boardwalk is fine. Places like Bayshore on the bayside are still flooded along the roads and between some trailers close to the shore line. Tide is up top the bulkheads but that is about it. Some roads are…
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Dunes In Rehoboth Still standing
The dunes at all the Delaware coastal towns took a serious pounding with only a few breaches. It could have been much worse. Ron McArthur of the Cape Gazette took these photographs this morning of the dunes in Rehoboth Beach. The dunes in Bethany and Fenwick survived as well. Yes they (dunes) look like cliffs and rebuilding them…
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Good Morning Sussex County
We made it through a rough storm, the waves are still up but it is nowhere near as bad. Delaware still has a coastal flood advisory until noon and a gale warning in affect until 10 AM Cleanup crews are already all over the place. It is nice to see the sun today. The flooding was bad last night, but thankfully not as bad as…
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Dune Breached At Faithful Steward This Morning (2016)
Rehoboth Beach at 7 PM
(January 23, 2016) ... Well it was only a matter of time. We showed the breach in Dewey Beach on Beach Ave, then the breach at Slaughter Beach and South Bowers Beach. These all happened about the same time today, at high tide. Witnesses said ... "At 10 AM this morning the dune breached at the drive on for Faithful…
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Ocean City Pier Is Demolished
The Ocean City fishing pier took a beating today and is gone, only the building at the entrance remains. Rob Banach took the picture you see and there is some video from Fishin OC. I have no idea how our own pier has held up in Cape Henlopen, technically they need to remove the top deck so maybe that helped? Doubt it. There is still 2 high…
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Flooding Is Getting Bad Will Go To Worse
High tide has hit the inland bay communities and people are seeing water as bad as the floods in 1998. South Bowers has an air boat on scene evacuating people. The National Guard is at the firehouse in Oak Orchard, evacuating people Water is up to the mailboxes in some of the lower areas. The pier took a pounding and lost…
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DelDOt Update Snow and Ice Blanket Delaware
Blowing snow is slowing DelDOT's progress to clear primary roads
Dover -- About 12 hours into this winter storm, the state is blanketed by snow, some areas have drifting, and coastal flooding is a major concern in eastern Sussex County.
As the State of Emergency and Level 1 Driving Warning remains in place, crews from the…
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Storm Update 6:30 AM Saturday
Everyone else been up all night from the winds? Sustained winds at the Indian River Inlet Bridge, 50 miles per hour, with gusts up to 62 miles per hour. High tide is at 7 AM in Rehoboth and the water is already to the dune base, you can watch waves break and spray onto the boardwalk. Waves are washing up the dunes and then back…
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Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier closed for decking replacement
Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier closed for decking replacement
LEWES (Jan. 22, 2016) – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation’s Planning, Preservation and Development Section today announced the temporary closure of the Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier for replacement of aging decking boards starting on Monday, Jan. 25.
Last year, the Division…
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Governor Markell Issues State of Emergency Level 1
Governor Markell Issues State of Emergency Announces Level 1 Driving Warning to Begin at Midnight
Wilmington, DE –With a severe winter storm expected to generate significant snowfall in New Castle and Kent Counties, as well as coastal flooding and strong sustained winds in Sussex County, Governor Jack Markell has issued a State of…
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Historical Delaware Flood Data
This is some historical flood data from Weather.gov . You can tell at what tide heights certain areas flood from this data collected since 1919 from the Lewes tide guage.
Lewes Tide today and Saturday
01/22
Fri
12:33 AM
-0.49 L
01/22
Fri
07:13 AM
4.87 H
01/22
Fri
01:28 PM
-0.41 L
01/22
Fri
07:37 PM
3.8 H…
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January The Full Wolf Moon
The first full moon of the year will occur on January 23, 2016 - 08:46 pm (EST). This is known as the Full Wolf Moon to native American tribes. Wolf packs would howl hungrily just outside of the Indian villages in the deep snows of midwinter. It is also referred to as the Old Moon or the Moon After Yule. Some call it the full snow moon but…
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Bethany Beach Urges Residents To Evacuate Flood Prone Areas
Bethany Beach's Facebook page is urging residents that normally evacuate during floods to do so before this storm hits. "The Town of Bethany Beach is going to be impacted significantly from Winter Storm Jonas over the weekend. This is a large winter storm bringing wind, snow and rain. Significant coastal and back bay flooding is expected. This…
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DNREC reminds public that ocean dunes in Delaware State Parks are closed to sledding, snowboarding
DNREC reminds public that ocean dunes in Delaware State Parks are closed to sledding, snowboarding
DOVER (Jan. 21, 2016) – With possible heavy snow in…
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Winter Storm Warning and Flood Update
All of the east coast Delmarva beach areas into Jersey have to worry about flooding this weekend. From Chincoteague, Virginia to Seaside Heights New Jersey and between are in the storm's path for coastal flooding. The full moon is not going to help that at all. Cold heavy wet winds could produce a lot of ice, downed trees and…
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Snowpocalypse What Delaware Should Worry About
The last snow we had was fun for a day. It was predicted five days earlier at a twenty percent chance with flurries. By the weekend it was a seventy percent chance and we got more than a flurry. In fact that day WXrisk posted some people could see upwards of three inches of snow. We had well over a half inch accumulate, with heavy…
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Governor Markell seeks nominees for Delaware’s seat on MAFMC
Governor Markell seeks nominees for Delaware’s seat on Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council
Governor Markell is seeking nominees for Delaware’s obligatory seat on the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (MAFMC).
The MAFMC is responsible for managing fisheries in federal waters that extend from three miles to 200 miles offshore,…
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Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO)
Just a heads up ... MARCO a committee to gather information only. They have zero authority. So if you do go to this meeting keep that in mind. The last one was a circus with people thinking that MARCO was going to regulate and possibly shut down the fishery, they had to remind people over and over that they do not have any authority. Also if…
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Rehoboth Beach Votes No To Seismic Testing
Tonight the Rehoboth Beach Town Council voted yes for a resolution against seismic testing in the Atlantic Ocean. They are the 99th town on the East coast to vote for a resolution against seismic testing. As you have read, seismic testing is being considered for the Atlantic Ocean. Many groups are against this happening, including…
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Barbara Quillen Dougherty An Original Fisherwoman
Barbara Quillen Dougherty doing what she loved most.
Barbara Quillen Dougherty loved surf fishing, and that love was ingrained in her by her family over the last century. The history of the family of surf fishers shows where she got her love of fishing and her compassion for others. It was instilled in her by her father, Dr.…
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Fishing Report and Happenings
Well it is definitely winter the air hurts my face. Ponds and low water ways are starting to freeze over with a thin sheet of ice. The ice stays all day or melts depending on the temperature and wind that afternoon. Winter spring is definitely over and it was fun. The fishing is in full winter swing, white perch in the tidal…
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World Championship Punkin Chunkin Association Elects New Board for 2016
Save The Chunk is ingrained in the current and newly elected officials of the World Punkin Chunkin Association. After their well-attended monthly membership meeting on Saturday, there are already plans in the works to make sure the chunk continues in 2016. With Frank Payton at the helm as the newly elected president, he conveys a level of…
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First Public Workshop On Hunting and License Fees
Tonight at 7 PM was the first meeting for the proposals involving hunting and license fees and the conservation access permit. There were over 110 people in attendance including the DNREC staff. First and foremost I would like to thank David Saveikis and his staff for taking the time to host these workshops. Those folks…
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ASMFC Delaware Public Hearing for Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass
I just spoke with John Clark about this hearing since the meeting many are concerned with tonight is the hunting license increase fee proposal. Delaware will keep its creel limit from last year of four per day at 16 inches with no season. Black Sea Bass will remain the same as well. "We asked the ASMFC to host this hearing because New Jersey…
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Help Anthony Greene Get An Offroad Track Chair
The other day I spoke to Anthony Greene of Georgetown Delaware. He is a very upbeat young man and his friends Darin and Lauren Ruark started a Go Fund Me... Anthony's Life Changer, to help him acquire an Offroad Track Chair. Anthony lost the use of his legs in a motorcycle accident several years ago (2007), but that has not slowed…
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Delaware Advisory Council on Shellfisheries Sets 2016 Quotas
Last night I attended the Advisory Council on Shellfisheries meeting, this was the first one I have ever been too and it was a learning experience. Rich Wong Biometrician, ( fishery scientist or marine biologist ) did a presentation on the 2016 Oyster quota. Every year DNREC does surveys to see how much spat is being produced and at which…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 28-Jan. 3
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 28-Jan. 3
Reminder for the week: Take note of winter hunting, fishing seasons and prep for weather
DOVER (Jan. 8, 2016) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating…
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DNREC Amended Tilefish Regulation To Take Effect Jan. 11
DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife announces amended tilefish regulation to take effect Jan. 11
DOVER (Jan. 8, 2016) – An amended Delaware tilefish regulation that reduces recreational and commercial harvest of the blueline and golden tilefish, species that have grown in fishing popularity in recent years, will take effect Jan. 11, DNREC’s…
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Bobbing For Bourbon Barrels, DDC Goes Deep
As usual Zach King of Delaware Distilling Company is always working on new and innovative techniques to distill fine and unique spirits. This latest venture is right up there. He and Brian Asher, DDC's Ambassador at Large, are taking barrels previously used to age DDC Bourbon and filling them with distilled water. Then they are placing them at…
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Stripers Still Hitting In Jersey
The striped bass just aren't cooperating for us in Delaware this year. Boats are still getting into rockfish once they find them off the Jersey coast. Whales are still all over the area as well. The Delaware Bay has slowed down from zero to none for striped bass. The usual places, like the 8's, are not seeing any migratory fish. …
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The Blacktip Challenge
The Blacktip challenge is a surf fishing tournament that occurs in the peak of the blacktip shark migration. Blacktip sharks travel in a large school during this time of year and it is not uncommon to see them leaving the water with aerial acrobatics. This migration makes for prime fishing targeting them on cut bait as well as lures! …
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NASA Studies Dune On Mars, MPS Is On Scene
Not long after saltwater was discovered on Mars, a dune was also found. Nasa's Curiosity Rover has been taking pictures of the recently discovered dune in the last couple of weeks. The MPS (Mars Park Service) sent out Ranger Martin to make sure they kept a safe distance from the protected dunes.
" We don't mind visitors to our beaches , but we…
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Harry Aiken An Original Longcaster
Clarence Aiken ... Harry Aiken's Dad with his 1929 Model A on the beach.
(January 2016) ... Recently I had the opportunity to sit down with Harry Aiken and talk fishing. He will tell you ... "I don't tell fishing stories, I tell truths". Harry has been fishing the Delaware Beaches for over seventy-five years. I was so…
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Paddling With Humpback Whales
Over the weekend, Nikolas Pattantyus was watching a pod of whales from the beach in New Jersey and decided to venture out on his paddleboard for a closer look. He got up close and personal with the humpbacks while they were feeding. Not sure I would willingly paddle into a group of whales like that, you could be asking for trouble.…
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Fly Tying and Skating at the Dogpound
Well it was a fun weekend ringing in the new year. If you weren't surf fishing in Cape Henlopen then you wouldn't know but Herring Point beach to Gordons pond was packed with everyone trying to catch striped bass. One buddy said it looked like summer, but at least everyone was actually fishing. A few small striped bass were caught…
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Giant Tuna Caught on Camera
A deep water ROV caught a giant Tuna on camera while inspecting a deep drilling line. According to the video the line (drill) in the background is four feet across, making this tuna close to eighteen feet long and almost eight feet tall. Based on the video information what do you think is this fish's actual size. It certainly is one huge fish!…
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Thanks For A Great Year From DSF
I just wanted to say thank you all for a great year, 2015 was a blast. I am blown away by the amount of website readers and followers on Facebook (28,000 plus). This year I learned a lot, met some cool people, made a couple of mistakes and as always that just makes you wiser. For 2016 we have a lot of plans to do some more fun…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 21-27
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 21-27
Reminder for the week: Time to purchase your 2016 Delaware fishing license
DOVER (Dec. 31, 2015) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public…
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Big Bass Hit The Surf
Go figure the one day I can't get out and this happens. We have been fishing the beaches for several days and have yet to see a bump from any thing of size. Last night and today's north-east winds may have changed the game in the surf. This morning Chris Vann and his buddies reported to Lewes Harbor Marina they were hitting large…
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Bowers Beach Has A New Jetty
If you haven't seen or heard, Bowers Beach has a new Jetty on the north side of the Murderkill river. According to the town's website ... "The Murderkill River North Jetty Rehabilitation Project began the week of September 14 at Bowers Beach. The project will involve the rehabilitation of the existing concrete filled bag jetty…
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December Summer’s White Christmas
The beaches the past few days have been crowded, not heavy summer crowded but full just the same. Everyone is running around the boardwalks and the roads are a bit jammed up, but that is normal for this time of year. What isn't normal is the subtropical temperatures we are experiencing at the beaches in Delaware. We had a few…
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Daily Break Ins At Tall Pines Campground
A bunch of my friend's campers have been hit almost daily this past week at Tall Pines Campground. Literally every day they find out entire streets are hit, people have lost nothing or been totally cleaned out. This is just a heads up for residents there, and people in surrounding campgrounds. Make sure you have your property…
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Hide The Good Silver From Pop-pop
When we were kids my grandmother would get real mad at my grandfather over her silverware, especially around the holidays. At the time I didn't understand why, until I started fishing with him. Back in those days Hopkins were just barely hitting the market. Fishing tackle was expensive then too compared to today. A friend of mine once told me…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 14-20
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 14-20
Reminder for the week: Boat owners reminded to renew boat registrations for the New Year
DOVER (Dec. 23, 2015) – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating…
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Gettin That Christmas Bass
The surf yesterday was alive with bait fish and birds. It was crazy looking not far off the beach and the boys threw everything they had, but could not hook up. Mitch King said it was the most bait he has seen in the water in a long time. This was near Delaware Seashore State Park. We have been using white swim shads with decent…
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Space X Nails The Landing
History was made last night in Florida. A Falcon 9 rocket was launched by Space X from their launch complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Rockets have always launched from Cape Canaveral but this is the first time one was coming back and land. Having a reusable first stage rocket will help cut costs, instead of using a…
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Light Tackle Kayak Trolling The Chesapeake Bay
If you are looking for a last-minute gift for that angler or kayaker on your list this year. You need to check out the book Light Tackle Kayak Trolling The Chesapeake Bay by Alan Battista a member of the Torqeedo Fishing Team and Kokatat Fishing Team. It is a very easy read even for the non angler, touching on tips, tricks, and …
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Public Workshops on Wildlife Program Services, Hunting and Trapping License Fees
Division of Fish & Wildlife schedules public workshops on wildlife program services, hunting and trapping license fees
Conservation Access Pass for state wildlife areas also under consideration
DOVER (Dec. 17, 2015) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife will hold a series of public workshops to share information and gather…
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Seals On The Steal
The fishing for striped bass from boats has been off the hook when you get into the fish. From Cape May to off Ocean City boats are finding schools of fish. The 8's, Overfalls and the outside area of the outer wall have been great places. The Indian River inlet is seeing mostly short bass and a lot of shad, the fish have not moved…
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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 7-13
DNREC press release for immediate release (these are called press releases, because they are sent to media outlets to be published as written for public awareness.) There are some great tips for people getting ATV's and firearms for Christmas. What you should know about using these gifts and where you can and cannot go to play on your new ATV or…
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Letter From Anglers About Seismic Testing
ATTENTION ALL ANGLERS ... You have seen the seismic testing articles on this website and hopefully the video presentation by Matt Heim. If not just search for seismic testing in the search box below the header picture on the right hand side of the website. I am posting a letter below for everyone to sign to give you chance to speak…
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Delaware Surf Fishing Outdoors and More Forum
We now have a forum on the website and it covers a variety of subjects. For three years I have been asked to do this and I just didn't have the time to work on a forum, until now. The new forum has many outdoor subjects, hence the name Delaware Surf Fishing Outdoors and More. We get asked a variety of non fishing related questions…
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FAA Announces Small UAS Registration Rule
There are new rules for drone fliers throughout the United States now and also locally. You now have to register your drone with the federal government, that press release is below. Especially in the Delaware State Parks. You can not operate any remote controlled aircraft in a Delaware State Park without a permit. Many towns are also…
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Waterman Arrested on 93 Charges Of Blue Crab Fishing
Dover waterman arrested on 93 charges related to commercial blue crab fishing near Port Mahon
DOVER (Dec. 15, 2015) – Following an investigation, DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested a Delaware waterman Dec. 12 on 93 charges related to commercial crabbing activities in the Delaware Bay off Port…
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The Star Wars Christmas Full Moon
This year December's full moon is on the 25th, Christmas. This hasn't happened since 1977, which also happens to be the year that Start Wars A New Hope was released in theaters. Coincidence? I think not, nor do I care I can't wait to see that movie. December's full moon is known as the full cold moon or the full long nights moon…
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When Fish Fight Back
This picture has been circulating the internet today, as well as pictures in the ambulance. Russell Ching was speared by a 500-pound blue in Hawaii today after trying to pull the fish into the boat. You have to be careful pulling a fish this large aboard a boat. Aside form being stabbed I can't imagine the bacteria in that wound right now. …
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Coast Guard Issues Striped Bass Violations
Press release ... Coast Guard News
Coast Guard issues 2 striped bass violations in 2 days off South Jersey
CAPE MAY, N.J. — The Coast Guard issued violations Tuesday and Wednesday during two separate cases off Cape May due to the possession of Atlantic striped bass within the exclusive economic zone.
Coast Guard law enforcement crews…
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Mary Lee Is Back In “Town”
Mary Lee pinged eight times off the coast of New Jersey. Most likely she is hunting striped bass as well. Where she pinged eight times it looks like she was after food on the top of the water out there, like bass blitzing bait or something else. Someone should fine her for being in the EEZ. Also there have been reports of albies…
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Pending New Jersey Black Sea Bass State Record
Over the weekend, Steve Singler of Philadelphia fished aboard the VOYAGER out of Point Pleasant New Jersey. He was on a sea bass and porgy trip when he landed a 9 pound sea bass, which was weighed at the state certified scales at the Reel Seat in Brielle, NJ. The bass was 27 inches long and had a girth of 18 3/4 inches. The…
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Record Temperatures in Delaware
The last few days have been unseasonably warm for Delaware and most of the country. Many people took advantage of the warm weather and hit the beaches. The water was calm and glassy for the boaters. Today was a beautiful day, what did you do to enjoy summer in December? We didn't set an overall record for December but possibly a daily…
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I Like Big Bass And I Cannot Lie
When the migration hits, it really hits hard. The fishing has been off the hook, if you are in a boat and if you find the schools. Scott Jost showed me a video he and Jeff Weaver took yesterday of a blitz, it was wild looking. Justin Pry said at one point the water around their boat just boiled for an hour and then the fish moved.…
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Dewey Beach says NO!
We attended the Dewey Beach town council meeting yesterday at the Life Saving Station. It was a beautiful day and everyone would have rather been fishing, but this was important. A resolution against seismic testing was on the agenda. After a motion was made to vote on the resolution, public comments were asked for by the Dewey…
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DNREC sinks ex-Army-Navy ship Shearwater
DNREC sinks ex-Army-Navy ship Shearwater as boon to Delaware’s acclaimed reef system
Shearwater headed out to be added to the Del-Jersey Land reef ... photo by Brian Mack
ATLANTIC OCEAN 38 deg. 31.200’ N Latitude and 074 deg. 30.800’W Longitude(Dec. 11, 2015) – In the collegial spirit of a great rivalry taking place tomorrow on a…
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Fishing … the good the bad and the ugly
So you want the good news or the bad news first? The good news ... there are still fish in the ocean, the bad news ... they are not in the surf. Well as far as migratory striped bass. There are dogfish and skates a plenty, hitting bunker chunks and just about any other bait you put out. Short striped bass have been random…
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Seismic Testing Update
The grassroots effort to stop seismic testing off the Atlantic coast has been doing well. Rehoboth is considering a resolution and will work on one in their next workshop meeting in January. Dewey Beach will vote on a resolution tomorrow (Saturday the 11th) at their town meeting. Oceana, Assateague Coastal Trust, Sussex Progressive…
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Decemberrrrrr Spring Fishing
It's frosty in the morning, beautiful in the afternoon, and this weekend we might hit seventy degrees. Talk about weird winter weather. The water temperatures yesterday in the Delaware Bay were forty eight degrees during low tide while we were trolling. The seal is still out by the outer wall feeding. Keep that in mind when you…
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The Migration Finally Hits Delaware
By finally hits Delaware, I mean we can legally fish for striped bass within the EEZ. People are getting antsy, you can see it in the drama on some Facebook pages. Striped bass fever has everyone all geared up, jammed up, and nowhere to go. Boats have been hitting Jersey and going up as far as Sea Isle and beyond. This weekend…
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DNREC’s Position On Seismic Testing
Today there was a workshop meeting in Rehoboth with the town council. Matt Heim was there and gave his presentation on seismic testing. We didn't realize that we were allowed to comment publicly, so I sent in my comments via email. Rehoboth will have a proposal for their next workshop in January. It was asked in the meeting what…
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Indian Summer Surfing Delaware
The Indian Summer of November produced some great days for the surfers to get out there and really work their skills. The surfers here live for days like these and recently they have been treated almost weekly to these or similar conditions. They call it a "sesh" and a few days this November the waves were absolute beasts. I like…
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Where Are The Big Fish!?
Sorry there hasn't been a fishing report for a few days, but not much has changed. The question of the day every day has been, where are the rockfish??!! Striped bass are still north of us is the good news, The bad news, well ... there are huge schools off our coast, five to eight miles off the coast. everyone heading out for sea…
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Navigation Aids To Be Removed From Inland Bays
Every year the buoys, or navigational aids are removed from the Inland Bays to protect them from ice build up during the winter. The buoys are also maintained and cleaned up for the spring season. The Coast Guard gave me a heads up today that the buoys will be removed starting next week. It takes a few days and weather pending they…
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Fishing With Giants
Brian Lockwood, also known as Jet Ski Brian was out in the Chesapeake bay the other day near the mouth of the bay, tautog fishing different sights when a humpback whale breached. When I see a whale while boating it is one thing but it has to be a bit of a rush to see one while on a jet ski. He had his camera with him and took some…
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Delaware State Parks Proposed Rules and Regulations Revisions
Delaware State Parks is proposing to change and update several rules in all the parks statewide. I spoke with Chief Wayne Kline this morning and went over the proposal. The public comment period for the rules and regulations change started on December 1st and there will be a public hearing on December 22, 2015 beginning at 6:00 PM at the…
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Maryland DNR Nets Striped Bass Poachers
Natural Resources Police Officers Pounce on Poachers
December 1, 2015
Maryland Natural Resources Police officers charged poachers in Queen Anne’s and Somerset counties with fishing violations in recent cases.
Four Prince George’s County residents were charged with poaching 33 striped bass in Kent Narrows as a result of an ongoing effort by…
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Delaware Surf Fishing Tag Auction update
The numbered surf tag auction has been going well and the parks have raised a lot of money with these tags. I had a lot of fun bidding on tag number 2 at the live auction. I was bidding as a representative for Techno Goober. Unfortunately my ceiling was $19,500 so I had to stop bidding and the tag went for $20,500. That was a heated auction…
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Explaining Catch And Release
This is probably one of the funniest videos (below) I have seen explaining catch and release. As futile as it sounds, catch and release is important to help keep a fishery growing. If you catch and release fish often you know how hard it is to explain why to some people. I think my favorite is the look on people's face when you release a…
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The Point in Cape Henlopen
The Point in Cape Henlopen State Park is a unique beach to fish. You have the option of fishing the ocean side or the bayside. What many do not realize that in front of the point the water is over fifty feet deep and just yards offshore it starts to drop dramatically. Not a good place to swim but an excellent place to fish. Depending on the…
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2016 Surf Tag Passes Now available
The 2016 surf tag passes are now available at all state park offices and the Indian River Life Saving Station Museum as well as some local vendors. Carlisle Marine carries surf tags, they are located at 49 Artisan Dr, Smyrna, Delaware. The tags are now $80 for instate and $160 out of state for a year's access. Remember the tag…
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Cape Henlopen Pier Will Remain Open Until The End Of December
I spoke with Cindy Todd , Construction Project Administrator, Office of Design and Development, DNREC – Division of Parks and Recreation the other day about the second phase of the Cape Henlopen fishing pier repairs. The pier will stay open until the end of December, which will give more time for striped bass anglers to do some fishing. That…
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Delaware Day Celebration at 16 Mile
Delaware Day Celebration at 16 Mile
The Delaware Day Celebration hosted by the 16 Mile Brewing Company and Techno Goobers is slated for Saturday, December 5th. The 4th annual bash, to be held at the brewery in Georgetown has been revamped and will feature new musical guests, a hot dog eating contest, and a scrapple sculpting contest. There…
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2015 Delaware Fishing Photo Contest winners
DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife announces 2015 Delaware Fishing Photo Contest winners
DOVER (Nov. 30, 2015) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife today announced the five top entries chosen from its 2015 Delaware Fishing Photo Contest. The winning photos will appear on the cover or inside the forthcoming 2016 Delaware Fishing…
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New Bathrooms at Northside Get Trashed
Over the holiday weekend, Thomas Mack sent us pictures of trash he saw piled up in the northside bathroom at the Indian River Inlet. These are the new bathrooms that were built as part of the improvements to the north side. It is sad to see people using the bathroom as a trash receptacle. Thomas also said all of the soap dispensers…
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Big Striped Bass Hitting Virginia
The fishing in the Chesapeake bay has been hot for many weeks for schooling striped bass and some nice bluefish. There have been some large fish caught as well and that is normal for the Chesapeake Bay. Chris's Bait and Tackle in VA posted this striped bass the other day. Thomas Frazier with the catch of 65.4 lbs 53 inches and a…
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Delaware Beaches Flooding At High Tide
The last couple of high tides the beaches have water almost to the dune line. Just a heads up so you know to be wary at high tide which was at 10 AM today and low tide is at 4 Pm at Indian River Inlet. You cold be in an area that is fine but water will be to the dune line on all sides of you so just keep that in mind. The swales…
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Shop Local
It is important to shop local and help those in your community as often as you can. Check out our business directory for some ideas. This ad was seen in the Delaware Craigslist, because nothing says I love you like a Velociraptor under the tree. Have a fun weekend and remember to support your local businesses. Checkout our online store over the…
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Striped Bass Update
Today some boats hit the Delaware Bay, the Bethany lumps area, and places in between. Everyone hasd been sending messages and asking where should I go this weekend? Should I even bother to come down there? Best answer I can give. If you don't try you won't be there when and if it happens, it is fishing. I know for those that…
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Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier Will Close December 1st
The second stage of repairs to the Cape Henlopen fishing pier is scheduled to start in December. The first phase was completed at the end of the summer and the pier was opened back up. It was closed immediately this year for people's safety until it could be repaired. The pier will close on the first of December for a few months. …
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Free Meals On Thanksgiving
There are many places offering free meals on Thanksgiving. Many people don't have family or a place to go during the holidays it is nice to see communities reaching out and offering free meals to those in need during the holiday weekend. It is just as important to feel needed as it is to feel wanted, especially during the holidays.…
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Assateague Coastal Trust Seismic Testing Presentation
This is a video presentation narrated by Matt Heim of the Assateague Coastal Trust on the dangers of seismic testing. The video will answer many of your questions why seismic testing is a bad idea for the Atlantic coast and a futile one when you realize just how little oil and gas are actually out there. This is the presentation Matt Heim has…
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November Is The Full Beaver Moon
Wednesday night the moon will be full at 5:44 pm on the East coast and at 2:44 PM on the West Coast. The November full moon is known as the Full Beaver moon by Native American tribes. This is the time of year the swamps before the swamps froze over and the beavers were very active fixing their dens in the lodges. Also it is when the…
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All Delaware State Parks Free On Black Friday
All Delaware State Parks free on Black Friday
DOVER (Nov. 20, 2015) – With several large retail outlets extending their Black Friday hours by opening their doors on Thanksgiving Day, national sports retailer REI (www.rei.com ) decided to push back against the trend by closing all of its stores on Black Friday and giving its 12,000 employees…
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The Weekend Comes To An End
Everyone was fishing their hearts out this weekend, trying to get that big bass or rockfish. Rumor has it a few large striped bass were hit on the beaches of Cape Henlopen Saturday afternoon. Lost of short stripers, dogfish, skates, and a few ling cod or spotted hake were pulled in from the surf. Surprisingly not too many people…
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First Migratory Bass Show up in Delaware Bay
While we were cleaning the Naval Jetty beach today with Surfrider foundation in Cape Henlopen State Park. There were a lot of people fishing the surf up and down all the beaches. I saw a few dogfish pulled in and Matt Fetters hit a nice short striped bass at Fenwick Island. While we were on the beach, Joe Morris at Lewes Harbor…
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Conquest Beach Access Is Getting Upgraded
Early last week conquest beach access was closed for work. People have been asking when will the access be open and what are they doing? It looked like the parking lot was being upgraded and the walk-ons were being fixed. The drive on area was much wider too when I was down there the other day. I emailed Scott Figurski with…
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Fall Migration Hits Sea Isle City
Just reported this morning by Sea Isle Bait and Tackle. " (ALERT) We are getting many many reports of big stripers out at the Sea Isle lump this morning. These guys have their limit with a 50 incher. They are using words like epic, on fire, unbelievable we've never seen anything like this before, crazy." Make sure you are within…
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Public Comment on The Allen Harim Permit
This is the public comment sent in by Greg Rosner about the proposed permit by Allen Harim for the Harbeson Facility. The permit in question is the NPDES Permit No. DE 000029 (State Number WPCC 3131F/76 This is information that people need to know and hear. Greg allowed me to post this as an editorial to help get the necessary information to…
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Route 24 Project Will Create Delays
TRAFFIC ALERT - Pavement & Rehabilitation Project in Sussex County Will Require Daytime Lane Closures
Millsboro -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that a pavement and rehabilitation project will begin on Friday, November 20 and is anticipated to be complete by the end of December. This project will consist of…
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Public Comment Period Exteneded For An Allen Harim Permit
This is a long read and a lot of information but it is important to understand that this permit should not be allowed and that Allen Harim needs to comply with existing permits. I don't know any better way then to just cut and paste the permits and some of the public comments. I do know that this can not be allowed to flow into the Beaver Dam…
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Bass Blasting in the Back Bays
Yeeesssssssssssss, we are still waiting for the arrival of the fall migration, that is the question of the day, everyday and has been for a week. In the mean time many have been hammering striped bass in the back bays with some keepers in the mix. For the most part they are shorts, and by short I mean upwards of twenty seven inches…
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Mary Lee Swims by The Delaware Coast
We had another visit from Mary Lee a 16 ft 4,000 lbs white shark. Maybe she too is on the hunt for striped bass, since everyone else is waiting here in Delaware. I am sure she is in the know where the fish are and is headed up to Jersey for a quick meal, or she just wanted to check out Wildwood and hit the boardwalk. Her latest…
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Octo Toggin in OCMD
I ran into John Marr a member of the Saltwater Fly Anglers of Delaware this afternoon when we pulled off the beach. He was out all morning trying to hold bottom in some seriously rough surf, and so were we. He told me about a fishing trip the other day. He and Pat Connelly were fishing for tautog near the Coast Guard Station in…
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Pending Delaware State Record Bluefish
From Joe at Lewes Harbor Marina .........
Talk about an awesome alligator! Dr. Luis Mispireta landed what will likely become the new Delaware State Record Bluefish while wreck fishing today in Del-Jersey Land aboard Katydid, with Captain Brent Wiest and Mate Chris Vann. Luis was winding in a sea bass caught on a butterfly jig when the 24.8…
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Whale Spotted Near The Beach in OCMD
Earlier today a whale was spotted near the beach at 52nd street in Ocean City, by Laura Seigel Powell owner of Sea, Sands and Skies. " It was just cruising by it barely breached." A good sign that there are fish out there and lots of bait to feed on. Hopefully this means the striped bass are soon to come if not already here. It…
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A Celebration of Life for Lynn BeMiller III
Lynn T BeMiller III passed on 10/16/15 after a tragic accident on Pot-Nets Rd in Long Neck, DE. He was 20 years old. Born to Lynn T BeMiller Jr and Crystal Tripp. He was a delightful, energetic young man who dreamed of one day owning his own restaurant. He was also an accomplished skateboarder who pursued Pro Status.
His…
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Route 404 Road Closure
Road Closure For Construction
The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) would like to alert motorists that the removal and replacement of a crossroad pipe will require a portion of State Route 404 to be closed (Bridge over Iron Mine Branch) between Route 36/Scotts Store Road and Epworth Church Road, southwest of Greenwood.
The work is…
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Dog Day In The Surf
The last few days all we are catching are spiny dogfish and skates. They are fun to catch but everyone wants the striped bass to show up, it is like the calm before the storm. The weather the last few days were heavy waves and winds. We will see more of that through out the weekend. The water temperatures are decent for the fish…
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Latest Delaware Surf Fishing Tag Online Auction Nets Parks $32,725
The second online auction for Delaware Surf Fishing numbered tags closed last night. According to Ray Bivens director of Delaware State Parks. "This last auction raised $32,725 bringing the grand total to over $213,000. There have been 44 tags in all sold so far " One bidder in this last auction dropped $24,050.99 on seven tags.…
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Emu No longer On The Lam
The Emu dubbed the Delaware Velociraptor has been captured after nearly sixty days of being on the loose. It was captured this afternoon at a farm near the Stonefield neighborhood in Townsend Delaware. Richard Haas said it was captured on his stepdad's farm. This elusive bird has avoided capture for nearly 2 months and caused two…
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Seismic Airgun Testing Survey
As you may have heard there is proposed seismic air gun testing in our waters for offshore drilling in Delaware. This testing will be twice the decibel level of a jet engine. According to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) ... "These airguns generate air bubbles that expand and contract in the water column, and the…
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Partial closures to continue next week at Lewes Public Boat Ramp parking lot
Partial closures to continue next week at Lewes Public Boat Ramp parking lot to allow completion of re-striping project
LEWES (Nov. 12, 2015) – Intermittent partial closures will continue at the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Lewes Public Boat Ramp parking lot next week, Monday, Nov. 16 through Friday, Nov. 20 to allow contractors to…
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Oak Orchard To Receive Drainage Upgrades
Oak Orchard will get better drains soon for flooding from tidal waters and heavy rains. When I first lived there I was told when the water comes up to the old liquor store we are fine, but if it comes up this road we have to get out of here. It is the "norm" down there, we were used to it flooding all time. If there was a coastal flood…
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Farm Fling Encore 2015
Last year was the first Farm Fling, a local private event to allow chunkers a chance to shoot pumpkins through Sussex county skies. When Punkin Chunkin was canceled, Frank Payton III's fellow chunkers, friends, and family asked what are they going to do now. He told them Bring your machines to the farm and we will just chunk pumpkins like the…
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Delaware Fishing Update
So the latest news is ABC is going to launch a show called Murder Town and shoot it in Wilmington, DE. Not sure how I feel about that, on the one hand you could just rebroadcast the daily news, or maybe it will be a decent show, thankfully I don't watch much TV. Well except the walking Dead. People on the internet are up in arms…
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Lewes waterman arrested for undersized channeled conch violations
Lewes waterman arrested for undersized channeled conch violations
DOVER (Nov. 10, 2015) – DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested a commercial waterman from Lewes Nov. 6 after discovering a hidden catch of undersized channeled conch on his vessel during a compliance check boarding. Channeled…
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Lewes City Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing seismic testing and drilling in the Atlantic
The First city in the first state just passed the first resolution in Delaware to say no to seismic testing. I couldn't be more proud right now to be a Delawarean, but we have a ways to go still. Last night many of us attended the Lewes City Council meeting to speak up against the proposed seismic testing in the Atlantic Ocean. …
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3 Eyed Catfish Caught in New York Canal
A three eyed catfish was caught in New York yesterday in the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn.. According to eyewitnesses the angler commented he was keeping it and intended to eat the catfish. Many people are comparing this catfish to Blinky the three eyed catfish on the Simpsons. I don't know about any of you but we all joke about 2…
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Big Fish Are On The Move
Up north near Long Beach Island and above areas are on fire. There are fish being caught that will easily break a Delaware State record. The bluefish are hitting the shoreline again up there and we are hoping they come into our shores again soon. They are feeding heavily on peanut bunker. Ben Smith and his boys boated some huge striped bass…
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Weekend Fishing Outlook
The weather is crazy! Yesterday was fun fishing for tautog, nothing like a warm November spring rain to cheer up your day. We did decent with green crabs, white leg crabs, and sand fleas. The Asian box crabs were not very productive at all. We hit the beginning of the incoming tide and stayed all day, catching tautog, losing a few…
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Say No To Seismic Testing And Drilling In The Atlantic Ocean
Do you fish in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida or anywhere between, oh wait there isn't anywhere else. Basically this will affect the entire east coast so listen up! We need to stop the proposed seismic testing and drilling in the Atlantic ocean for oil. I know…
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Online Auction For Numbered Delaware Surf Fishing Tags Information
DOVER (Nov. 5, 2015) – Would-be buyers who didn’t cast their bids high enough to land one of the low-digit Delaware State Parks surf tags sold at auction last weekend by DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation will be happy to know that online auctions for the tags will continue through the holiday season until the end of the year. After a…
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Helly Hansen’s Jacket Drive
This November, you can receive an extra 25% off the normal 50% in store discount at the Helly Hansen Outlet on a single item only. If you take more than one coat you will receive this discount on multiple single items. For example, take in three coats get a discount on three separate times. Just donate an old, clean, winter coat…
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Delaware boat registration website to shut down Nov. 2-15
Delaware boat registration website to shut down Nov. 2-15 to make way for new system
DOVER (Oct. 30, 2015) – Delaware’s online boat registration system will be unavailable from Nov. 2-15 to allow for installation of a new online system, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today.
“This new system modernizes our…
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The Stripers are Coming, The Stripers Are Coming, Get Your Dollars
The last couple of days have been fun fishing the surf. There are lots of small blues out there and as annoying as they can be, they are still fun to catch. Use an ultralight setup with small silver spoons and it will be ten times the fun. Yanking them in with a twelve foot surf rod is rather boring I will admit, and burns up some…
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Young vs Old Going For the Glory!
Even though the annual World Punkin Chunkin event was cancelled, the competition is still underway and is heating up. As we reported yesterday about a Cinderella Story in the making. The possibility of Young Glory dethroning the current World Champ, American Chunker, now the captain of Old Glory is stepping up to the challenge. “Don’t count…
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Northern Lights And Taurid Fireballs
The northern lights or Aurora borealis may be visible tonight in Delaware and the northeast. We are just barely in the good section of the map to view this event. You will need to be away from any areas of light pollution. You will also need a clear view of the northern horizon and the view will be better in the first half of the…
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A Dead Manatee Washed Up On Assateague Island
On October 29th a dead manatee washed up on Assateague Island. This is only the second time this has happened in Maryland. Normally when manatees migrate to our waters they return to warmer waters at the end of the summer season when the water cools. This one washed up on the island on October 27th, but high tide took it back out…
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Young Glory III Going For The World Record
Last year was the first Farm Fling, and a few weeks ago the second annual was held near Milton, Delaware. A local revival of the days of old of chunking pumpkins. Today I was at that farm in Milton watching Jake Burton, Adam Legg, and Scott Riniker put all the barrels on Young Glory III. This weekend is the Farm Fling Encore, a…
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Delaware Surf Fishing Numbered Tag Auction is a Big Success
Yesterday I attended the first annual Boo B Que and it was great time. We ate tons of barbecue and all kinds of things, oh and there was beer. The highlight of the day for me was bidding on the low digit tags. I was there to bid for Techno Goober and I had a ceiling of 19,000. I have been in many auctions but nothing like this. …
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Not Off My Coast Group To Meet Nov. 5
On Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m., at the Independence Community Clubhouse, outside of Millsboro, Matt Heim, outreach coordinator for the Assateaque Coastal Trust will discuss “Not Off My Coast” – a grassroots effort to reverse the Department of the Interior’s draft proposal that would permit seismic testing and drilling for oil off the Delmarva…
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Weekend Outlook For Fishing
Yesterday a huge swell showed up and the surfers were in heaven, for hours. The fishing was nearly impossible in the surf so I checked out the boys catching monster waves. We have a lot of great surfers in this area. It was mind numbing to watch some of these monster waves crash onto the shore. You can see the power and feel…
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“Boooo-B-Que by the Sea” BBQ cook-off
“Boooo-B-Que by the Sea” BBQ cook-off Oct. 30-31 at Delaware Seashore State Park
Live auction for low digit surf tags will also be held
REHOBOTH BEACH (Oct. 29, 2015) – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation will host the first-ever “Boooo-B-Que By the Sea,” a two-day statewide barbeque cook-off competition beginning Friday…
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Scotton Landing Fishing Pier to close
Scotton Landing Fishing Pier to close Nov. 2-13 for re-decking project
DOVER (Oct. 28, 2015) – Public access to the Scotton Landing Fishing Pier on Barkers Landing Road near Dover will be closed from Monday, Nov. 2 through Friday, Nov. 13, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today.
The closure will allow the…
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Full Moon, East Winds,and King Tides Equal …
Not heeding my own warning in the last article, I headed to Dewey today to pick up Matt Adams to hit the point. Now I knew the water would be bad at high tide, but I figured it would calm down quickly, and we could get to he point or close at least after high tide. Whoops! I ran into Boots on route 1 and he said that Herring point…
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The First Annual Boo-B-Que is This Weekend
The first annual Boo-B-Que is this coming weekend in Delaware Seashore State Park. The event will be held at the Indian River Inlet southside parking lot. ... bring the kids it will be a great time!!
…
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October’s Full Moon Fishing
Tomorrow night the 27th, is October's full moon, it will be totally full at 8:05 AM. Known in the northern hemisphere by Native American tribes as the Full Hunter's moon, Harvest Moon, Blood Moon, or Sanguine Moon. This was named for the fact it is the time of year that the game is all fattened for the winter and it is time for the…
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Why Do You Fish?
This is a great video on fishing and why we do it. I could not have said this any better myself, or agree more. Do you agree?
Fish On!
Rich King
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Weekend Outlook
The winds today were steady and annoying in the surf, water was stirred up with sand, much different from the crystal clear water the past few days. It will clear up in a day or as soon as the winds lay down. We saw some blues move past early in the morning, but after that it was hard to see anything. The beaches are still really…
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Lewes Drawbridge Will Close Tonight
Don't panic it is only for one night so the drawbridge can be inspected. Savannah road will close at the drawbridge from 11 Pm until 5 AM. Deldot will have detour signs up a little before the inspection starts. Keep this in mind if you intend to use route 9/Savannah road in Lewes. If you are headed to the Cape Henlopen State park…
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Fort Miles Is Getting A Facelift
Okay first things first. I went to the open house tonight about the Fort Miles Proposed Draft Master Plan Open House. Only reason I went ... again .... was to talk to the Director of Parks Ray Bivens to clear up some misinformation. This is just a proposed phase one and the money was raised by Fort Miles and earmarked a while ago.…
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Black Sea Bass Opens Today
Black Sea Bass opens today October 22nd, it was announced on Oct 11th by DNREC. The season runs until December 31st. Then the season reopens on May 15th until September 21st. Size limit is 12.5 inches excluding the caudal filament (if present) and the limit is 15 fish per day per angler. Looking like a great weekend for some…
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Milton Plans To Move The Wastewater Treatment Plant
Great news! The town of Milton is working on a project to move the wastewater treatment plant away from the Broadkill River. The new proposed facility, which will be built on the edge of town on Sam Lucas Road, could be ready as early as 2018. The old facility will be demolished and the property will be turned over to the town of…
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Albies Making An Appearance in the Surf
Serious cold snap the other day and we had our first frost. That just gets people pumped up for more fall fishing and much bigger fish. The water temperatures have dropped significantly compared to last week. Masseys Landing was down to fifty three degrees and dropped twelve degrees in seven days. Today it jumped back up to fifty…
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Stay Off The Damaged Dunes
Last year during the snow everyone went nuts about the kids sledding on the dunes in Cape Henlopen State Park. Some were furious and others thought it was no big deal. The kids claimed there weren't any signs telling them otherwise. You should see that area now, it is worn down heavily and people are still walking down it like it…
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Orionid Meteor Shower to Peak Oct 21st
The Orionids, the most popular meteor shower for many stargazers will peak Wednesday night, Oct 21st into the early dawn hours of Oct. 22nd. 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…
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False Albacore caught at Indian River Inlet
A few minutes ago Clark Evans from Old Inlet Bait and Tackle sent us a picture of a false albacore caught by Carrie Leahy at Indian River Inlet. He doesn't have any details as far as baits and such, but Carrie Leahy was very excited over this catch earlier this morning, when she was talking to Clark. I still want to catch an…
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Ancient Hieroglyphs Discovered On The Dune Cliffs Of DSSP
Sand that has piled up from the dunes collapsing.
Yesterday I was at the south side beach at the Indian River Inlet just checking the water and surf conditions. Tossing a line in here and there at a few choice cuts. While I was fishing and looking for sea glass, I noticed the dunes are starting to give way and create piles of sand…
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Weekend Fishing Outlook
The air temperatures are dropping, the leaves are turning colors fast, those that are not on the ground. The yard has that earthy wet leaf smell in the morning, love the fall. The water temperatures are slowly dropping. The water is clearing up in the surf and the bays are not looking too bad. Up north the Delaware River near…
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Delaware Surf Fishing Numbered Tag Online Auction Update
The online auction started today for the state parks' new Delaware Surf Fishing numbered tags. I can't help but smile every time I write that ... anyway. The online auction started at 9 AM this morning and several tags were bid on immediately. The first online auction will end on November 1st at 7 PM. Opening bids start at $250.…
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Annual Fall Trout Stocking In White Clay Creek
DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife makes “colorful” annual fall trout stocking in White Clay Creek
WHITE CLAY CREEK (Oct. 15, 2015) – The Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Fisheries Section announced today that White Clay Creek has received its annual fall stocking of trout, a DNREC ritual since 2007.
Fisheries…
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Public Hearing On Proposed Regulations Governing Beach Protection
DNREC public hearing on Proposed Regulations Governing Beach Protection and the Use of Beaches set for Nov. 7 in Lewes
DOVER (Oct. 14, 2015) – DNREC’s Division of Watershed Stewardship’s Shoreline & Waterway Management Section will hold a public hearing next month seeking comment on proposed changes to Delaware’s Regulations…
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Save The Chunk
A grass roots movement started on Facebook, October 13th around 10 PM has taken a community by storm in less than twenty four hours. Now why would that occur? Well the Punkin Chunkin organization is now looking out of state for a venue to host their event. After two consecutive years of being canceled in Dover, the organization has…
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Mary Lee Pings Off Assateague Island
Mary Lee dropped by the Eastern shore early this morning. She likes to visit our coast line and do a little fishing and who could blame her we have such a diverse amount of life, or in her case, food out there. Always exciting to see her ping off the coastline and follow her on these journeys. In the past forty eight hours she has…
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Auctions of low-digit surf-fishing tags by DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation start Oct. 15
Everything you need to know about the new numbered tags and auction is below in the press release, or you can go to the state parks' Delaware Surf Fishing numbered tag page or click on the banner ad at the top of the website above the header picture. Personally I am rather fond of the tags' name.
Fish On!!
Rich King
Auctions of…
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Buddies, Bluefish, Blue Glass, and Burgers
The 9th annual DMS invitational surf fishing tournament went off well this weekend, they had some rough weather on Saturday but many fish were still caught. I rode around with Corby Fulton while he was judging. It was fun, I got to mark where everyone was catching fish, talk smack to my friends, and found a ton of sea glass every…
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Nuclear emergency sirens to be tested in Delaware
Tomorrow at 10:45 AM, the PSEG Nuclear Artificial Island generating facility (Salem I & II) will test the emergency sirens in the ten mile radius known as the Emergency Planning Zone. Residents are not required to do anything, these sirens are tested quarterly, and are scheduled to sound for a full three minutes. These sirens…
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Spirit of Malabo docks in Lewes Delaware
Today I met Victor Mooney, a man who started a journey from West Africa to Brooklyn New York, in a twenty four foot row boat, the Spirit of Malabo. Most people would say that is crazy, and I honestly thought the same, until I met the man and heard why. I mean who purposely rows across the Atlantic Ocean? Victor is and he is doing…
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Do NOT Drive Through Swales (Tide Pools)
Today's entertainment, the Jeep stuck deep. It is a JEEP thing I do not understand.
October 2015) ... I say it all of the time in fishing reports and recently in the storm updates. Stay out of tide pools. If you are driving onto the beaches after these storms, be aware of your surroundings. You can drive to the surf at…
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Holts Landing State Park boat ramp to close
Holts Landing State Park boat ramp to close Monday, Oct. 12 for construction of new expanded ramp
DOVER (Oct. 9, 2015) –The boat ramp at Holts Landing State Park will be closed from Monday, Oct. 12 through early next year for construction of a new double-lane concrete ramp, DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation announced…
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Beach conditions and fishing report
All drive on beaches are open except Keybox in Delaware Seashore state park, the parking lot there is closed as well. Everywhere else is open, and the beaches are flat, with tide pools, and the water is still dirty but starting to clear up. It gets skinny at high tide so be careful where you park. If you cross a empty tide pool…
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Coastal Imagery Viewer From NOAA
Ever wanted to see what the coast line looks like after a storm? NOAA has a coastal imagery viewer that is very easy to use, "NOAA Coastal Imagery were acquired at a 37.5 degree look angle using the NOAA King Air platform ". Just click on the grid you want to see and you can scroll the images from there. It takes a minute to get used to…
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Update for DSSP and FI State Parks
I just spoke with Doug Long, Superintendent at Delaware Seashore State Park about ten minutes ago. The soil and conservation crews are working diligently on the crossings for Faithful Steward, Conquest, and Key Box drive on a beaches. They are hoping to have them ready by today at the earliest, tomorrow at the latest. 3Rs is open…
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Beach Plum Island State Park Is Open
I checked out Beach Plum Island State Park today, the beah is open to drive on. I would not recommend driving on the beach for a little while., The debris is everywhere, I moved six boards with nails off the drive on access, I didn't even attempt to drive on. The debris is thick and some areas are covered with sand, your vehicle…
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ASMFC To Hold A Public Hearing On The Tautog Public Information Document
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) will hold a public hearing on the Tautog Public Information Document (PID) in Delaware at the DNREC Auditorium, 89 Kings Highway, Dover on Thursday, October 8, 2015 at 6 PM. The ASMFC Tautog Management Board is seeking public comment on the PID for Draft Amendment 1 to the Interstate…
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Delaware’s Wildlife Action Plan submitted to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for review
Delaware’s Wildlife Action Plan submitted to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for review
DOVER (Oct. 5, 2015) – Delaware’s Wildlife Action Plan (DEWAP) for 2015-2025, two years in the making through a wide range of partnerships and public input, has been submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for approval, DNREC’s Division…
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NASA Will Launch A Sounding Rocket At Wallops Island
A sounding rocket will be launched tomorrow night at Wallops Island Flight Facility in Virginia , for many of us the last launch we watched was the Antares. That one blew up just above the launch pad. This sounding rocket is a big deal for NASA, "Such research has greatly aided understanding of the planet's near-space environment,…
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The Point Is Open But Skinny
I had to hit the point after it opened today, not just to see how it fared after the storm, but also to get a line wet. If it weren't for the fact the beach looks different and the point has changed shape it would be like any other day. The drive on was uneventful but a shock as to how much beach is gone and how flat it looks. …
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Drive On Beaches in Cape Henlopen open
All drive on accesses in Cape Henlopen are open, except Navy Crossing. Parks' enforcement evaluated the drive on accesses and all have been open except navy crossing, because the drop off is too steep for driving. Once the beach rebuilds I am sure that will be opened but only time will tell. That is the access I fished on Sunday and had to…
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NMFS extends Delaware’s deadline for the American Eel Fishery Management Plan
NMFS gives Delaware until March 18, 2016 to comply with the American Eel Fishery Management Plan. Our general Assembly should pass compliance on the bill before deadline. Let's hope they manage to do this for the sake of next year. Anglers are lucky the fall fishing will not be affected by this noncompliance. This should not have happened in…
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Delaware’s Drive On Beaches Are Still Closed
Everyone is asking and anxiously awaiting, and there is the DMS surf fishing tournament this weekend. Delaware Seashore State Park, Cape Henlopen State Park, Fenwick Island State Park, and Beach Plum Island are all closed to driving on. The parking lots for all the beaches in DSSP are closed, except for Tower rd. walk on beach at…
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Beach Conditions After the Storm
The state park campgrounds opened back up today in Sussex county, and the drive on beaches are still closed. When they open is still to be determined. Parking lots are closed at conquest, keybox, savages ditch,and 3rs. You can walk on in CHSP, the Indian River Inlet, and fenwick island
The storm is over but the water remains. We have minor…
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Small Man O Wars Washing Up On Delaware Beaches
Like many people at the beach today Brandon Butler is looking for treasures washed up from t he storm with no name. He is looking specifically for sea glass, the beaches took a pounding and there is debris all over the high tide line. In some areas there are large rolls of mangled dune fencing on Fenwick Island State Park and other…
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Roadways Still Impacted By Storm
The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has announced that the following roads are either closed due to high water, or the roadways are passable, but with water on the roadway. Please use caution.
Roadways CLOSED due to high water:
New Castle County
Nonesuch Creek at Airport Road
Old State Road at Old Corbitt Road
Pyles Lane…
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