Fishing Guide - Delaware Department of Natural Resources and ...

Fishing GuideDepartment of Natural Resourcesand Environmental Controlwww.fw.delaware.gov

From the Director of theDivision of Fish and WildlifeAs we begin another century of fish and wildlifeconservation in Delaware, the Division of Fish andWildlife renews its commitment to stewardship ofyour fisheries resources and fishing tradition.Recreational sport fishing provides countlessopportunities to connect people and families tothe outdoors, while supporting thousands of fishingrelatedjobs vital to our economy. Quality sportfishing requires wise use of fisheries resources andDavid Saveikis, Directorthoughtful investment of your fishing license dollars.The 2012 Delaware Fishing Guide provides helpful fishing, crabbing, clamming, andboating safety information, including a summary of our fishing laws and regulations whichare necessary to provide quality fishing -- both now and in the future. The Guide alsopresents how we invest your fishing license dollars, every dollar of which brings an additionalthree dollars in federal sport fishing funds generated from your purchase of fishingequipment and boating fuel. These funds are collectively used to perform habitat managementand fisheries research and to construct fishing and boating access facilities, therebyensuring conservation and sustainable use of and providing access to these fisheries.The cover of this year’s guide, selected from our first photography contest, representsthe promise of the future as the young angler is captivated by embracing the possibilities ofall that is fishing, something that I experienced many years ago and which still inspires andmotivates me today. As you enjoy the bounty and diversity of fishing that Delaware has tooffer, please take the opportunity to “take a kid fishing” so that No Child is Left Inside. Thefuture of fishing, conservation, and the outdoors depends on it.As an avid Delaware angler for many years, I hope to see you on the water. Wishingyou “tight lines” this fishing season…Maps for this publication were created by the Office of the Secretary’s GIS section. Fishillustrations were drawn by Duane Raver, and the shark illustrations by Bob Jones. The coverphoto is from photo contest winner Michele Reeder. A special thanks to the Delaware anglersand DNREC staff who donated pictures throughout this guide.All of the information in this guide, and much more, may also be found on the Division’swebsite www.fw.delaware.gov.Doc. No. 40-05-03/11/01/01“F.I.N.” number“F.I.N.” numberName ___________________Name ___________________1

Contact InformationDepartment of Natural Resources and Environmental Controlwww.dnrec.delaware.govDivision of Fish and Wildlife – www.fw.delaware.govF.I.N. number 1-800-432-9228Fisheries Section, Dover (302)-739-9914Little Creek Fisheries Field Office (302) 735-2960Aquatic Resources Education Center (302) 735-8652Fish and Wildlife Enforcement SectionMain Office (302) 739-9913Region 1 (New Castle & Kent Counties) (302) 739-6139Region 2 (Sussex County) (302) 855-190124-hour hotline (KENTCOM)for reporting violations, problems and fish kills (800) 523-3336Boating Safety (302) 739-9915Ramp Certificates (302) 739-9916Boat Registration (302) 739-9916Recreational Fishing Licenses (302) 739-9918General InformationFreshwater Trout Program (302) 739-9914Non-tidal Fishing (302) 739-9914 /(302) 735-8650Tidal Fishing (302) 739-9914/(302) 735-2960Fish Consumption Advisories (302) 739-9914Division Public Health (302) 744-4546Artificial Reef Program (302) 735-2960Fishing / Boating Access Areas (302) 739-9914Clamming (302) 735-2960Shellfish Health & Safety, Closures (302) 739-9939Crabbing (302) 735-29602

Table of ContentsWhere Do Your Licenses $ Go .......................................................................C-1Message from the Director ...................................................................................1Contact Information .............................................................................................2Before You Fish/License Fees ..............................................................................4What’s New for 2012 ..........................................................................................5Fishing License Requirements and FIN Number ...............................................6Fishing License Exemptions and Exceptions ......................................................7Photo Contest Winners .....................................................................................C-2Freshwater FishingTrout Fishing .................................................................................................. 8 - 9Trout Streams (map) ..........................................................................................10Trout Stocking Schedule ....................................................................................11General Non-tidal Regulations ..........................................................................12Youth Fishing Tournament .................................................................................16Non-tidal Fishing Access Areas .........................................................................17Good Fishing Depends on Clean Water .............................................................32Handling and Releasing Fish .............................................................................45Guide to Public Ponds / Catch and Release ......................................................47Center Color PagesClamming Map ..................................................................................................21Delaware State Map ...........................................................................................22Pull Out Sheet Sharks, Tuna and Billfish ...........................................................23Pull Out Sheet Freshwater Fish and Saltwater Fish ................................... 24 - 25Pull Out Sheet Shellfish Minimum Size, Creel Limits and Seasons ..................26Invasive Species ......................................................................................... 28 - 29Tidal WatersGeneral Tidal Fishing Regulations............................................................... 13-14Articial Reef Program ........................................................................................15Tidal Fishing Access Areas ................................................................................18Shark Regulations for Delaware ..................................................................19, 23Clamming / Oyster - Recreational Harvest Prohibited ......................................20Delaware Sport Fishing TournamentRules .......................................................................................................... 30 - 31Live Release Awards ..........................................................................................32Sportfishing Tournament Minimum Weights & Lengths (Live Release Only) .....33Weigh Stations and /or Boat Ramp Certificate Sales .........................................34State Record Holders .........................................................................................35Angler InformationFish Consumption Advisories ............................................................................36Measuring Your Catch ......................................................................................37Fish Consumption Advisories List ............................................................. 38 - 39Blue Crabs ..........................................................................................................40Surf Fishing ........................................................................................................41Boating Safety ............................................................................................ 42 - 43Fishing Advisory Councils/Recreational Gill Nets ............................................44Aquatic Resources Education ............................................................................46Fish Stocking; Illegal Species; Trash Free; Sturgeon ........................................483

Before You FishBefore you go fishing, crabbing, or clamming in Delaware you must: Purchase a 2012 Delaware fishing license and keep it with you while fishing(page 6) Get a free 2012 FIN number (automatically generated with the purchase ofan individual license) and keep it with you while fishing (page 6).If fishing for freshwater trout get a 2012 trout stamp and affix it to yourlicense (page 8)While fishing, crabbing, or clamming in Delaware, you must: Abide by size and bag limits (fishing limits - page 24 - 25, crabbing limits- pages 26 and 40, clamming limits - pages 20 - 26) Be aware of area and seasonal closures (page 20, 21, 23, 24 -26, 40)Please be aware that: Delaware does not have fishing license reciprocity with other states. Youmust have a Delaware fishing license to fish, crab or clam in Delaware. Delaware does not recognize Federal FIN numbers or FIN numbers fromother states. You must have a free Delaware FIN (Page 6).You must have a New Jersey FIN number if you fish in New Jersey waters ofDelaware Bay.2012 License FeesLicense Category Resident Non-residentGeneral Fishing License $8.50 $20.007-day Tourist Fishing NA $12.50*Boat License 20 ft or less (optional) $40.00 $40.00*Boat License more than 20 ft (optional) $50.00 $50.00Head Boat License $300.00 $600.00Charter Boat License $150.00 $300.00* Boat License - The optional boat license for a recreational fisherman coversthe holder of the license, and all occupants in the boat, as do the charter boat andhead boat licenses. A resident who purchases a Delaware boat-fishing licensealso will be given a single Delaware fishing license for their own use on thoseoccasions that he or she may not be on the boat. A Delaware FIN is required ofall anglers age 16 years or older on the vessel.Non-resident - Any non-resident who is 16 years of age or older except personscovered by one of the exemptions is required to have a license to fish, clam,or crab in the waters of the State of Delaware. Non-residents may purchase a7-consecutive day tourist fishing license.4

What’s New for 2012A FIN number will be automatically generated and issued with thepurchase of an INDIVIDUAL fishing license. Non-residents who do not have anindividual fishing license and those exempt from the fishing license requirementmust obtain a FIN number before fishing. A FIN may be obtained by automatedservice at 1-800-432-9228 (toll free), or for live operator/customer service at1-866-447-4626 (toll free) or by visiting the website at www.delaware-fin.com/.Fishing devices are being sold (e.g. umbrella, Alabama Rig®), and/orassembled by anglers, to simulate the appearance of a school of bait. Thesedevices are illegal if they consist of more than 3 lures with hooks when fishingin non-tidal waters or when fishing for gamefish in tidal waters.The Sport Fishing Tournament will make several changes for 2012. Due tothe increasing popularity of tuna fishing, the single minimum qualifying size fortuna will be replaced by minimum qualifying sizes for the three most populartuna species entered in the tournament: bluefin, bigeye and yellowfin. Althoughwe will be issuing citations and patches based on the new minimum sizes, thestate record will continue to be reported for the general category of tuna becausemost entries received in previous years did not list the species of tuna caught.The minimum qualifying size for weakfish has been reduced to reflect thecurrent rarity of catching a weakfish that is large enough to meet the minimumsize that has been in place for the past 30 years.Shark regulations now provide greater protection to sandbar and otherprohibited species of shark. No hook and line fisherman may remove from thewater any sandbar shark, or any other prohibited species of shark. In addition,any sandbar shark or other prohibited species of shark must be immediatelyreleased in a manner that will ensure the maxium probability of survival.New tautog seasons, size and creel limits are in place for 2012. Please referto the handy quick reference (pull out sheet) for details.Both commercial and recreational river herring (blueback herring andalewife) fisheries are closed. It is unlawful to harvest river herring fromDelaware waters.The limits for black sea bass is listed as to be determined, as they aresubject to change for the 2012 fishing season and were not available at the timeof printing. Please stay up-to-date on these and other regulatory changes byvisiting www.fw.delaware.gov.5

Fishing License Requirementsand FIN NumberA general fishing license is required for fishing, crabbing, or clamming intidal and non-tidal waters throughout the State of Delaware (see Fishing LicenseExemptions page 7). A fishing license may be obtained at DNREC headquarters(89 Kings Highway, Dover), on-line at www.fw.delaware.gov. (look for linkon the homepage), or from over 100 license agents (most bait and tackle shops,sporting goods and some hardware stores) located throughout the state. A fishinglicense is good through December 31 for the calendar year in which it wasissued.In addition to the general fishing license, all anglers (resident and nonresident)age 16 or older must obtain a free Fisherman Information Network(FIN) number each year before fishing in tidal or non-tidal waters of Delaware.This includes those anglers exempt from obtaining a general fishing license.See these exemptions on page 7. A FIN number is automatically generated andissued with the purchase of an INDIVIDUAL fishing license. Non-residents whodo not have an individual fishing license AND those exempt from the licenserequirement must obtain a FIN number before fishing.A FIN number can be obtained by automated telephone 1-800-432-9228(toll free), or for live operator/customer service at 1-866-447-4626 (toll free) orby visiting the website at www.delaware-fin.com/. The FIN number is mandatoryand failure to provide a valid FIN number to an enforcement agent will betreated the same as a failure to have a valid fishing license. The number that youare issued will be valid through December 31 for the calendar year in which itwas issued. A FIN number is not needed if you only crab or clam.The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) will use the data obtainedfrom the FIN program to identify anglers for survey purposes. The programallows for better estimates of recreational landings, an important component offisheries management.All funds derived from the issuance of fishing licenses are dedicated to aspecial account for the purpose of matching and securing federal money allottedto Delaware under the provisions of the Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration Actand cannot be diverted to other purposes. Together, these funds support projectshaving as their purpose the restoration, conservation, management and enhancementof sportfish, and the provision for public use and benefits from theseresources (page C-1).6

Fishing License Exemptions and ExceptionsExempt anglers are required to get a FIN number (page 6).The following are exemptions or exceptions to the license provisions:Surf Fishing Permit - Residents and non-residents are exempt from fishing license requirementsif they are the operator of a vehicle with a valid Delaware surf fishing vehiclepermit when that vehicle is located on a designated Delaware State Park beach. Otheroccupants of that vehicle are required to have a fishing license if they are fishing.Seniors - Residents of the State of Delaware age 65 years and older are exempt from fishinglicense requirements, but must have proof of age and residency.Children - Children under the age of 16 are exempt from the license and FIN requirement.Other Exemptions - Any resident who owns or lives on a farm in this state containing20 or more acres and the members of his or her immediate family who reside on the farmmay fish on that farm without a license.A member of the armed forces who is a patient in a military hospital and submits a writtenstatement signed by the patient’s commanding officer certifying the nature of thedisability and place of station.Persons who are patients in any Veterans Administration facility in this State, or in anypublic hospital or sanitarium for the treatment of tuberculosis, or a patient in a rehabilitationhospital under the State Department of Health, provided such person carries identificationwhich verifies his or her status as such a patient, shall not be required to purchase afishing license. Forms shall be supplied to such persons when they apply for their licensesto be used for the identification purposes.Residents living in this State for at least 1 year immediately prior to the date of applicationfor a license who have been honorably discharged from the armed forces ofthe United States and certified by the Veterans Administration as having at least a 60%service-connected disability.Any Delaware resident that is a patient in a rehabilitation hospital under the Departmentof Health and Social Services.Any Delaware resident who is legally blind.Any person who fishes in a fee-fishing facility, registered as such with the Department ofAgriculture.Any resident who has served honorably for 90 or more consecutive days on active dutyin the Armed Forces of the United States, including service as a member of the DelawareNational Guard, in military actions in Southwest Asia associated with Operation IraqiFreedom or Operation Enduring Freedom may, for the first 12 months following the datethe resident was honorably discharged or removed from active status, be issued a licenseto fish in this State without charge.Any member of the US armed forces, including any reserve component, serving onfull time active duty in the Delaware while not deployed or on temporary duty, and anymember of Delaware’s National Guard, shall be eligible for a resident fishing license.Qualifying persons should contact the Division at (302) 739-9918.7

Freshwater Trout FishingDelaware’s freshwater trout program is a self-supporting put-and-take fisheryin selected New Castle County streams and Kent and Sussex County ponds.Revenue generated from the sales of trout stamps is used to purchase rainbow,brook and/or brown trout for stocking (see page 11). Summer water temperatureslimit trout survival and reproduction in Delaware waters, so stocked fishare meant to be taken, but may be released at the angler’s discretion.Season / Hours - The 2012 freshwater trout season in New Castle County opensat 7:30 a.m. on Saturday April 7, 2012. No fishing is allowed in designated troutstreams two weeks (14 days) prior to the scheduled opening of the trout season.It is unlawful to fish for trout in designated trout streams between one-half hourafter sunset and one-half hour before sunrise.Trout season in Tidbury (Kent County) and Newton (Sussex County) Pondsopens at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday March 3, 2012.Trout Stamps - A trout stamp is required to fish in a designated trout streamfrom the first Saturday in April through June 30 and from the first Saturday inOctober through November 30 unless exempted by law. A trout stamp is alsorequired to fish Tidbury Pond in Kent County and Newton Pond in SussexCounty from the first Saturday in March through March 31. This year all licensesand stamps will be issued in an electronic form, and these trout stamps must besigned across the face to be valid. To obtain an original printed stamp, anglersmay call 302-739-9918, and the stamp will be mailed after December 31, 2012.License and Stamp Requirements for Trout FishingResident/ Fishing Young Angler TroutAge license trout stamp StampUnder 12 No No No12 thru 15 No Yes No16 thru 64 Yes No Yes65 and over No No NoFee $8.50 $2.10 $4.20Non-resident/AgeUnder 12 No No No12 thru 15 No No Yes16 and over Yes No YesFee $20.00 $6.208

Possession Limits of TroutIt shall be unlawful for any person to catch and/or have in his possessionmore than six (6) trout in any one day; except, it shall be unlawfulto possess more than four (4) trout in or within 50 feet of any fly-fishingonly waters (restricted trout streams).Special Fly Fishing Only Sections(Restricted Trout Streams)White Clay Creek from a point 25yards above Thompson Bridge atChambers Rock Road to the Pennsylvaniastate line is designated as a fly-fishingonly trout stream (restricted trout waters).It is unlawful to use any metallic,plastic or rubber spinners, spoons, lures,plugs and/or natural bait or to use morethan two (2) flies on a line at any onetime.It is unlawful to possess more thanfour (4) trout within 50 feet of a fly fishingVOID2012If you are interested in collectingtrout or duck stamps, pleasecontact the Division at 302-739-9911or visit our website atwww.fw.delaware.gov/Fisheries/Pages/TroutStamp.aspxonly section (restricted trout waters). Anglers may catch and releasetrout on these waters as long as the four (4) trout possession limit is notexceeded. All trout released must be returned to the water as quickly aspossible with the least possible injury.Designated Trout StreamsDesignated TroutStreamDescriptionBeaver Run Pennsylvania line to Brandywine RiverChristina Creek Entire streamPike Creek Route 72 to Henderson RoadMill Creek Brackenville Road to Route 7White Clay Creek Pennsylvania line to the downstream side of Paper MillRoad. Fly fishing only (restricted trout stream) sectionfrom a point 25 yards above Thompson Bridge atChambers Rock Road to the Pennsylvania state line.Wilson Run Route 92 through Brandywine Creek State ParkMost access to these streams is through and on private property or state parkland. Each fisherman should respect the privilege of using private property.9

Designated Trout Streams1. Christina Creek2. White Clay Creek3. Pike Creek4. Mill Creek5. Wilson Run6. Beaver RunMore detail is available online at www.fw.delaware.gov10

2012 Tenative Trout Stocking ScheduleWater Prior March 15 April 9 April 12 April 16 •April 19 April 26 •May 3 Midto season OctoberStreams(Season opens7:30 a.m. April 7)Beaver RunChristina CreekMill CreekPike CreekWhite Clay CreekWilson RunPonds(Season opens7 a.m. March 3)Newton PondTidbury Pond Prior to season: stocking includes trophy-sized rainbow trout (14 inches or greater) at all locations.• April 26: Stocking of 11 inch and trophy-sized rainbows to prepare for annual handicapped anglers fishing derby in Wilson RunFor details on the fishing derby, please call the park office at 302-577-3534.• April 19 and May 3: Brown trout averaging 11 inches will be stocked at locations listed.11

General Non-tidal Fishing RegulationsThese are some of the regulations and state statutes that all anglers shouldbe familiar with. Most have been edited to make them easier to read andunderstand. This is not a complete list and it is up to the angler to be familiarwith all of the laws and regulations currently existing or newly adopted.For a complete listing, refer to the Department of Natural Resources andEnvironmental Control, Division of Fish and Wildlife website or request a copyfrom the Director’s office.Unless otherwise authorized, it shall be illegal for any person to fish for anyfreshwater fish in the non-tidal waters of this State with any fishing equipment orby any method, unless it is provided for in the following subdivisions:A hook and line may be used, with each line to have no more than 3 hooks or3 separate lures with hooks.Unless a person is fishing through the ice, the number of hooks and lines thatany one person is permitted to use to fish for any freshwater fish in the non-tidalwaters of the State shall be no more than 2.A person may use a dip net to aid in landing any freshwater finfish taken orcaught by hook and line in the non-tidal or fresh waters of the State.Carp may be taken and/or fished for by using a bow and arrow and/or spear,unless said equipment or method is otherwise restricted by any Departmentregulation or local ordinance. At this time, no carp may be taken from StatePark ponds using bow and arrow.It is illegal to sell, trade, or barter any finfish taken from the non-tidal watersof this State, unless authorized to do so in a permit issued by the Director.It is illegal to take shad, except by hook and line, and no more than two (2)lures attached. Each lure may have no more than one (1) single pointed hook.It is illegal to knowingly snag fish in non-tidal waters with any hook (single,double or treble) or otherwise catch or attempt to snag or catch any game fish byhooking the fish in any part of the body other than in the mouth.It shall be unlawful for any person to fish within ten (10) feet of an entranceor exit of a fish ladder or to remove fish from any fish ladder between March 15and May 30.Closure of Department Ponds during Draw-downsIt shall be unlawful for any person to fish in any pond or lake administered bythe Department when the water level is lowered for any purpose provided it isduly posted with signs by the Department that state it is closed to fishing.Speed and Wake of Motorboats on Division PondsIt shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motorized vessel, except at aslow-no-wake speed, on any pond or lake administered by the Division.12

General Tidal Fishing RegulationsThese are some of the regulations that all anglers should be familiar with. Fora complete listing refer to the Division’s website or request a copy from theDirector’s Office. See page 6 for license requirements.Striped bass (Morone saxatilis)Spawning seasonThe spawning season for striped bass in Delaware is considered to begin at12:01 a.m. on April 1 and continue through midnight on May 31 of each calendaryear. It is unlawful for any person to take and retain any striped bass duringthe spawning season from the Nanticoke River or its tributaries, the DelawareRiver and its tributaries to the north of a line extending due east beginning at andincluding the south jetty at the mouth of the C & D Canal, or the C & D Canal orits tributaries (see map on page 22). Catch and release only during this season;no harvest is allowed.Circle-hooksIt is unlawful for any person to fish during the striped bass spawning seasonon any striped bass spawning ground with natural bait using any hook other thana non-offset circle-hook when said hook measures greater than 3/8 inches asmeasured from the point of the hook to the shank of the hook.The Division recommends that circle-hooks always be used when fishingnatural baits because of their proven ability to reduce hook and release mortalityfor striped bass and other fish species. The circle-hook’s design usually resultsin fish being hooked in the mouth, simplifying hook removal and reducing injuryto the released fish.Possession limitA recreational angler may take no more than 2 striped bass per day (a periodof 24 hours) from the tidal waters of this State at a minimum 28 inches unlessotherwise authorized (e.g. spawning season or slot limit).Slot limit seasonIn 2009, the Division adopted a new slot-limit during July and August forstriped bass anglers in Delaware waters of the Delaware River, Delaware Bay,and their tributaries. The existing 28-inch minimum size remains in effect incoastal areas.Area – Delaware waters only of the Delaware River and Bay and theirtributaries. It does not apply to adjacent waters of Pennsylvania or New Jersey,nor does it apply to coastal waters, Indian River Inlet or the Inland Bays.Season – July 1 – August 31Size Limit – 20 inches to 26 inches (total length)Limit – two (2) per angler13

Special Conditions – Slot limit applies only to the area specified on page13; Any striped bass less than or greater than the slot size must be releasedduring this special season within the specified area. The 28-inchminimum size is in effect during all other months.American shad and hickory shadIt shall be unlawful for any person to have in possession more than anaggregate of ten (10) American shad and hickory shad. Additionally, it shall beunlawful for any person to take and reduce to possession any American shad orhickory shad from the Nanticoke River or its tributaries.River herringBoth commercial and recreational river herring (blueback herring andalewife) fisheries are closed.No person shall fish with any type of net, within 300 feet of any constructeddam or spillway on a tidal water river, stream, canal, ditch, or tributary locatedin this state.Summer flounderIt shall be unlawful for any person while on board a vessel, to have inpossession any part of a summer flounder that measures less than the currentminimum size limit between said part’s two most distant points unless saidperson also has in possession the head, backbone, and tail intact from which saidpart was removed.Electric lightsIt is legal for any person to fish in the tidal waters of this State with the aidof “lights used for illumination for visual purposes”.“Lights used for illumination for visual purposes” shall mean any light thatis fixed in position anywhere directly above the hull or deck of a vessel, dock orshore area, or any electric flood light less than 500 watts and fixed in position noless than ten (10) feet directly above the surface of the water. An electric floodlight is any electric light that does not have a focused beam.Courtesy docksCrabbing, fishing or swimming from floating courtesy docks at anyDelaware Division of Fish and Wildlife boat ramp is prohibited.14

Artificial Reef ProgramDelaware has eleven permitted artificial reef sites in Delaware Bay andalong the Atlantic Coast. Development of these sites began in 1995 and willcontinue. The Delaware Reef Program is one part of a comprehensive fisheriesmanagement effort and is designed to enhance fisheries habitat, benefitstructure-oriented fish, and provide fishing opportunities for anglers.On August 10, 2011, the 563-foot ex-U.S.S. Radford, became the largest vesselto be sunk on the artifi cial reef system in the Atlantic Ocean off the Delaware-NewJersey-Maryland coast. The stripped-down former U.S. Navy destroyer now restsin 135 feet of water, providing habitat for marine life, a draw for divers and afishing destination for ocean anglers.The site charts in the free reef guide show where reef materials have beendeployed since 1995. The reef program uses DGPS (Differential GlobalPositioning System) to accurately place materials on site. Locations (latitude- longitude) noted for each site indicate the position of deployments of reefmaterial from an anchored barge. In the case of large, concentrated reefdeployments, a latitude or longitude range, may be given such as: N 39 15.377’-402’. This indicates material occurs between 39 degrees, 15.377 to 15.402minutes north latitude. Due to variability between DGPS receivers, slightvariations in readings may occur. It is suggested you use your GPS and a goodfathometer to locate reef structure, then note the coordinates on your own GPS.You can view the reef guide on-line or contact the Fisheries Little Creek fieldoffice for a copy (302) 735-2960.15

26th Annual Youth Fishing TournamentAs part of its activities for National Fishing Week, June 2-10, the DelawareDivision of Fish and Wildlife will hold its 26th annual Youth Fishing Tournamentfrom 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday June 9. The event will take place at Ingrams Pondin Millsboro, Wyoming Pond in Town Park, Wyoming, and at the Lums Pond StatePark dog training area.This fishing event isfor youths ages 4 to 15.An adult must accompanyyouths under age 12 andcontestants should bringtheir own fishing equipment.The tournament isfree to the public andprizes will be awardedin three age groups: 4-7;8-11; and 12-15.The tournament wasestablished to introduceyouth to the sport offishing and to teach thecatch and release approachto conservation. There is noSecond place winning photo was awarded to JoeyMelvin from Georgetown and features Seth andLuke Workman.pre-registration nor entrance fee required and the tournament is held rain or shine.In addition to the youth fishing tournament celebrating National Fishing Week,the Division has designated June 9 and 10 as free fishing days when anyone mayfish in Delaware’s waters without a fishing license.Joey MelvinDelaware’s Small Pond ProgramThe Division has nine small ponds scattered throughout the State whichoffer shore angling targeted at youth. The ponds range from ½ to 8 acres andcontain good populations of largemouth bass and bluegill. Catch and releaseis the order of the day so barbless hooks are required at most. A brochurelisting the pond locations and available facilities is available online (www.fw.delaware.gov), or by calling 302-735-8650.16

Non-tidal Fishing Access AreasDivision of Fish and WildlifeArea Location Acres Boat Ramp Shore Fishing1 Becks Pond (No gas motors) .............. 25 ....................Yes...................... Yes2 Garrisons Lake ..................................... 86 ....................Yes...................... Yes3 Masseys Mill Pond .............................. 30 ..... Unimproved ................Limited4 Moores Lake ........................................ 27 ....................Yes...................... Yes5 Derby Pond .......................................... 23 ....................Yes...................... Yes6 Logan Lane Pond ................................... 2 .....................No................ Only7 Mud Mill Pond ..................................... 60 ....................Yes...................... Yes8 McGinnis Pond .................................... 31 ....................Yes...................... Yes9 Andrews Lake ..................................... 18 ....................Yes...................... Yes10 Coursey Pond ....................................... 58 ....................Yes...................... Yes11 McColley Pond .................................... 49 .....................No................Limited12 Tubmill Pond ......................................... 5 ....................Yes................Limited13 Silver Lake (Milford)........................... 29 .....................No................Limited14 Haven Lake .......................................... 82 ....................Yes................Limited15 Griffith Lake ........................................ 32 ....................Yes...................... Yes16 Blairs Pond .......................................... 29 ....................Yes...................... Yes17 Abbotts Pond ...................................... 17 ....................Yes...................... Yes18 Newton Pond (No gas motors) ........... 10 ..... Car top only ...................... Yes19 Waples Pond ........................................ 51 ..... Unimproved ................Limited20 Wagamons Pond .................................. 41 ....................Yes...................... Yes21 Hearns Pond ......................................... 53 ....................Yes...................... Yes22 Concord Pond ...................................... 77 ....................Yes................Limited23 Craigs Pond .......................................... 12 ....................Yes...................... Yes24 Millsboro Pond .................................. 101 ....................Yes................Limited25 Ingrams Pond ....................................... 24 ....................Yes...................... Yes26 Portsville Pond ..................................... 15 ....................Yes................Limited27 Records Pond ....................................... 92 ....................Yes..................Pier28 Chipman Pond ..................................... 52 ....................Yes...................... Yes29 Horsey Pond ......................................... 46 ....................Yes...................... Yes30 Tussock Pond ......................................... 9 ....................Yes................Limited39 Fleetwood Pond ................................... 43 .....................No................LimitedParks and Recreation Access Areas31 Lums Pond ......................................... 189 ....................Yes...................... Yes32 Killens Pond ......................................... 75 ..... Unimproved ...................... Yes36 Trap Pond ........................................... 107 ....................Yes...................... Yes37 Trussum Pond ...................................... 73 ..... Car top only ....................... No38 Raccoon Pond ...................................... 14 ..... Car top only ................Limited“Area” number refers to the numbered red or brown boxes on the Fishing Areas map (seefold-out).Access areas are closed from sunset until sunrise unless fishing.17

Tidal Fishing Access AreasDivision of Fish and WildlifeArea Location / Water Body Boat Ramps Fishing Piers Parking1 7th Street Park / Christina, ............................. Closed.............................1................20Brandywine and DE Rivers2 Newport Boat Ramp / Christina River ................. 2.............................1................513 Churchmans Road / Christina River .................... 1.......................none................204 Fort DuPont State Park / DE River ...................... 3.......................none..............1005 Canal Wildlife Area / C&D Canal .......................none........................ 8.... along road6 Augustine Beach / DE River ................................ 2.............................1..............1007 Odessa / Appoquinimink River .................................1.......................none..................28 Collins Beach / DE Bay ........................................ 3.............................1..............1209 Woodland Beach / DE Bay ........................................1........................ 1................5010 Woodland Bch. / Duck Creek / DE Bay ....................2.......................none................3011 Port Mahon / DE Bay ................................................3.............................1................7512 Water Street (Dover) / St. Jones River .............car top.......................none...as available13 Lebanon Landing / St. Jones River .........................1........................ 1..................714 Scotton Landing / St. Jones River .............................1........................ 1................1015 Bowers Beach / DE Bay ....................................... 5.......................none..............20016 *Cedar Creek / DE Bay ........................................ 8.......................none..............15017 Front St., Milford / Mispillion River ................... 1.............................1................1018 Milton / Broadkill River ....................................... 1........................ 2................2019 Lewes / DE Bay .................................................... 6.......................none..............12820 Masseys Landing / Indian River .......................... 4........................ 1..............100& Rehoboth Bay21 Rosedale Bch. / Indian River ................................ 2........................ 1................3022 Seaford / Nanticoke River .................................... 4........................ 1................9323 Phillips Landing/Broad Creek/Nanticoke River ... 3.......................none................5024 Edward R. Koch / Broad Creek ..........................none.......................none................10(shoreline fishing only)25 Laurel below Records Pond / Broad Creek ......... 1......................... 2................1726 Assawoman Wildlife Area / ................................... 2.............................2................20Little Assawoman BayParks & Recreation Areas33 Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier ................................none........................ 1................7534 Indian River Marina ............................................ 2..........................No................40Indian River Inlet ................................................none............. along inlet..............20035 Holts Landing/ Indian River Bay ..............................1.........................Yes................25“Area” number refers to the numbered yellow or brown boxes on the Fishing Area map.Access areas are closed from sunset to sunrise unless you are fishing.*Cedar Creek ramp is undergoing renovation. Check website www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/fisheriesNote – All motor boats launched from tidal access areas administered by the Division of Fishand Wildlife must be registered in Delaware or have a valid ramp certificate. Ramp certificates cost$35 and are available from the Division of Fish and Wildlife or authorized agents (see page 34).A daily or seasonal fee may be required at areas administered by the Division of Parks andRecreation.18

Shark Regulations for DelawareSharks are managed by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and the regulationsare complex. For more detailed information contact the NMFS or visit www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/. State regulations are subject to any changes in federalregulations. Please consult www.fw.delaware.gov for the latest changes in stateregulations. See center pull-out section (page 23) for more information on sharkseasons, sizes, and daily limits.Common Delaware SharksThe sand tiger, sandbar, smooth dogfish and spiny dogfish are the mostcommonly caught shark species in Delaware. Sandbar and sand tiger sharks areof special significance to the Delaware Estuary and its anglers. Delaware Bayis an important “pupping area” and nursery for sand tiger sharks, and they arecommonly hooked. Due to their low reproductive rate and overfishing, bothspecies are protected and none may be retained. No hook and line fishermanmay remove from the water any sandbar shark, or any other prohibitedspecies of shark. In addition, any sandbar shark or other prohibited species ofshark must be immediately released in a manner that will ensure the maxiumprobabiltiy of survival.Sand Tiger Shark (prohibited species) - Sand tigers are gray-brown to tanwith dark splotches and lengths to 10.5 ft. First and second dorsal fins are nearlyequal in size. Teeth are long, curved and not serrated.Sandbar Sharks (prohibited species) - Sandbar sharks are dark gray tobrown on back, fading almost to white on the belly. This heavy-bodied sharkhas broad and triangular teeth with a large first dorsal fin that begins at a pointlocated at the middle of the pectoral fin. Upper teeth are broad and triangular.Recent research has shown that large sandbar sharks are susceptible to internalinjuries from deep hooking. When releasing sandbar sharks, not remove thesesharks from the water to prevent internal injuries.Spiny Dogfish (no recreational limit) - The spiny dogfish is easilyidentified by a thorny spine located at the leading edge of both the first andsecond dorsal fins. Teeth are small and bent toward corners of mouth. It iscommonly caught in cold water by anglers targeting mackerel or striped bass.Smooth dogfish (no recreational limit) - This is the most common sharkfound in Delaware. Smooth dogfish are typically caught during the warmerseasons. The smooth dogfish, known locally as the sand shark, is a harmlessspecies. Teeth are low and flat with plate-like arrangement. Gray to gray-brownand ranging up to 5 feet in length, this shark has large first and second dorsalfins, with “sandpaper-like” teeth.19

A fishing license is required toharvest clams in waters of the Stateof Delaware. See Page 6 for details.ClammingMethods of Take and LimitsIt shall be unlawful for any person toattempt to take, catch, kill or reduce to possessionany hard clams with a device otherthan a hand-held rake with a head no widerthan fourteen (14) inches measured perpendicularto the tines and a straight handle notin excess of seven (7) feet in length.It is unlawful to harvest hard clamsfrom one-half hour after sunset through onehalfhour before sunrise.Minimum Hard Clam SizeIt is unlawful for any resident to harvest more than one hundred (100)clams per day unless otherwise permitted to do so by license or permit.It is unlawful for any non-resident to harvest more than fifty (50) hardclams per day unless otherwise permitted to do so by license or permit.No shellfish harvesting (excluding crabs) is allowed in the ProhibitedAreas marked on the map on page 21 or any tidal river, stream, or impoundmentof the state. This includes all non-tidal and impounded water as well. Shellfishharvesting is allowed from December 1 through April 15 in the SeasonallyApproved Areas. This is your protection against contracting shellfish-bornediseases. This is also the law. All boundaries may be marked with signs and orbuoys saying “No Shellfish Harvesting” or “Prohibited Shellfish Area”. Questionsregarding these closures should be directed to the Watershed AssessmentSection Shellfish and Recreational Waters Programs 302-739-9939. Clamming isprohibited in eel grass beds marked with white PVC pipes and signs.A1 1/2 inchesThe mimimum size for a hard clam is1 1/2 inches from point A to point BBOysters - Recreational Harvest ProhibitedIt is unlawful to recreationally harvest oysters in Delaware. Thisprohibition protects vulnerable oyster populations and protects youagainst contracting a shellfish-borne disease20

11/2 - 4 inches

Mako sharkTuna, Swordfish and Billfish

Invasive Species - 2012Every week it seems that a new alien species has invaded our waters, oftenwith detrimental effects on our native species. Anglers can help by servingas extra eyes on the water. Always be aware of unusual fish, plants or evenshellfish in our waters. If you see something that you feel is very unusual,please contact us at 302-739-9914. If you catch any of the species described, donot return it to the water, kill it and contact us. Document the catch by eitherfreezing it or taking a good photo.Northern Snakehead Fish - This fish has become established in the PotomacRiver with unknown impacts on native fish. It is a long, cylindrical fish, withlong dorsal and ventral fins, and a large mouth with many sharp teeth. the longanal fin separates them from the similar bowfin. They prefer weedy pondsand streams. Two adults have been caught in the Nanticoke (Broad Creek &Middleford) and another in the Marshhope. Reproducing adults with fry werefound in Becks Pond and an adult was taken in Nonesuch Creek during 2011.Mitten Crab - First found in the Chesapeake Bay in 2006, this invasive crabspecies has also appeared in Delaware Bay. After several documented specimensin Delaware between 2007 and 2010, only one individual was reported in 2011.They are most easily identified by their fuzzy, hairy claws and a notch betweenthe eyes. The body of the cab grows up to 4 inches across. Most of their lifecycle is spent in freshwater, but adults migrate into brackish waters to mate inthe summer.Flathead Catfish - The flathead catfish is a notorious invasive fish speciesoriginally hailing from Mississippi and Ohio River basins. Introduced flatheadcatfish have been shown to severly reduce native fish populations, even leadingto the 100% removal of some native fish and crustacean prey species.Several individuals were caught in the Brandywine River and one in theC&D Canal. They are most easily recognized by their broad, flat head, browncoloration, and lower jaw which sticks out further than the upper jaw.Blue Catfish - This fish has been collected in the Nanicoke River just over theline in Maryland so they are heading into Delaware. In some rivers, this speciesnow makes up 75% of the population. They are slate blue with a deeply forkedtail. Both catfish are efficient predators and can weigh over 100 lbs.Red Swamp Crayfish - A large crayfish with distinctive red bumps on theclaws. They often migrate over land during damp weather. They have beenfound north and west of Dover, and several other sites.29

Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament Rules1. The Sport Fishing Tournament is open to the public. There is no entryfee. Charter boat captains are eligible. Weighmasters are eligible to enter, providedtheir fish are weighed in at a weighing station other than their own.2. All fish except those caught beyond the three-mile limit in the AtlanticOcean entered in the Tournament must be caught within the boundaries of the Stateof Delaware. Any fish caught outside the three-mile territorial sea must be landedin a vessel leaving from a Delaware port and returning to a Delaware port.3. All fish entered in the tournament must be weighed at an official DelawareSport Fishing Tournament Weigh Station.4. All fish entered in the tournament must be caught in a sporting mannerwith hook and line. No other person may touch the rod or line until the fish isbrought within the grasp of the mate.5. All scales used to weigh in fish must be certified yearly by the DelawareDivision of Weights and Measures (Department of Agriculture 739-4811).6. All fish entered in the tournament must meet the minimum weight requirementas set up for this year’s tournament.7. No smallmouth bass will be recognized from Kent or Sussex Countiesunless Division of Fish and Wildlife qualified personnel examine and approvethe catch.8. A fish will not be recognized as a state record unless qualifiedpersonnel from the Division of Fish and Wildlife approve the catch. In caseno Division personnel are available at the time of the weigh-in, the angler mustsave the entire fish for examination and approval at the earliest convenienttime for the Division.9. In the case of a tie for the largest fish of the year or a new state record,both fish will be recognized.10. To replace a record for a fish weighing less than 25 pounds, the replacementmust weigh at least 2 ounces more than the existing record. To replace arecord for a fish weighing 25 pounds or more, the replacement must weigh at leastone-half of 1 percent more than the existing record. Example: at 100 pounds theadditional weight required would be 8 ounces. Any catch that exceeds the existingrecord by less than the amount required to defeat the record will be considered atie.11. The Tournament Director reserves the right to disqualify any entry.30

12. All entry forms must be filled out completely and in a legible manner bythe weighmaster. The signed forms should be mailed in by the angler.13. The tournament runs from January 1 - December 31. No entry forms forthe previous tournament year will be accepted after 4:30 p.m. January 31.14. Only one citation per species of fish will be issued to any individual duringthe tournament year. In the event an individual catches a larger fish than theone for which he originally was issued a citation, a new citation will be issued forthe larger fish if the individual returns the older citation.15. Only one saltwater award and one freshwater award will be issued to anyone individual during the tournament year.16. Special citations will be issued upon approval of the Tournament Directorin the case of unusual catches or extenuating circumstances. If the weigh stationfeels the catch is rare or unusual, an entry form should be submitted for approval.All decisions by the Director on unusual species will be final.17. Citations will be awarded for released white or blue marlin. Fill out thestandard entry form except for length, weight, and girth and include a signature andtelephone number of a witness to the catch other than the angler and captain. Anymarlin kept for taxidermy also will be eligible for Tournament entry provided ataxidermist receipt is enclosed with the entry form. Marlin retained for any purposeother than mounting will not be eligible for entry in the Tournament.18. The Tournament Director reserves the right to disqualify any weigh stationif the Tournament rules are not observed.19. Hybrid striped bass will only be recognized for entry when caught in nontidalwater.20. The State of Delaware assumes no responsibility in the certification of acatch for consideration by the International Game Fish Association or any recordkeeping body other than the Delaware Sportfishing Tournament. If the anglerwishes to qualify his/her catch for consideration in some other tournament, it isthe responsibility of the angler to insure that his catch and weigh-in meets theappropriate criteria. The Delaware Sportfishing Tournament makes no distinctionbased on line classes or sex of the angler or fly versus conventional fishing gear.Call (302) 735-2960 for tournament information.31

Live Release AwardsIn order to promote conservation ethics among Delaware anglers, the Divisionof Fish and Wildlife is providing recognition patches to anglers who catch andrelease live eligible species that exceed the minimum lengths specified. To qualify,an angler must make the catch in Delaware waters or off Delaware’s Atlantic coastline. The eligible species must be measured from the tip of the jaw to the tip ofthe tail (straight line measurement with mouth closed) and this measurement mustbe verified by a witness who signs the entry form. The fish so measured must bereleased immediately. Fish kept either alive or dead and brought to a weigh stationwill be weighed for entry in the Sport Fishing Tournament using certified scalesand will not be eligible for a Live Release Award. Only those fish released aliveimmediately shall be eligible for a Live Release Award. Billfish released alive areeligible for either the Live Release Award or the Sport Fishing Tournament Award,whichever one the angler chooses.No angler will be issued more than one live release freshwater award and onelive release saltwater award per year, although he or she may apply for and receiveone of the live release citations for each eligible species.Applications for Live Release Awards are available on-line or may be pickedup at any Sport Fishing Tournament Weigh Station and must be mailed to the Divisionof Fish and Wildlife within 30 days after the catch. The entry form for livereleases must include both the angler’s signature and the signature of a witnessto the actual measurement and live release of the fish. No fish entered for a LiveRelease Award will be eligible for consideration as a State record fish. All potentialState record fish must be weighed at a certified Weigh Station.Good Fishing Depends on Clean WaterMany of our rivers, lakes andcoastal areas are experiencing algaeblooms that cover our favorite fishingspots with green slime and cause fishkills and “dead zones” where no aquaticlife can survive. The cause is usuallynitrogen and phosphorus pollution thatcomes from farm and lawn fertilizers,septic systems, animal waste, andPhoto shows an algae bloom.sewage treatment plants. Everyone cando their part for clean water by reducingfertilizer use, preserving plants along shorelines, and picking up petwaste. Supporting water quality protection supports great fishing! Learnmore at: www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/.32

Sport Fishing Tournament Minimum Weightsand Lengths (Live Release Only)Freshwater FishesSpecies Weight Length*(lbs.)(inches)Largemouth bass ....................................................5 ......................................20Smallmouth bass ................................................... 2 1 .....................................17Striped bass ...........................................................30 .....................................40Striped bass hybrid 2 h ............................................5 ......................................22Bluegill ...................................................................1 ......................................10Carp ....................................................................15 .....................................29Catfish ....................................................................6 ......................................25Crappie ...................................................................1 ......................................12White perch ............................................................1 ......................................12Yellow perch ..........................................................1 ......................................12Chain pickerel ........................................................4 ......................................24American shad .......................................................5 .....................................23Trout .....................................................................2 ......................................16Redear sunfish ........................................................1 ......................................10Saltwater FishesFalse albacore ........................................................12 .....................................26True albacore .........................................................30 .....................................32Black sea bass ........................................................3 ......................................17Striped bass ...........................................................30 .....................................40Bluefish .................................................................14 .....................................33Atlantic croaker .....................................................3 ......................................19Dolphinfish ............................................................15 .....................................41Black drum ............................................................50 .....................................45Red drum 3 h .................................................do not qualify ............................45Flounder .................................................................7 ......................................25Kingfish ..................................................................1 ......................................13Atlantic mackerel ...................................................2 ......................................17King mackerel .......................................................10 .....................................36Spanish mackerel ..................................................5 ......................................22Blue marlin ...........................................................Any.................................. AnyWhite marlin ........................................................Any.................................. AnyScup (porgy)...........................................................2 ......................................14Shark (excl. Mako) ...............................................100 ....................................66Mako shark ...........................................................100 ....................................66Sheepshead .............................................................8 ......................................22Swordfish .............................................................Any.................................. AnyTautog ....................................................................7 ......................................25Blueline tilefish .....................................................10 .....................................28Golden tilefish .......................................................35 .....................................40Gray triggerfish ......................................................5 ......................................20Yellowfin or bigeye tuna .......................................70 .....................................48Bluefin tuna ..........................................................100 ....................................60Wahoo ...................................................................20 .....................................50Weakfish (Sea trout) ...............................................3 ......................................20* For Live release award only; 1 Must be 17 inches or longer; 2 Must be takenfrom non-tidal waters; 3 Red drum do not qualify for weigh-in citations33

Weigh Stations and/or Boat Ramp Certificate SalesAll motor boats launched from Division of Fish and Wildlife-administered tidal access areas must beregistered in Delaware or have a valid ramp certificate ($35) from DNREC or its authorized agents.Authorized Outlet/Weigh Station City Phone (302) Weigh Boat RampStation CertificateNew Castle CountyJoseph Janvier Middletown 836-9545 yes noShooters Supply New Castle 328-6242 yes noDelaware Bass Stalkers Newark 737-2691 yes noEastern Marine Newark 737-6603 yes yesCapt. Bones Bait, Tackle & Seafood Odessa 378-4200 yes noCarlisle’s Marine Smyrna 389-0100 no yesRudy’s Outboard Service Wilmington 999-8735 no yesKent CountyDonovan’s Dock Bowers Beach 335-3500 yes yesSonny’s Bait & Tackle Bowers Beach 335-2990 yes yesSmith’s Bait Shop Leipsic 744-9140 yes yesDivision of Fish & Wildlife Dover 739-9916 no yesSussex CountyHook’em & Cook’em Bethany 539-6243 yes noVines Creek Marina Dagsboro 732-6043 yes noIndian River Outfitter Dagsboro 732-3210 yes noRehoboth Bay Marina Dewey Beach 226-2012 yes noFenwick Tackle Fenwick 539-7766 yes noSam’s Fishing Tackle Greenwood 424-0197 yes noWilliamsville Country Store Houston 422-4455 yes noHook’em & Cook’em Indian River 226-8220 yes yesA&R Bait & Tackle Lewes 645-6111 yes noFisherman’s Wharf Lewes 645-8862 yes noHenlopen Bait & Tackle Lewes 645-8106 yes yesLewes Harbour Marina Lewes 645-6227 yes yesSteamboat Landing Lewes 645-6500 yes noBayroad Discount Bait & Tackle Lewes 945-1995 yes noBills Sport Shop Lewes 645-7654 yes yesCedar Creek General Store Lincoln 424-4568 yes noRick’s Bait & Tackle Longneck 945-9245 yes noCedar Creek Marina Milford 422-2040 yes noCedar Creek Bait & Tackle Milford 422-4227 yes yesHi-Way Bait & Tackle Milford 335-5087 yes yesTaylor Marine Milford 422-9177 yes noBayside Marina Millsboro 945-3440 no yesPotNet Seaside Bait & Tackle Millsboro 945-7798 yes noMassey’s Landing Millsboro 945-2544 yes noShort’s Marine Millsboro 945-1200 no yesDan’s Tackle Box Milton 684-3093 yes noBob’s Marine Service Ocean View 539-3711 no yesIndian River Marina Rehoboth 227-3071 yes yesOld Inlet Bait & Tackle Inc. Rehoboth 227-7974 yes noCH McKinney’s Rehoboth 227-8800 no yesTaylor Tackle Shop Seaford 629-9017 yes noWalkers Marine Seaford 629-8666 no yesCapt. Mac’s Lighthouse Bait & Tackle Selbyville 436-2445 yes noRoute 113 Boat Sales Selbyville 436-1737 no yesAdams Wharf Slaughter Beach 422-8940 yes no34

State Record HoldersFreshwaterSpecies Weight Angler YearLargemouth bass 10 lbs. 5 ozs. Tony Kaczmarczyk 1980Smallmouth bass 4 lbs. 15.5 ozs. Jerry Proffitt 1989Striped bass hyb. 13 lbs. 13 ozs. Earl Blevins 1990Bluegill 2 lbs. 10 ozs. Arnold Harmon 1998Carp 45 lbs. Ronald Burnett 1976Catfish 23 lbs. 6 ozs. William Ridgley 1992Crappie 4 lbs. 9 ozs. Marvin Billips 1976Tiger musky 15 lbs. 2 ozs. Richard Harris 1991White perch 2 lbs. 9 ozs. Wayne Hastings 1997Yellow perch 2 lbs. 11ozs. Marvin Kessinger 1976Chain pickerel 7 lbs. 3 ozs. Earl Messick 1972American shad 6 lbs. 12 ozs. Bayard Conaway 1972Trout 11 lbs. 10 ozs. Edwin Wallace 1997Walleye 6 lbs. 14 ozs. Nesbit Copenhaver 1995Redear sunfish 3 lbs. 1 ozs. Marty Messick 1998SaltwaterFalse albacore 20 lbs. Christian Anderson 2008True albacore 80 lbs. David Francella 1987Black sea bass 7 lbs. 6 ozs. Steve Samluk 1988Striped bass 51 lbs. 8 ozs. Betty Rosen 1978Bluefish 21 lbs. 15 ozs. Bill Thoroughgood 1980Cod 44 lbs. John Osborne 1975Atlantic croaker 5 lbs. 3 ozs. Catherine Simpson 1980Dolphinfish 52 lbs. 15 ozs. Charles Ciociola 2003Black drum 115 lbs. Kenneth Smith 1978Red drum 75 lbs. James Vandetti 1976Flounder 17 lbs. 15 ozs. William Kendall 1974Kingfish 4 lbs. Billy Hastings 1973Atlantic mackerel 3 lbs. 5 ozs. Ricky Yakimowicz 1985King mackerel 48 lbs. 9 ozs. Gordon Harris 1992Spanish mackerel 6 lbs. 4 ozs. Eric Ludwig 2000Blue marlin 820 lbs. Bruce King 1986White marlin 120 lbs. William Garner Jr. 1972Scup 5 lbs. 5 ozs. Herman Schmidt 1979Shark 825 lbs. Brent Thomas 1981Mako shark 975 lbs. Thomas Barnes 2000Sheepshead 15 lbs. 8 ozs. Randy Jensen 2011Swordfish 276 lbs. 12 ozs. Albert Scott 1978Tautog 21 lbs. 4 ozs. Glenn Cave 2005Gray triggerfish 5 lbs. 15 ozs. Clint Willman 2007Tuna 873 lbs. Dan Dillon 2005Wahoo 98 lbs. Jeff Murtoff 2003Weakfish 19 lbs. 2 ozs. William Thomas 1989See Page 30 for more information on the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament35

Fish Consumption AdvisoriesFishing is an important activity in Delaware’s inland and coastalwaters. Among the benefits provided by fishing are quality recreationalopportunities, direct and indirect input to the local economy, food forrecreational anglers, and food for the commercial marketplace. Fish are agood source of readily digestible protein. They are low in fat and sodium,and the unique types of fats found in fish are believed to provide cardiovascularbenefits.Despite the general benefits of fishing and fish consumption, thereare also health risks associated with consuming some locally caught fish.Certain toxic chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) andmercury persist in the environment and accumulate in fish. When you eatthe fish, you also ingest these chemicals. In cases where the health riskis elevated to recreational anglers and their families, the Department ofNatural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), in cooperationwith the Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of PublicHealth (DPH), issue fish consumption advisories to inform the publicof the situation. The most recent fish consumption advisories for Delawarewaters are shown on the accompanying table. These advisories areintended to protect public health and hence are conservative.Although the list of waters and fish species under advisory isextensive, monitoring shows that contaminant concentrations in the fishare slowly improving over time in many cases. This is the result of steadyprogress in cleaning up the sources of the contamination along withnatural processes. DNREC and DPH will continue to monitor contaminantlevels in fish over time and issue new or revised fish consumptionadvisories as appropriate.For more information concerning health advisories for Delawarewaters, go on-line or contact the Division of Public Health at (302) 744-4546. For more information on balancing health risks and health benefitsof consuming seafood, visit http://seafoodhealthfacts.org.36

Cutting the FatReprinted with permission of Soundings Publication Inc.Toxic chemicalstend to concentrate in the fatty tissue, shown in black above, found in the:1) dorsal area.2) lateral line.3) belly flaps.When cleaning fish, always skin it and trim away fatty areas, as shownabove.Measuring Your CatchPlace the fish on a measuring board or stick with the tip of the jaw or snout(the mouth closed) at the end of the instrument. Hold the head down with onehand to keep the fish in place, pinch the upper and lower lobes of the tail togetherwhile swiping the tail back and forth across the board. Note the measurementof the longest part of the tail*; that is the “totallength”. Keep in mind that fish whichbarely make the minimum length mayshrink after being on ice for an hour ormore. Sometimes it is possible to getan accurate measurement while thefish is still in the landing net.*When measuring black sea bassdo not include the long caudal finfilament in your measurement of totallength.37

Delaware Fish Consumption Advisories (www.fw.delaware.gov)Waterbody Species Contaminant Geographical Extent Meals/yrof concern (8 -ounce serving)All Waters not listed below All Species not listed below All All Areas not listed 52Delaware River All Finfish A, B, C, D Delaware State Line to the C&D Canal 0Lower Delaware River Weakfish-all sizes; A Chesapeake & Delaware Canal to 12and Delaware Bay Bluefish-14 inches or less A the Mouth of the Delaware Bay 12Striped Bass, White Perch A, C Chesapeake & Delaware Canal to 1American Eel, White the Mouth of the Delaware BayCatfish, Channel Catfish,Bluefish-greater than 14 inchesDelaware Atlantic Coastal Bluefish-14 inches or less A Coastal Delaware from Mouth of the Delaware Bay 12Waters including Delaware Southward to MD/DE LineInland Bays38Bluefish-greater than 14 inches A, C Coastal Delaware from Mouth of the Delaware Bay 1Southward to MD/DE LineShellpot Creek All Finfish A Governor Printz Blvd. to the Delaware River 0Army Creek and Pond All Finfish A, B, G Entire Creek and Pond 2Red Lion Creek All Finfish A, B Route 13 to the Delaware River 1Chesapeake & Delaware Canal All Finfish A, F, E, H Entire Canal in Delaware 0Appoquinimink River All Finfish A, B Tidal Portions 1Drawyers Creek All Finfish A, F Tidal Portions 1Silver Lake Middletown All Finfish A, E, F, B Entire Lake 1Waples Pond All Finfish C Entire Pond 12

Prime Hook Creek All Finfish C Entire Creek 12Slaughter Creek All Finfish A,G Entire Creek 6Saint Jones River All Finfish A, B, C River Mouth to Silver Lake Dam 2Moores Lake All Finfish A, F Entire Pond 2Silver Lake Dover All Finfish A, B, C Entire Pond 2Wyoming Mill Pond All Finfish A, B, F Entire Pond 2Tidal Brandywine River All Finfish A River Mouth to Baynard Blvd. 0Non-tidal Brandywine River All Finfish A, B Baynard Blvd. To Pennsylvania Line 6Tidal Christina River All Finfish A, E River Mouth to Smalley’s Dam 0Non-tidal Christina River All Finfish A, E, H Smalley’s Dam to DE/MD Line. 6Tidal White Clay Creek All Finfish A River Mouth to Route 4 0Non-tidal White Clay Creek All Finfish A Route 4 to DE/PA Line 12Red Clay Creek All Finfish A, B, D State Line to Stanton 6Little Mill Creek All Finfish A Creek Mouth to Kirkwood Highway 0Christina Creek Stocked Trout A, E Rittenhouse Park to DE/MD Line 639Designated Trout Stocked Trout A Designated Trout Streams are listed on pg. 14 12Streams & Ponds otherthan Christina CreekNotes: Women of childbearing age and children should not consume any amount of these fish.For more information on the specific contaminant(s) of concern for each waterbody listed, consult the Division’s website (www.fw.delaware.gov) or contactDNREC at (302) 739-9902, or the Division of Public Health at (302) 744-4546.Contaminants of concern: A) PCBs, B) Dioxin, C) Mercury, D) Chlorinated pesticides, E) Dieldrin, F) DDT, G) Furan, and H) Chlordane.

Blue CrabsEffective January 1, 2008 a fishing license isrequired to crab in all waters of the State of Delaware.See page 6.The blue crab is common in all the tidal watersof Delaware. It is a popular recreational resource and topsthe list of the State’s economically important marine fish and shellfish.Blue crabs grow very quickly and reach maturity in 12 to 18 months. Most donot live beyond two years under current exploitation levels.In order to grow, a blue crab must shed its shell and form a new shell. This processis repeated up to 18 times to attain maximum length. It is legal to take crabs at threestages, but to get the most yield in weight out of a crab, they should reach a minimumlength before being harvested. This is measured from point to point of the top shell.The minimum size for male blue crab is 5 inches. Mature females (sooks) areidentified by the rounded apron on their under side. Once this stage of development isachieved, females stop growing. Because a portion of the female population does notreach five inches before achieving maturity, theminimum size requirement has been dropped.Females bearing eggs, commonly known as spongecrabs, may not be taken and should be returned tothe water immediately.Recreational crabbers may not use, place, setor tend more than two pots. The person claiming toown the pots must be the one to set and tend them.These pots must be marked with all white buoyswith the owner’s full name and permanent mailingaddress inscribed either on the buoy or on awaterproof tag attached to the buoy. All crab potsmust be tended at least once every 72 hours. Allcrab pots must be removed from the water betweenDecember 1 and February 28. Recreational crabbersmay use a trot line (no length limit) and any numberof hand lines or traps. The recreational daily limit isone bushel per person.A turtle by-catch reduction device is requiredto be attached in each funnel entrance of a recreationalcrab pot to reduce the possibility of diamondback terrapinsentering and drowning. A by-catch reductiondevice is a rigid rectangular frame of plastic or metalthat measures 1.75 inches x 4.75 inches and isavailable at local tackle shops, or can be hand-madefrom heavy wire or other suitable material.40JimmyMature MaleShe-crabImmature FemaleSookMature FemaleOrange eggs under the apronSponge CrabFemale with eggs

Surf FishingThe Division of Parks and Recreation surf fishing beaches arelocated in Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware Seashore and FenwickIsland State Park, and on Beach Plum Island. Special restrictions andregulations apply to these areas. For more information contact the Divisionof Parks and Recreation, (302) 739-9220.In order to drive a vehicle on a designated State Park beach, aSURF FISHING VEHICLE PERMIT is required. Only four-wheeldrive vehicles with a minimum ground clearance of seven inches thatare licensed to operate on public roadways are eligible for Surf FishingVehicle Permits. Permit holders must be actively engaged in surf fishingwhile on the beach. Permits are available at State Park offices, variouslicense agents, and at the DNREC main office in Dover.Purchasers of Surf Fishing Vehicle Permits will receive additional rulesand safety requirements. The revenue collected from these permits supportsthe management of seashore State Parks and beaches. None of theproceeds from these permits go towards fisheries management programsor fishing access projects conducted by the Division of Fish and Wildlife.41

Boating SafetyEducationAnyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1978 must successfully complete an approvedboating safety course before operating a motorboat and/or Personal Watercraft(PWC) in Delaware. Approved courses are a State of Delaware sponsored course,a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary course, a U.S. Power Squadron course, DelawareSafety Council or any other state course which is approved by the National Associationof State Boating Law Administrators and DNREC.Four Leading Causes of Boating Fatalities in Delaware Waters are:1. Not wearing a PFD or wearing it unzipped2. Collision (including PWC accidents)3. Capsizing4. AlcoholAlcoholJust as drinking and drivingdon’t mix, drinking and boatingare a dangerous combination.Sun, glare from the water,constant boat motion and boatvibration all contribute to boaterfatigue. Add alcohol consumptionand those problems arecompounded. Additionally,alcohol affects balance andmuscle coordination, causes tunnel vision and slows reaction time. It also affectsreasoning and increases the tendency to take risks.Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the lawand could result in fines up to $1,000 for first offense and/or up to 60 days in jail.A blood alcohol content of 0.08 or greater constitutes being under the influence.Registration, Numbering and Marking of Undocumented VesselsVessels equipped with any type of motor must be registered in Delaware if principallyused (a period of more than 60 days) in this State. The registration card orvalid temporary registration card must be on board when the boat is in use. For furtherinformation on boating registration call: (302) 739-9916.Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)In addition to the carriage requirements listed, a PFD must be worn by a child 12years old or under while aboard a boat which is underway and all PWC riders. Currentregulations require all vessels to carry a wearable Type I, II, III, or V PFD for eachperson onboard and a throw cushion type IV for the boat, excluding boats less than16’. The Boating Education Office suggests all vessels carry a type IV throwable witha line attached for casting, and that you wear your life jacket zipped.Negligent OperationSkippers on Delaware waters are legally responsible for damages to life, limbor property caused by his/her vessel. And, of course, negligent operation is illegal.42

Boating SafetySafe Boating SpeedThe speed of all vessels on Delaware waters must be slow enough to preventany wake of appreciable height when the vessels are within 100 feet of: “ Slow-No-Wake” speed areas, docks, launching ramps, marked swimming areas, swimmers,anchored, moored, or drifting vessels.Every year people are killed or seriously injured in boating accidents in Delaware’swaters. All of these accidents were avoidable if the ‘rules of the road’ hadbeen followed and safe boating practices had been adhered to. The Handbook ofDelaware Boating Laws and Responsibilities is available at no cost by contactingthe Enforcement Section of the Division of Fish and Wildlife(1-302-739-9915) or through our website www.fw.delaware.gov.The Enforcement Section of the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife isresponsible for enforcing all of the safe boating laws as well as making sure thatfish and shellfish size and creel limits are being followed. Some of the watersof the State are also patrolled by other authorities such as police officers and theU.S. Coast Guard. Boaters approached by a patrol boat with its blue light flashingshould reduce speed, yield the right of way to the patrol boat, or if necessarystop your vessel. The operator must stop when requested to do so by a lawenforcement officer.The safety equipment and requirements for Delaware boaters vary dependingon the type and length of the vessel. Here is an example of what is requiredof a typical fishing boat from 16 to 26 feet in length. For a complete list of allrequirements for all size vessels contact the Enforcement Section.Boater Safety Education Card (for all operators born after January 1,1978). For information contact 739-9915 or go to our website.Valid Boat Registration CardValid Boat Registration decal (displayed)Personal Floatation Device(s) – one of the appropriate size for each person on-boardType IV throwable PFDType B-I Fire ExtinguisherFlame ArrestorVentilation System for fuel vaporsHorn, Whistle, or BellVisual Distress System (day and night)Navigational LightsIt is the responsibility of each vessel operator to observe the rules of theroad and the carriage requirements. The Division recommends boaters weartheir life jacket at all times while on the boat. Six out of ten boating fatalitiescould be prevented by boaters wearing their life jackets. The consistent use oflife jackets will save more lives.43

Fishing Advisory CouncilsBy Delaware law there are four citizen advisory councils with membersappointed by the Governor to provide guidance to the Division of Fish andWildlife on issues associated with fishing and fishery resources. All membersserve without compensation. The Council on Game and Fish consists of9 members and they provide advice on wildlife and freshwater fisheriesmatters. The Council on Shell Fisheries consists of seven members, at leastfour of whom represent commercial shellfishing interests, one recreationalshellfisherman, and one person knowledgeable in marine fisheries. Thesetwo advisory councils have been in existence since the early 1970s. TheAdvisory Council on Tidal Finfisheries consists of seven members, three ofwhom represent recreational fisheries interests and three represent commercialfisheries. This council was formed in 1984. Legislation that passed late in2007 authorized the creation of the newest advisory council, the Council onRecreational Fishing Funding. This seven-member council of citizens withan interest in recreational fisheries also includes two ex-officio members ofthe General Assembly and a non-voting representative of the Division of Fishand Wildlife. This newest council is charged with advising the Division onconstruction-related priorities for expenditure of funds generated from the saleof recreational fishing licenses.The length of appointments to these councils varies, but in general is forthree years at a time. The various councils meet monthly in the case of Gameand Fish and Tidal Finfisheries (except that Tidal Finfisheries does not meet inJuly, August, and December), quarterly for Shell Fisheries, and once or twiceper year for the new Council on Recreational Fishing Funding. The councilmeetings are held in the Department of Natural Resources and EnvironmentalControl’s auditorium on weekday evenings, and the public is encouraged toattend and participate. For more details on meeting schedules of the variousadvisory councils, check the Division’s website (www.fw.delaware.gov) andfollow the links for advisory councils.Recreational Gill NetsGear and seasonal restrictions apply to recreational gill nets and anyoneobtaining a permit will be informed of these restrictions. During 2012, all gillnets must be removed from the Delaware Bay and Ocean on the following dates:May 1-6; May 11-13; May 18-20; May 25-27; June 1-3; June 8-10;June 15-17; and June 22-30 in order to reduce weakfish mortality rates as requiredby the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Weakfish ManagementPlan. Each closure period begins at 12:01 a.m. on the first day and ends atmidnight on the last day. No striped bass caught in recreational gill nets may beretained at any time.44

Handling and Releasing FishCatch-and-release can be an effective way to conserve fish if certain precautionsare observed. Whether fishermen choose to release fish or are required to do soby law, care should be taken to maximize the fish’s chance of survival.Exhaustion – Long fights can decrease survival due to the build-up of lacticacid in muscular tissues. When practicing catch-and-release fishing, it isprudent to use equipment matched for the size of the fish targeted tominimize these effects. Once landed, the time the fish spends out of watershould be minimized and anglers should avoid touching the fish’s gills.Unresponsive fish can often be “revived” by forcing water across the gills.This can be accomplished by moving the fish gently back and forth in thewater.Slime Loss – Fish have a slime coating, which seals out infection. Roughhandling can damage this protective coating. Shallow landing nets,preferably rubber or knotless nylon, can greatly reduce excessive slime loss.Anglers should always handle fish with a wet towel, wet hands, or rubbergloves. Care should be taken to prevent the fish from flopping around andcausing further wounds or loss of slime. Wounds – Anglers can do a lot to minimize the damage of hook woundsboth before and after the fish is hooked. Tools such as de-hookers andneedle-nose pliers can help to ensure a quick release. Treble hooks shouldbe avoided when practical. Use fishing lines made of fluorocarbon or braid.The increased sensitivity of these lines will help to detect bites sooner andminimize the chances of hooking fish deep (stomach or gullet). If a fishshould swallow the hook, cut the line a shortdistance above the hook eye. Studies haveshown that some fish are able to pass hookswhen a short piece of leader is attached.Barbless and circle hooks have both beenproven to minimize wounds and time out ofwater.45

Aquatic Resources EducationIn 1938, a Board of Education within the Commission ofGame and Fish was established with Mr. Edwin Barry hiredas Director of Education. He gave programs and developededucational leaflets including publication of “Game andFish News”. A Natural Science Camp for teachers was heldin 1942 at Camp Otonka on Indian River near Dagsboro.However, due to World War II, the educational work of theCommission was eliminated in 1943. After that, educationof school children about natural resources was primarilydone by interested staff as time permitted. One of the Game Wardens, DawsonSapp obtained a Native American costume complete with a floor length featherheaddress which he wore when teaching about natural resources and native fishand wildlife.It was not until 1989, thatAquatic Resources Education(ARE) became a formal programwithin the Division of Fish andWildlife. A portion of the federaltax on fishing gear (known asWallop-Breaux funds) was usedto purchase the M&M huntinglodge near Woodland Beach, asa center for the new program. In1992, Gary Kreamer, was hiredto coordinate and develop ARE progams. In 1995, a grant from DelawareGreenways enabled construction of a 940-foot boardwalk interpretive trail overthe tidal marshlands behind the center. A highlight of those early years was aprogram called NatureLink, featuring a partnership with the Delaware NatureSociety and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware that brought numerous urbanfamilies down to the AREC for a weekend of fishing, marsh exploring and otheroutdoor experiences.Other highly successful programs followed: Wetland Activities for DelawareEducators (WADE) hands-on learning kits for the classroom, Eco-explorerssalt marsh ecology field trip programs, the Wesley College-ARE partnershipfor elementary aquatic education outreach, the Green Eggs & Sand (horseshoecrab/shorebird education) project, coordination of the statewide Adopt-a-Wetland program, and a Delaware version of the national Hooked on FishingNot on Drugs program. In the years since, these and other ARE programs havereached hundreds of thousands of Delaware youth with information, activitiesand direct experience in the aquatic resources of our state.46Lynda Richardson for National Wildlife Federation

Guide to Public PondsA guide to public ponds, available online, is updated annually with the latestfisheries data. Each pond’s information includes: fish populations, vegetationconditions, special regulations and facilities, and a contour map of the pond.This information is available at: www.fw.delaware.gov/fisheries/pages/DelawarePondBooklet.aspx.Catch and ReleaseMany freshwater anglers practice catch andrelease fishing. This behavior, popularizedby bass anglers, promotes the release of fishby anglers so the fish can be caught again. Along-term bass tagging study in Delaware hasdemonstrated many tagged fish are caught,released, and caught again – a few as many asfour times. The Division strongly encouragescatch and release fishing to maximize anglingsuccess - unless a fish population is known to beover crowded.47

Trash FreeReminder: Keep Fishing and Boat Launching Areas Trash-Free!The Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife has a carry-in, carry-out policyfor state wildlife areas, fishing piers and boat launching facilities. Trash cans arenot provided, and visitors are expected to take their trash with them when theyleave. To help ensure that these wild lands and public facilities are kept clean andtrash-free, don’t forget to pack a trash bag for your next fishing trip.Fish Stocking PracticesIt shall be unlawful for any person to stock any species of fish into the nontidalpublic waters of this State without the written permission of the Director.This regulation does not prohibit the stocking of private impoundments.Possession, Transportation,and Sale of Illegal SpeciesIt shall be unlawful for any person to transport, purchase, possess, orsell walking catfish (Clarius batrachus) or the white amur or grass carp(Ctenopharyngodon idella) or live northern snakehead fish (Channa argus) orblotched snakehead fish (Channa maculata) without the written permission ofthe Director.Have you seen a sturgeon recently?If you find a dead sturgeon please report it immediately :302-735-8650. Don’t forget to include an exact location and contact informationin your message.48

If you love Delaware’s outdoors,you’ll love Outdoor Delaware.3 years - $20 2 years - $15 1 year - $8To subscribe:Send a check made out to Outdoor Delaware to:Outdoor Delaware89 Kings Highway, Dover DE 19901by phone: 302-739-9902or visit: www.dnrec.delaware.gov