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Want one of those extra 1,000 surf-fishing tags? Voucher distribution will be April 14

Emily Lytle
Delaware News Journal

Mark your calendars, set an alarm and tell your surf-fishing friends, because the next opportunity to claim a 2021 surf-fishing tag will come Wednesday, April 14.

On that day, people can pick up special vouchers needed to claim one of the additional 1,000 surf-fishing permits available for this year, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources announced in a press release Friday.

These vouchers are the key to snagging one of the remaining surf-fishing permits. Each voucher will count toward the purchase of one permit, and the vouchers will be limited to one per person.

File photo of surf fishers on the Delaware State Park beaches.

Vouchers will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at select Delaware State Parks from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

BACKGROUND:Missed your Delaware surf-fishing tag? Good news: More are going up for grabs. Here's how to snag one

The surf-fishing tags are the only way that people can drive onto Delaware State Park beaches and fish. They originally sold out after reaching the cap of 17,000 permits issued.

Gov. John Carney then announced the release of the additional 1,000 permits in late March.

Where you can pick up a voucher and how many will be available

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

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

What else you should know

The voucher distribution will be a drive-thru and participants are asked to stay in their vehicles and wear masks when interacting with park personnel, a DNREC representative said.

Vouchers must be redeemed at the same park where they were obtained. Park offices will be open and redemption will be available starting April 14.

The deadline to redeem the vouchers is April 28, and DNREC encourages voucher holders to return for redemption sometime in that two-week window to avoid long delays and ensure the safety of staff and park visitors.

MORE TO KNOW:Can you buy your neighbor's surf-fishing tag? 5 things to know about those coveted permits

There will be no online sales. At 3 p.m. on April 14, no additional permits will be issued, even if all vouchers are not claimed.

The person obtaining the voucher does not have to be the permit holder. If the interested permit holder is not available on the day of the voucher distribution, someone else can pick it up as long as they have the proper information for the permit.

What to bring with you

Surf fishing is a popular recreational activity in Delaware State Parks, but do you know all of the rules and regulations? This video will show you everything you need to know about surf fishing in Delaware.

Make sure to bring the vehicle license plate number and vehicle registration name for which the permit will be purchased.

Vouchers are nontransferable. 

Firefighters and EMTs must present a signed application form from their fire company when redeeming a voucher.

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

The permits will be valid until Dec. 31 and available to residents and non-residents. 

For more information, including answers to frequently asked questions, go to www.destateparks.com or call 302-739-9200.