Driving on Delaware beaches is restricted for surf anglers. You can only drive your car on designated surf fishing beaches in Cape Henlopen, Beach Plum Island, Fenwick Island, and Delaware seashore. Further, you must meet specific requirements to drive your vehicle on these beaches.
You need a surf fishing vehicle, a permit, fishing gear, and licenses to drive on Delaware beaches. Additionally, you must adhere to the rules and regulations of Delaware State Park authorities regarding your vehicle and safety equipment. You must also actively engage in surf fishing.
It’s an exhilarating experience to drive on the beach, but you must be mindful of flora and fauna in these delicate beach ecosystems. In this article, I’ll discuss the requirements mentioned above in great detail. Read on to learn more about what you need to drive on Delaware beaches.
1. You Must Have a Surf Fishing Vehicle
As mentioned above, driving is restricted for surf fishers in designated areas to avoid accidents. When it comes to driving, you need a vehicle that can withstand the sand. Although it doesn’t have to be four-wheel, most non-four-wheel can’t navigate the sandy beaches.
According to the law,
your vehicle must have two axles and less than six wheels. Although you can use a dual-wheeled truck, motorcycles aren’t allowed.
Additionally, you must register the vehicle and have a license to operate on state roadways.
2. A Surf Fishing Vehicle Permit Is Required
You need a surf fishing vehicle permit to access the designated beaches. Once you have the official license, you’ll get a surf fishing vehicle plate which you must display on the vehicle registered under the authorization any time you’re at the beach.
Ensure you always have a copy of the permit and receipt during fishing in case of random inspections. Operating without a license can earn you penalties.
The permit works for a year. Hence, you must buy a new one at the beginning of each fishing season. You can either get it online or at the state parks. The permits are usually limited, and you can only purchase them on a first-come-first-served basis.
Also, they come in different prices where Delaware registered vehicles are charged lower than out-of-state vehicles.
Note: You can’t borrow or lend a surf fishing permit or plate. Unlike a driving license, you can only use the one registered to your car. Additionally, the pass doesn’t give you the right to park your car on the beach. Moreover, at least one occupant should engage in active fishing.
3. You Must Have Vehicle Safety Equipment
You need several items of safety equipment to help your vehicle when it gets stuck. You should always have them in your car to avoid trouble with authorities during inspections.
Let’s look at some of the must-haves:
Jack
A jack is a must-have piece whether you’re going to the beach or on the road. You’ll need it to raise the vehicle when you get stuck. Moreover, it would help change a tire in case of a puncture.
Therefore, ensure to pack one where you can access it quickly when need be.
Shovels
You need to carry shovels in your vehicle. A shovel is handy when digging out your car should you become stuck in the sand. Authorities recommend a long-handled shovel with a round or pointed head.
The long handled-shovel is better because it allows you to remove the sand without getting under the car. Also, if your vehicle has room, you can pack two in case you need help.
Board
Using the jack on the sand would be difficult since it might sink. Therefore, you need a piece of wood or a board on which you can place the jack to enhance its function. If you can’t find a board, thick plywood can do the trick. Ensure you pack some board base to support your jack when setting out to fish on Delaware beaches.
Tire Gauge
It’s essential to reduce the tire’s air pressure when approaching the beach. Deflating allows the tires to get traction, making them longer and wider, which is critical when driving on the sand. Therefore, you need a gauge to determine the air pressure when inflating and deflating.
Pressure as low as 20 lbs is good, but you might need to lower it to 15lbs when it’s sunny since the sand is softer. While one gauge is okay, carrying extra is beneficial for faster inflating and deflating.
Tow Rope
A tow rope is essential when you need to remove a stuck vehicle. Although some people prefer chains, they don’t work well since they aren’t elastic. So instead, you can have two ropes, preferably with straps and loops.
The ones with open hooks are also fine but can easily cause accidents if they detach. The loops and shackles might seem tedious. But they function better and enhance safety under extreme pressure.
Here’s a YouTube video showing what you need when going surf fishing at Delaware State parks:
4. You Must Have a Fishing License
You need a fishing license to engage in surf fishing. However, you don’t require another permit if you have a surf fishing vehicle permit. In addition, other people in the vehicle must have fishing licenses.
Moreover, those above 16 also need a Fisherman Information Network Number called the FIN.
Nonetheless, children below 16 and Delaware citizens above 65 don’t need a license.
5. You Must Actively Surf Fish and Have Fishing Equipment
You or the members of your party must actively engage in surf fishing to drive your vehicle on the designated Delaware surf fishing areas. Thus, all vehicles must have adequate fishing gear and bait suitable for saltwater fishing. For the bait, you can bring varieties, including cut bait such as:
- Cut squid
- Fish
- Blood worms
You can also bring artificial lures, but you must retrieve them. Additionally, there are substitutes manufactured to replace fresh bait. These could comprise plastic or rubber in different forms, such as worms or fish.
It would be best if you procured a rod and reel which can handle at least 6 ounces and 10 ounces during heavy surf conditions. In addition, the fishing rod should be tall ( at least 8 feet) to keep the line above the waves.
The Takeaway
Driving on Delaware beaches isn’t for everybody. You need a surf fishing permit to go to the designated beaches. The vehicle must have two axles and less than six wheels, and you should have the equipment to release your car should you become stuck in the sand.
Additionally, you require a fishing license. However, the surf fishing vehicle permit acts as a fishing license, but only for one occupant of the vehicle. Those over 16 also require a fisherman information number.
Your vehicle should also have suitable saltwater fishing bait (fresh or artificial).