Delaware DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Announces Changes in Summer Flounder Regulations

Anglers catching summer flounder in Delaware waters will be able to keep smaller fish this season when regulation changes take effect on Tuesday, June 11. The changes allow anglers to keep four fish per day with a minimum size of 17 inches, with no closed season. Under the previous regulations, the minimum size for keepers was 18 inches.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission approved a coastwide recreational summer flounder harvest limit that allows for changes in Delaware’s summer flounder regulations. The regulatory changes provide added opportunities for anglers while managing the flounder population at a sustainable level.

Recreational anglers who fish, crab or clam in tidal or non-tidal waters statewide must have a valid Delaware fishing license. A resident annual fishing license costs $8.50 for ages 16 through 64. Higher license prices apply to non-resident anglers. Anglers under the age of 16 and residents age 65 and older are not required to purchase fishing licenses in Delaware.

Recreational anglers fishing Delaware waters also are required to obtain a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (F.I.N.) number; this number is generated automatically on all individual fishing licenses sold through Delaware’s electronic licensing systems.

License-exempt anglers, including Delaware residents 65 and older; non-resident boat fishing license holders who do not have an individual license; and individuals fishing on licensed boats who do not have an individual license, must obtain their free F.I.N. number by visiting www.delaware-fin.com or calling 800-432-9228 toll-free.

For more information, pick up a copy of the 2013 Delaware Fishing Guide at your local tackle shop or license dealer, or check it out online at www.fw.delaware.gov/fisheries.

For more information about summer flounder regulations, please call the DNREC Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914.

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) of the state of Delaware is the primary body concerned with the governance of public land, natural resources, and environmental regulations for the state. DNREC is composed of several Divisions that have correlates in other U.S. State governments:

• Division of Air and Waste Management
• Division of Fish and Wildlife
• Division of Parks and Recreation
• Division of Soil and Water Conservation
• Division of Water Resources

The Department is headed by an 'Office of the Secretary'.