DOVER — The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will issue up to 1,000 additional one-year surf-fishing permits for 2021.

The initial run of 17,000 permits ended after selling out in early March.
Those who wish to purchase one of the 1,000 permits must first acquire a special voucher on a date to be determined. Vouchers will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with details to be announced by the Division of Parks and Recreation soon.

Each voucher will allow for the purchase of one surf-fishing permit.

These vouchers will be limited to one per person. 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, the voucher may be obtained by a designee with proper information for the permit.

The vehicle license plate number and vehicle registration name for which the permit will be purchased is required to obtain a voucher. They are nontransferable.

The permits will be valid until Dec. 31 and are available to both residents and nonresidents.

At the close of business on the date of voucher distribution, no additional permits will be issued, even if all vouchers are not claimed. There will be no online sales.

The fee for Delaware residents is $90, while it is $180 for out-of-state residents. State residents 62 and older will receive a discounted rate of $80.

Firefighters and emergency medical technicians must present a signed application form from their fire company when redeeming a voucher to obtain a 2021 permit.

Additionally, the state will launch an off-peak surf-fishing permit pilot program starting in late May. The off-peak permits will allow anglers to drive on to surf fish during times when Delaware State Park beaches are not at capacity.

Unprecedented sales and the need to allow more anglers and beach users to safely social distance during the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the decision to introduce the pilot program.

The off-peak permits may be used weekdays only, June 1 through Sept. 3. Memorial Day and Labor Day are excluded. From Sept. 7 through Dec. 31, they can be used seven days a week.

The off-peak permit fee for Delaware residents is $70, while the fee for out-of-state residents is $140. State residents age 62 and older will receive a discounted rate of $60. Off-peak permits may be purchased online and in state park offices.

For more information, including answers to frequently asked questions, go to the Delaware State Parks website.