Numbered surf fishing permits may be coming back, Proposal to do away with the actively surf fishing rule

Legislation to bring back numbered surf fishing tags has passed the senate. From Representative John Atkins … “My legislation to bring back the numbered surf fishing permits just passed the Senate 21-0 and is on its way to be signed by the Governor. This will raise a substantial amount of revenue for the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation without raising your taxes. When signed, you will have the option to purchase a numbered license plate (price to be set by an auction or flat fee) or continue to purchase the generic plate for 65 bucks. ” …

I will let you know when this is going to happen and all of the details once it has passed.  If it raises more money for the park beaches then it is a great idea.  Those that are getting free tags as volunteer firefighters if they want a numbered tag will have to pay for that tag.

Now here is something many of you will not like to hear, but I have been told by my sources it will most likely not pass.  There is proposed legislation to allow people to drive onto the beach and not have to actively surf fish, but only in the summer.  Here is the language of the proposed amendment and link … “AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SURF FISHING.  Synopsis of Orginal Bill:  (without Amendments) Currently, to drive and park on Delaware beaches, a vehicle must have a permit and the operator must be actively engaged in surf fishing. This bill gives permit holders the option to not engage in surf fishing for safety reasons, but only during the summer months. These months usually have many children who are more interested in playing in the surf than in fishing. Permits would still be required and surf fishing would still be allowed during the summer months. “

I already know the reactions that are going through your head and many others.  We could argue this all day good, bad, and indifferent.  What needs to happen in my opinion is to limit the number of vehicles on the beaches.  This is only an issue on the weekends and even more so on the holiday weekends.  Keep in mind if we want more enforcement we will just need more rules that everyone has to follow.

Hope everyone has a nice weekend.

Fish On!!

Rich King