March 16, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 92

For more information, contact Craig Shirey, Fisheries Section, Division of Fish and Wildlife, 302-739-9914, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Announces Arrival of 2009 Delaware Fishing Guide

            Where and when will this year’s trout stocking take place? Does my grandson need a fishing license to fish with me at the pond? How do I measure a fish to see if it’s legal size? What do I need to know about Delaware’s new fishing registry? Should I be concerned about eating fish from this body of water? And what does a Chinese mitten crab look like?

            The new 2009 Delaware Fishing Guide can answer all these questions anglers frequently ask and more, and it’s available now at nearly 100 fishing license dealers throughout the state, including many hardware stores, sporting goods stores and bait and tackle shops. You can also pick one up, along with your fishing license and trout stamp, at the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife’s main office in the Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover.

            The guide includes details about the new Fisherman Information Network (F.I.N.) number, which is now required for all recreational anglers age 16 and older, including residents 65 and older who are not required to purchase a fishing license. Signing up for the new registry is easy and free of charge, and provides information that will be submitted to the National Marine Fisheries Service.

            “It’s very important for all our anglers to participate in the new F.I.N. number registry, so we can meet the requirements of the National Marine Fisheries Service to earn Delaware its exemption from the Service’s new federal registry, which will be charging fees for participation,” said Craig Shirey of the Fisheries Section.

Also new this year is a slot limit season from July 1 through Aug. 31 for striped bass, with a size limit of 20 to 26 inches and possession limit of two per angler in certain areas of Delaware. Inside the guide anglers also will find sections including tidal sport fishing, freshwater fishing and general angler’s information. In addition to general fishing regulations, licensing and fee information, a variety of related topics are included, such as information on the state’s artificial reef program, invasive species and DNREC’s fish consumption advisories.

Anglers also will find a foldout fishing map in the center of the guide that includes access areas at ponds, streams, boat launches and state parks. On the back of the map is a full color identification guide to Delaware’s most common and sought after fresh and saltwater species.

            For more information on the 2009 Delaware Fishing Guide or on fishing in the First State, please call the Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914. For freshwater information, anglers also may call the section’s Smyrna field office at 302-653-2887, or for saltwater information, the Little Creek field office at 302-739-4782.

The 2009 Delaware Fishing Guide is also available online, in printable and downloadable format, at www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Fisheries/Documents/2009fishingguideweb.pdf.