Contact: Michael Globetti, DNREC public affairs, 302-739-9902

Delaware’s new fishing regulations for summer flounder in effect May 11

DOVER (May 6, 2011) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife has formally adopted new recreational fishing regulations for summer flounder in Delaware which go into effect May 11. The new regulations retain a four-fish creel limit for summer flounder, or “fluke,” while lowering the minimum size limit from 18½ inches to 18 inches.

Besides the new minimum size, this year’s regulations include a closed season on flounder from October 24 through December 31. The Division of Fish & Wildlife also reminds anglers that, until May 11, the current 18½-inch minimum size limit (and four-fish creel limit) for summer flounder remains in effect. 

According to Fish & Wildlife fisheries administrator Craig Shirey, recent increases in summer flounder abundance have allowed a liberalization of management measures for the 2011 fishing season. The new regulations are designed to maintain Delaware’s compliance with the coast-wide summer flounder management plan and allow for the continued rebuilding of the summer flounder population.

Shirey was hopeful that, “should our coastwide summer flounder management efforts continue to be effective, further relaxation of the regulations may be warranted in future years.” However, he also pointed out that changes in a fishery’s management are dependent on many factors including spawning success, natural mortality, and annual harvest.

Vol. 41, No. 179