10 prime fishing holes at Delaware Beaches
The Delaware beach area is a prime location to catch all of your trophy fish. From stripers to flounders and everything in between there is a spot to wet your line. Here's 10 fishing locations you can try without getting on a boat.
1. Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier: The fishing pier at Cape Henlopen is a great place to catch fish at all times, as the pier is open 24/7. It’s great for catching croaker, stripers, bluefish and flounder. One can also rent a kayak to fish the pilings at the end of the pier which is well known as a flounder hot spot. It’s really difficult to fish the pier and come up empty handed with so many fish in the waters directly below. The pier extends a ways out, and is also a decent crabbing spot for those interested. In the mornings one can also fly fish alongside the pier for a mix of sea trout, and blues. The pier also has a bait shop, refreshments and ice.
Currently the fishing pier is under maintenance, and will open sometime this summer, but a date has yet to be determined. When the pier is open there is a state park fee. For instate licenses it is $4, and $8 for out of state licenses.
2. Herring Point: For those who love to surf fish, Herring Point is the place to be. Also located at Cape Henlopen State Park, this spot has excellent beach fishing for stripers, bluefish, kingfish and blowfish. It’s an excellent location to relax, catch some fish, and catch some rays in the sun. With a permit, anglers can also bring their truck right up to the shoreline.
The fee to fish at Herring Point is $5 for instate licenses, and $10 for out of state. If you plan on staying in the area for a while, it might be worth purchasing a season pass. The annual pass for Delaware residents is $35, and $70 for out of state, however there are discounts for senior citizens and veterans.
3. Indian River Inlet: The Indian River Inlet is one of the most thrilling places to fish by land in Delaware. With a fast action current constantly rolling through the Inlet it makes for great striper, bluefish, shad and tog fishing. Try casting bucktails along the rock jetty. Sharks, and even Mahi Mahi have been caught in the Inlet, and if you're lucky you may even spot a whale.
It is recommended to use a sturdy fishing rod with at least 10-20 pound test line to fish at the Inlet. A surf rod can be used, but it is not necessary. Both rock jetties and cement walkways on the north and south side of the inlet are fishable locations. The variety of fish that can end up on a hook at the Inlet always makes for an exciting fishing experience.
4. 3R’s Beach: Just past the south side of the Indian River Inlet is 3R’s Beach, which is easily accessible from Route 1. There is plenty of parking space for newcomers unfamiliar with the area, and for those with a permit you can bring your vehicle right up on the beach. The location is excellent for striper fishing, as the current Delaware striper record of 52 pounds was caught in the area.
There is a quick drop-off at this beach, and with a surf pole in the 8-12 foot range one should have no problem getting their bait to the fish. Use 15-20 pound test during the summer months.
5. Bubblegum Beach: For those who love flounder this is your spot. Bubblegum Beach is located next to the Coast Guard Station at the Indian River Inlet and often sees a good flounder bite. Rockfish are also common in the area; saltwater flies are a great choice if you want to catch some rockfish there.
Bubblegum Beach is also close to many fishing charters that call the Indian River Inlet home, and can be your opportunity to have memorable day sport fishing in Delaware waters.
6. Broadkill Beach: Located just north of Lewes, Broadkill Beach sees a good variety of striper, bluefish and black drum. If you don’t mind the flies this spot can have a huge payout for anglers.
Broadkill is usually pretty spacious, and there won’t be many, if any, beach goers conflicting with a day of fishing here. Baits such as bunker, bloodworms, clams and mullet often find success here. When the blues are biting: spoons, and bucktails will work, however bring extra grubs for the bucktails as bluefish tend to chew them to pieces.
7. Tower Beach: For a bit of history, Tower Beach is the spot for you. Located just south of Dewey Beach, Tower Beach is a hard-to-miss location due to the old WWII watch towers located on the beach. This beach has parking, as well as food concessions. Tower Beach often has regular beach goers, however it is very spacious, and the seagulls have been generous enough to point out where the fish are.
This is your spot if you're looking for a quiet place where those in your party who may not want to fish can enjoy the day while you cast out into the ocean. If the birds are diving into the water it is likely that’s where you want to cast.
8. Keybox Road: Located between Dewey Beach and the Indian River Inlet. With a permit you can bring your vehicle right up to the surf. There usually isn’t much of a crowd, allowing a lot of room to fish. It’s a peaceful location and you never know what you may hook when fishing the ocean surf.
Near Keybox Road is also Conquest Road and Savages Ditch, which both have surf fishing beaches, and are popular alternate fishing locations that are a short drive away if Keybox is having a slow bite.
9. Ocean City Inlet: The entire Delmarva Peninsula is a gold mine for an exciting day of fishing. It has multiple fishing piers and is good for both fishing with bait and lures. Anglers can have success catching bluefish, sea trout, stripers, tautog and flounder on the pier. The best part of the Inlet is that there are options. One can fish off the Ocean pier on the ocean side of the Inlet, or choose to stay on the bay and spend the day on the pier, or at Sunset Park fishing from the surf. The Inlet is located at the very end of Ocean City right next to the Coast Guard station.
10. Homer Gudelsky Park: Located in West Ocean City, this spot is for those who love to fly fish. It is free to fish here on the bay side of Ocean City. Shiners and squid work really well on flounder here, but one can also catch sea bass, croaker, spot, blues and striper here. The blues and striper usually come around early in the morning or after the sun has gone down in the evening, and will aggressively chase lures here.