Delaware Fishing Requirements 

A general fishing license is required for fishing, crabbing, or clamming in all waters of the State of Delaware including both tidal and non-tidal areas. Additionally, all anglers (resident and non-resident alike) age 16 or older must obtain a free Fisherman Information Network (F.I.N.) number on an annual basis before fishing in Delaware waters. The new (F.I.N.) regulation went into effect January 1,

2009. A fishing license may be obtained from the Dover office, on-line
(www.fw.delaware.gov), or from over 100 license agents (most bait and tackle, sporting goods, and hardware stores), throughout the State. The FIN number can be obtained at this web address (http://www.delaware-fin.com/); or by automated telephone (1-800-432-9228); or for live operator/customer service: 1-866-447-4626. See page 8 for more information about the new F.I.N. number
requirement.

A fishing license is valid through December 31 for the calendar year in which it is issued. All funds derived from the issuance of fishing licenses are dedicated to a special account for the purpose of matching and securing federal money allotted to Delaware under the provisions of the Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration Act and cannot be diverted to other causes. Together, these funds support projects having as their purpose the restoration, conservation, management and enhancement of
sportfish and the provision for public use and benefits from these resources.

To order or purchase a fishing license online, go to: www.fw.delaware.gov.
Select “Licenses – Hunting, fishing, boating.”

Surf Fishing In Delaware