What does it take to get on the beach?

bfrank · Jan 19th 2014

I’m hoping you guys can give me some advice with getting out on the beach this year. I was thinking about running over to Eastern Marine but wanted to sound at least slightly educated on the topic before going in.

I’m looking to get my family out with a group this summer with as minimal spending as I can get away with.

https://egov.dnrec.delaware.gov/ Looking at the PARK PASSES/SURF FISHING table.
Do I need a “2014 Delaware Resident Vehicle---General---[Resident]” along with the “2014 Delaware Resident Surf Fishing---General”??

We have a canopy, chairs, grill, cooler, towels etc… The regular beach stuff. I’ve got a handful of fishing poles but they are more designed for use on a boat. Is there a requirement to what type of pole you have? I don’t really care to catch any fish just need to do what I need to do to be on the beach.

Any other gottchas I need to be worried about?

Keith_C · Jan 19th 2014

You only need the surf fishing tag for the Jeep. It gains you entry to any DE State Park.

Here are the rules and requirements: http://www.destateparks.com/Ac…ng/surf-fishing/rules.asp

sandtostand · Jan 19th 2014

Any fishing rod is ok, it has to have a hook and bait in the water. You must be actively fishing or they will tell you to leave

**quadna** · Jan 19th 2014

Quote from hookedonthebay

You must be actively fishing or they will tell you to leave

...or ticket you.

**mellowyellow** · Jan 19th 2014

Quote from quadna

...or ticket you.

or both

don't forget the bait. I keep a pack of the rubber squid in my "safety supplies" in case i run out of room in the cooler LOL

dovertj · Jan 19th 2014

Also..shovel, jack, board, tow rope. Air Guage also helps.

**quadna** · Jan 19th 2014

Quote from MellowYellow

I keep a pack of the rubber squid in my "safety supplies" in case i run out of room in the cooler LOL

I keep a pack of the rubber squid in my tackle box in case I run out of rubber worms! ;D

**2000sahara** · Jan 19th 2014

I could be wrong but I believe you and any adults "fishing" will need a DE fishing license and a FIN number. A sand spike is also a key necessity.

Keith_C · Jan 19th 2014

Quote from 2000sahara

I could be wrong but I believe you and any adults "fishing" will need a DE fishing license and a FIN number. A sand spike is also a key necessity.

Surf tag covers the vehicle owner as far as license.

Do need a FIN# though.

bfrank · Jan 19th 2014

Quote from 2000sahara

A sand spike is also a key necessity.

That's the kinda stuff I'm looking for. Thanks!

Quote from Keith_C

Do need a FIN# though.

What is a FIN and does that come from Eastern Marine?

Does Kelly (wife) need a fishing license if she is not fishing? AKA don't touch the pole.
**Anyone having a Beavis and Butthead moment...me too. LOL!**

Do I need to purchase the $27 "2014 Delaware Resident Vehicle"? It looks like that is the annual state park pass. But based off what Keith said I think the $65 "2014 Delaware Resident Surf Fishing tag" gets me both.

**2000sahara** · Jan 19th 2014

FIN= Fishermans information network.
https://www.delaware-fin.com

$65 DE. Resident surf tag is all you will need. It allows you on DE beaches and all state parks for free.
As long as she is not fishing she does not need a license.

**quadna** · Jan 19th 2014

Yup, FIN is a free fishing registry that you sign out up for online and print your paper.
Your surf fishing license is also your surf tag - $65 sticker for the beach plate covers you when fishing from the saltwater beaches in Delaware - still need a license for freshwater.
Anyone you take out on the beach is allowed to be there with you...so long as they don't attempt to fish at all. If they do, then they must purchase their own fishing license independent of your surf tag license.

As soon as positioning your vehicle on the final spot on the beach, you must start fishing. Sure, take a few minutes to unpack, but plan to start fishing right away and up until you are starting to pack up.
Any fishing pole/rig/line/reel suffices...so long as you can technically catch a fish with it. You must have a baited line...although this is a gray area. Some say live bait and others say live or fake...up to you to decide for yourself. Just don't tie on a sinker and cast out (Billy ).

If you are leery of the sand, airing down isn't a bad idea. But based upon your Jeep you should be just fine with your normal street pressure. I haven't aired down in 8 years...but of course I just jinxed myself and will now be pleading for a strap this summer. There are airing stations at CHSP beach access points, but they tend to leak and will have a line of people waiting on busy weekends.

Like mentioned, the required equipment is listed in the links above. Recovery equipment is a must and common sense too, trash bags for your trash and anything else you see blowing by, bug spray, sunblock, water, a comfortable camp chair, sand spike for the rod, beer coozies, ice for keeping the beer cold, and plan to leave your stresses at home. See you out there...I'll be the guy freaking out about bringing the JKU out there for the first time!

Keith_C · Jan 19th 2014

These have become the rage too...

bfrank · Jan 19th 2014

Thanks everyone... This is the info I needed.

Quote from Keith_C

These have become the rage too...

Keith I've seen these pics. Are there public restrooms within walking distance?

**quadna** · Jan 19th 2014

Not really. Two portajons near the CHSP access point but it's a looooong hike.

bfrank · Jan 19th 2014

Quote from quadna

Not really. Two portajons near the CHSP access point but it's a looooong hike.

OK So I'll add one of those things to the must have list. Kelly would take one look at a "LOOOOONG" walk across a HOT sand beach and she would be like pack it up! LOL!

**Stafford** · Jan 19th 2014

In the battle of humans vs flies for those portapotties the flies are winning by a landslide. I'd consider them last resort.

Solomi · Jan 19th 2014

you don't have to take the long hike. Don't think you'll get ticketed or anything. It's a lot of water ...

You can also drive to the port-a-john if absolutely necessary.

**deadfeat** · Jan 19th 2014

Even though you can get away with faking it with the fishing part, make an effort, its actually really fun to catch stuff. At least put enough weight on thay your casts stay where you threw it out. Hate seeing someones neglected line tangling up everyone around them

dovertj · Jan 20th 2014

http://www.destateparks.com/activities/fishing/surf fishing/rules.asp
[url=http://www.destateparks.com/activities/fishing/surf-fishing/rules.asp]http://www.destateparks.com/activities/fishing/surf-fishing/rules.asp[/url]
Going to order one of those pop up bathroom tent thingies in next few weeks. Good to have if you have kids or wife-gf-date or what ever with you
a surf rack/trailer cargo carrier is a great investment also. I got the cheep harbor freight one and it works great. $99.00 but on sale now and then for $60 something.
http://www.harborfreight.com/5…-cargo-carrier-69688.html Aluminum, light weight. Added PVC rod holders to it.

What does it take to get on the beach?

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