Have you been thinking of casting a line into that nearby stream or daydreaming about a sunny afternoon on the beach with your surf rod and reel, but just haven’t gotten round to purchasing your 2008 Delaware fishing license yet?

To celebrate National Fishing Week, June 1-8, the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife invites you to test your favorite First State waters for a free taste of this year’s fishing, clamming and crabbing season by holding free fishing days on Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8. On these two days, anyone may fish in Delaware waters without a fishing license. 

National Fishing Week festivities will also include the Division’s 22nd Annual Youth Fishing Tournament from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 7 at Ingrams Pond in Millsboro, Wyoming Pond in Wyoming’s Town Park and the dog training area at Lums Pond State Park in Bear.

With the exception of this one weekend, resident and non-resident anglers between the ages of 16 and 64 fishing in any Delaware waters – including lakes, ponds, impoundments, streams, bay and ocean – are required to purchase a fishing license and display it while fishing. Clammers and crabbers are also required to have fishing licenses. Delaware residents 65 and older, and both residents and non-residents under age 16 do not have to purchase a license. Licenses are required for non-residents age 65 and older. 

Fishing licenses for Delaware residents cost $8.50, while non-residents pay $20. Licenses may be purchased at DNREC’s Richardson and Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, or at any of the more than 100 license agents located in sporting goods stores, hardware stores and other businesses throughout the state. 

The 2008 Fishing Guide, which includes complete details on licensing and exemptions, is also available from the DNREC Dover office, licensing agents and on the Division of Fish and Wildlife website.

To purchase a Delaware fishing license online, view the Fishing Guide, or for more information on fishing licenses, please visit the Fisheries homepage at www.fw.delaware.gov/Fisheries/Pages/Fisheries.aspx.

For other inquiries or further information, please call 302-739-9918.