Contact: Kathleen Jamison, Public Affairs, phone: (302) 739-9902 , e-mail: kathleen.jamison@state.de.us
 

FALL IS A GREAT TIME TO FISH
Summer fun continues, even as the leaves change

Contrary to what some people think, the fishing season doesn't end on Labor Day. The Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife and the nonprofit Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) remind families that some of the best fishing comes as the leaves change color.

It’s a perfect time for parents and children to grab a canoe or kayak and head to a nearby river or lake for a memorable day of fishing amidst the fall foliage. A trip to the local fishing hole can bring back some of the magic of summer, and has some advantages of its own:

• The fish are biting. Fish are feeding in preparation for the winter.
• The fish are more active. The colder water temperatures allow fish to roam all day.
• The crowds are gone. The jet-skis and powerboats have stopped running for the year.
• It's refreshing. Less heat and humidity make a day in the sun more enjoyable.
• Nature is putting on a show. The changing leaves give the outdoors a seasonal splendor.

According to Roy Miller, state fisheries administrator, “Fall is arguably the best time of the year to fish for species like striped bass. Larger stripers who have spent the summer feeding off the New England coast migrate south along Delaware's beaches and may be available to anglers for a couple of months beginning in October or November.”

Plus, he adds, “This is the best time of year to land a memorable fish that exceeds the 20-lb minimum size to earn a Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament citation.”

For those looking to enjoy time with family and friends on the water this fall, the RBFF offers the following tips for a great trip:
• Visit the public service website takemefishing.org to find bodies of water in your area and a wide range of fishing and boating information – from how to trailer a boat to where to get a fishing license to how to tie a fly.
• Stop at your local tackle shop for fishing licenses, supplies and tips on what gear to use.
• If you don't have a canoe or kayak, book a trip with a local drift boat captain or fishing guide.
• Dress for the weather. Wear layers that can be added or removed with the changing temperatures.
• Wear a personal floatation device.
• Bring along a camera to capture the expression on your son or daughter's face when they catch their first fish.


About the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF)
The RBFF (http://www.rbff.org/) is a government-funded, nonprofit organization established in 1998 to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby increasing public awareness and appreciation of the need for protecting, conserving and restoring America's aquatic natural resources. Recreational boating and fishing are America's favorite sporting activities, with more than 50 million people participating every year – that's more than play golf and tennis combined.

 

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