Are you ready to cast your line and reel in some excitement in Delaware? Before you can do that, you need to obtain a Delaware fishing license. But where can you get one? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
A fishing license may be obtained at DNREC headquarters (89 Kings Highway, Dover), from over 40 licensing agents located throughout the state, or online by accessing www.fw.delaware.gov and following the licensing link. This ensures that you can get your license conveniently, whether you prefer to do it in person or from the comfort of your own home.
Authorized Licensing Agents
Delaware has a wide range of authorized licensing agents where you can purchase your fishing license. Here are some of the locations:
New Castle County:
- Al’s Sporting Goods, 200 North Market St., Wilmington, (302) 655-1511.
- Cabela’s, 1100 Christiana Road #1410, Newark, (302) 266-2300.
- Captain Bones, 3195 South Dupont Highway, (302) 378-4200.
- Dick’s Sporting Goods, 100 Center Drive, Newark, (302) 738-8322 or 1000 Brandywine Parkway, Wilmington, (302) 477-9577.
- Master Baiter’s, 775 South Dupont Highway, Unit 2, New Castle, (302) 834-2248.
- Walmart, 705 Middletown Warwick Road, Middletown, (302) 449-1254; 117 Walton Blvd., New Castle, (302) 324-0900; or 1251 Centerville Road, Wilmington, (302) 683-9312.
Kent County:
- Bowers Bayside Bait, 145 Hubbard Avenue, Frederica, (302) 682-0043. This location only sells fishing licenses.
- Carlisle’s Marine, 49 Artisan Drive, Smyrna, (302) 389-0100.
- Dick’s Sporting Goods, 1365 North Dupont Highway, Suite 6000, Dover, (302) 678-9160.
- Smith’s Bait and Tackle, 500 Denny St., Leipsic, (302) 744-9140.
- Oaks Outdoors, 3544 Williamsville Road, Houston, (302) 424-2277.
- Smyrna Community Hardware, 456 W. Glenwood Avenue, Smyrna, (302) 653-1144.
- Smyrna Sporting Goods, 4 South Main St., Smyrna, (302) 653-7073.
- Walmart, 263 Walmart Drive, Camden, (302) 698-9170; 36 Jerome Drive, Cheswold, (302) 674-2159; or 939 North Dupont Highway, Milford, (302) 422-2854.
These agents offer a variety of licenses, including fishing, hunting, and conservation access passes. Some agents may only sell specific types of licenses, so it’s essential to check before visiting.
Online Purchase
If you prefer the convenience of purchasing your license online, you can do so by visiting the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife’s website at www.fw.delaware.gov. This option allows you to purchase your license from the comfort of your own home, 24/7.
Remember, a Delaware fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older for fishing, crabbing, or clamming in tidal and non-tidal waters. Additionally, all anglers age 16 or older must obtain a free Delaware Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number each year before fishing in tidal or non-tidal waters.
So, where will you get your Delaware fishing license? Whether you choose to visit a licensing agent or purchase online, make sure you have your license before you head out to catch the big one!