Fishing is a wonderful family activity, and fishing from a pier is an easy way to start.
First, know that anyone between 16 and 65 must have a Delaware fishing license (for fishing or crabbing), and anyone over 16 – including seniors – needs a FIN number. You can get both here: dnrec.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife. The FIN number is free; the license is $8.50 for Delaware residents, $20 for non-residents, and $12.50 for a 7-day tourist license.
HERE ARE SOME GREAT NEARBY PIERS:
Cape Henlopen State Park Fishing Pier
This is my favorite spot. There is a fee to get into the park, but the fishing pier is large, has an onsite bait and gear shop, and sits next to a beach where non-anglers can beachcomb, paddleboard, or splash in the calm, shallow water while you cast a line. There are restrooms and a large parking lot close to the pier, making it easier for visitors with mobility challenges.
Ocean City 9th St. Fishing Pier
Located on 9th Street and Edgewater Avenue on the bay side, this well-maintained fishing and crabbing pier has fish-cleaning tables with hoses for easy cleanup. There is limited on-street parking.
Holts Landing State Park Pier
This is the only pier in Delaware built especially for crabbing. You’ll also find excellent clamming and saltwater fishing here. It’s a popular spot, so go early – you might even catch a gorgeous sunrise.
Massey’s Landing
At the tip of Long Neck, where the Indian River meets Rehoboth Bay, Massey’s Landing is a favorite for anglers chasing flounder, blues, tautog, and striped bass. It’s not technically a pier, but its well-lit fishing area, docks, and easy parking make it just as convenient. Strong tidal currents bring in a variety of fish, and the spot is also popular for clamming, crabbing, and birdwatching.
Whether you prefer a wide pier with all the amenities or a tidal hotspot like Massey’s Landing, fishing in coastal Delaware is as much about the setting as the catch. Bring your gear, your patience, and maybe a friend who tells good stories.
