Main Attraction

One of the main attractions of Lewes is its convenient location at the mouth of the Delaware Bay, giving the angler an exciting variety of fishing options from which to choose: surf, inshore bay and ocean, and offshore ocean and canyon fishing.

Fish Species Overview

Most fisherman become active with the warming days of March when huge schools of migrating Atlantic Mackerel can be found within several miles of the Delaware coast. With the season then under way, there follows a succession of virtually every species sought along the mid-Atlantic coast.

Some of the migratory fishes are only available for a few weeks to a month or two at a time (Atlantic mackerel, black drum, tunas, swordfish, white marlin, dolphin, mako shark and wahoo), but there is also a large population of 'resident' weak fish (sea trout), bluefish, flounder, tautog, croakers, sea bass, and striped bass, as well as some of the less sought after species that are available through out most of the spring, summer and fall months. Some species are available even in the dead of winter.

Angler Facilities & Services

Facilities and services for the angler are first-rate by any standard. A modern charter fleet and several 'head-boats' operate out of Lewes, offering full-day, half-day, night fishing and specialty trips. Small rental boats are also available for fishing and crabbing.

A spacious state-maintained launching ramp is located off Pilottown Road on the Lewes-Rehoboth canal. Several bait and tackle shops offer fishermen a wide range of tackle supplies and up-to-the-minute information. The Lewes Canal offers service stations and fuel docks, and, most importantly, 'fisherman's hours' restaurants and lodging within walking distance of the docking facilities which make Lewes so active.

Surf Fishing

The surf fisherman has access to beautiful Cape Henlopen State Park, where the bay meets the ocean. (Certain regulations and permits apply to 4-wheel drive vehicles.) Roosevelt Inlet at the end of Cedar Street is another popular fishing area.