Delaware surf-fishing tag No. 1 fetched $26,000 at an auction Oct. 22 at the second annual Boo-B-Que by the Sea Festival at the Indian River Inlet.

Bridgeville businessman Jim Weller was the big winner. He said he was surprised the tag went for so low. He expected the bidding to go up to at least $30,000, and he was prepared to bid up to $35,000.

Weller buys and sells Delaware surf-fishing tags and fire company plates. He intends to sell No. 1 if the right price is offered.

"This is strictly an entrepreneurial project," he said. "I think this is a real good value. I just don't think they had the right buyer here."

DNREC Secretary David Small said he expected tag No. 1 to sell for more, but he wasn't disappointed.

"Parks are about 65 to 70 percent self sufficient," he said. "They rely on outside revenue, everything from individual day permit fees to camping revenues. This really helps supplement that, and this will go to great use."

All funds from the auction go to Delaware State Parks to help defray the cost of park operations. The Oct. 22 auction resulted in more than $86,000 in revenue.

"Nobody had any idea what No. 1 would go for," said Ray Bivens, Delaware State Parks director. "I think everyone here had fun."

Weller also won tag Nos. 5 and 11 at the auction. DNREC officials allowed Weller to trade in his No. 5 plate after he was the winning bidder of No. 1. Plate No. 5 was then re-auctioned.