A patrol June 15 and 16 of Delaware state park beaches resulted in dozens of tickets and warnings for surf fishing violations.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Division of Parks & Recreation police conducted a targeted enforcement operation for compliance with Delaware’s surf fishing regulations at Fenwick Island and Cape Henlopen state parks. The operation was in response to complaints of surf fishers failing to abide by regulations, particularly the “actively engaged” rule for fishing from the beach, said Beth Shockley, DNREC spokeswoman.

At Fenwick Island, Shockley said park rangers handed out 24 citations and warnings for various surf fishing violations, including anglers not possessing required fishing and vehicle equipment. More than 300 vehicles were checked, but no violations were handed out at Cape Henlopen State Park, said spokesman Michael Globetti.

At Cape Henlopen, Globetti said, rangers set up a surf-fishing check point, which turned away vehicles that lacked the proper surf-fishing equipment.

“We are continuing to concentrate on compliance with state parks’ surf fishing rules and regulations as an enforcement priority,” said DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation Director Ray Bivens. “While we invite properly-licensed anglers to enjoy surf fishing on our state park beaches, we will work to ensure that they are actively engaged in surf fishing and abiding by the rules.”

Park Rangers remind surf-fishing permit holders that all individuals who drive on designated surf fishing beaches must possess a valid surf fishing vehicle permit; must be actively engaged in surf fishing; must possess required surf fishing vehicle equipment, including a jack, shovel, low-pressure tire gauge, board, and tow strap; and also must possess proper saltwater fishing tackle.