The Rehoboth Beach Pier is a working fishing pier open to the public, located at the end of the boardwalk where Rehoboth Avenue meets the ocean

The pier extends roughly 1,000 feet into the Atlantic and charges a small daily or hourly access fee to fish. You do not need a Delaware fishing license to fish from the pier itself — that exemption applies to all Delaware public piers. The pier operates year-round, though hours and conditions vary by season. Summer crowds are heaviest, but fall and spring often deliver better fishing with fewer people.

The structure is solid concrete with railings, a bait shop at the entrance, and enough space to move around even when moderately busy. Parking is available in the boardwalk lots nearby, though summer weekends fill quickly. The pier is also a good spot if you want to fish without owning a boat or driving to a remote access point — you can walk there from downtown Rehoboth and be fishing within minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • No Delaware fishing license is required to fish from the Rehoboth Beach Pier, though you will pay a daily or hourly access fee at the gate.
  • Summer brings crowds and smaller fish; fall and spring offer better-sized catches and calmer conditions.
  • The pier's bait shop stocks live and frozen options, so you can arrive empty-handed and still fish the same day.
  • Flounder, croaker, and spot are the most common catches; striped bass and bluefish show up seasonally.

What Fish You Will Find by Season

Spring (April through May) brings the first strong bite. Flounder move into shallow water as the bay warms, and you will catch them on live mullet or squid near the pilings. Striped bass also pass through during their spawning run, though they are less predictable from the pier than from a boat. Croaker and spot begin showing in late April and stay through summer.

Summer (June through August) is crowded but productive for smaller fish. Croaker and spot dominate the catch — they are plentiful, willing, and fun on light tackle, but most run 6 to 10 inches. Flounder are still present but fewer anglers target them because the crowds make it harder to work the bottom. Bluefish show up in July and August, especially on overcast days or early morning.

Fall (September through November) is the best time to fish the pier if you want larger fish and fewer people. Flounder bite hard in September and October on live spot or mullet. Striped bass return in October and November, and the pier can produce solid fish during the first hour after sunrise. Croaker and spot thin out as water cools, but the fish that remain are bigger.

Winter (December through March) is slow but not dead. Flounder hold in deeper water off the pier and bite on squid or cut mullet. A few striped bass linger, and occasional bluefish show up on mild days. Most anglers skip winter, which means less competition if you are willing to fish in cold weather.

Tackle and Bait That Works

Bring a medium-weight spinning rod — 6 to 7 feet — with 12- to 20-pound braided line. The pier's concrete surface and pilings will fray monofilament quickly. A simple high-low rig with two small hooks works well for croaker and spot; a single 2/0 to 3/0 hook on a fish-finder rig is better for flounder.

Live mullet and live spot are the best baits for flounder and striped bass. The pier's bait shop stocks both, usually fresh. Squid and cut mullet work when live bait runs out or if you want to save money. For croaker and spot, small pieces of squid or clam are standard and cheap. Shrimp works too but costs more and attracts smaller fish.

Cast near the pilings and along the edges where the pier meets the deeper water. Flounder hold tight to structure; croaker and spot roam more freely. Let your bait sit on bottom for flounder, or work it slowly if you are targeting striped bass. Most anglers fish two rods if the pier allows it — check the current rules at the gate.

Access, Hours, and Fees

The pier is located at the end of Rehoboth Avenue on the boardwalk. Parking is available in the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk lots; summer parking fills by mid-morning on weekends. The pier charges a daily fishing fee and a separate hourly rate if you want to fish for just a couple of hours. Prices vary by season — summer rates are higher than off-season rates.

Hours change seasonally. In summer, the pier typically opens early (around 6 a.m.) and stays open until dark or later. Off-season hours are shorter. Call ahead or check the pier's posted hours before you go, especially in fall and winter. The bait shop opens at the same time as the pier and closes when the pier closes.

The pier is open to the public, but the operator reserves the right to close for maintenance or severe weather. Nor'easters and tropical storms occasionally close the pier for days. If you are planning a trip specifically to fish the pier, call first to confirm it is open.

Crowds and the Best Times to Fish

Summer weekends are packed, especially July and August. If you want space to cast and move, fish on a weekday or arrive before 7 a.m. on a weekend. The pier is also quieter in late afternoon, though the bite often slows as the sun climbs higher.

Fall and spring are the sweet spot — good fishing, fewer people, and comfortable weather. September through October and April through May are ideal if you can take time off work. Winter is empty but cold; dress warmly and bring a thermos.

Tide matters less on the pier than it does from shore, but incoming tide generally produces better fishing than slack water. Dawn and dusk are always better than midday, regardless of season.

What to Bring and What to Know

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water — the pier offers no shade. The sun reflects off the water and concrete, and you will burn faster than you expect. A small cooler keeps your catch fresh and holds drinks. Wear shoes with good grip; the concrete can be slippery when wet.

The pier can get windy, especially in fall and winter. Bring a light jacket even if the forecast looks calm. The ocean wind is stronger than the boardwalk wind, and it picks up as the day goes on.

Respect other anglers' space. The pier is not wide, and tangled lines happen fast when people are crowded. Keep your rod tip up when you are not actively fishing, and reel in if someone needs to walk past you. The bait shop staff and other regulars are usually friendly and will offer tips if you ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Delaware fishing license to fish the Rehoboth Beach Pier?

No. Delaware law exempts public piers from the licensing requirement. You can fish the Rehoboth Beach Pier without a license, though you will pay the daily or hourly access fee to enter.

What is the best month to fish the Rehoboth Beach Pier?

October is often the best — flounder bite hard, striped bass are moving through, and the crowds have thinned compared to summer. September is also excellent. If you prefer fewer people and do not mind cold weather, November and April are good too.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Yes, within Delaware's size and bag limits. Flounder must be at least 12 inches; striped bass at least 18 inches. Croaker and spot have no minimum size. Check the current Delaware fishing regulations before you go, as limits can change.

Is the pier crowded in the early morning?

No. The pier is quietest from opening until about 8 a.m., and the fishing is often best during those hours. If you want space and a good bite, arrive early.

What if the weather turns bad while I am fishing?

The pier is exposed to the ocean, so weather changes fast. If lightning threatens or wind becomes dangerous, leave immediately. The pier may close during severe weather, and the operator will ask everyone to exit.