Delaware · Fishing
Fishing in Selbyville, Delaware
Selbyville sits at the southern end of Delaware's coastal bay system, putting anglers within easy reach of both Assawoman Bay and Little Assawoman Bay — two shallow, brackish water bodies that run along the state's Atlantic coast.
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Selbyville sits at the southern end of Delaware's coastal bay system, putting anglers within easy reach of both Assawoman Bay and Little Assawoman Bay — two shallow, brackish water bodies that run along the state's Atlantic coast. These are tidal bays, not open ocean and not freshwater lakes, which shapes everything about how you fish them. Expect to target species like flounder, striped bass, weakfish, and blue crabs depending on the season, with the bays' grass flats and channel edges doing most of the work in terms of holding fish. Little Assawoman Bay is the smaller and generally calmer of the two, making it a reasonable starting point if you're fishing from a kayak or small skiff. Assawoman Bay offers more water to cover and tends to draw more boat traffic in summer. Access points around Selbyville are modest — this isn't a destination with a dozen boat ramps and tackle shops on every corner — so planning your launch point ahead of time matters. Delaware fishing licenses are required for residents and non-residents alike, and saltwater anglers need to be registered under the state's Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry. The fishing here rewards people who pay attention to tides and time of year more than those chasing a specific trophy.
Frequently asked questions
What fish can I realistically catch in Assawoman Bay and Little Assawoman Bay near Selbyville?
Both bays are brackish tidal systems, so your realistic targets shift with the season. Summer brings flounder along sandy bottom transitions and striped bass working bait near channel edges. Weakfish show up in warmer months as well. Blue crabs are abundant through summer and into early fall and are worth targeting if you have crab pots or a drop net.
Do I need a fishing license to fish these bays in Delaware?
Yes. Delaware requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older, resident or not. For saltwater fishing specifically, you also need to be registered with Delaware's Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry, which is a separate free registration. Check the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife website for current requirements before your trip, as rules can change between seasons.
What's the best time of year to fish Assawoman Bay from Selbyville?
Late spring through early fall is the most productive window. Flounder fishing tends to pick up in June and runs through August. Striped bass are more of a spring and fall fish in these waters. If you're coming specifically for flounder or weakfish, July and August are your best bet, though summer weekends bring heavier boat traffic on Assawoman Bay.
What kind of boat or watercraft do I need to fish these bays?
Both bays are relatively shallow and protected from ocean swells, so a kayak, canoe, or small motorized skiff works well. Little Assawoman Bay in particular is calm enough for paddle craft on most days. You don't need a large boat, but you should check water depths along your planned route since grass flats can be very shallow at low tide.
What time of day is best for fishing Assawoman Bay and Little Assawoman Bay?
Early morning and the two hours around a tide change are consistently the most productive times in tidal bay systems like these. Fish tend to move and feed as water flows in or out through channels and over flats. Midday in summer is generally slow and hot. If you can only pick one, fish the incoming tide in the morning.
