What the Rehoboth Beach Flounder Tournament Is

The Rehoboth Beach Flounder Tournament is an annual fishing competition held in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where anglers fish for summer flounder (also called fluke) in the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. The tournament typically runs for several weeks during the summer season, with participants fishing on their own boats or charter vessels and weighing their catch at the official weigh-in location. Prize money and awards go to anglers who land the heaviest fish and the most fish by weight, depending on the tournament's specific divisions.

The tournament draws both recreational and experienced fishermen, and entry is open to anyone with a valid fishing license. Most years the event runs from mid-June through early August, though exact dates shift year to year. The weigh-in happens at a central location in Rehoboth Beach, usually at one of the fishing docks or marinas, where staff record your catch and calculate standings.

Key Takeaways

  • The Rehoboth Beach Flounder Tournament runs for several weeks each summer, with exact dates announced by the tournament organizers in spring.
  • You fish on your own boat or hire a charter, and bring your catch to the official weigh-in dock in Rehoboth Beach to compete for prizes.
  • Entry fees vary by year and division, and you must hold a valid Delaware fishing license or the appropriate license for your state.
  • Summer flounder season in Delaware runs June through September, so the tournament takes place during the peak fishing window.
  • Successful flounder fishing requires knowledge of structure, tidal movement, and the right tackle — charter captains can teach you if you are new to the species.

When the Tournament Runs and How to Enter

The tournament dates change each year, so check with Rehoboth Beach tourism or local fishing organizations in late spring for the current schedule. Most years the event runs from mid-June through early August, which aligns with peak summer flounder season in Delaware waters. Registration typically opens a few weeks before the tournament begins, and you can enter through the official tournament website or at participating marinas and bait shops in Rehoboth Beach.

Entry fees depend on the division you choose — most tournaments offer separate categories for boat owners and charter anglers, and some have divisions for junior anglers. You will need to provide your name, contact information, and proof of a valid fishing license at registration. Some tournaments allow you to fish multiple days or weeks, while others run as a single-day event; read the rules for the year you plan to fish.

Where Flounder Live and How to Find Them

Summer flounder in Delaware waters hold tight to structure: they sit on the bottom near drop-offs, channel edges, wreck piles, and rocky outcrops where they can ambush baitfish. The Delaware Bay holds productive flounder grounds, as do the nearshore reefs and wrecks off Rehoboth Beach and South Bethany. Depth ranges from 20 to 60 feet depending on the season and time of day — flounder move shallower at night and deeper during bright midday hours.

Tidal flow matters enormously: flounder feed most actively during moving water, especially the first two hours of incoming tide and the last two hours of outgoing tide. If you are fishing from a charter boat, the captain will know the productive marks and the timing. If you are running your own boat, start by fishing near the Indian River Inlet and the channels leading into the bay, where structure is marked on good nautical charts.

Tackle and Technique for Summer Flounder

Flounder fishing calls for a medium-weight spinning or conventional rod paired with a reel that holds at least 200 yards of 15- to 20-pound braided line. Tie a 2- to 3-foot fluorocarbon leader (12 to 15 pounds) to your main line using an Albright knot or similar. Flounder respond to live bait and soft plastics: live mullet, mackerel, or squid work well, as do 4- to 6-inch soft plastic shads rigged on a jig head.

The technique is straightforward: cast or drop your bait or lure to the bottom, work it slowly with small hops and pauses, and stay alert for the subtle take — flounder often mouth a bait before committing. Use a sinker heavy enough to stay on bottom in the current, but not so heavy that you cannot feel the structure and the bite. Set the hook firmly when you feel weight or resistance; flounder have soft mouths and a slow hookset can mean a lost fish.

What You Need Before You Fish

A valid Delaware fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older. You can buy a three-day, seven-day, or annual license through the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife website or at bait and tackle shops in Rehoboth Beach. If you are fishing from a charter boat, confirm whether the charter's license covers you or whether you need your own; most charter operations include licensing in their fee, but it is worth asking.

Bring a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh, a measuring device to verify that your fish meet the minimum size (19 inches for summer flounder in Delaware), and a gaff or net to land fish safely. Wear polarized sunglasses to spot flounder on the bottom in shallow water, and bring sun protection and water — a day on the ocean is long and exposed. If you are new to flounder fishing, a half-day or full-day charter is the fastest way to learn the technique and the local marks.

Prize Structure and Tournament Rules

Prize money typically goes to the angler with the heaviest single fish, the most total weight across all fish caught, and sometimes the most fish by count. Some tournaments award prizes in multiple divisions — boat anglers, charter anglers, and junior anglers may compete separately. The exact prize breakdown and payout structure vary by year, so review the official tournament rules before you register.

All fish must be weighed at the official weigh-in location on the day they are caught (or by the deadline specified in the rules). Most tournaments require that fish be alive or freshly dead at weigh-in, and some have a minimum size requirement of 19 inches, which matches the Delaware state regulation. Cheating — culling fish, adding weight, or misreporting catch — can result in disqualification and forfeiture of entry fees, so fish honestly and keep your receipts and photos as documentation.

Charter Boats and Fishing from Your Own Vessel

Rehoboth Beach has several charter operations that run flounder trips during the tournament season. A charter captain knows the productive grounds, the tidal timing, and the technique — and they handle navigation, so you can focus on fishing. A half-day charter usually runs four to five hours and costs between $400 and $600 for a small group; a full day runs eight hours and costs more. Most charters provide tackle and bait, though you can bring your own if you prefer.

If you own or rent a boat, you have the freedom to fish when and where you choose, but you are responsible for navigation, safety, and finding fish. Rent a boat through a local marina if you do not own one; expect to pay $300 to $500 per day depending on the boat size and whether fuel is included. Either way, file a float plan with someone on shore, carry a VHF radio and a personal locator beacon, and check the weather forecast before you leave the inlet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Delaware license if I fish from a charter boat?

Most charter boats carry a license that covers their passengers, but confirm this when you book. If the charter does not provide coverage, you will need to buy your own three-day or annual Delaware license. It takes five minutes to purchase online or at a local tackle shop.

What is the minimum size for flounder in the tournament?

Delaware's state regulation is 19 inches for summer flounder. The tournament rules may match this or set a different minimum, so read the official rules before you fish. Any fish below the minimum cannot be weighed.

Can I fish the tournament if I have never caught a flounder before?

Yes. Many anglers fish the tournament for the first time each year. A half-day charter is the best way to learn the technique and the local marks. The captain will show you how to rig, cast, and set the hook, and you will catch fish while you learn.

When is the best time of day to fish for flounder?

Flounder feed most actively during moving water — the first two hours of incoming tide and the last two hours of outgoing tide. Early morning and late afternoon often produce well, but the tide matters more than the clock. Fish the tide, not the time.

What should I do if I catch a fish that might be a tournament record?

Photograph the fish on the scale at weigh-in, keep your receipt, and ask the tournament staff to document the catch. Do not clean or fillet the fish until after it has been officially weighed and recorded. The tournament organizers will verify the weight and update the standings.