Summer flounder season never ends on the Delaware side of the line, while New Jersey anglers will kick off the summer of fluking on a Monday this year, May 4th. Once you’ve got an idea on where those jumbos are feeding in week number one, consider taking a run at the tournament cash in week two in the first fluke tournaments of the 2026 season.
For Delawareans, Lewes Harbour Marina will once again be hosting their 2026 Canal Flounder Tournament on Friday, May 15. Cash entry fee is $50 per angler, $25 for kids 15 and under, and all tournament anglers must register by 7 a.m. on the day of the tournament.
Fishing time is from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. with weigh-in back at Lewes Harbour Marina no later than 4 p.m. Tournament boundaries are Rehoboth Bay Canal entrance, Roosevelt Inlet (not outside the inlet) and Main Broadkill River only (no tributaries) to Oyster Rocks Road.
Cash prizes determined on the number of entrants, with top awards to first, second and third heaviest summer flounder. There’s also a rod and reel combo prizes for women’s heaviest flounder and the child 12 and under catching the heaviest flounder, and a bonus $1,000 prize for the heaviest summer flounder caught using an Aqua Clear rig.
As always, 50% of the proceeds will go benefit pancreatic cancer research. Lewes Harbour Marina is located at 217 Anglers Road in Lewes, DE. For details call 302-645-6227.
For New Jersey anglers, on Saturday, May 16 the Valhalla Flounder Open returns to Valhalla Yachting Center in New Gretna with cash payout totaling more than $4,750, plus the optional calcuttas for heaviest three-fish bag and heaviest overall summer flounder. Top cash prizes will be awarded after the tournament weight-in at Breeze’s on the Bass River, with $2,000 for first place, $1,250 for second place, $750 for third, $500 for fourth slot and the fifth place finishers get $250. There are also prizes for anglers under 12 years of age.
Boundary lines are inshore waters (less than 3 miles from shore) from Corson’s Inlet to Barnegat Inlet, with tournament fishing underway at 6 a.m. Registration is $150 per boat (up to four anglers), and all forms and payment must be received at the Viking Yachting Center office at 5724 N. Route 9 in New Gretna no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, May 15.
A portion of the proceeds from the Valhalla Flounder Open will go towards the Fisheries Conservation Trust which works to close scientific deficiencies that have a direct impact on our ability to manage fish stocks in a productive and sustainable manner. To register online go to fisheriesconservationtrust.org and click on the Valhalla Flounder Open tab.
