BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DMS:

In the summer of 1958, a group of like minded fishermen, gathered in the garage of Russell “Chocup” Hudson in order to discuss the formation of a new fishing club. These fishermen were a group of friends who liked getting together to camp, fish or just gather and shoot the bull. Along with them were members of the Massachusetts Beach Buggy Association who were asked to attend to help organize a new Club. On that day the Delaware Beach Buggy Association, as it was know then, was founded. Its BY-LAWS were taken from those of the Massachusetts Beach Buggy Association, and remain in effect to this day.

A lot of things were different in the early days. The beaches were under the control of the Department Transportation, and no permits of any kind were required to access the beaches. Fishermen would go out on Fridays and stay till Sunday. Bond fires were held on Saturday evenings where all the kids from the group would cook hot dogs and roast marshmallow’s until time for bed. The adults may stay up till midnight or later talking about fishing or whatever. In those days there may be 40 to 50 campers on the beach from the Club fishing and just having fun.

The residents from Stockley Center were taken fishing every year as one of the Clubs functions. Some times there were more than 50 residents out on the beach. They really looked forward to the outing.

When the National Guard trained with live fire in Bethany, The members would go down the beach and watch them shoot drones out of the sky, or fire at the target being towed.

The cook shack was taken to the beach on coast day and sold clams, hot dogs and burgers.

There was a campsite behind the present location of Old Inlet Bait and Tackle, which the Club would obtain the use of every summer for about 10 years, until it was bought by the State of Delaware. It was at this site the original Crab Feast (Fall Feast) was held. They started with clams and then clams and crabs. Everyone really looked forward to the Feast.

A lot of damage was done to the Dune System by disrespectful drivers. There was a lot of angry residents and legislators who wanted to stop this wanton destruction and close the beaches to all but walk on use.

To avoid the anger of some residents, and the bad name that “Beach Buggy’s” were acquiring the, Club changed its name to Delaware Mobile Surf-Fishermen and Incorporated into a not for profit organization it is today.

The DMS has cooperated with the State to get new laws passed to protect the beaches and users thereof. Thanks in part to the efforts of DMS, the Delaware Legislators, as well as others, we still have the privilege of driving on our beaches.

This privilege is under threat at all times and the DMS must remain ever vigilant to protect this privilege. Other organizations think the beaches should be left to the wildlife and closed to not only vehicles, but everyone. Fishermen and bathers included.