Small Craft Advisory Keeps Boats Docked

Small craft advisories covered the ocean and Delaware Bay on Saturday, with seas forecast to build to 3 to 5 feet through Monday.

Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Current Conditions

Wooden dock extending into choppy grey-green water under heavy overcast skies, with low dune grass along a distant flat shoreline. — Small craft advisories kept most boats docked on Delaware's Atlantic waters and Delaware Bay on Saturday, with seas forecast to build to 3 to 5 feet through Monday. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Small craft advisories were in effect for the ocean and Delaware Bay on Saturday, and most boats stayed tied to docks or on trailers. Anglers still gathered on the south side of the Indian River Inlet sidewalk to fish.

Why it matters

The advisories limited boating across Delaware's coastal waters and the bay during the weekend. Anglers who did fish faced choppy water and had to work around the conditions.

The forecast calls for seas of 3 to 5 feet on Sunday and Monday, and anglers at the inlet caught four undersized fish over two hours. The report does not indicate when the advisory will be lifted.

The details

Most boats stayed tied to docks or trailered rather than heading out. Anglers gathered on the south side of the Indian River Inlet sidewalk, where birds were working about a quarter-mile off the beach.

Saturday, November 7, 2026: Small craft advisories in effect for the ocean and Delaware Bay.
Sunday, November 8, 2026: Seas forecast at 3 to 5 feet.
Monday, November 9, 2026: Seas forecast at 3 to 5 feet.

Seasonal Patterns

Small craft advisories are issued under National Weather Service thresholds for sea height and wind, and the forecast 3 to 5 foot seas fall within that range for fall boating conditions on the Delaware coast. The advisories reflect the typical autumn pattern of rougher water along the Mid-Atlantic coast.

Boaters planning to head out on the ocean or Delaware Bay this weekend should expect rough water with seas forecast at 3 to 5 feet. Stay docked or check the latest marine forecast before launching, especially for smaller vessels.

The takeaway

Small craft advisories are a clear signal to keep smaller boats in port. Checking the marine forecast before heading out helps anglers and boaters avoid conditions that exceed their vessel's limits.