Can I Keep?Aggregated large coastal sharks Regulations in Delaware (2026)
Recreational aggregated large coastal sharks rules in Delaware saltwater, as published by the Delaware DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last checked November 7, 2026.
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Recreational Aggregated large coastal sharks rules in Delaware
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- 10.1 It is unlawful to possess without a valid commercial foodfishing license any non-prohibited shark from among those species in the management unit that measures less than 54 inches, fork length (tip of snout to indentation between dorsal and ventral tail lobes), except as provided in 10.2, 10.3, and 10.4.
- Bag limit
- 7.1 It is unlawful for the operator of any vessel without a commercial food fishing license to have on board said vessel more than one non-prohibited shark per trip from among those species in the management unit, regardless of the number of people on board the vessel. In addition each recreational angler fishing from a vessel may harvest and possess one bonnethead, and one Atlantic sharpnose shark per trip. 7.2 It is unlawful for any shore angler without a commercial foodfishing license to take and reduce to possession more than one non-prohibited shark from among those species in the management unit per day (a day being 24 hours). Recreational shore anglers may also harvest one additional bonnethead, and one additional Atlantic sharpnose shark per day.
- Season
- 11.0 Aggregated Large Coastal Sharks Closed Season It is unlawful to possess silky, tiger, blacktip, spinner, bull, lemon, nurse, scalloped hammerhead, great hammerhead, and smooth hammerhead sharks from May 15 through July 15, regardless of where the shark was caught. Fishermen who catch any of these species in federal waters may not transport them through Delaware state waters during the aforementioned closed season.
- 4.2 It is unlawful to use any hook other than a non-offset, corrodible circle hook when recreationally fishing for the sharks specified in this regulation, excluding smoothhound, except when fishing with artificial lures or flies.
- Silky, tiger, blacktip, spinner, bull, lemon and nurse sharks (per 3541 definitions).
Quick answers
What is the aggregated large coastal sharks size limit in Delaware?
10.1 It is unlawful to possess without a valid commercial foodfishing license any non-prohibited shark from among those species in the management unit that measures less than 54 inches, fork length (tip of snout to indentation between dorsal and ventral tail lobes), except as provided in 10.2, 10.3, and 10.4..
How many aggregated large coastal sharks can I keep in Delaware?
7.1 It is unlawful for the operator of any vessel without a commercial food fishing license to have on board said vessel more than one non-prohibited shark per trip from among those species in the management unit, regardless of the number of people on board the vessel. In addition each recreational angler fishing from a vessel may harvest and possess one bonnethead, and one Atlantic sharpnose shark per trip. 7.2 It is unlawful for any shore angler without a commercial foodfishing license to take and reduce to possession more than one non-prohibited shark from among those species in the management unit per day (a day being 24 hours). Recreational shore anglers may also harvest one additional bonnethead, and one additional Atlantic sharpnose shark per day..
When is aggregated large coastal sharks season in Delaware?
11.0 Aggregated Large Coastal Sharks Closed Season It is unlawful to possess silky, tiger, blacktip, spinner, bull, lemon, nurse, scalloped hammerhead, great hammerhead, and smooth hammerhead sharks from May 15 through July 15, regardless of where the shark was caught. Fishermen who catch any of these species in federal waters may not transport them through Delaware state waters during the aforementioned closed season.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
More offshore & pelagic in Delaware
- Atlantic sharpnose shark
- Bluefish
- Bonnethead
- Cobia
- Hammerhead sharks
- Prohibited shark species
- Sandbar shark
- Sharks (non-prohibited, management unit)
- Shortfin mako
- Spanish mackerel
All Delaware saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Delaware DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. Most anglers need a Delaware saltwater license or registry: get one here.