Can I Keep?Blueline tilefish Regulations in Delaware (2026)
Caulolatilus microps
Recreational blueline tilefish rules in Delaware saltwater, as published by the Delaware DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Blueline tilefish rules in Delaware
- Where
- Statewide
- Bag limit
- more than three blueline tilefish ( Caulolatilus microps ) if fishing from a private vessel, more than five blueline tilefish if fishing from a United States Coast Guard uninspected for-hire vessel, or more than seven blueline tilefish if fishing from a United States Coast Guard inspected for-hire vessel, unless otherwise authorized by the Department.
- Season
- 1.2 It shall be unlawful for any recreational fisherman to take and reduce to possession or to land any blueline tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaelonticeps) beginning at 12:01 a.m. November 1 and ending midnight April 30.
- Limit depends on vessel type (private / uninspected for-hire / inspected for-hire).
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Bag limit
- 1.4 It is unlawful for a person issued a valid commercial food fishing license to possess aboard a vessel more than 500 pounds of tilefish in aggregate to include blueline tilefish ( Caulolatilus microps ) or golden tilefish ( Lopholatilus chamaelonticeps ).
- 1.3 Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 1.1, a person issued a valid commercial food fishing license may possess aboard a vessel up to 500 pounds of tilefish in aggregate to include blueline tilefish ( Caulolatilus microps ) or golden tilefish ( Lopholatilus chamaelonticeps ) in any number, provided said tilefish were taken using gear for which said person is lawfully permitted under 7 Del.C. §915 .
Quick answers
How many blueline tilefish can I keep in Delaware?
more than three blueline tilefish ( Caulolatilus microps ) if fishing from a private vessel, more than five blueline tilefish if fishing from a United States Coast Guard uninspected for-hire vessel, or more than seven blueline tilefish if fishing from a United States Coast Guard inspected for-hire vessel, unless otherwise authorized by the Department..
When is blueline tilefish season in Delaware?
1.2 It shall be unlawful for any recreational fisherman to take and reduce to possession or to land any blueline tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaelonticeps) beginning at 12:01 a.m. November 1 and ending midnight April 30.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
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Source: Delaware DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. Most anglers need a Delaware saltwater license or registry: get one here.