Bonnethead Regulations in Delaware (2026)

Recreational bonnethead rules in Delaware saltwater, as published by the Delaware DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last checked November 7, 2026.

Size limit

10.4 Smoothhound, bonnethead, Atlantic sharpnose, blacknose, and…

Bag limit

1 per person

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Recreational Bonnethead rules in Delaware

Where: Statewide
Size limit: 10.4 Smoothhound, bonnethead, Atlantic sharpnose, blacknose, and finetooth sharks are exempt from size limits.
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.

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.

Official source

Quick answers

What is the bonnethead size limit in Delaware?

10.4 Smoothhound, bonnethead, Atlantic sharpnose, blacknose, and finetooth sharks are exempt from size limits..

How many bonnethead 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..

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More offshore & pelagic in Delaware

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Source: Delaware DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. Most anglers need a Delaware saltwater license or registry: get one here.