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Channeled whelk (channeled conch) Regulations in Delaware (2026)

Busycotypus canaliculatum

Recreational channeled whelk (channeled conch) rules in Delaware saltwater, as published by the Delaware DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last checked November 7, 2026.

Size limit
6 in minimum

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Recreational Channeled whelk (channeled conch) rules in Delaware

Where
Statewide
Size limit
1.0 It shall be unlawful for any person to possess any channeled conch, Busycotypus canaliculatum , that measures less than six (6) inches in length or 3 1/8 inches in diameter at the whorl.

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Commercial rules

Show 1 commercial rule
Where
Statewide
Size limit
1.0 It shall be unlawful for any person to possess any channeled conch, Busycotypus canaliculatum , that measures less than six (6) inches in length or 3 1/8 inches in diameter at the whorl. 2.0 Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1.0, a person may possess no more than five (5) channeled conchs per 60 pounds that are less than six (6) inches in length or 3 1/8 inches in diameter at the whorl.
  • 2.2 It shall be unlawful for any person to fish with a conch pot that is not equipped with a bait saving device, provided that a horseshoe crab or parts thereof are used as bait.
  • 2.1 It shall be unlawful for any person to place more than one-half of a female horseshoe crab or one male horseshoe crab as bait in any type of pot on any one day in the waters of this State.
  • 7 Del.C. §2802: (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to catch, take or harvest conchs while fishing more than 2 conch pots in the waters of this State unless said person has in possession a valid commercial conch pot license.
  • 7 Del.C. §2802: (c) It shall be unlawful for the operator of any vessel not equipped with a dredge to have on board said vessel more than 5 bushels of conchs unless said operator has in possession a valid commercial conch pot license.
  • 7 Del.C. §2802: (d) It shall be unlawful for a commercial conch pot licensee to place, use, set or tend more than 2 conch pots from any vessel other than a vessel owned and operated by said licensee. Said vessel shall be listed by the Department on the licensee’s commercial conch pot license.
  • 7 Del.C. §2802: (e) It shall be unlawful for more than 1 commercial conch pot licensee to place, use, set or tend conch pots from the same vessel.
  • 7 Del.C. §2803: (a) It shall be unlawful for any person, while operating a vessel equipped with a dredge or a vessel with a bullrake on board, to possess more than 15 bushels of conchs unless said person has in possession a valid commercial conch dredge license.

Official source

Quick answers

What is the channeled whelk (channeled conch) size limit in Delaware?

1.0 It shall be unlawful for any person to possess any channeled conch, Busycotypus canaliculatum , that measures less than six (6) inches in length or 3 1/8 inches in diameter at the whorl..

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