Hammerhead sharks Regulations in Delaware (2026)

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

Size limit

78 in minimum

Bag limit

7.1 It is unlawful for the operator of any vessel without a…

Season

11.0 Aggregated Large Coastal Sharks Closed Season It is unlawful to…

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Recreational Hammerhead sharks rules in Delaware

Where: Statewide
Size limit: 10.2 It is unlawful to possess without a valid commercial food fishing license any hammerhead species that measures less than 78 inches, fork length (tip of snout to indentation between dorsal and ventral tail lobes).
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.

Official source

Quick answers

What is the hammerhead sharks size limit in Delaware?

10.2 It is unlawful to possess without a valid commercial food fishing license any hammerhead species that measures less than 78 inches, fork length (tip of snout to indentation between dorsal and ventral tail lobes)..

How many hammerhead 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 hammerhead 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

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.