Can I Keep?Scup Regulations in Delaware (2026)
Stenotomus chrysops
Recreational scup 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 Scup rules in Delaware
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- 1.0 It shall be unlawful for any recreational fisherman to have in possession any scup, Stenotomus chrysops , that measures less than 9 inches, total length.
- Bag limit
- 4.0 It shall be unlawful for any recreational fisherman to have in possession more than 30 scup at or between the place where said scup were caught and said recreational fisherman's personal abode or temporary or transient place of lodging.
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- 2.0 It shall be unlawful for any person who has been issued a commercial food fishing license by the Department to possess any scup that measures less than 9 inches, total length.
- 3.0 It shall be unlawful for any commercial finfisherman to sell, trade or barter or attempt to sell, trade or barter any scup or part thereof that is landed in this State by said commercial finfisherman after a date when the de minimis amount of commercial landings of scup is determined to have been landed in this State by the Department. The de minimis amount of scup shall be 0.1% of the coastwide commercial quota as set forth in the Scup Fishery Management Plan approved by the Atlantic State Marine Fisheries Commission.
Quick answers
What is the scup size limit in Delaware?
1.0 It shall be unlawful for any recreational fisherman to have in possession any scup, Stenotomus chrysops , that measures less than 9 inches, total length..
How many scup can I keep in Delaware?
4.0 It shall be unlawful for any recreational fisherman to have in possession more than 30 scup at or between the place where said scup were caught and said recreational fisherman's personal abode or temporary or transient place of lodging..
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Source: Delaware DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. Most anglers need a Delaware saltwater license or registry: get one here.