Sharks (non-prohibited, management unit) Regulations in Delaware (2026)

Recreational sharks (non-prohibited, management unit) rules in Delaware saltwater, as published by the Delaware DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last checked November 7, 2026.

Size limit

54 in minimum

Bag limit

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

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Recreational Sharks (non-prohibited, management unit) rules in Delaware

Where: Statewide
Size limit: 10.1 It is unlawful to possess without a valid commercial foodfishing license any non-prohibited shark from among those species in the management unit that measures less than 54 inches, fork length (tip of snout to indentation between dorsal and ventral tail lobes), except as provided in 10.2, 10.3, and 10.4.
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.

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.
Vessel limit is per trip regardless of number of people aboard; shore anglers 1 per day.

Official source

Commercial rules

Show 1 commercial rule

Where: Statewide
Bag limit: 9.1 It is unlawful for any person who has been issued a valid commercial food fishing license while on board any vessel to possess any non-prohibited shark from the management unit after the closure date set by NOAA Fisheries for that fishery. Further, it is unlawful for any person who has been issued a valid commercial food fishing license while on board any vessel to possess any non-prohibited sharks from the management unit in excess of current federal daily harvest limits administered by NOAA Fisheries.

9.2 Delaware’s annual smoothhound quota will be 0.339 percent of the coastwide quota in accordance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Coastal Sharks.
9.3 When the Department has determined that 95% of Delaware’s annual smoothhound quota allocation has been landed, the Department shall establish, based on recent fishery performance and landings, a date and time to order the fishery closed.
9.4 It is unlawful for any person who has been issued a valid commercial food fishing license while on board any vessel to possess any smoothhound once the Department has ordered the fishery closed.
2.3 It is unlawful for any person to engage in a directed commercial fishery for a prohibited or research species.

Official source

Quick answers

What is the sharks (non-prohibited, management unit) size limit in Delaware?

10.1 It is unlawful to possess without a valid commercial foodfishing license any non-prohibited shark from among those species in the management unit that measures less than 54 inches, fork length (tip of snout to indentation between dorsal and ventral tail lobes), except as provided in 10.2, 10.3, and 10.4..

How many sharks (non-prohibited, management unit) 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..

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.