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White Perch


White Perch have a completely silver body with a darker back and lighter colored belly.

White Perch Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.
Season Open Year-Round
Size Limit 8 inch minimum (total length)
Daily Limit / Person Non-Tidal Waters: 50 panfish total (no more than 25 White Perch)

Tidal Waters: No Limit
Delaware Range Statewide
Abundance in Delaware Waters Abundant
General Habitat and Food Preferences Although White Perch favor brackish waters of rivers, they are also found in many Delaware ponds.

They prefer to eat small fishes, grass shrimp, and marine worms.
Did You Know? White Perch are a very abundant fish in the Delaware Bay estuary and can spend their entire lives there.

They are closely related to striped bass.
Common Lures and Baits White Perch can be caught with artificial flies, small spinners, and small jigs.

Popular natural baits include small minnows, grass shrimp, and bloodworms fished on small bottom rigs.
Typical Sizes Caught White Perch are commonly caught in the range of 7 to 10 inches in length by Delaware anglers.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight Live Release Award
Adult: 12 inches minimum
Youth (age 15 and under): 10 inches minimum

Sport Fishing Tournament Award
Adult: 1 pounds minimum
Youth (age 15 and under): 0.75 pounds (12 ounces) minimum
Delaware State Record 2 pounds 9 ounces
Wayne Hastings
1997



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