Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

The Chain Pickerel is long, slender fish with a large duckbill shaped mouth full of needle sharp teeth.

They have green sides with prominent chain-like markings and a dark tear drop marking under the eye.

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Season	Open Year-Round
Size Limit	No Size Limit
Daily Limit / Person	No Limit
Delaware Range	Statewide
Abundance in Delaware Waters	Common
General Habitat and Food Preferences	Chain Pickerel prefer shallow and weedy waters where they hunt for small fishes and frogs.
Did You Know?	Chain Pickerel will often throw a wake like a torpedo when chasing a topwater lure and become airborne after the strike.
Common Lures and Baits	Chain Pickerel are caught on lures that imitate fish, frogs, crayfish, and worms. Popular lures include spinnerbaits, in-line spinners, plastic worms, jigs, and topwater lures. Large minnows and golden shiners are favorite live baits.
Typical Sizes Caught	Chain Pickerel are commonly caught in the range of 14 to 20 inches in length by Delaware anglers.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Live Release Award Adult: 24 inches minimum Youth (age 15 and under): 20 inches minimum Sport Fishing Tournament Award Adult: 4 pounds minimum Youth (age 15 and under): 3 pounds minimum
Delaware State Record	7 pounds 13 ounces William Mack 2022

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