Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

Common Carp have two barbels ("whiskers") on each side of the mouth.

Most are bronze/gold to golden yellow on the sides and yellowish white on the belly.

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	Abundant
General Habitat and Food Preferences	Common Carp prefer murky shallow water of ponds, sloughs, ditches, and rivers. They are omnivores feeding on vegetable matter, as well as crayfish, and aquatic insects.
Did You Know?	Common Carp are an introduced species to Delaware (meaning they are non-native). They are a member of the minnow family. Often mischaracterized and despised by fisherman, the lowly Common Carp will put up a good battle to the delight of many Delaware anglers. They can often tolerate poor water quality.
Common Lures and Baits	Common Carp can be caught with small flies in clearer water. Bait often includes canned corn, pieces of bread rolled into marble size balls, or marble-size dough balls.
Typical Sizes Caught	Common Carp are commonly caught at weights of 1 to 10 pounds by Delaware anglers.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Live Release Award Adult: 29 inches minimum Youth (age 15 and under): 27inches minimum Sport Fishing Tournament Award Adult: 15 pounds minimum Youth (age 15 and under): 11 pounds minimum Common Carp are eligible for the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament and Live Release "Carp" awards, but not currently eligible for an individual species award.
Delaware State Record	45 pounds Ronald Burnett 1976 "Carp" is a general category for Delaware records and can be Common Carp or Mirror Carp. Common Carp are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.

Delaware's Government