Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

The Redfin Pickerel, though a small fish, has a duck bill face full of sharp pointed teeth.

The body is brown to dark olive in color with numerous wavy horizontal bars with a white belly.

The fins are often bright orange-red to red, especially in spawning adults.

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	Redfin Pickerel usually occur in clear streams having slow to moderate currents and abundant aquatic vegetation or undercut banks. They feed on large insect larvae, crayfishes, and small fishes.
Did You Know?	The Redfin Pickerel is a small pickerel (usually less than 10 inches in length) and is a lot of fun to catch on light spinning rods. They have orange or red fins that immediately help in their identification.
Common Lures and Baits	Redfin Pickerel can be caught on small lures that imitate fish or aquatic insects. Popular lures include small in-line spinners. Small minnows are a favorite live bait.
Typical Sizes Caught	Redfin Pickerel are commonly caught in the range of 6 to 10 inches in length by Delaware anglers.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Redfin Pickerel are not currently eligible for a Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament or Live Release award.
Delaware State Record	Redfin Pickerel are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.

Delaware's Government