Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

Blueline Tilefish have brown-gray backs, with a lighter belly.

They also have narrow gold and blue stripes that run from the eye to the mouth.

Their eyes are gold colored.

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Season	Open May 1 to October 31 Charter/party vessels must hold a valid open access Golden Tilefish permit to land Blueline Tilefish. Questions? Contact the NOAA Greater Atlantic Region Permits Office at (978) 282-8438 or Email: NMFS.GAR.Permits@noaa.gov
Size Limit	No Size Limit
Daily Limit / Person	3 for private vessel 5 for USCG uninspected for-hire vessel 7 for USCG inspected for-hire vessel
Delaware Range	Atlantic Ocean
Abundance in Delaware Waters	Common - this species is more common south of Delaware.
General Habitat and Food Preferences	The Blueline Tilefish is a bottom dweller found in water ranging from 250 to 800 feet deep. Blueline Tilefish prefer irregular bottom with sand, mud, and shell. They feed on bottom creatures, such as crabs, shrimps, sea snails, marine worms, and small fishes.
Did You Know?	Blueline Tilefish will burrow head first in cone-shaped sand and clay piles on the ocean floor. They can live for up to 15 years.
Common Lures and Baits	Blueline Tilefish are caught on bottom rigs baited with cut pieces of fish or strips of squid. Because of the great depth of water, five-pound weights are often used on the bottom rigs.
Typical Sizes Caught	In general, Blueline Tilefish are commonly caught in the range of 5 to 8 pounds.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Live Release Award Adult: 28 inches minimum Youth (age 15 and under): 25 inches minimum Sport Fishing Tournament Award Adult: 10 pounds minimum Youth (age 15 and under): 7.5 pounds minimum
Delaware State Record	25 pounds, 8 ounces Dain E. Hursh 2022

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