| Season |
January 1 to May 14
July 16 to December 31
All Atlantic Highly Migratory Species permit holders must abide by the non-offset, corrodible circle hook requirement when targeting sharks in Federal waters of the Atlantic Ocean (3 to 200 miles off shore).
All Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (Atlantic tunas, sharks, swordfish and billfish) not retained must be immediately released to ensure the maximum probability of survival, without removing the fish from the water.
*Special permit required - All private vessel owners/operators recreationally fishing for and/or retaining regulated Atlantic Highly Migratory Shark Species for personal use in Federal waters of the Atlantic Ocean (3 to 200 miles off shore) must obtain an Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling Permit.
Consult https://hmspermits.noaa.gov or call toll free (888) 872-8862 for specific information and permits.
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| Size Limit |
54 inch minimum (measured from the tip of the snout to the fork of the tail) |
| Daily Limit / Person |
Boat anglers - only 1 shark of any species per vessel, except 1 additional Bonnethead and 1 additional Atlantic Sharpnose per angler onboard vessels.
Shore anglers - only 1 shark of any species per angler, except 1 additional Bonnethead and one additional Atlantic Sharpnose per shore angler.
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| Delaware Range |
Atlantic Ocean |
| Abundance in Delaware Waters |
Rare - This species is more common south of Delaware. |
| General Habitat and Food Preferences
|
The Lemon Shark is commonly found in shallow coastal waters out to 300 feet deep. They prefer sandy or muddy bottoms.
They primarily feed on fishes, skates, rays, and crabs.
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| Did You Know?
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Lemon Sharks use their yellow coloring as camouflage to help them successfully hide in their natural habitat.
They are often found swimming along the sand of the bottom of the water so they blend in with ease. This camouflage makes it easy to hide from predators and also to be able to find food sources.
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| Common Lures and Baits
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Any bloody fish will work for catching Lemon Sharks.
To draw sharks in, chumming is almost a necessity.
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| Typical Sizes Caught
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In general, Lemon Sharks range from 200 to 300 pounds.
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| Citation Minimum Length and Weight
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Live Release Award
Adult: 66 inches minimum
Youth (age 15 and under): 56 inches minimum
Sport Fishing Tournament Award
Adult: 100 pounds minimum
Youth (age 15 and under): 75 pounds minimum
Lemon Sharks are eligible for the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament and Live Release "Shark" awards, but not currently eligible for an individual species award.
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| Delaware State Record
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825 pounds
Brent Thomas
1981
Lemon Sharks are eligible for the general "Shark" record, but catching one large enough to qualify is unlikely.
Lemon Sharks are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.
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