Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

The Northern Kingfish has a long first dorsal spine and one barbel ("whisker") on its lower jaw.

The lower half of its body is predominantly silver with distinct bronzing on the upper half with considerably darker bars or stripes.

The first two bars form two distinct V-shapes.

These prominent dark markings, plus a dark stripe behind the pectoral fin distinguishes it from the
Southern kingfish.

Their eye has a vertical pupil similar to a cat.

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Season	Open Year-Round
Size Limit	No Size Limit
Daily Limit / Person	No Limit
Delaware Range	Atlantic Ocean
Abundance in Delaware Waters	Common
General Habitat and Food Preferences	Northern Kingfish are found in schools over sandy bottoms and often in the surf zone. They feed on small shrimps, crabs, marine worms, crabs, and small fishes.
Did You Know?	The chin barbel ("whisker") has taste buds that they use to detect bottom-dwelling food items. Some suggest that Northern Kingfish can be scavengers and will feed on carrion.
Common Lures and Baits	Northern Kingfish do not take to artificial lures well. Pieces of squid, clams, or bloodworms are often used with small hooks on bottom rigs fished just past the breaking waves on the beach.
Typical Sizes Caught	Northern Kingfish are commonly caught in the range of 8 to 10 inches in length by Delaware anglers
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Live Release Award Adult: 13 inches minimum Youth (age 15 and under): 11 inches minimum Sport Fishing Tournament Award Adult: 1 pounds minimum Youth (age 15 and under): 0.75 pounds (12 ounces) minimum Northern Kingfish are eligible for the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament and Live Release Award programs "Kingfish" awards, but not currently eligible for an individual species citation.
Delaware State Record	Kingfish: 4 pounds Billy Hastings 1973 "Kingfish" is a general category and can either be a Northern Kingfish or a Southern kingfish. Northern Kingfish are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware state record.

Delaware's Government