Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

Northern Searobins have a mottled grayish or reddish-brown back, a whitish belly and large wing-like pectoral fins.

They have a flat, bony head.

The Northern Searobin has eyes that are a distinctive peacock blue.

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	Uncommon
General Habitat and Food Preferences	The Northern Searobin can be found on sandy bottoms in estuaries to the edge of the continental shelf of the Atlantic Ocean. They feed on shrimps, crabs, clams, and small fishes.
Did You Know?	The lower rays of the Northern Searobins pectoral fins look like fingers and are used to "walk" along the bottom when searching for food. Taste buds are present on the lips of sea robins.
Common Lures and Baits	Often despised by fisherman, Northern Searobins are usually caught accidentally by anglers fishing for other species. They can be caught with pieces of squid, clams, bloodworms, or pieces of peeler crab on bottom rigs.
Typical Sizes Caught	In general, Northern Searobins are caught by anglers in the range of 12 to 16 inches in length.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Northern Searobins are not currently eligible for a Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament or Live Release award.
Delaware State Record	Northern Searobins are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.

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