| Season |
Open Year-Round
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 |
Uncommon |
| General Habitat and Food Preferences
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The Oceanic Whitetip Shark is an oceanic species that prefers deep, wide open waters.
They feed primarily on fishes, smaller sharks, rays, and squids.
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| Did You Know?
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The Oceanic Whitetip Shark received the nickname of "sea dogs" in the 1600's because they would follow ships around in hopes that discarded food or even garbage would be tossed in the water, persistently staying close by, even if sailors tried to scare them away or threw things at them.
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| Common Lures and Baits
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Whole bluefish or mackerel are excellent baits for catching Oceanic Whitetip Sharks.
To draw sharks in, chumming is almost a necessity.
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| Typical Sizes Caught
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In general, Oceanic Whitetip Sharks range from 80 to 150 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
Oceanic Whitetip 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
Oceanic Whitetip Sharks are eligible for the general "Shark" record, but catching one large enough to qualify is unlikely.
Oceanic Whitetip Sharks are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.
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