Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

The Scalloped Hammerhead Shark is distinguished from other hammerheads by a moderately bow-shaped head with an indentation located in the center.

They are brownish-gray to bronze or olive on the top with pale yellow or white underneath.

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

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.
Size Limit	78 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.
Delaware Range	Atlantic Ocean
Abundance in Delaware Waters	Uncommon
General Habitat and Food Preferences	The Scalloped Hammerhead Shark prefers deeper waters up to 1600 feet but occasionally is found in waters as shallow as 80 feet. They feed primarily on fishes, smaller sharks, and rays.
Did You Know?	The life span of the Scalloped Hammerhead Shark is thought to be over 30 years.
Common Lures and Baits	Whole bluefish or mackerel are excellent baits for catching Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks. To draw sharks in, chumming is almost a necessity.
Typical Sizes Caught	In general, Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks range from 100 to 200 pounds.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	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 Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks are eligible for the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament and Live Release "Shark" awards, but not currently eligible for an individual species award.
Delaware State Record	825 pounds Brent Thomas 1981 Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks are eligible for the general "Shark" record, which excludes mako and the protected shark species. Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.

Delaware's Government