Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

Silky Sharks are dark gray with a bronzy tint on top and white underneath.

They have a small second dorsal fin with an extremely long tailing rear tip that is over twice the height of the fin.

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	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.
Delaware Range	Atlantic Ocean
Abundance in Delaware Waters	Rare
General Habitat and Food Preferences	The Silky Shark ranges from shallow inshore waters to deep, wide open waters. They feed primarily on fishes and squids.
Did You Know?	The Silky Shark was named for the smooth texture of its skin.
Common Lures and Baits	Whole bluefish or mackerel are excellent baits for catching Silky Sharks. To draw sharks in, chumming is almost a necessity.
Typical Sizes Caught	In general, Silky Sharks average 200 to 300 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 Silky 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 Silky Sharks are eligible for the general "Shark" record, but catching one large enough to qualify is most unlikely. Silky Sharks are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.

Delaware's Government