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Silver Perch


Silver Perch are predominantly silver with faint yellowish fins. Their bellies are a whitish color, and their backs may be gray.

Often confused with weakfish and Atlantic croaker, Silver Perch are typically smaller, lacking the two large canine teeth in upper jaw of the weakfish and the barbels on the chin of the Atlantic croaker.

Silver Perch Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.
Season Open Year-Round
Size Limit No Size Limit
Daily Limit / Person No Limit
Delaware Range Atlantic Ocean, Lower Delaware Bay and Inland Bays
Abundance in Delaware Waters Uncommon - this species is more common south of Delaware.
General Habitat and Food Preferences Silver Perch prefer mud and sand bottoms of nearshore estuary waters.

They feed on small crabs, shrimps, marine worms, and fishes.
Did You Know? Though not recognized as a hard-hitting fish, sliver perch are strong and determined fighters for their size.
Common Lures and Baits Silver Perch do not take to artificial lures well.

Small pieces of cut fish, clams, squid strips, shrimp, and blood worms on small hooks are good baits.
Typical Sizes Caught Sliver perch are commonly caught in the range of 6 to 8 inches in length by anglers.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight Silver Perch are not currently eligible for a Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament or Live Release award.
Delaware State Record Silver Perch are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.



    

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