Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

Smaller Snowy Grouper are dark brown overall with coin-size pearly white spots on their sides.

Larger Snowy Grouper usually lose the white spots, becoming dark brown with a slight coppery tint.

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	Rare - this species is more common south of Delaware.
General Habitat and Food Preferences	The Snowy Grouper is found offshore, on rocky bottoms, in depths of 380 to 800 feet. They primarily feed on fishes and crabs.
Did You Know?	All Snowy Grouper begin life as a female; however, after a few years some Snowy Grouper change sex, becoming males.
Common Lures and Baits	Occasionally, Snowy Grouper are caught accidentally by anglers fishing for tilefish. They are caught on bottom rigs baited with fish or squid. Because of the great depth of water, five-pound weights are used on the bottom rigs.
Typical Sizes Caught	Snowy Grouper caught by anglers are common to 70 pounds.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Snowy Grouper are not currently eligible for a Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament or Live Release award, but a large specimen may qualify for an “Unusual Species” award.
Delaware State Record	Snowy Grouper are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.

Delaware's Government