Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

The Spinner Shark is gray to bronze in color, fading to white underneath with a faint white band on the sides.

Its fins and lower lobe of the tail have black tips.

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	Uncommon
General Habitat and Food Preferences	The Spinner Shark ranges from shallow inshore waters to deep, wide open waters. They feed primarily on fishes and squids.
Did You Know?	The Spinner Shark is an active, fast swimming shark that is often seen leaping out of the water, spinning (from where it gets its common name), in pursuit of prey.
Common Lures and Baits	Whole bluefish or mackerel are excellent baits for catching Spinner Sharks. To draw sharks in, chumming is almost a necessity.
Typical Sizes Caught	In general, Spinner Sharks average around 100 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 Spinner 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 Spinner Sharks are eligible for the general "Shark" record, but catching one large enough to qualify is unlikely. Spinner Sharks are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.

Delaware's Government