| Season |
Open Year-Round
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 Thresher Shark is commonly observed far from shore, although it wanders close to the coast in search of food.
They feed primarily on small schooling fishes.
|
| Did You Know?
|
Thresher Sharks are very athletic. They are known for slaying their prey with their huge tails and are famous for a special jumping technique and behavior called "breaching" where they jump out of the water and into the air.
|
| Common Lures and Baits
|
Slow trolling live baits work well. Many Thresher Sharks caught are taken on live bait (fish) and pieces of cut fish.
|
| Typical Sizes Caught
|
In general, Thresher Sharks average around 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
Thresher 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
Thresher Sharks are eligible for the general "Shark" record, but catching one large enough to qualify is unlikely.
Thresher Sharks are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.
|
