Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

Weakfish are dark olive green above with the back and sides variously burnished with purple, lavender, green, blue, golden, or copper, and marked with a large number of small black, dark green or bronze spots.

The anal fin is yellowish.

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Season	Open Year-Round
Size Limit	13 inch minimum (total length)
Daily Limit / Person	1
Delaware Range	Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay and Inland Bays
Abundance in Delaware Waters	Uncommon
General Habitat and Food Preferences	Adult Weakfish are most frequently encountered along the coast within ten miles of shore. They reside in both estuarine and nearshore Atlantic Ocean habitats. They feed on small fishes, shrimps, and crabs.
Did You Know?	The Weakfish is the official state fish of Delaware, known for its historic abundance and economic value. This fish's name, "Weakfish", refers to the tender, easily-torn membrane of the fish's mouth. They have an upper jaw that contains a pair of large canine-like teeth.
Common Lures and Baits	Weakfish will take artificial lures such as bucktails tipped with a rubber worm. Squid strips and pieces of peeler crabs fished on bottom rigs are a time tested technique.
Typical Sizes Caught	Weakfish, when caught by Delaware anglers, are often in the range of 10 to 15 inches in length.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Live Release Award Adult: 20 inches minimum Youth (age 15 and under): 18 inches minimum Sport Fishing Tournament Award Adult: 3 pounds minimum Youth (age 15 and under): 2 pounds minimum
Delaware State Record	19 pounds 2 ounces William Thomas 1989

Delaware's Government