Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

The White Grunt is silver-gray, with numerous blue and yellow stripes on the body and head.

On some individuals the scales are tipped with bronze.

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	White Grunt prefer hard or rocky bottoms with scattered shell from near shore to up to 100 feet deep. They sometimes frequent artificial reefs. They feed on small fishes, crabs, and shrimps.
Did You Know?	The White Grunt got its name from the grunting sound it makes by grinding the teeth in its throat with their air bladder acting as an amplifier. This sound is normally made when the fish is distressed, such as when being caught by an angler.
Common Lures and Baits	White Grunts will hit small spoons, small jigs, and other small lures. They will also take cut pieces of fish, squid strips, and shrimp on bottom rigs.
Typical Sizes Caught	In general, White Grunt caught by anglers average around 1½ pounds (15 inches).
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	White Grunt are not currently eligible for a Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament or Live Release award.
Delaware State Record	White Grunt are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.

Delaware's Government