Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

The Atlantic Sharpnose Shark is generally brown to gray with 5 to 10 faint, thumb size white spots or splotches on their sides.

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

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	No Size Limit
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, Lower Delaware Bay
Abundance in Delaware Waters	Rare
General Habitat and Food Preferences	The Atlantic Sharpnose Shark prefers nearshore and shallow offshore waters. They feed primarily on fishes and shrimps.
Did You Know?	The Atlantic Sharpnose Shark is named for its long, pointed snout.
Common Lures and Baits	Any cut piece of bloody fish will work for catching Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks. To draw sharks in, chumming is almost a necessity.
Typical Sizes Caught	In general, Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks range from 10 to 12 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 Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks are eligible for the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament and Live Release "Shark" awards, but due to their smaller size, catching one large enough to qualify is unlikely. Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks are not currently eligible for an individual species award.
Delaware State Record	825 pounds Brent Thomas 1981 Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks are eligible for the general "Shark" record, but due to their smaller size, catching one large enough to qualify is unlikely. Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.

Delaware's Government