Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

Bar Jack have a streamlined shape.

They have a gray to grayish blue upper body with a thin deep-purple stripe extending along the back from behind the head ending at the lower tail.

This stripe is often accompanied by an electric blue stripe immediately below it.

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	Uncommon - this species is more common south of Delaware.
General Habitat and Food Preferences	A Schooling Fish, the Bar Jack usually can be found in clear, shallow waters over artificial reefs. They feed on small fishes, squids, and shrimps.
Did You Know?	Bar Jacks got their name from the dark horizontal bar which runs along its back and down the lower tail.
Common Lures and Baits	Bar Jacks can be taken with light spinning tackle and small jigs and shiny spoons. Preferred baits include live shrimp and small live baitfish.
Typical Sizes Caught	In general, Bar Jacks caught by anglers weigh between 5 and 10 pounds.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Bar Jacks are not currently eligible for a Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament or Live Release award, but a large specimen may qualify for an “Unusual Species” award.
Delaware State Record	Bar Jacks are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.

Delaware's Government