Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

Black Sea Bass are stout-bodied fish with large mouths.

They are bluish black in color with light spots that form longitudinal stripes.

Their rounded tail sometimes has a long streamer trailing out from the top edge.

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Season	May 15 through September 30 and October 10 through December 31.
Size Limit	13 inch minimum (measured from the tip of the snout or jaw (mouth shut) to the farthest extremity of the tail, not including the tail filament)
Daily Limit / Person	15
Delaware Range	Atlantic Ocean, upper Delaware Bay
Abundance in Delaware Waters	Abundant
General Habitat and Food Preferences	Black Sea Bass prefer bottom structure and are most often found near artificial reefs, wrecks, jetties, piers, and bridge pilings. They feed on crabs, mussels, razor clams, and small fishes.
Did You Know?	Most Black Sea Bass develop first as females and then some reverse to males when they mature.
Common Lures and Baits	Jigs tipped with squid strips will catch Black Sea Bass, but they are most often caught fishing with squid strips, clams, or pieces of peeler crab on bottom rigs.
Typical Sizes Caught	Black Sea Bass are commonly caught in the range of 8 to 10 inches by anglers in the Delaware Bay while larger fish are commonly caught by anglers along the Delaware coast.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Live Release Award Adult: 17 inches minimum Youth (age 15 and under): 15 inches minimum Sport Fishing Tournament Award Adult: 3 pounds minimum Youth (age 15 and under): 2 pounds minimum
Delaware State Record	7 pounds 6 ounces Steve Samluk 1988

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