| Season |
January 1 to May 14
July 16 to December 31
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.
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| Size Limit |
54 inch minimum (measured from the tip of the snout to the fork of the tail) |
| 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.
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| Delaware Range |
Atlantic Ocean |
| Abundance in Delaware Waters |
Uncommon |
| General Habitat and Food Preferences
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The Blacktip Shark is an active, fast-swimming shark often seen at the surface of nearshore and offshore waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
They feed primarily on fishes but also eat small sharks, rays, skates, squids, crabs, octopi, and lobsters.
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| Did You Know?
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Blacktip Sharks are sometimes spotted above the water. They leap above the surface, rotate several times, and splash down on their backs.
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| Common Lures and Baits
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Blacktip Sharks are normally considered a timid shark, but when food is present, they go wild. They will feast on any kind of bait, making them a favorite among anglers. Live bait, dead bait, lures, and even flies will work with these eating machines.
To draw sharks in, chumming is almost a necessity.
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| Typical Sizes Caught
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In general, Blacktip Sharks average around 40 pounds.
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| Citation Minimum Length and Weight
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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
Blacktip Sharks are eligible for the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament and Live Release "Shark" awards, but not currently eligible for an individual species award.
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| Delaware State Record
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825 pounds
Brent Thomas
1981
Blacktip Sharks are eligible for the general "Shark" record, but due to their smaller size, catching one large enough to qualify is unlikely.
Blacktip Sharks are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.
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