Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

Live Atlantic Lobsters are usually olive green or greenish brown.

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Season	Open Year Round A fishing license is required to harvest Atlantic Lobsters in waters of the State of Delaware.
Size Limit	3⅜ to 5¼ inches (slot) The measurement is made between the extreme rear of the eye socket to the end of the carapace.
Daily Limit / Person	2; V-notched (Female) prohibited
Delaware Range	Atlantic Ocean
Abundance in Delaware Waters	Common
General Habitat and Food Preferences	Atlantic Lobsters are opportunistic bottom-dwelling predators and will feed on a variety of live and dead fish, crabs, clams, and snails. The Atlantic Lobster thrives in cold, shallow waters where there are many rocks and other places to hide from predators.
Did You Know?	Atlantic Lobsters have exoskeletons (shells) that provide both structural support and protection. As they grow, they must molt, or shed their old shells and grow new ones. Atlantic Lobsters were once considered the poor man's chicken. In Colonial times, it was fed to pigs and goats and only eaten by paupers. It is believed that Atlantic Lobsters can live as long as 100 years. They turn red when cooked.
Common Lures and Baits	Atlantic Lobsters are harvested with wooden traps baited with fish. Scuba divers also catch Atlantic Lobsters.
Typical Sizes Caught	Atlantic Lobsters caught by Delaware anglers are commonly in the 1 to 2 pound range.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Atlantic Lobsters are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament citation.
Delaware State Record	Atlantic Lobsters are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.

Delaware's Government