License Fees

Name: eRegulations
Price range: $

2026 License / Stamp Fees
License Category	Resident	Non-resident
General Fishing License	$8.50	$20.00
7-day Tourist Fishing	NA	$12.50
*Boat Fishing License 20 ft or less (optional)	$40.00	$40.00
*Boat Fishing License more than 20 ft (optional)	$50.00	$50.00
Head Boat License	$300.00	$600.00
Charter Boat License	$150.00	$300.00
Guide/Fishing	$100.00	$300.00
Trout Stamp	Resident	Non-resident
Young Angler (12-15)	$2.10	$6.20
Adult (16-64)	$4.20	$6.20
* Boat Fishing License - The optional boat fishing license for a recreational angler covers the holder of the license, and all occupants in the boat. A resident who buys a boat fishing license also will be given a regular fishing license to use anywhere in the state. Non-resident holders of boat fishing licenses will need to purchase a non-resident fishing license to fish elsewhere in Delaware when not aboard their vessels. A Delaware FIN is required of all anglers age 16 years or older on the vessel. Charter/Head Boat Licenses - Both the charter and head boat fishing licenses will cover the license holder as well as all persons fishing from the licensed vessel. Individuals fishing only from a charter boat or head boat do not need to have a separate FIN number. Federal law requires all captains to maintain a log aboard the vessel for federal survey purposes. Non-resident - Any non-resident who is 16 years of age or older except persons covered by one of the exemptions is required to have a license to fish, clam, or crab in the waters of the State of Delaware. Non-residents may purchase a 7-consecutive day tourist fishing license.

Before You Fish

Before You Go Fishing, Crabbing, or Clamming in Delaware You Must:

Purchase a 2026 Delaware fishing license and keep it with you while fishing.
Get a free 2026 FIN number (automatically generated with the purchase of an individual license) and keep it with you while fishing.
If fishing for freshwater trout get a 2026 trout stamp and affix it to your license.

While Fishing, Crabbing, or Clamming in Delaware, You Must:

Abide by size and possession limits.
Be aware of area and seasonal closures.

Please Be Aware That:

Delaware does not have fishing license reciprocity with other states. You must have a Delaware fishing license to fish, crab or clam in Delaware.
Delaware does not recognize Federal FIN numbers or FIN numbers from other states. You must have a free Delaware FIN.
You must have a New Jersey FIN number if you fish in New Jersey waters of Delaware Bay.

Fish facts

Hey, having trouble identifying your catch? Want to know a good bait to use to catch a certain species? Need to find out what the current state record is for a species? Check out our “Fish Facts” page with loads of helpful information on over 180 species of fish and shellfish you can catch in Delaware waters. To explore fish species information, visit the Delaware fish species webpage and select a category in your browser. Many folks keep it bookmarked on their smartphone for quick access. Enjoy!