Tidal Fishing Regulations
These are some of the regulations that all anglers should be familiar with. For a complete listing refer to the Division’s website or request a copy from the Director’s Office. See the Fishing License Information page for license requirements.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
The spawning season for striped bass in Delaware is considered to begin at 12:01 a.m. on April 1 and continue through midnight on May 31 of each calendar year. It is unlawful for any person to take and retain any striped bass during the spawning season from the Nanticoke River or its tributaries, the Delaware River and its tributaries to the north of a line extending due east beginning at and including the south jetty at the mouth of the C & D Canal, or the C & D Canal or its tributaries. Catch and release only during this season; no harvest is allowed.
Shark Fishing
Anglers are prohibited from landing and keeping prohibited sharks, including Sand Tiger and Sandbar sharks due to their slow reproductive rate and overfishing. To ensure the maximum likelihood of survival, prohibited sharks, as well as highly migratory shark species that are not retained, must be immediately released without removing the fish from the water by cutting the line near the hook or by using a de-hooking device.
When targeting sharks, non-offset carbon or mild steel circle hooks (not stainless steel) are required. This way, if the shark is lost before it is landed, the hook will rust out within a few weeks. To learn more about ethical shark fishing practices, visit the Shark Catch and Release Guidelines page.
American Shad and Hickory Shad
It shall be unlawful for any person to have in possession more than two (2) American Shad and more than ten (10) hickory shad. Additionally, it shall be unlawful for any person to take and reduce to possession any American shad or hickory shad from the Nanticoke River or its tributaries.
River Herring
Both commercial and recreational river herring (blueback herring and alewife) fisheries are closed to harvest.
No person shall fish with any type of net, within 300 feet of any constructed dam or spillway on a tidal water river, stream, canal, ditch, or tributary located in this state.
Summer Flounder
It is unlawful for any person to have in possession any part of a summer flounder that measures less than the current minimum size limit between said part’s two most distant points unless said person also has in possession the head, backbone, and tail intact from which said part was removed.
Electric Lights
Electric lights may be used in tidal waters for recreational fishing with certain restrictions. Call Fisheries at 739-9914 for more information.
Courtesy Docks
Crabbing, fishing or swimming from floating courtesy docks at any Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife boat ramp is prohibited, unless otherwise posted.
Recreational Gill Nets
Gear and seasonal restrictions apply to recreational gill nets and anyone obtaining a permit will be informed of these restrictions. In addition, during 2025, all recreational gill nets must be removed from the Delaware Bay and Ocean on the following dates: May 1-11, May 16-18, May 23-25, May 30 - June 1, June 6-8, June 13-15, June 20-22, and June 26-30 in order to reduce weakfish mortality rates as required by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Weakfish Management Plan. Each closure period begins at 12:01 a.m. on the first day and ends at midnight on the last day. No striped bass caught in recreational gill nets may be retained at any time.
The Division of Parks and Recreation surf fishing beaches are located in Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware Seashore State Park and Fenwick Island State Park, and on Beach Plum Island. Special restrictions and regulations apply to these areas. For more information contact the Division of Parks and Recreation, (302) 739-9220 or visit the Surf Fishing Permits page.
In order to drive a vehicle on a designated State Park beach, a SURF FISHING VEHICLE PERMIT is required. Only four-wheel drive vehicles with a minimum ground clearance of seven inches that are licensed to operate on public roadways are eligible for Surf Fishing Vehicle Permits. Permit holders must be actively engaged in surf fishing while on the beach. Permits are available at State Park offices, various license agents, and at the DNREC main office in Dover.
Purchasers of Surf Fishing Vehicle Permits will receive additional rules and safety requirements. The revenue collected from these permits supports the management of seashore State Parks and beaches. None of the proceeds from these permits go towards fisheries management programs or fishing access projects conducted by the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Have You Seen a Sturgeon Lately?
If you find a dead sturgeon please report it immediately by email or by calling: 302-735-8663. Don’t forget to include an exact location and contact information in your message.
NOAA/NMFS Permit 20314
