The DNREC Fisheries Section works to enhance and protect Delaware’s fish and aquatic resources in support of recreational and commercial fishing. It provides first-class fishing and boating access to Delaware’s many waterways. And it conducts fisheries research, resource monitoring, and collection of biological information on marine fisheries.

Recreational Fishing

Regulations and Licensing

Circle Hooks for Striped Bass

State regulations require using inline circle hooks when fishing for striped bass using cut or whole natural baits like clams, squid, mackerel, menhaden, seaworms, or eels. Using inline circle hooks significantly increases survival of released striped bass by reducing occurrences of gut hooking.

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Help Striped Bass Survive Catch and Release

Circle Hook Regulations

Research and Monitoring

Biologists from the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife keep track of the state’s fish populations. They work on Delaware’s rivers, ponds, estuaries, the Delaware Bay, and coastal waters and study how different species are faring.

Among other research and responsibilities, they track invasive fish species, provide guidance for Delaware pond owners, and guidance on controlling aquatic plants and herbicides.

Recreational Fishing Data

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife works closely with the NOAA Fisheries’ Marine Recreational Information Program to gather recreational fishing data from anglers. Learning what people experience while fishing Delaware waters can play a key role in supporting sustainable fisheries.

This involves in-person shoreside catch surveys and a survey by mail, the Weather and Outdoor Activity Survey.

Taking a few minutes to share information about a fishing trip via is one of the most important contributions an angler can make to help balance optimal fishing opportunities with the protection of marine resources.

Commercial Fishing

The DNREC Division Fish and Wildlife provides summaries of Commercial Finfish Regulations and Commercial Shellfish Regulations. While the summaries are useful, it is important to also review the relevant regulations, and the state laws they are based on.

Striped Bass

List of striped bass weigh stations

Shellfish Aquaculture

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife makes acreage in the Inland Bays available for leases for shellfish aquaculture.

Oysters

The 2025 oyster season is in two parts: April 1 through May 31 and September 1 through December 31.

The total quota for the fishery is 13,037 bushels.

Commercial Fishing Report Forms

Delaware law (7 Del.C. §§914 and 1910) requires commercial fishermen to submit monthly reports to the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. The forms below are fillable PDF forms. Please save them to your hard drive and use the free Adobe Acrobat reader to complete them and save a completed copy to submit.

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