Federal rule (Mid-Atlantic federal waters) · Delaware lists none of its own
Federal waters in the Southern New England / Mid-Atlantic cod area: no retention since June 30, 2026 (NOAA). State waters may differ.
NOAA GARFO 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
HaddockBlack lateral line and the thumbprint blotch. Tell them apartNot listed by Delaware: the default applies (No size limit, no daily limit).
PollockGreenish, faint line, pointed snout. Tell them apartNot listed by Delaware: the default applies (No size limit, no daily limit).
Keep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
Delaware state record
DNREC Delaware Fishing Records · checked 2026-08-23
How to tell it
Blotchy brown-green with a PALE lateral line arching over the pectorals, a chin barbel, and a square tail. More on the Atlantic cod page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Atlantic cod in other states10 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask3
Can you keep Atlantic cod in Delaware?
No. Harvest is prohibited in Mid-Atlantic federal waters waters, and Delaware lists no rule of its own. Release it in the water where you can. Federal waters in the Southern New England / Mid-Atlantic cod area: no retention since June 30, 2026 (NOAA). State waters may differ.
What is the Delaware record Atlantic cod?
44 lb (1975).
How current is this Delaware Atlantic cod rule?
Source: NOAA GARFO 2026, last checked Sep 25, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
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