Delaware state waters, out to 3 miles
3-fish note does not apply in DE; shore/private-vessel anglers get 5, for-hire anglers 7.
DE DNREC 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Past 3 miles: federal waters Different rule
2026 bag limits raised by 2 fish (from 3/5) effective early 2026; no federal size limit.
NOAA GARFO / MAFMC 2026 · checked 2026-09-20
Delaware state record
DNREC Delaware Fishing Records · checked 2026-08-23
How to tell it
Chopper jaw full of visible teeth, greenish back, forked tail; snapping at everything. More on the bluefish page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Questions anglers ask5
What is the size limit for bluefish in Delaware?
No size limit.
How many bluefish can you keep in Delaware?
5 per day (7 from charter/headboat).
When is bluefish season in Delaware?
Open year-round.
What is the Delaware record bluefish?
24 lb 13 oz (2015).
How current is this Delaware bluefish rule?
Source: DE DNREC 2026, last checked Sep 20, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
In the appPoint the camera at a bluefish in Delaware and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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