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Atlantic Lobster regulations in Delaware

Shellfish · Shellfish & crabs · 2026 season

Atlantic Lobster
Is it a keeper? A atlantic lobster is a keeper today if it measures between 3.375 and 5.25 inches, with a daily limit of 2.

Atlantic Lobster size limit, season and daily limit

WhereSeasonSize limitDaily limit
State watersOpen year-round3.375–5.25 inch slot2 per person per day

Notes

Exact DNREC wording

Season
Open Year RoundA fishing license is required to harvest Atlantic Lobsters in waters of the State of Delaware.
Size
3⅜ to 5¼ inches (slot)The measurement is made between the extreme rear of the eye socket to the end of the carapace.
Limit
2; V-notched (Female) prohibited

Source: DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife, captured 2026-09-20 (2026 season).

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About the atlantic lobster

American lobster

Lobster of the western North Atlantic

The American lobster is a species of lobster found on the Atlantic coast of North America, chiefly from Labrador to New Jersey. It is also known as Atlantic lobster, Canadian lobster, northern lobster, Canadian Reds, or Maine lobster. It is sometimes called the true lobster or common lobster, but those names are ambiguous. It can reach a body length of 64 cm (25 in), and a mass of over 20 kilograms (44 lb), making it not only the heaviest crustacean in the world, but also the heaviest of all living arthropod species. Its closest relative is the European lobster Homarus gammarus, which can be distinguished by its coloration and the lack of spines on the underside of the rostrum. American lobsters are usually bluish green to brown with red spines, but several color variations have been observed.

Read more about American lobster on Wikipedia →

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife, not Wikipedia.

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Frequently asked

What is the size limit for Atlantic Lobster in Delaware?

3.375–5.25 inch slot in Delaware state waters.

How many Atlantic Lobster can you keep per day in Delaware?

2 per person per day.

When is Atlantic Lobster season in Delaware?

Open year-round.

Is my Atlantic Lobster a keeper today?

A atlantic lobster is a keeper today if it measures between 3.375 and 5.25 inches, with a daily limit of 2.