SlotGaugeCheck a catchAtlantic Sharpnose Shark regulations in Delaware
Sharks (Small Coastal) · Saltwater · 2026 season
Atlantic Sharpnose Shark size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| State waters | Open year-round | No size limit | Boat: 1 shark of any species per vessel (+1 Bonnethead and +1 Atlantic Sharpnose per angler). Shore: 1 shark per angler (+1 Bonnethead, +1 Sharpnose). |
Notes
- Atlantic HMS Angling Permit required for private vessels in federal waters; non-retained HMS must be released without removing from the water. hmspermits.noaa.gov / (888) 872-8862.
Exact DNREC wording
- Season
- Open Year-RoundAll Atlantic Highly Migratory Species permit holders must abide by the non-offset, corrodible circle hook requirement when targeting sharks in Federal waters of the Atlantic Ocean (3 to 200 miles off shore).All Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (Atlantic tunas, sharks, swordfish and billfish) not retained must be immediately released to ensure the maximum probability of survival, without removing the fish from the water.*Special permit required - All private vessel owners/operators recreationally fishing for and/or retaining regulated Atlantic Highly Migratory Shark Species for personal use in Federal waters of the Atlantic Ocean (3 to 200 miles off shore) must obtain an Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling Permit. Consult https://hmspermits.noaa.gov or call toll free (888) 872-8862 for specific information and permits.
- Size
- No Size Limit
- Limit
- Boat anglers - only 1 shark of any species per vessel, except 1 additional Bonnethead and 1 additional Atlantic Sharpnose per angler onboard vessels. Shore anglers - only 1 shark of any species per angler, except 1 additional Bonnethead and one additional Atlantic Sharpnose per shore angler.
Source: DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife, captured 2026-09-20 (2026 season).
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About the atlantic sharpnose shark
Species of shark
The Atlantic sharpnose shark is a species of requiem shark in the family Carcharhinidae. It is found in the subtropical waters of the north-western Atlantic Ocean, between latitudes 43°N and 18°N.
Read more about Atlantic sharpnose shark 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 Sharpnose Shark in Delaware?
No size limit in Delaware state waters.
How many Atlantic Sharpnose Shark can you keep per day in Delaware?
Boat: 1 shark of any species per vessel (+1 Bonnethead and +1 Atlantic Sharpnose per angler). Shore: 1 shark per angler (+1 Bonnethead, +1 Sharpnose)..
When is Atlantic Sharpnose Shark season in Delaware?
Open year-round.
Is my Atlantic Sharpnose Shark a keeper today?
Atlantic Sharpnose Shark has no size limit today, with a daily limit of 1.