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Delaware shellfish & crabs size limits and seasons

8 species, 2026 rules for state waters. Tap a species for every zone, the exact DNREC wording and a keeper check. Updated 2026-09-20. All 196 Delaware species A–Z →

Species	Season	Size limit	Daily limit
Atlantic Lobster	Open year-round	3.375–5.25 inch slot	2 per person per day
Blue Crab	Open year-round	5 inch minimum	1 bushel
Channeled Whelk	Open year-round	6 inch minimum	No daily limit (max 2 conch pots)
Grass Shrimp	Open year-round	No size limit	No limit — not a regulated species
Hard Clam	Open year-round	1.5 inch minimum	100 resident / 50 non-resident
Knobbed Whelk	Open year-round	5 inch minimum	No daily limit (max 2 conch pots)
Oyster	Closed	—	—
Sand Flea	Open year-round	No size limit	No limit — not a regulated species