Swordfish regulations in Delaware

Billfishes · Saltwater · 2026 season

Is it a keeper? A swordfish is a keeper today if it measures at least 47 inches, with a daily limit of 1.

Swordfish size limit, season and daily limit

Where	Season	Size limit	Daily limit
State waters	Open year-round	47 inch minimum	Private vessel: 1 per person, max 4 per trip. Charter: 1 per paying person, max 6. Headboat: max 15.

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.
47 in lower jaw to fork, head on.

Exact DNREC wording

Season: Open Year-RoundAll 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.Landings updates and seasonal closures are posted under “What's New...” at https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/*Special permit required - All private vessel owners/operators recreationally fishing for and/or retaining regulated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (Atlantic tunas, sharks, swordfish and billfish) for personal use in the Atlantic Ocean must obtain an Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling Permit. Further limits and restrictions apply. Consult https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/ or call toll free (888) 872-8862 for specific information and permits.
Size: 47 inch minimum (head on) (measured from the tip of the lower jaw to the tail fork)
Limit: Private vessel – 1 per person, no more than 4 per tripCharter vessel – 1 per paying person, no more than 6 per tripHeadboat – 1 per paying person, no more than 15 per trip

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

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About the swordfish

Fish which has a long, pointed bill

The swordfish, also known as the broadbill in some countries, are large, highly migratory predatory fish characterized by a long, flat, sword-like, pointed bill. They are the sole member of the family Xiphiidae. They are a popular sport fish of the billfish category. Swordfish are elongated, round-bodied, and lose all teeth and scales by adulthood. These fish are found widely in tropical and temperate parts of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, and can typically be found from near the surface to a depth of 550 m (1,800 ft), and exceptionally up to depths of 2,878 m (9,442 ft). They commonly reach 3 m (10 ft) in length, and the maximum reported is 4.55 m in length and 650 kg (1,430 lb) in weight.

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 Swordfish in Delaware?

47 inch minimum in Delaware state waters.

How many Swordfish can you keep per day in Delaware?

Private vessel: 1 per person, max 4 per trip. Charter: 1 per paying person, max 6. Headboat: max 15..

When is Swordfish season in Delaware?

Open year-round.

Is my Swordfish a keeper today?

A swordfish is a keeper today if it measures at least 47 inches, with a daily limit of 1.