Bluefish Fishing in Delaware
When bluefish are caught across Delaware, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Bluefish catch through the year
Recreational catch in Delaware by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching bluefish in Delaware
Bluefish catches in Delaware run hardest around May-Jun, with the strongest two-month windows in May-Jun and Sep-Oct. Anglers keep about 21% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Delaware fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch bluefish in Delaware?+
Catches peak around May-Jun (May and June). The strongest two-month windows are May-Jun and Sep-Oct. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release bluefish in Delaware?+
Across Delaware, about 21% of the bluefish caught are kept and 79% are released. That works out to roughly 64K kept and 245K released in 2024.
How many bluefish are caught in Delaware?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 309K bluefish caught by recreational anglers in Delaware in 2024, making it the #6 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this bluefish data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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