Spot Fishing in Delaware
When spot are caught across Delaware, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Spot 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 spot in Delaware
Spot catches in Delaware run hardest around Jul-Aug, with the strongest two-month windows in Jul-Aug and Sep-Oct. Anglers keep about 12% 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 spot in Delaware?+
Catches peak around Jul-Aug (July and August). The strongest two-month windows are Jul-Aug 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 spot in Delaware?+
Across Delaware, about 12% of the spot caught are kept and 88% are released. That works out to roughly 140K kept and 998K released in 2024.
How many spot are caught in Delaware?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 1.1M spot caught by recreational anglers in Delaware in 2024, making it the #2 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this spot data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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