Smooth Dogfish Fishing in Delaware
When smooth dogfish are caught across Delaware, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Smooth Dogfish catch through the year
Recreational catch in Delaware by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Catching smooth dogfish in Delaware
Smooth Dogfish catches in Delaware run hardest around Jul-Aug, with the strongest two-month windows in Jul-Aug and May-Jun. Anglers keep about 0% 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 smooth dogfish in Delaware?+
Catches peak around Jul-Aug (July and August). The strongest two-month windows are Jul-Aug and May-Jun. 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 smooth dogfish in Delaware?+
Across Delaware, about 0% of the smooth dogfish caught are kept and 100% are released. That works out to roughly 0 kept and 48K released in 2024.
How many smooth dogfish are caught in Delaware?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 48K smooth dogfish caught by recreational anglers in Delaware in 2024, making it the #16 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this smooth dogfish data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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