Spiny Dogfish Fishing in Delaware
When spiny dogfish are caught across Delaware, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Spiny Dogfish catch through the year
Recreational catch in Delaware by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
Seasonal catch and conditions for Delaware
Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional Pathr update. No spam.
Catching spiny dogfish in Delaware
Spiny Dogfish catches in Delaware run hardest around Nov-Dec, with the strongest two-month windows in Nov-Dec and Jul-Aug. 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 spiny dogfish in Delaware?+
Catches peak around Nov-Dec (November and December). The strongest two-month windows are Nov-Dec and Jul-Aug. 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 spiny dogfish in Delaware?+
Across Delaware, about 0% of the spiny dogfish caught are kept and 100% are released. That works out to roughly 0 kept and 35K released in 2024.
How many spiny dogfish are caught in Delaware?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 35K spiny dogfish caught by recreational anglers in Delaware in 2024, making it the #17 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this spiny dogfish data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
