Catch and release only on spawning grounds April 1 - May 31. The spawning season for striped bass in Delaware begins at 12:01 a.m. on April 1 and continues through midnight on May 31. It is unlawful for any person to take and retain any striped bass during the spawning season from the Nanticoke River or its tributaries, the Delaware River and its tributaries to the north of a line extending due east beginning at and including the south jetty at the mouth of the C & D Canal, or the C & D Canal or its tributaries. Catch and release only during this season; no harvest is allowed.
In DE River, DE Bay and their tributaries only 20 inch to 24 inch striped bass may be retained from July 1 - August 31.
Harvest of Striped Bass from Federal Waters is prohibited.
You must use an inline circle hook while using bait to fish for striped bass. For more information, see Striped Bass and Circle Hooks