Measuring And Aging Striped Bass

(May 2018 updated 2022) … DNREC and all the other state enforcement agencies are checking striped bass.  Make sure you measure your striped bass correctly or you could be in violation.  Striped bass or Rockfish have to be measured to overall length.  Pinch the tail together and measure from the closed mouth to the end of the pinched tail.  Make sure the tail is stretched out as far as possible when you pinch it together, see the image for guidance.  This is a straight line measure so it is recommended to use a measuring board or lay the tape on the ground.  Do not measure along the body of the fish, the curve will skew the actual length.

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How to measure your striped bass

A striped bass that measures thirty seven inches to the fork will be over thirty six inches and not legal to keep in Delaware.  A fish measured along the curve will be longer than actual measurement and you could be in violation. DNREC is aware of anglers cutting or trimming the fish’s tail short, so don’t bother to try, it is really obvious.


Delaware’s recreational striped bass fishing limits at one-fish-per day with a “slot limit” size of 28 up to 37 inches, except for the period from July 1 through Aug. 31, when the allowable slot limit size is 20 through 25 inches, but only in the Delaware Bay, Delaware River and its tributaries.  1 fish per angler, except catch & release only on striped bass spawning grounds April 1 – May 31

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striped bass age chart, rockfish, delaware, sussex county
Striped bass age chart. Rough estimate for fish that have spent a season in one area, run fish could be heavier or lighter.

 Try not to take too long measuring your striped bass in case you have to release the fish.  Also for anyone curious how old their fish is you can use the chart above as a rough average.  
Keep in mind that the weight is based on a bass that has been feeding for a full season.  The chart is most accurate in the fall, and less accurate in the spring.  Some fish could be lighter or heavier during a run when they burn up energy and mass, or they are feeding heavily and females will be loaded with roe.

Slot fish are not legal to score in fishing tournaments in Delaware per DNREC regulations. Once the fish has been determined to be out of the allowed slot limit, it must be returned immediately. Confirming that measurement by a judge or holding the fish to confirm is possession and illegal in the State of Delaware. After all the point of the slot is to protect the fish.

Non Offset Circle Hooks Required For Striped Bass

Striped Bass Incidental Catches Are Legal In Delaware

Fish On!
Rich King

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