Scup

DE Scup Fishing Guide

DESaltwater
FishingDelaware2026

The Scup is a medium-sized fish with a deep, vertically compressed body. It is silver with iridescent scales that often reflect the colors of the rainbow. Scup have small mouths with strong jaws and pointed teeth.

Diet: small shrimps, marine worms, and squids

Habitat & Range

Scup are found inshore during the spring and summer months, while migrating to much deeper waters in the fall and winter. Scup prefer sandy bottoms often with structured habitats such as artificial reefs or rough bottoms. They feed on small shrimps, marine worms, and squids.

Where to Fishing

Atlantic Ocean

Fishing Season

All year

Catch Limit: 30
Size Limit: 9 inches

Frequently Asked Questions

Fishing Tips

Scup can be caught jigging small lures, but the overwhelming majority of anglers prefer bait fishing with blood worms, squid strips, and pieces of clams on bottom rigs.

References

State Category Directory Subcategory Content Source
Delaware Fishing Regulations Season Dates All year Link