Circle Hook Reminder for Anglers Fishing the Delaware
The Division of Fish and Wildlife would like to remind anglers fishing with any natural bait in the Delaware River or its tributaries, from the upstream side of the U.S. Route 1 Bridge to and including the Salem River and its tributaries, that they are required to use non-offset circle hooks. This requirement is in effect from April 1 through May 31 and coincides with the spawning season closure for striped bass in the Delaware River.
This restriction applies only to hooks of size two and larger and does not apply to hooks of smaller sizes (such as those normally used for white perch fishing). The use of circle hooks reduces gut-hooking of fish and reduces catch and release mortality, allowing more striped bass to spawn.
