Fish guide
Scup
Stenotomus chrysops. Also called Porgy, Sand porgy, Humpback.
Showing the fish for Delaware, Maryland and Virginia ocean coast.
Season in Delmarva
DNREC: uncommon, more common north of Delaware; inshore in spring and summer, deeper water in fall and winter; most under 10 in. (Our inference)
Season by region
| Long Island | JFMAMJJASOND |
|---|---|
| Cape Cod | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Rhode Island | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Connecticut | JFMAMJJASOND |
| North Jersey | JFMAMJJASOND |
| South Jersey | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Delmarva | JFMAMJJASOND |
Where to find them
Sandy bottom with structure, artificial reefs.
Schools feeding about a foot off the bottom (NY Sea Grant).
What to look for
Hard bottom, mussel beds and structure edges in the bays and Sound.
Bait
Clams, Sandworms. Hi-lo bottom rig with small baitholder hooks, sinker just heavy enough for depth and current..
Leader
NY Sea Grant: light, sturdy rod (about 5 ft) with 15 lb line and baitholder hooks.
Common mistakes
- Hooks too big for a small mouth
- Sinker too heavy to feel the quick bites
- Sorting through shorts without moving to find bigger fish
Landing
Swing it up; small fish.
Handling
- Sharp dorsal spine
Smooth the dorsal fin back before gripping.
Keep or release
Good eating. Check state rules.
Typical: Under 10 in. Large: unknown. Delaware record 5 lb 5 oz (1979).
Limits
FishOS has not checked the DE and MD and VA limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Delaware DNREC Fish and Wildlife before you keep a fish.
Sources
- DNREC Delaware Fish and Shellfish Facts: Scup (Official source)
- ASMFC: Scup (Official source)
- NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-NE-149: EFH source document, scup (1999) (Official source)
- New York Sea Grant fish profile: Porgy (scup) (Cornell, 2001) (Official source)
Is scup worth it today?
The planner rates it for your exact time with the live tide, weather and water temperature.
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