How to Identify a Saltwater Bluefish

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Saltwater Bluefish, though mild in coloring, can be easy to identify once you know the typical markers and a few other facts about the fish. Use these steps to learn about the Bluefish coloring and habitats to help you better identify a saltwater Bluefish next time you are deep sea fishing.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Look for an upper body that is blue-green and a lower body that is silvery-white. They have a pointed snout and large mouth with protruding lower jaw.
Step 2

Know the range you are in. Bluefish are common to both the American and the European-African Atlantic coastal waters.
Step 3

Research the Bluefish habitat. They inhabit both inshore and offshore areas of the coastal regions. When they are young, they frequent river mouths and estuaries.
Step 4

Measure and weigh the fish. Bluefish can grow to a size of 3 feet in length and nearly 20 pounds in weigh as a mature adult fish.

Tips & Warnings

Other common names for the Saltwater Bluefish are Tailor, Chopper and Rock Salmon.
Always practice proper boating safety such as wearing life jackets and abstaining from drinking alcohol while boating.
There are many regulations pertaining to deep sea fishing. Obtain a regulation book for the state where you are fishing before going out on the water. Look for certain weight or length requirements and carry the proper tools to check those stats as the fish are caught.
If catch-and-release fishing, please make sure to do this properly. Release the fish gently back into the water after removing all hooks. Make sure the fish is able to swim steadily before releasing completely.

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