How to Fish for Bluefish

Bluefish are popular game fish along the Atlantic Coast. They are migratory predators that travel in schools with other bluefish of roughly the same size. It can be challenging to find bluefish schools and, once found, to land these powerful fighters who often take to the air in successive leaps. Try these different approaches to catching bluefish.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Cast into the surf with bait. One effective rig for bait is a wire leader on the other side of a pyramid sinker. Bait the rig with a live baitfish. Cut fish, squid and live shrimp are also effective bluefish baits.

2. Try fishing with lures such as jigs, plugs or spoons. Blues tend to prefer fast moving lures. Bluefish are voracious predators that don't discriminate much when eating. Sometimes they even eat other bluefish.

3. Troll for bluefish with plugs or baitfish. Try trolling with two lines behind the boat while moving in a zigzag pattern. By changing your direction the depths of the lures will vary.

4. Continue fishing in the same area once you catch a bluefish. Since bluefish travel in schools, the most difficult part of catching them is locating a school. Once you find them, you can fish the area until you are satisfied.

Tips & Warnings

• Bluefish have a reputation as oily, poor tasting fish. However, blues under two pounds tend to have whiter flesh and make good table fare.
• Bluefish teeth require special handling. At minimum use a heavy monofilament leader. Some anglers prefer wire leaders. When you catch a bluefish, never put your fingers into a its mouth. Use pliers, gloves or both.

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