How to Catch a Bluefish
Bluefish are a popular game fish that can be caught a number of ways. It is one of the world's premiere saltwater light tackle fish. When hooked, it often leaps out of the water, and then it bears down and runs, turning its powerful body against you. A feeding bluefish fights to the end and then considers eating your fingers for dessert with its razor sharp teeth. Although most blues weigh in the 3- to 5-lb range, they can weigh as much as 14 lb.
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Things You'll Need
- Light fishing tackle
- Wire leader hook combo
- Live minnow (killie)
- Pliers
- Spoon type lure (optional)
Instructions
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1
Find a fishing location where bluefish are likely to be feeding, such as a jetty close to the shore. Commercial or private fishing piers make fine venues for catching bluefish, too. On the surf (beach) near jetties and piers are also recommended. Private boats, charters and party boats offer opportunities for fishing in deeper water, if you have access to them.
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2
Attach a wire leader hook combo to your fishing line. Bait the hook with a live minnow or killie, sinking the hook under the bait fish's backbone and through about halfway down its body. Cast your line into the water, and let the bait sink slightly. Slowly begin to reel in your line, stopping occasionally to jig and allow the bait to sink a bit more.
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3
Release the bail on your reel. This action allows the bluefish an easy run once it chomps on the bait. Eyeball the fishing line as it glides through the fishing line eyelets and unravels smoothly from the bail without the usual closed bail tension.
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4
Snap the bail shut, and set the hook after eight to 10 seconds of letting the bluefish run. Once hooked, maintain pressure on the fishing line by keeping your rod tip high and slowly reeling in the line. Regardless of what the bluefish does at this point, maintain your rod tip in the high position until the fish is caught.
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5
Remove the hook very carefully with a pair of pliers. Bait your hook, and repeat the steps above.
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Tips & Warnings
If you wish to use a lure instead of live bait, the procedure for catching blues is the same as above, except you should refrain from jigging. After casting, reel the lure in slowly 2 to 3 feet under water. Cast and repeat until a fish is hooked.
Live bait, lures, fishing tackle, hooks and leaders are available at any saltwater fishing bait and tackle store.
Never put your fingers into the mouth of a bluefish. Their razor teeth can cause serious injury.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit man deep sea fishing image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
