Bluefish
Bluefish
Pomatomus saltatrix
Life History
Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: Steel blue shading to silvery white below. Has a dark spot at the base of the pectoral fin. Large mouth with large, prominent, sharp teeth. The second dorsal and anal fins are nearly the same size. Has a forked tail.
Size: Common up to 10-12 pounds
Age at Maturity: Sometime during their 2nd year
Range: Seasonally common from Nova Scotia to South Florida
Habitat: Juveniles prefer inshore areas such as rivers, streams and estuaries. Because they are highly predatory they will follow their prey inshore and even into brackish water. Adults normally are offshore but they have also been found inland as far as brackish water as well.
Angling Information
Bait and Tackle: Light casting and spinning tackle usually work as well as surf tackle. Blues are aggressive feeders and will eat almost anything thrown at them including shrimp, squid, bait fish, and cut bait. They will also go for artificial lures such as noisy surface plugs, jigs, swimming plugs and spoons. Heavy leaders are recommended as they can cut through the line with their teeth.
Fishing Method: Casting, still fishing, trolling
Food Value: Small fish are good when pan-fried or broiled when fresh
State Regulation
Daily Limit: 15
Minimum size: 12″ FL
