For surf fishermen spring is a time when bait fish start their journey north. Everybody knows that when it comes to any species of fish, the big fish will be near the bait fish. This means schools of toothy biters follow mullet north in the spring and then following them south in the fall. One of the most abundant fish that can be caught during this migration are bluefish.

The scientific name for the bluefish is Pomatomus saltatrix. They can be found in all areas and in all waters and in all climates except isolated areas of the Pacific. The common name comes from the grayish blue coloring over most of the fish. The bluefish is easily identified with his large head and prominent jaw and v-shaped tail. The world record bluefish was caught by James Hussey at Hatteras,NC in 1972. The fish tipped the scales at a massive 31lbs 12oz. Many times smaller bluefish are referred to as snappers. This is because each jaw is lined with razor sharp teeth that can snap a bait fish cleanly in half.

World Record Bluefish 31lbs 12oz

BlueFish Migration

Bluefish are migratory and as we have stated can be found just about anywhere. Their movements seem to follow that of migrating bait fish like mullet and menhaden . They can be found wintering off the coast of Florida and spending summers in the waters off New Jersey.

Bluefish Feeding Habits

Bluefish are very popular among surf fishermen because they are generally always around and always biting. Bluefish will eat live bait, cut bait or lures. When a bluefish blitz and start a feed frenzy, the water will boil with activity. They will start anything that comes close to resembling food and swivels and heavy leaders don't seem to deter these voracious predators.

Bluefish Lures and Tackle

Schools of small bait fish such as mullet, glass minnows and menhaden are often targetted by bluefish. When you are targeting these fish it will help if you match the hatch. Heavy casting jigs and plugs work great when surf casting for blues. Some of the most popular are Kastmasters, Gotcha Plugs and Stingsilvers. A fairly quick retrieve with a twitching action will produce plenty of strikes. These lures can be fished with medium action surf fishing gear. A nine foot root matched with a sturdy reel and 14lb test should be all that you need for most of the schools. You can also utilize any 2 hook bottom rig or single hook drum rig. Snap on a 3/0 or 4/0 hook and bait with a fresh slice of cut mullet or a live mullet. Just be sure to use heavy leader or monofilament for these rigs because the bluefish have very sharp teeth.

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