Blue Fish

• Description
  • Color blue or greenish blue on back, sides silvery.
  • Mouth large; teeth prominent, sharp, and compressed.
  • Dorsal and anal fins nearly the same size.
  • Scales small; lateral line almost straight.
  
  

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• General Information
  • These fish travel in large schools, following schools of baitfish.
  • All members of a given school are about the same size.
  • Spawning occurs offshore in spring and summer.
  • Best time to fish is during the winter months.
  
  

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• Distribution
  • Largest concentrations and biggest fish are caught on the Atlantic side of the state.
  • Smaller sizes on the Gulf coast.
  • Schools travel close to shore giving anglers and nearshore boaters a good chance of finding and catching these fish.
  
  

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• Tackle and Techniques
  • Anglers will need a big surf rod so they can cast far enough offshore to reach the troughs where the fish congregate.
  • Bluefish have a mouthful of sharp teeth so you will need to use a 50 pound test or heavier leader to avoid cut offs.
  
  

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• Bait
  • Live baitfish is one of the most reliable baits.
  • Gold and silver spoons and jigs tipped with shrimp that are worked through schools usually attract attention.
  • Pieces of cut bait and large spoons work when trolling.
  • If the feeding frenzy is hot and heavy, a bare gold hook will create enough flash to attract a bluefish.
  
  

Secrets to Success

Look for "working birds" along the surf line. If the birds are working, they are after baitfish being chased to the surface by the blues. Bluefish prefer to feed in clear water, but if a food source is available water clarity is not critical.