Bluefish

Oceans & Range: Western and Eastern Atlantic Ocean — from Nova Scotia south through Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. Also found along the coast of Europe and Africa and in the Mediterranean. In the US, one of the most popular sport fish along the entire Eastern Seaboard from Maine to Florida. A highly migratory, schooling species that moves with seasonal temperature changes.

Preferred Water Temperature: 60°F–75°F. Follow baitfish northward along the coast in summer. Create explosive "blitzes" on the surface when cornering baitfish — visually detectable from long distances. Very common in the surf zone along Atlantic beaches in fall.

Size & Weight: "Snapper blues" run 1–3 lbs; "slammers" reach 15+ lbs. World record: 31 lbs 12 oz from North Carolina. One of the most voracious predators in the ocean — will literally bite the hooks off metal lures. Excellent eating when very fresh — must be bled and iced immediately as the flesh deteriorates rapidly.

Best Lures: Any metal lure — spoons, poppers, swimming plugs — thrown into a surface blitz will produce strikes. Stainless steel leaders are essential as their teeth slice through monofilament. Large Deadly Dicks and diamond jigs are classic surf fishing lures. Surface poppers produce spectacular strikes.

Best Baits: Bunker (menhaden) chunks are the top surf and boat bait. Whole small bunker work very well. Fresh-dead mackerel chunks produce. Clam and fresh squid catch fish at anchor. Wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon is mandatory — their teeth will cut through anything lighter.

Western and Eastern Atlantic Ocean — from Nova Scotia south through Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. Also found along the coast of Europe and Africa and in the Mediterranean. In the US, one of the most popular sport fish along the entire Eastern Seaboard from Maine to Florida. A highly migratory, schooling species that moves with seasonal temperature changes.

60°F–75°F. Follow baitfish northward along the coast in summer. Create explosive "blitzes" on the surface when cornering baitfish — visually detectable from long distances. Very common in the surf zone along Atlantic beaches in fall.

Best Lures: Any metal lure — spoons, poppers, swimming plugs — thrown into a surface blitz will produce strikes. Stainless steel leaders are essential as their teeth slice through monofilament. Large Deadly Dicks and diamond jigs are classic surf fishing lures. Surface poppers produce spectacular strikes. Best Baits: Bunker (menhaden) chunks are the top surf and boat bait. Whole small bunker work very well. Fresh-dead mackerel chunks produce. Clam and fresh squid catch fish at anchor. Wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon is mandatory — their teeth will cut through anything lighter.

"Snapper blues" run 1–3 lbs; "slammers" reach 15+ lbs. World record: 31 lbs 12 oz from North Carolina. One of the most voracious predators in the ocean — will literally bite the hooks off metal lures. Excellent eating when very fresh — must be bled and iced immediately as the flesh deteriorates rapidly.