WikiCatch
Bluefish

Bluefish

Pomatomus saltatrix

Family
Pomatomidae
Max Length
130 cm
Max Weight
14.4 kg
IUCN Status
VU
Water Type
saltwater, mixed
Fishing Spots
1,337

Overview

The bluefish is the only extant species of the family Pomatomidae. It is a marine pelagic fish found around the world in temperate and subtropical waters, except for the northern Pacific Ocean. Bluefish are known as tailor in Australia and New Zealand, elf and shad in South Africa. It is a popular gamefish and food fish.

Best Baits & Lures

Live Baits

  • Bunker (Menhaden)

    Chunked, live-lined, or trolled; a bluefish favorite.

  • Eels

    Excellent live bait, especially at night.

  • Mullet

    Effective when fished live or as cut bait.

  • Spot

    A smaller live bait bluefish will readily take.

  • Sand Eels

    Great live bait when bluefish are feeding on them.

Artificial Lures

  • Yo-Zuri Mag DarterSwimbait

    Cast and retrieve quickly for best results.

    Buy
  • Hopkins No=Eql Metal LureSpoon

    Cast far and retrieve fast. Silver color is great.

    Buy
  • Bucktail JigJig

    White or chartreuse are classic and effective.

    Buy
  • Rapala X-Rap 10Jerkbait

    Twitch and pause retrieve mimics injured bait.

    Buy
  • SPRO Prime Bucktail JigJig

    Long casting jig is great for fast moving blitzes.

    Buy

Techniques

Bluefish are aggressive; use wire leaders to prevent bite-offs and retrieve lures at a fast pace to trigger strikes.

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Where to Find Bluefish

New South Wales, Australia167 spotsNew York, United States122 spotsNew Jersey, United States84 spotsMassachusetts, United States83 spotsFlorida, United States75 spotsWestern Australia, Australia69 spotsConnecticut, United States62 spotsSouth Carolina, United States55 spotsVirginia, United States53 spotsMaryland, United States40 spots
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bait for Bluefish?+

Popular baits for Bluefish include Bunker (Menhaden), Eels, Mullet, Spot, Sand Eels. Tip: Bluefish are aggressive; use wire leaders to prevent bite-offs and retrieve lures at a fast pace to trigger strikes.

Where can I catch Bluefish?+

Bluefish can be found in many locations worldwide. Top regions include New South Wales, Australia; New York, United States; New Jersey, United States. WikiCatch lists 1337 fishing spots where this species is found.

How big do Bluefish get?+

Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) can reach up to 129.99999523162842 cm in length and 14.4 kg in weight. Their IUCN conservation status is VU.

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