Bluefish

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Bluefish can be found in various bodies of water along the coast of Florida, offering anglers opportunities for exciting fishing experiences. They are highly migratory fish that prefer temperate and warm waters. Bluefish can be encountered in both nearshore and offshore waters.
Florida: Bluefish can be found along the Atlantic coast of Florida, from the northern region down to the southern tip of the state. They are commonly encountered in areas such as St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and the Florida Keys.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Bluefish are known for their aggressive nature and can be found near various structures and habitats. They are often found near inlets, jetties, and along the edges of sandbars where strong currents occur. Bluefish are opportunistic predators and can be found near schools of baitfish, such as Atlantic menhaden or mullet.
Look for bluefish near submerged structures like reefs, rock formations, and piers. They are also known to feed in shallow areas with sandy or rocky bottoms. Bluefish often display surface feeding behavior, chasing baitfish to the surface and creating visible splashes and commotion.

PATTERNS

SPRING

In the spring, bluefish migrate northward along the Atlantic coast, including Florida, as water temperatures rise. They can be encountered in nearshore waters, feeding voraciously after their winter migration. Look for them near inlets, estuaries, and shallow bays where baitfish are abundant. Casting and retrieving lures or using live bait can be productive during this season.

SUMMER

During the summer months, bluefish can be found in the coastal waters of Florida. They may move inshore or offshore depending on water temperatures and the availability of baitfish. Look for them near areas with strong currents, such as inlets and channels, as well as around structure-rich areas. Trolling with lures or using live bait can be effective in targeting bluefish.

FALL

Fall is an excellent time to target bluefish in Florida, as they continue their migration southward. They can be encountered in large numbers along the coast, particularly near inlets, beaches, and shoals. Bluefish are known to aggressively feed on migrating baitfish during this time. Casting lures, such as spoons or topwater plugs, or using cut bait can yield productive results.

WINTER

During the winter months, bluefish may move to deeper waters or migrate to warmer southern regions. However, in some areas of Florida, they can still be found in coastal waters if the temperatures remain mild. Focus on fishing near warm-water outflows, deep channels, and areas with structure. Slow trolling or deep jigging with lures can be effective during the colder months.

Bluefish are voracious feeders and will strike a variety of baits and lures. They are known for their aggressive nature and willingness to chase fast-moving prey. Common bait options include cut bait, such as menhaden or mullet strips, as well as live baitfish like pilchards or pinfish. Artificial lures like spoons, topwater poppers, or fast-retrieved plugs are also effective in attracting bluefish's attention.

Trolling

How: Trolling fast in the 6-8 knot range is most productive for bluefish. Use medium to heavy trolling rods and reels. Attach wire leaders to your mainline to prevent bite-offs from their sharp teeth. Use a variety of trolling lures such as spoons, plugs, or feathered jigs. Pay attention to areas with active feeding or diving birds, as they often indicate the presence of bluefish.
Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy trolling rods, 20-40lb class. Reels: Conventional reels in the 20 wide size range. Line: Monofilament or braided line with a test rating of 20-40lb. Leaders: Wire leaders with a strength of 30-50lb. Lures: Spoons, plugs, feathered jigs.

Chunking

How: Locate areas where bluefish are actively feeding, such as around schools of baitfish or near structure. Cut fresh baitfish, such as mackerel or bunker, into chunks and create a scent trail by consistently throwing them overboard. Use heavy spinning or conventional rods and reels to handle the powerful strikes. Fish larger chunks of bait on sturdy hooks to attract bigger bluefish.
Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy spinning rods, 15-30lb class conventional rods. Reels: Conventional reels in the 20 wide size range or 6000-8000 spinning reels. Line: Monofilament or braided line with a test rating of 15-30lb. Leaders: Monofilament or fluorocarbon leaders with a test rating of 20-40lb. Hooks: Size 1 bait hooks.

Live Bait

How: Bluefish readily take live bait, such as anchovies, sardines, or mackerel. Locate areas where bluefish are actively feeding and set up your fishing rig. Keep your reel in freespool or low gear, allowing the bluefish to take the bait before setting the hook. Use medium to heavy spinning or conventional rods and reels to handle the strong runs and fights.
Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy spinning rods, 15-30lb class conventional rods. Reels: Conventional reels in the 20 wide size range or 6000-8000 spinning reels. Line: Monofilament or braided line with a test rating of 15-30lb. Leaders: Monofilament or fluorocarbon leaders with a test rating of 20-40lb. Hooks: Size 1 bait hooks.

Jigging/Casting

How: Jigging or casting is an exciting way to target bluefish. Use a variety of lures such as jigs, spoons, soft plastics, or topwater plugs. Cast or jig around structure, rocky areas, or along shorelines where bluefish are known to be present. Vary your retrieve speed and technique to entice strikes. Bluefish are known for their aggressive nature and will often chase down fast-moving lures.
Gear: Rods: Medium to medium-heavy spinning or conventional rods. Reels: Spinning or conventional reels with a line capacity of 300-500 yards of 30-50lb test. Line: Braided line with a test rating of 30-50lb. Leaders: Fluorocarbon leaders with a test rating of 20-40lb. Lures: Butterfly jigs, diamond jigs, epoxy jigs, jig heads with soft plastics, metal jigs, topwater plugs.