Savage!
Stay Out Of the Water
Fishing for Blues
by L.A. DiNardi
A good friend of mine experienced a bluefish feeding frenzy the other day. He told me that there was so much bunker,(baitfish) around that he could walk on them. Obviously, he couldn’t but you know what I mean. So, I decided to reprint a previous article which also includes a video of a big feeding frenzy. Thought you I like it.
The sweet salty smell of the ocean, wind blowing through your hair as you cruise into the open water in search of bluefish. What makes these fish the best to spend a summer afternoon catching? They are easy to lure, fun to hook and what a fight they will give you! The bluefish has the nickname of the “marine piranha” because of the razor sharp teeth that can mow through schools of fish. They are not picky eaters and have been known to bite even humans.
The prime season for bluefish is May through October. They can be found as far north as Nova Scotia and as far south as Florida and into the Gulf of Mexico. Ideally, they bite most during the dawn and dusk hours but you can catch them just about any time of day with the right techniques and lures. Overcast days are ideal for catching blues, and you can fish from the shore or on a boat.
In order to catch these feisty fish, you have to understand their behavior. Because they will eat anything, you can use just about any type of bait, live or dead. However, live is best if you are an inexperienced fisher so you can rely on the bait to lure the bluefish. If you are a veteran fisherman, and know how to troll and tug the line to gain the interest of the bluefish, then feel free to use whatever bait suits you. The key to the lure is using noise and commotion, which will help attract the bluefish.
Plugs can be used to create the necessary distraction at the water’s surface, and using metal 5”-7” is a great option. The bluefish are not afraid of much, and you want your plugs to be light when you put up the fight to boat the blue. Using a medium weight 6’6” or 7′ pole with 20lb line and a 3 foot length of 30-50lb fluorocarbon lead is the perfect strength for just about any saltwater blue, since the average is between 15 and 20 lbs.
When you do catch your first bluefish, be wary of those sharp teeth. Whether or land one on a boat or the shore, keep yourself away from the mouth until you stun the fish. Blues make delicious meals, just be sure to cook the fish shortly after catching. They do not freeze well and the meat can become soft.
Bluefishing is a great sport, and can be enjoyed by the whole family. I can still remember my first deep sea fishing trip; I was only 9 years old and caught 7 blues! Day trips are offered by many charters along the coast, and the memories you will make with loved ones will be treasured for a lifetime.
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