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Do you want to catch more bluefish? Are you looking for bluefish fishing tips to be a better bluefish angler? Bluefish are found everywhere in the world. They are good gamefish as they have a healthy appetite and will strike at any object. In this article, we share bluefish fishing tips to help you learn how to catch more bluefish and improve as an angler.
How To Catch Bluefish
1. Trolling
Trolling is a fishing method that can be used to catch bluefish. Trolling involves moving your boat slowly, at 1 to 4 knots, and having your line with bait attached to the back of the boat. This is referred to as slow trolling. The fishing rod can be placed in the holder. When you get a strike, quickly reel in the fish.
2. Casting
Casting from a boat, a pier, or a dock can also be used to catch bluefish. Many anglers use artificial lures when casting but live bait can also be used when casting for bluefish. Bluefish has very sharp teeth and most anglers use wire leaders when fishing for bluefish to prevent them from slicing through their lines.
3. Chumming
Chumming is another fishing technique that is used by anglers when fishing for bluefish. Chumming involves dropping cut bait into the water to attract the attention of fish and get them closer to where you are fishing. When they pick up the scent of the cut bait and get it, they will come for more. This is when you drop your line and hook them in. When chumming, you should drop little pieces of cut bait. The aim is not to fill up the fish.
4. Jigging
Jigging is another fishing method that is used by anglers to catch bluefish. When jigging, you drop your line and let in hit the bottom. After you get the feeling that it hit the bottom, wait a few seconds and then jerk it upward and let it drop back down to the bottom. This upward and downward motion will attract the attention of fish which will think the movement is that of prey and they will usually strike at it. Jigging can be vertical, that is, up and down, or it can be side to side.
Table of Contents
Bluefish Tackle Setup
A 7-foot medium-spinning fishing rod with a “fast” action 3000 – 4000 spinning reel that is spooled with a 20-pound braided line will work for catching bluefish.
Bluefish Fishing Tips
1. Bluefish feed on butterfish, menhaden, herring, sand lances, silversides, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, weakfish, spotted seatrout, croaker, spot, and squid.
2. Trolling or casting artificial lures is one way to catch bluefish.
3. Cut baits are good for catching bluefish. Experiment with chunks of small baits. You can also use whole dead baits like minnows that are properly placed on the hook to make them look as natural as you possibly can.
4. Bluefish have strong and sharp teeth and they will strike at anything. Use wire leaders to prevent them from breaking your lines.
5. Fishing methods that are used to catch bluefish include casting, jiggling, trolling, chumming, and live and dead bait fishing from boats, shores, or piers. Live baits are best; however, plugs, lures, or feathers are also used.
6. To understand bluefish movements and know where to catch them during different periods of the year, you have to understand their migratory patterns. They prefer warmer climates and migrate northward in the spring and summer and southward in the fall and winter.
7. Dawn and dusk are the best times during low light conditions or overcast days to catch bluefish. Notwithstanding, bluefish can be caught at any time during the year.
8. When you are out fishing for bluefish, if you see an area where sea birds are diving into the water, that could be a sign that there is a school of bluefish in that area.
9. Use fishing maps and charts, a fish finder, or other anglers about the area you want to fish for bluefish before going out to fish for bluefish.
10. Pay attention to the tide. Bluefish use the first hours of a falling tide as great feeding opportunities.
11. Use a 7-foot rod if you will fish for bluefish from a boat. Go with a longer rod if you are surf fishing. Use a single fireball rig if you are fishing for larger bluefish. Use a double fireball rig for smaller bluefish.
12. Remember to always keep your hands away from the bluefish’s mouth to prevent injury from its bites.
13. Use metal spoons that are at least 4 inches long to prevent bites.
14. Using ground menhaden for chumming can be very effective when fishing for bluefish. Use wire leaders to ensure the bluefish don’t bite off your hook.
15. If you can find out the salinity levels as well as the water temperature of a body of water you want to fish for bluefish, that will give you a good indication if bluefish is in there. Bodies of water with higher levels of salinity have a higher chance of having bluefish.
16. If you want the big guns, i.e. the very big bluefish, then you want to fish from the ocean. Very large bluefish can be caught at inshore lumps and wreck or reef sites.
17. When fishing for bluefish, anticipate where they are going to be and cast in front of them. Then bring the lure right across their noses.
18. The popper is the lure that bluefish can’t resist. A noisy popper seems to anger a bluefish to the point that it wants to punish the lure. Poppers succeed in getting the attention of bluefish.
19. Bluefish will fall for fast-moving lures with flash and vibration. They are aggressive and will go for an artificial lure such as spoons, plugs, and jigs.
20. You can implement the technique referred to as drifting the deep grass flats. Drift over the submerged grass with the wind and tide while casting out lures in search of bluefish. You might be surprised to see trout, mackerel, jacks, pompano, and bluefish.
21. You can use the jig and grub combo which is a great all-around saltwater bait to fish for bluefish. It can also be used to target inshore species.
22. When considering color for your baits, it is good to match the clarity of the water with the color of the bait. Light-colored baits are best for clear water and dark-colored baits for water whose visibility is tainted.
23. When you implement the technique called drifting with lures, live bait, or cut bait, it results in a lot of bluefish. Similarly, when you use drifting in deeper water with swift currents, heavy jigs, and jigging spoons also work well.
24. Trolling allows anglers to cover a lot of water in a short period. Trolling is used by anglers to locate bluefish. Spoons and plugs are some of the top trolling lures. Jigs also work but at slower speeds.
25. Some anglers implement a two-pronged approach to finding bluefish. They use both cut bait and artificial lures. They will put out a chunk or strip of cut bait on a heavy rod using a “fish finder” rig. This causes the bait to float naturally. The angler will then cast lures looking for a feed fish.
26. Instead of using bucktail and synthetic care jigs, use the jig and grub combo. This is a better option because bluefish will destroy an expensive bucktail jig going after fish. But the jig and grub combo is not expensive and can easily be replaced.
27. Plugs are effective artificial lures for catching bluefish that are working on the surface.
28. A spoon is a simple lure that catches a lot of bluefish. On days when the bluefish are breaking and moving around a lot, a spoon can be used to catch bluefish.
29. When bluefish are active and in a feeding frenzy, no matter what you send their way, as long as the lure resembles the size and shape of the bait fish they are devouring, they will strike your lure.
30. Other areas to target bluefish are passes and inlets. They connect the inshore bays to the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean. Rocky jetties and peers in these inlets and passes are prime areas to target bluefish. Anglers drift the passes by casting lures and drifting live baits. Most of the time, the bluefish will be situated right in the middle.
31. Bluefish spawn multiple times in spring and summer.
How To Catch Bluefish From Shore
Bluefish eat almost anything and anglers use this to their advantage when fishing for bluefish. Live bait and lures are used when fishing for bluefish. When fishing from the shore, look for structures like jetties, piers, docks, poles, and other structures that bluefish may be close to. Casting and chunking are some of the fishing methods that are often used when fishing for bluefish.
How To Catch Bluefish From Pier
When fishing for bluefish from the pier, you can use live bait or lures like spoons and plugs. Casting is the go-to fishing method when fishing for bluefish. You can also use chumming to bring them closer to you on the pier. Still fishing is another fishing method that can be used to catch bluefish.
Bluefish Fishing Gear
1. Rods
When it comes to bluefish fishing gear, selecting the right fishing rod is essential for a successful and enjoyable angling experience. Bluefish are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights, so anglers need a sturdy and durable rod that can handle their strength.
Typically, medium to heavy action spinning or casting rods ranging from 7 to 9 feet in length are preferred for targeting bluefish. These rods provide the necessary backbone to handle the strong runs and head shakes of bluefish while still allowing anglers to cast lures or bait with accuracy and distance.
Additionally, the rod should be paired with a quality reel that has a smooth drag system to handle the blistering runs of bluefish. With the right fishing rod in hand, anglers can confidently tackle the challenges of bluefish fishing and increase their chances of landing these powerful and prized gamefish.
2. Reels
When gearing up for bluefish fishing, selecting the appropriate fishing reel is crucial to handling their powerful runs and aggressive strikes. Anglers typically opt for durable spinning or baitcasting reels with a robust drag system to withstand the strength and speed of bluefish.
A high-quality reel with a smooth drag allows anglers to control the fight and prevent the line from breaking during intense battles. The reel should also have a sturdy construction to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater, as bluefish are commonly found in coastal and offshore waters.
Additionally, a reel with a high line capacity is beneficial for handling the long runs often associated with bluefish, ensuring that anglers have enough lines to tire out these powerful gamefish. With the right fishing reel, anglers can confidently target bluefish and enjoy a thrilling and rewarding fishing experience on the water.
3. Line
Selecting the appropriate fishing line is crucial for bluefish fishing, as these powerful gamefish are known for their aggressive strikes and strong runs. Anglers often opt for braided fishing line due to its high strength-to-diameter ratio, allowing them to use lighter lines while still maintaining the necessary strength to handle bluefish. Braided line also offers excellent sensitivity, enabling anglers to detect subtle bites even in turbulent waters.
Additionally, the abrasion resistance of braided lines is beneficial when fishing around structures or rocky areas where bluefish are commonly found. Fluorocarbon leader material is often added to the end of the braided line to provide invisibility and abrasion resistance, particularly in clear water conditions. By selecting the right fishing line, anglers can enhance their chances of success when targeting bluefish and ensure a rewarding fishing experience on the water.
4. Hooks
When gearing up for bluefish fishing, selecting the right fishing hooks is crucial for securing solid hooksets and landing these powerful gamefish. Bluefish have sharp teeth and powerful jaws, so anglers often opt for strong and durable hooks that can withstand their aggressive strikes and thrashing fights.
For live bait fishing, anglers commonly use J-hooks or circle hooks, which are effective at penetrating the tough mouths of bluefish and increasing hook-up ratios. Treble hooks are also popular for fishing with lures, providing multiple points of contact to ensure a secure hold when a bluefish strikes.
Additionally, using stainless steel or saltwater-grade hooks is essential to prevent corrosion and maintain hook integrity in the harsh saltwater environment where bluefish are often found. By selecting the appropriate fishing hooks, anglers can increase their chances of success when targeting bluefish and enjoy a thrilling and rewarding fishing experience on the water.
5. Leaders
Leaders play a crucial role in bluefish fishing gear, particularly in preventing bite-offs and providing abrasion resistance against the sharp teeth of these powerful gamefish. Anglers often use leaders made of fluorocarbon or heavy monofilament material, ranging from 20 to 50-pound test, to withstand the aggressive strikes and thrashing fights of bluefish.
Fluorocarbon leaders offer low visibility underwater, which can be advantageous in clear water conditions, while monofilament leaders provide additional stretch and shock absorption. Additionally, wire leaders are sometimes used to prevent bluefish from cutting through the line with their sharp teeth, particularly when targeting larger specimens. By incorporating leaders into their fishing rigs, anglers can increase their chances of landing bluefish and enjoy a more productive and rewarding fishing experience on the water.
6. Rigs
Rigs are essential components of bluefish fishing gear, offering versatility and effectiveness in targeting these aggressive gamefish. One popular rig for bluefish fishing is the high-low rig, consisting of multiple dropper loops or snelled hooks attached to a main line.
This rig allows anglers to present multiple baits or lures at different depths simultaneously, increasing the chances of enticing bluefish strikes. Another common rig is the fish-finder rig, which features a sliding weight on the main line above a swivel, allowing baits or lures to move freely in the water while maintaining contact with the bottom. This rig is ideal for presenting natural baits such as cut bait or live baitfish in areas where bluefish are feeding near the bottom.
Additionally, wire or heavy monofilament leaders are often incorporated into rigs to prevent bite-offs from bluefish’s sharp teeth. By utilizing rigs tailored to the fishing conditions and preferences, anglers can maximize their success in targeting bluefish and enjoy an exciting and rewarding fishing experience on the water.
7. Pliers
Pliers are indispensable tools in a bluefish angler’s arsenal, providing essential assistance in handling and unhooking these powerful gamefish. Bluefish possess sharp teeth and powerful jaws, making them capable of inflicting injuries on anglers during the unhooking process.
Pliers equipped with corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel or aluminum, are essential for withstanding the harsh saltwater environment where bluefish are commonly found. These durable pliers allow anglers to securely grip hooks, and cut lines, and quickly release bluefish without causing harm to the fish or themselves.
Additionally, some pliers feature built-in line cutters and split-ring tools, offering added convenience for anglers. By having reliable pliers readily available, anglers can efficiently handle bluefish catches, ensure proper catch-and-release practices, and enjoy a safer and more enjoyable fishing experience on the water.
8. Knife
A knife is an essential piece of gear for bluefish anglers, offering versatility and utility in various fishing situations. Bluefish have sharp teeth and powerful jaws, necessitating the need for a sturdy and sharp knife for cutting lines, removing hooks, and filleting catches.
Anglers often opt for knives with stainless steel blades and corrosion-resistant materials to withstand the harsh saltwater environment and ensure longevity. A reliable knife enables anglers to quickly and safely release bluefish from hooks, especially when dealing with deeply hooked or tangled fish.
Additionally, a sharp knife is indispensable for cleaning and filleting bluefish catches, allowing anglers to prepare their fresh catch for consumption. Whether cutting lines, removing hooks, or filleting fish, a quality knife is an indispensable tool for bluefish anglers, enhancing their fishing experience and ensuring efficiency on the water.
9. Fish Grip
A fish grip, also known as a fish gripper or lip gripper, is a valuable tool for bluefish anglers, providing a secure and safe way to handle catches while minimizing harm to both the angler and the fish. Bluefish are known for their sharp teeth and thrashing behavior, making them challenging to handle without risking injury.
A fish grip allows anglers to firmly grasp the lower jaw of the bluefish, providing control and stability during the unhooking process. This reduces the likelihood of accidental hook injuries to the angler’s hands and fingers. Additionally, a fish grip minimizes stress on the fish by avoiding excessive handling and allowing for quick and gentle release back into the water.
Fish grips are typically constructed from durable materials such as stainless steel or aluminum and often feature non-slip handles for added grip in wet conditions. By using a fish grip, bluefish anglers can safely handle their catches, practice responsible catch-and-release techniques, and ensure a more enjoyable and sustainable fishing experience on the water.
10. Cooler
A cooler is an essential piece of gear for bluefish anglers, providing a convenient and effective way to store and transport their catches while maintaining freshness. Bluefish are prized for their delicious flesh, making it important to keep them cool and fresh after being caught.
A high-quality cooler with ample insulation helps preserve the catch’s quality by keeping it cold and preventing spoilage, even in hot weather conditions. Anglers can pack their bluefish catches with ice or ice packs in the cooler, ensuring they remain fresh until they can be cleaned, filleted, or cooked.
Additionally, coolers offer the convenience of storing other essential items such as drinks, snacks, bait, and fishing gear, allowing anglers to stay organized and prepared during their fishing trips. Whether fishing from shore or a boat, a durable and reliable cooler is an indispensable piece of gear for bluefish anglers, ensuring their catches remain fresh and enjoyable until they’re ready to be enjoyed.
Best Baits For Bluefish
1. Menhaden
Menhaden, also known as bunker or pogy, are highly effective and widely used bait for bluefish fishing. These oily baitfish emit a strong scent that can attract bluefish from a distance, making them irresistible to the predatory gamefish. Anglers typically rig menhaden either whole or in chunks on hooks, allowing them to drift naturally in the water or be cast out to waiting bluefish.
Menhaden can also be used as cut bait, releasing even more scent into the water to entice strikes. Their oily flesh helps them stay on the hook well, even during vigorous strikes and fights. Furthermore, menhaden are often found in abundance in coastal waters, making them readily available bait for anglers targeting bluefish. With their effectiveness and availability, menhaden remains a top choice for bluefish anglers seeking to hook these powerful and aggressive gamefish.
2. Mackerel
Mackerel is a popular and effective bait choice for bluefish fishing, renowned for its strong scent and oily flesh that can attract these aggressive gamefish. Anglers often use fresh or frozen mackerel as bait, either whole or cut into chunks, to entice strikes from bluefish.
The natural oils released by mackerel in the water serve to attract bluefish from a distance, increasing the likelihood of a successful catch. Additionally, the firm texture of mackerel allows it to stay on the hook well, even during vigorous strikes and fights.
Mackerel can be rigged on hooks and deployed as drifting bait or cast out to waiting bluefish, making it a versatile option for anglers targeting these powerful predators. With its effectiveness in attracting bluefish and availability in many coastal areas, mackerel remains a favored bait choice for anglers seeking to hook into these prized gamefish.
3. Eels
Eels are a highly effective and versatile bait choice for bluefish fishing, prized for their natural movement and scent that can attract these predatory gamefish. Anglers commonly use live or fresh-dead eels rigged on hooks to entice strikes from bluefish, either by drifting them naturally in the water or casting them out to waiting fish. Eels’ sinuous movements mimic those of injured prey, making them irresistible to bluefish hunting for an easy meal.
Additionally, eels release a strong scent that can further attract bluefish, even in murky or turbid waters. Their tough and resilient flesh allows eels to stay on the hook well, even during aggressive strikes and fights. With their effectiveness in enticing strikes from bluefish and availability in many coastal areas, eels remain a preferred bait choice for anglers targeting these powerful and voracious gamefish.
4. Mullet
Mullets are a popular and effective bait choice for bluefish fishing, prized for their abundance, resilience, and attractiveness to predatory gamefish. These schooling fish emit a strong scent and possess a natural swimming action that can entice strikes from bluefish even in challenging conditions.
Anglers often use fresh or frozen mullet rigged on hooks, either whole or in chunks, to attract bluefish. Mullet can be deployed as drifting bait or cast out to waiting fish, allowing anglers to cover a wide area and maximize their chances of success.
Their firm flesh and tough skin make mullet a durable bait option, capable of withstanding aggressive strikes and prolonged fights. With their effectiveness in attracting bluefish and widespread availability in coastal waters, mullets remain a preferred bait choice for anglers seeking to hook into these powerful and voracious gamefish.
5. Shrimp
Shrimp are a versatile and effective bait option for bluefish fishing, prized for their natural scent and widespread availability in coastal waters. Anglers commonly use live or fresh-dead shrimp rigged on hooks to entice strikes from bluefish, either by drifting them in the water or casting them out to waiting fish.
Shrimp emit a strong scent that can attract bluefish from a distance, even in murky or turbid conditions. Their lively movements in the water mimic those of injured prey, making them irresistible to bluefish searching for an easy meal. Additionally, shrimp are relatively easy to obtain or purchase from bait shops, making them a convenient bait option for anglers.
6. Squid
Squid is a highly effective and widely used bait for bluefish fishing, valued for its strong scent and lifelike appearance in the water. Anglers often use fresh or frozen squid rigged on hooks, either whole or in strips, to entice strikes from bluefish. Squid emits a potent scent that can attract bluefish from a distance, even in murky or turbid waters. Its soft and supple texture allows the squid to move naturally in the water, mimicking the movements of injured prey and making it irresistible to bluefish hunting for an easy meal.
Additionally, squid is readily available in many bait shops and seafood markets, making it a convenient and accessible bait option for anglers. With its effectiveness in attracting bluefish and versatility in rigging, squid remains a favored bait choice for anglers seeking to hook into these powerful and voracious gamefish.
7. Croaker
Croaker is a lesser-known but highly effective bait option for bluefish fishing, prized for its strong scent and appealing flavor to predatory gamefish. Anglers often use fresh or frozen croakers rigged on hooks, either whole or in chunks, to entice strikes from bluefish. Croaker emits a potent scent that can attract bluefish from a distance, even in challenging conditions.
Additionally, the firm texture of the croaker allows it to stay on the hook well, even during vigorous strikes and fights. It is natural appearance and movement in the water make croaker irresistible to bluefish hunting for prey. While not as widely available as other bait options, croaker can be found in some bait shops or caught by anglers using cast nets or fishing gear. With its effectiveness in attracting bluefish and appealing qualities as bait, croaker remains a favored option for anglers targeting these powerful and voracious gamefish.
8. Herring
Herring is a highly effective and widely used bait for bluefish fishing, prized for its oily flesh and strong scent that can attract these voracious gamefish. Anglers often use fresh or frozen herring rigged on hooks, either whole or cut into chunks, to entice strikes from bluefish. Herring emits a potent scent that can attract bluefish from a distance, even in murky or turbid waters. Its natural oils help it to stay on the hook well, even during vigorous strikes and fights.
Additionally, herring’s silvery appearance and lifelike movement in the water make it irresistible to bluefish hunting for prey. While herring may not be as readily available as other bait options in all regions, it can often be found in bait shops or caught by anglers using cast nets or fishing gear. With its effectiveness in attracting bluefish and appealing qualities as bait, herring remains a favored option for anglers seeking to hook into these powerful and aggressive gamefish.
9. Sardines
Sardines are a highly effective and popular bait choice for bluefish fishing, valued for their oily flesh and strong scent that can attract these predatory gamefish. Anglers often use fresh or frozen sardines rigged on hooks, either whole or cut into chunks, to entice strikes from bluefish. Sardines emit a potent scent that can attract bluefish from a distance, even in challenging conditions. Their natural oils help them stay on the hook well, even during vigorous strikes and fights.
Additionally, sardines’ silvery appearance and lifelike movement in the water make them irresistible to bluefish hunting for prey. While sardines may not be as widely available as other bait options in all regions, they can often be found in bait shops or caught by anglers using cast nets or fishing gear. With their effectiveness in attracting bluefish and appealing qualities as bait, sardines remain a favored option for anglers seeking to hook into these powerful and voracious gamefish.
Best Lures For Bluefish
1. Soft Plastics
Soft plastics are a versatile and effective lure option for bluefish fishing, offering anglers a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes to mimic various baitfish and prey species. Common soft plastic lures used for bluefish include swimbaits, paddle tails, and jerk shads, which can be rigged on jig heads or weighted hooks. Soft plastics provide lifelike action in the water, mimicking injured baitfish or fleeing prey, which can trigger aggressive strikes from bluefish.
Additionally, soft plastics are durable and can withstand multiple strikes and attacks from bluefish’s sharp teeth. Anglers can experiment with different retrieves, speeds, and depths to find the most effective presentation for enticing bluefish. With their versatility, durability, and lifelike action, soft plastics are a popular and reliable choice for anglers targeting bluefish in a variety of fishing conditions.
2. Jigs
Jigs are a versatile and widely used lure option for bluefish fishing, valued for their ability to imitate various prey species and their effectiveness in enticing strikes from these aggressive gamefish. Anglers commonly use metal jigs or bucktail jigs in a variety of colors and sizes to mimic baitfish such as mullet, herring, or bunker, which are preyed upon by bluefish. Jigs can be cast and retrieved at various speeds and depths to imitate the movement of injured or fleeing baitfish, making them highly effective in enticing strikes from bluefish.
Additionally, the erratic action and flash produced by jigs can trigger aggressive predatory instincts in bluefish, leading to explosive strikes. Anglers can further enhance the appeal of jigs by adding soft plastic trailers or dressing them with strips of bait for added scent and attraction. With their versatility, effectiveness, and ability to cover a wide range of fishing conditions, jigs are a popular and reliable choice for anglers targeting bluefish.
3. Spoons
Spoons are a classic and effective lure choice for bluefish fishing, renowned for their ability to mimic injured baitfish and elicit aggressive strikes from these voracious predators. Anglers commonly use metal spoons in a variety of sizes and finishes, such as chrome, gold, or silver, to imitate the flash and movement of prey species like mullet, herring, or bunker.
Spoons can be cast and retrieved at varying speeds to imitate the erratic swimming action of injured baitfish, making them irresistible to bluefish. The fluttering and wobbling action of spoons, as they move through the water column, can trigger predatory instincts in bluefish, enticing them to strike with ferocity.
Additionally, the reflective properties of spoons make them highly visible in the water, even in low-light conditions, further increasing their effectiveness. Anglers can customize their spoon presentation by adjusting retrieve speed and depth, and adding occasional twitches or pauses to mimic injured prey. With their versatility, durability, and proven effectiveness, spoons are a favored and reliable lure option for anglers targeting bluefish in a variety of fishing environments.
4. Plugs
Plugs are a versatile and effective lure choice for bluefish fishing, valued for their lifelike appearance and enticing action in the water. These hard-bodied lures come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, mimicking various baitfish species that bluefish prey upon. Anglers commonly use diving plugs, surface plugs, or poppers to imitate injured or fleeing baitfish, enticing aggressive strikes from bluefish.
Diving plugs can be retrieved at different depths, allowing anglers to target bluefish holding at various water depths. Surface plugs create enticing surface commotion, mimicking the frantic movements of baitfish, which can trigger explosive surface strikes from bluefish. Poppers produce a splashing and popping action when retrieved, creating a commotion on the water’s surface that attracts bluefish’s attention. Anglers can experiment with different plug styles, retrieves, and colors to match the prevailing conditions and preferences of bluefish.
5. Poppers
Poppers are a popular and effective lure choice for bluefish fishing, renowned for their ability to create surface commotion and elicit explosive strikes from these aggressive predators. These hard-bodied lures feature a concave face that, when retrieved, creates a splashing and popping action on the water’s surface. This surface disturbance mimics the frantic movements of fleeing baitfish, attracting the attention of nearby bluefish.
Anglers can vary their retrieve speed and rhythm to produce different popping sounds and actions, enticing bluefish to strike. Poppers are particularly effective when bluefish are actively feeding near the surface or in areas with shallow water or structure.
Additionally, the bright colors and reflective finishes of poppers make them highly visible in the water, even in low-light conditions. With their ability to create surface commotion and trigger aggressive strikes, poppers are a favored and exciting lure option for anglers targeting bluefish in a variety of fishing environments.
6. Topwaters
Topwater lures are an exhilarating and effective option for bluefish fishing, prized for their ability to create surface disturbance and trigger explosive strikes from these aggressive predators. These lures, such as poppers, walk-the-dog lures, and prop baits, are designed to imitate fleeing or injured baitfish on the water’s surface. When retrieved, topwater lures create enticing splashes, pops, or zigzagging movements that mimic the frantic behavior of prey species.
Bluefish, known for their voracious feeding habits, are often drawn to the surface disturbance created by topwater lures, striking with ferocity. Anglers can vary their retrieve speed, cadence, and pauses to mimic different types of prey and trigger more strikes. Topwater lures are particularly effective in calm conditions or areas with shallow water or structures where bluefish are actively feeding near the surface.
The Bottom Line
Bluefish are found all over the world. They have a voracious appetite and will strike at anything. This makes them prime targets for anglers. In this article, we share some bluefish fishing tips to help you learn how to catch more bluefish whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler.
If you catch redfish, then this article on redfish fishing tips will help you catch more redfish. You can also benefit from this article on bluefish fishing tips if you fish for bluefish.