Identification
A blue-green back fades into silvery sides and a pale belly. The projecting lower jaw and strong, flattened teeth are prominent features. Two separate dorsal fins and a forked tail complete the outline. Keep hands clear of the mouth when unhooking a fish.
Size and Weight
The species summary reports a maximum total length of 130 cm, about 51.2 inches, and a maximum weight of 14.4 kg, about 31.7 pounds. These are separate reported maxima. Shorter size figures in regional fishing guides should not be substituted for the worldwide maximum. A common reported length is 60 cm, approximately 23.6 inches.
Bait and Fishing Methods
Cut bait fished near the bottom is a documented approach. Casting or trolling metal spoons, popping lures and lead-headed grubs also catches Bluefish. Inlets, shoals and current rips can concentrate feeding schools. A wire leader helps resist bite-offs; match the remaining tackle to the fish, conditions and lure.
Habitat and Natural Food
Fish such as menhaden and silversides, along with squid, provide food. Along the U.S. Atlantic coast, seasonal movements generally carry schools north as waters warm and south as they cool. Estuarine and nearshore areas provide habitat for juveniles. Offshore spawning releases eggs into open water.
The Bluefish Blitz
A school attacking concentrated baitfish can turn a quiet surface into splashes and foam. The commotion signals an active feeding event, but it does not establish how many Bluefish live in that water over a season. Their cutting jaws let them take pieces from prey too large to swallow whole.
All Lakes With Bluefish
Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Bluefish records in our database, listed alphabetically.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.