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Bluefish

Bluefish

Bluefish are native to Argentina's Atlantic coast, part of a range that stretches from Canada south to Argentine waters. They're one of the few saltwater gamefish that draws surf and boat anglers to Argentina's coastline — fast, toothy, and willing to eat.

While most international fishing attention goes to Patagonia's trout rivers, the bluefish gives coastal anglers a serious saltwater target close to Buenos Aires and beyond.

Scientific Name: Pomatomus saltatrix

Also known as Anchoa de banco, Anjova

Physical Characteristics:
  • Blue-green on the back fading to silver-white on the belly; dorsal and tail fins carry a greenish-yellow tinge, pectoral fin base is dark blue.
  • Broad, forked tail and a large mouth with a single row of knife-edged, triangular teeth — the teeth are the quickest ID feature and a good reason to use a wire trace.
  • Common fish run 1–3 kg; larger specimens can reach 14 kg and over a meter in length, though fish above 9 kg are uncommon anywhere in the range.
  • Body is sturdy and compressed, with a large head and a lower jaw that sometimes projects slightly past the upper.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Native to Argentina's Atlantic coast — the species' natural range runs from Canada south to Argentine waters in the western Atlantic.
  • Found in coastal and nearshore marine waters, but also moves into estuaries and brackish zones; tolerates a range of salinities.
  • Pelagic and schooling by nature, typically working the upper water column from the surf zone out to offshore depths of up to 200 m.
  • Prefers clean, higher-energy water — surf beaches, inshore rips, and estuary mouths are classic holding areas along the Argentine coast.

Key Locations

  • Argentina's Atlantic coastline from Buenos Aires province southward — the primary range for bluefish in Argentine waters.
  • Estuary mouths and tidal zones along the coast concentrate fish during feeding migrations, particularly in warmer months.

Specific Spots

  • Surf zones and beach gutters concentrate bluefish chasing baitfish pushed by wave action — work the edges of rips and current seams.
  • Estuary mouths and tidal channels funnel bait on moving water; bluefish stack at these pinch points to intercept prey.
  • Nearshore structure — rocky points, submerged ledges, and drop-offs — holds schools when they move inshore, especially during low-light periods.
  • Open water over baitfish schools: when birds are working the surface, bluefish are almost certainly below driving the bait up.

Bluefish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Bluefish?

Metal slice lures and chrome casting jigs are the classic bluefish lure, they cast far, sink fast, and flash like a fleeing baitfish. Retrieve fast enough to keep the lure moving erratically.

What flies work for Bluefish?

Clouser Minnows (which imitate baitfish) in white, chartreuse, or blue-and-white are the most reliable bluefish fly, they sink quickly and have the darting action that triggers strikes on a fast strip.

When is the best time to fish for Bluefish?

Spring and summer (September–February) bring bluefish inshore along the Argentine coast as water temperatures rise and baitfish schools move in. Autumn (March–May) can produce good fishing as fish feed heavily before moving to deeper or warmer water.

How do you catch Bluefish?

Most Argentine anglers target bluefish from the surf or from small boats working nearshore coastal waters. Casting metal lures or jigs into surface blitzes is the most productive approach; when fish aren't showing on top, slow-trolling or drifting bait through tidal rips also produces.

What do Bluefish eat?

Primarily small schooling fish, anchovies, sardine-like species, and menhaden-type baitfish, which makes any slender, fast-moving lure or streamer a natural choice. Metal slices and jigs that flash like a fleeing baitfish are the go-to.

See it in the app

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  1. 01 · Species map filter

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  2. 02 · Waterbody species

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  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

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    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

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