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Bluefish

Bluefish

Bluefish are aggressive, pelagic predators that make Connecticut waters their home year-round, though they're most abundant during specific seasonal migrations. These voracious feeders are exceptional predators with over 70 species found in their stomachs.

They hunt in large schools and are known for spectacular surface feeding frenzies called 'blitzes' where they trap baitfish against the surface.

Scientific Name: Pomatomus saltatrix

Also known as snappers (for small specimens around 7 inches)

Physical Characteristics:

These voracious feeders are easily recognizable by their grayish blue-green coloration fading to white on the belly, broad forked tail, and razor-sharp teeth.

In Connecticut waters, bluefish range from small 'snappers' around 7 inches to larger specimens exceeding 20 pounds, though fish over 15 pounds are exceptional.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

Bluefish inhabit Long Island Sound extensively and can be found throughout Connecticut's coastal waters, moving into estuaries and nearshore areas to feed.

Key Locations

Connecticut's Enhanced Opportunity Shore Fishing Program doesn't specifically target bluefish, but they're commonly caught at coastal state parks including Hammonasset, Rocky Neck, Sherwood Island, Harkness Memorial, and Silver Sands. Prime locations include inlets, grass flats in 6-10 feet of water.

Specific Spots

Prime locations include inlets, grass flats in 6-10 feet of water, and anywhere birds are working.

Bluefish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Bluefish in Connecticut?

Fly patterns should be simple and cheap since bluefish destroy flies quickly - white Clouser Minnows, Deceivers, or basic bucktail patterns work excellently. Some anglers have success with simple white t-shirt strips tied to hooks. When bluefish are surface feeding, poppers provide explosive action.

When is the best time to fish for Bluefish in Connecticut?

Connecticut offers excellent bluefish fishing year-round with no closed season. Prime fishing occurs during two distinct periods: the spring migration (mid-May through mid-July) and the spectacular fall migration (mid-September through November).

How do you catch Bluefish in Connecticut?

Retrieve flies with hard, fast strips and always use strip-sets rather than lifting the rod. When bluefish are surface feeding, poppers provide explosive action.

What do Bluefish eat?

Bluefish are exceptional predators with over 70 species found in their stomachs, feeding aggressively on whatever bait is locally available including menhaden, bay anchovy, striped anchovy, butterfish, herring, squid, and sand eels.

Where do Bluefish live in Connecticut?

Bluefish inhabit Long Island Sound extensively and can be found throughout Connecticut's coastal waters, moving into estuaries and nearshore areas to feed.

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