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Bluefish

Bluefish

Bluefish are aggressive marine predators found throughout New Jersey's coastal waters, from the Delaware Bay to the Atlantic Ocean and into estuaries like Raritan Bay, Sandy Hook Bay, and Barnegat Bay.

Scientific Name: Pomatomus saltatrix

Physical Characteristics:
  • These powerful fish are characterized by their grayish blue-green coloration above, silver-white below, with a distinctive black blotch at the base of the pectoral fin.
  • They possess razor-sharp teeth and can grow up to 44 inches, though fish over 20 pounds are exceptional.
  • In New Jersey waters, bluefish commonly range from 7-inch 'snappers' to much larger specimens weighing 10-15 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout New Jersey's coastal waters, from the Delaware Bay to the Atlantic Ocean and into estuaries like Raritan Bay, Sandy Hook Bay, and Barnegat Bay.
  • Follow seasonal migration patterns, moving north in spring and south in fall.

Key Locations

  • Raritan and Sandy Hook Bays, Delaware Bay, Barnegat Bay, surf zones along Island Beach State Park, inlet areas, and offshore reefs.

Bluefish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Bluefish in New Jersey?

Roberts Rangers (especially in red/white), Cotton Cordell pencil poppers for surface action, Kastmasters, GT Ice Cream lures, hoochies for trolling, and tube-and-worm rigs. Chunk baits like menhaden or mullet.

When is the best time to fish for Bluefish in New Jersey?

Bluefish fishing in New Jersey is excellent from May through December, with peak action during summer and fall months. Along New Jersey's coast, they arrive by April, peak through summer and fall, then head south or offshore as temperatures drop.

How do you catch Bluefish in New Jersey?

Fish them with fast, erratic retrieves - you cannot strip too fast for bluefish. They respond well to poppers worked frantically on the surface, metal lures cast into feeding schools, and chunk baits.

What do Bluefish eat?

They're voracious predators that feed on butterfish, squid, silversides, herring, mackerel, menhaden, anchovies, spot, scup, sand launce, young weakfish and striped bass, plus crustaceans and worms.

Where do Bluefish live in New Jersey?

Found throughout New Jersey's coastal waters, from the Delaware Bay to the Atlantic Ocean and into estuaries like Raritan Bay, Sandy Hook Bay, and Barnegat Bay. Follow seasonal migration patterns, moving north in spring and south in fall.

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New Jersey licenses and regulations

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