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Bluefish

Bluefish

Bluefish in North Carolina are highly aggressive saltwater predators that are pelagic schooling species traveling in groups of like-sized fish.

They are voracious feeders with aggressive feeding habits and are known for their feeding frenzies called 'bluefish blitzes' where they savagely attack schools of bait near the surface.

Scientific Name: Pomatomus saltatrix

Also known as snappers, choppers (for smaller fish)

Physical Characteristics:

Greenish-blue backs fading to silver on the sides and belly. Stout bodies with large mouths and prominent, sharp teeth, with the lower jaw jutting out noticeably. Grow to 34 inches and 19 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

Found in North Carolina's western Atlantic waters. Range extends from Nova Scotia to Uruguay. Make seasonal migrations north in the spring and south in the winter, with larger fish congregating in the northern part of their range.

Key Locations

Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Pamlico Sound, Albemarle Sounds

Specific Spots

Sounds, bays, inlets, surf zones, nearshore waters, coastal waters, sounds, inlets, and estuaries

Bluefish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Bluefish in North Carolina?

Metal spoons (especially silver), bright-colored popping lures, jerk-jigger style baits, lead-headed plastic grubs, topwater pencil poppers, diamond jigs, cut mullet, menhaden, spot, shrimp, and live baitfish

What flies work for Bluefish in North Carolina?

Big bright flashy flies like Clousers, Deceivers, all-white patterns, poppers, and eel imitations on 2/0-1/0 hooks

When is the best time to fish for Bluefish in North Carolina?

Available year-round in North Carolina waters but peaks during warmer months. Excellent fishing from spring through fall, with peak action during summer months (May-August)

How do you catch Bluefish in North Carolina?

Cast to the edges of feeding schools rather than directly into them to avoid cut-offs. Fish incoming or running tides and offshore rip tides for best success. Retrieve lures fast and erratically - bluefish respond to aggressive presentations.

What do Bluefish eat?

Butterfish, menhaden, round herring, silversides, anchovies, sea trouts, Atlantic croaker, spot, shrimp, lobster, crabs, worms, and even other bluefish

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North Carolina licenses and regulations

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