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Bluefish

Bluefish

Bluefish are aggressive predators found throughout Rhode Island's marine waters, particularly in Narragansett Bay, Block Island Sound, and coastal waters.

These highly migratory fish are voracious feeders that exhibit a slashing attack style, often killing more prey than they can consume.

Scientific Name: Pomatomus saltatrix

Also known as blues, choppers, gators, snappers (young), skipjacks (young)

Physical Characteristics:
  • Characterized by their greenish-blue coloration with silver sides, torpedo-shaped body, forked tail, and razor-sharp teeth.
  • Adult bluefish can reach lengths of 30-45 inches and weights up to 25 pounds.
  • Young bluefish called 'snappers' or 'skipjacks' enter Narragansett Bay in June at 2 inches and grow rapidly to 10 inches by September.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout Rhode Island's marine waters, particularly in Narragansett Bay, Block Island Sound, and coastal waters.
  • Inhabit both shallow coastal waters and deeper offshore areas, frequently moving between surf zones, harbors, inlets, and open water.

Key Locations

  • Narragansett Bay, Block Island waters, Point Judith, Charlestown Breachway, Quonochontaug Breachway, and surf zones along the south shore.

Specific Spots

  • Target structure like jetties, rocky points, and inlet mouths during tidal changes.

Bluefish FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Bluefish in Rhode Island?

Roberts Rangers (especially 3oz models), Cotton Cordell pencil poppers (7-inch red/white), tube-and-worm rigs, Kastmasters, and simple bucktail jigs.

When is the best time to fish for Bluefish in Rhode Island?

Productive from May through November, with peak action during August and September when they're most abundant. Arrive in Rhode Island waters in late spring (May), reach peak abundance during summer months, and depart southward by late November.

How do you catch Bluefish in Rhode Island?

Retrieve lures and flies with fast, erratic strips to trigger strikes. Target structure like jetties, rocky points, and inlet mouths during tidal changes. In shallow water during spring, approach quietly as these fish can be surprisingly skittish.

What do Bluefish eat?

Found feeding on over 70 species including Atlantic menhaden, herring, silversides, butterfish, Atlantic herring, longfin squid, and juvenile bluefish themselves. In Rhode Island waters, menhaden accounts for 41% of their diet, while longfin squid comprises 22%.

Where do Bluefish live in Rhode Island?

Found throughout Rhode Island's marine waters, particularly in Narragansett Bay, Block Island Sound, and coastal waters. Inhabit both shallow coastal waters and deeper offshore areas, frequently moving between surf zones, harbors, inlets, and open water.

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