Bluefish
Food Quality:
Avg. Length
12-30in
Avg. Weight
2-7lbs
World Record
31lbs 12 oz
FL Record
22lbs 3oz
View Regulations
Scientific Name
Pomatomus saltatrix
Common Names
Blue, Anchoa, Chopper, Blue snapper
Description
The Bluefish has a long body with pectoral and anal fins starting just behind the gills. The first dorsal fin is spiny and the tail is widely forked. It ranges in coloration from green or blue on the back to silver on the side. There is a dark spot of color at the start of the pectoral fin. In addition to this the Bluefish is known to have aggressive, sharp teeth with a larger mouth.
Habitat & Behaviour
The Bluefish can be found in warm tropical waters near coasts and as such migrate to warm waters in the winter. They usually travel in large schools and move along the coast.
Natural Prey
Bluefish will eat ferociously when stirred up in a school. They often dine on smaller fish, crustaceans and invertebrates although they will eat anything if they can get it into their mouths.
Handling Tips
Known as ‘pirana like,’ watch your fingers around their sharp and strong jaws. They can bite your fingers right off. Have been known to snap fast, bite fingers and bite lures into pieces. Once they are in the net, pinch around the gills (which are not particularly sharp) with you index finger and thumb, wrap your hand around top of fish. No spines to worry about.
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