Bluefish

Bluefish: Pomatomus saltatrix

Florida Regulations:  

Gear Requirements:

• Legal Gear:  hook and line, spears, gigs, seine, cast net

State Waters Harvest Seasons:   Gulf of Mexico      Atlantic

Habitat and Fishing Tips:

Bluefish are commonly caught by shoreline anglers from beaches, piers and jetties. They are voracious eaters and feed primarily on schools of baitfish. While they are found throughout the year in many parts of Florida, they do migrate south in the Fall to avoid cold water temperatures in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Anglers commonly use cut bait on light to medium weight spinning tackle, but a variety of jigs, spoons and lures can also be used effectively. Bluefish are strong fighters and easy to catch but they also have very sharp teeth so it is important to use heavy (30 to 60 pound) monofilament leader. Bluefish along Florida’s Gulf coast are commonly 1 to 3 pounds while those on the Atlantic coast average 2 to 5 pounds and commonly reach 10 pounds.  Due to the high oil content, long-term frozen storage will affect product quality and should be avoided.   

State Record:

22 lb 2 oz, caught near Jensen Beach

Florida Rule

Image Credit: Diane Rome Peebles