Bluefish

Pomatomus saltatrix · Pomatomidae

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Bluefish
Photo: SEFSC Pascagoula Laboratory; Collection of Brandi Noble, NOAA/NMFS/SEFSC. · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Best months

June–November

Where

  • Open sea
  • Sandy beaches
  • Harbours & piers
  • Estuaries

Best time

  • Dawn
  • Dusk

Usual size

30–80 cm

General guidance for the Mediterranean and the nearby Atlantic; local seasons can differ.

⚠️ Dangerous bite

Sharp, strong teeth: keep your fingers away from its mouth, use long pliers or cut the line.

How to catch it

Methods

  • Spinning (lures)
  • Trolling
  • Surfcasting

Baits

  • Fish strips
  • Live fish

Lures

  • Metal jigs
  • Spoons
  • Surface lures
  • Minnows / plugs

The angler's tip

A fast predator hunting in schools: cast metal lures far and retrieve fast at dawn; use a strong or wire leader, its teeth are sharp.

Legal minimum size

We have no verified rule for your country yet. Check your local fisheries authority before keeping any fish.

About this fish

The bluefish is the only extant species of the family Pomatomidae. It is a marine pelagic fish found around the world in temperate and subtropical waters, except for the northern Pacific Ocean. Bluefish are known as tailor in Australia and New Zealand, elf and shad in South Africa. It is a popular gamefish and food fish.

From Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to catch Bluefish?

The best months are June–November. Best time of the day: Dawn, Dusk.

What bait or lure works for Bluefish?

Fish strips, Live fish · Metal jigs, Spoons, Surface lures, Minnows / plugs · Spinning (lures), Trolling, Surfcasting.

These are estimates, not guarantees. Always look at the sea yourself before going out, do not go alone and wear a life jacket.