When can I catch bluefish in Florida?

Runs of giant Blues—from 8 pounds to occa- sionally 20 or more, sometimes occur offshore and in the surf, usually in March and April on the Atlantic Coast and in late summer or fall in the Panhandle, but these are unpredictable.

Where can you find bluefish in Florida?

Habitat: Found near beaches with strong tides, wave action, or water smashing against rocks. Menhaden are their primary target for food, so wherever they can be found on Florida’s east coast is where you’ll find this bitesized predator. The best pier for bluefish is the Sebastian Inlet Fishing Pier.

Is there a size limit on bluefish in Florida?

The current size limit for bluefish — 12 inches from the nose to the fork of the tail — means most surf fishers have to toss back just about all the fish they catch. Because when the vast schools of bluefish make their twice-a year migrations along Florida’s coast, only the little fish swim in the surf line.

What is the best way to catch bluefish?

Catch bluefish by trolling, or casting artificial lures. Cut baits are good for catching bluefish. On the ocean beaches people surf fish for bluefish in the fall. Bluefish have been known to strike at anything and anglers often use wire leaders to prevent the sharp teeth of the bluefish from cutting their lines.

How do you fish for bluefish?

What bait is good for blue fish?

Best Bait for Bluefish Good options include oily fish like eels. But really almost any form of baitfish can be used. Another option when learning how to catch bluefish is to use cut bait. Try chunks in the shape of small baits.

Can blue fish bite you?

Blues regularly nip chunks out of surfers and take divots out of bathers, and the vast majority of reported shark attacks on the Atlantic beaches are actually bluefish bites. Of course this won’t stop adventurous anglers from targeting the most injurious fish in the sea – and in fact it may act as motivation.

What do bluefish like eating?

They feed voraciously on their prey, eating almost anything they can catch and swallow. Bluefish have razor-sharp teeth and shearing jaws that allow them to ingest large parts, increasing the maximum size of the prey they can eat. They eat squid and fish, particularly menhaden and smaller fish such as silversides.

How do you pick up bluefish?

Bring the bluefish next to the boat as fast as possible. If you can, leave it in the water while you remove the hook. If you must lift it out of the water, wet your gloves, then lift the fish out with both hands supporting the head and base of the tail.

How do you get a bluefish off the hook?

If you are on a boat, you can pin the fish down with your knee. If you are in water, have your pliers handy and tuck that rod under your elbow. Use pliers to safely remove the hook from the fish. Grab the shank of the hook with the pliers and gently rotate the hook out.