Bluefish

Bluefish generally feed in schools, actively pursuing prey in tidal rips or in inshore shallows where food is easier to catch. The feeding behavior of this species is legendary. Bluefish are reputed to dash wildly about within schools of prey species, biting, crippling and killing numerous small fish that do not get eaten. They frequently drive schools of prey species into shallow inshore areas where it becomes easier to cripple or catch fish that are trying to escape. Occasional, during particularly frenzied feeding activity, schooling fish such as menhaden will literally be driven to shore, leaving a number of fish beached along the wave line. Although this occurs relatively infrequently, an occasional beach littered with dead fish has given rise to the bluefish’s exaggerated reputation as a voracious predator.
Snappers (small blues) are caught in estuaries and bays, and adults are caught along rocky and sandy shores and from boats. Many anglers prefer light spinning gear, rigged with 8 pound test line when fishing for snappers. When fishing for adults the type and weight of the preferred combo will vary with the degree of experience the angler has developed. When fishing for adults a wide range of plugs, both swimming and diving, eel type jigs and squid like lures are used. Pogies, mackerel and eels are generally the preferred baits. When these are not available, many types of bait can be successfully substituted. Wire leaders are a must when bait fishing, in order to prevent a hooked fish from cutting the line with it’s sharp teeth.
As with most fish, the quality of the flesh will be best preserved when the fish is cleaned and iced as soon as it is captured. The soft textured flesh of the bluefish has a high oil content. When concentrated, fish oil can create a strong flavor that is not favored by many people. Bluefish fillets can be marinated in acidic foods such as vinegar, lemon or lime juice, wine or they can be cooked with fresh vegetables such as tomatoes or onions. These methods will lessen the strong flavor as well as retain the oils that confer the full health benefits associated with eating fish.

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