Bluefish are a nuisance for fishermen looking to catch other fish. If you’re trying to catch bass or another popular species of fish, bluefish will usually steal your bait and not give it back. Like the fisherman, this is obviously frustrating. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best fishing bait for bluefish so that you can finally get what you want from your time on the water. This blog post will cover: how to use each type of bait, where they work best, and which types work better than others in certain situations. We’ll also discuss strategies for finding more effective baits as well as alternatives if none of these options seem appealing to you!
How To Choose Fishing Bait For Bluefish
We’ve all been there, you’re on the boat or at the dock and you look into your live-well or bucket and all you see is a handful of little bait. You want to catch bluefish but nothing you have seems to interest them. Ever been in that situation? I know I have several times over the years. After many years of trial and error, this is what I have come up with. Here are 6 simple steps to help find the best bluefish bait.
Step 1- Find Out What Your Bluefish Like
Let’s face it, not every bluefish likes everything so you will need to figure out what they prefer in your local waters. For instance, my blues here in the Northeast prefer squid over all other baits. Now I know what works best but let’s say you’re in Florida and they want a mullet? You will need to find a bluefish bait that looks like a mullet or better yet a small school of them.
Step 2- Size Doesn’t Matter
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking the bigger the bait, the better. When you’re looking for a variety of blues it’s best to have multiple sizes on hand. This way you will be able to present your smaller baits where big ones can’t and visa versa. I like having 4-7 inch versions of my favorite bluefish bait along with some 3-4 inch baits.
Step 3- Match The Hatch
This is where using live bait really shines. If you can find the bait they’re eating, you’ve got them! Not only is this more exciting but it’s also easier because you’re presenting something that looks natural to them.
Step 4- Color Matters
In my experience, bluefish are attracted to a bait that is a little more colorful than the surrounding water. This could be due to their predatory nature or it could be something else but either way, it seems to work. I like using brighter colored baits when targeting bluefish and I will usually go with something white, chartreuse, or pink.
Step 5- Match The Current
The current can play a big factor in what bluefish eat. If the current is slow, then you will need to present something that looks more natural and drifts with the current. This is where I like to use my grubs! Grubs are an excellent bluefish bait but they work even better when there’s some flow over them so I wait until the current is up a little before throwing them.
Step 6- Lure Selection
If you are using artificial lures, try to match what you see in nature. For instance, if they are feeding on horseshoe crabs use metal or plastic blades that resemble the crab itself. Make sure it casts well and will run true so you don’t have to worry about a few bad casts. I like to use CB-80s and 77s for bluefish but there are many, many other options out there.
Best Lures For Bluefish
There are many different lures that can be used to catch bluefish. Some of the most popular include spoons, plugs, and jigs.
Spoons are a great choice for bluefish because they can be trolled at high speeds or cast out and retrieved quickly. They are also versatile and can be fished in any water depth. Some of the most popular spoons include:
The Aglia, which comes in sizes 1/4 to 3/4 ounce and is about 5 inches long with a double hook hanger, goes well for trolling. The smaller size can also be cast or trolled slowly. This spoon has an orange head with silver sides and a red treble hook.
The Mepps Syclops is also a popular choice for trolling or casting. It comes in sizes from 1/8 to 3/4 ounce and has a single hook. The body is about 2-1/2 inches long with a silver blade and black handle.
Plugs are another great option for bluefish. They are easy to cast or trolled at medium speeds and are most effective when the water is calm. Some of the best plugs for bluefish include:
The Wiggle Wart, which comes in sizes 1/4 to 3/4 ounce with two hooks hanger, is one of the most popular bluefish plugs. It is a plastic body bait with a wiggling action that works well in both salt and fresh water.
The Storm Arashi plugs are also a great choice for bluefish. They come in sizes 3/4 to 6 ounces and feature a loud rattling sound that attracts bluefish. They are also designed to swim erratically when retrieved, which makes them irresistible to bluefish.
Conclusion
With this blog post, we hope you’ve learned a few things about the best fishing bait for bluefish. It is important to stay on top of what types of fish are in your area and also to know how they react to different types of baits. We encourage you not to settle with one single bait but rather try out several types until you find something that works well enough!
