Bluefish
One of the most aggressive game fish in the Atlantic. Bluefish deliver explosive surface strikes, blistering runs, and non-stop action on light tackle throughout Cape Cod waters.
Cape Cod Bluefish
The bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) is arguably the most ferocious predator in inshore Atlantic waters. Armed with razor-sharp teeth and an insatiable appetite, blues attack bait schools with a violence that few other species can match. When a school of bluefish pushes bait to the surface, the resulting blitz — water erupting with slashing fish, diving birds, and scattered bait — is one of the great spectacles in saltwater fishing.
Cape Cod bluefish range from two-pound "snappers" to ten-pound "gator" blues, with occasional fish exceeding fifteen pounds. They are relentless fighters that punch well above their weight, making them a favorite on light spinning tackle and fly rods. A three-pound bluefish on a topwater plug will give you a fight that many larger species cannot match.
Beyond the fight, bluefish are excellent table fare when handled properly. The key is bleeding them immediately after capture and getting them on ice fast. Properly cared for, bluefish have a rich, flavorful meat that grills and smokes beautifully. Check our recipes page for preparation tips and our favorite bluefish dishes.
Where We Catch Them
Bluefish are found throughout Cape Cod waters, but our most productive grounds are Buzzards Bay, Vineyard Sound, and the south shore beaches between Falmouth and Woods Hole. The strong tidal currents that funnel through Vineyard Sound push bait into concentrated lanes, creating ideal ambush points for feeding bluefish.
Departing from Falmouth Harbor, we can be on fish within minutes. Buzzards Bay's shallow flats and rocky points hold bluefish from late spring through fall, and the rips along the Elizabeth Islands produce some of the most reliable surface action on the entire Cape.
Bluefish often run alongside striped bass on our inshore trips, giving anglers the chance to target both species on the same outing. When the blues are blitzing, we will often switch to lighter tackle to maximize the fun.
Techniques
When bluefish are blitzing on the surface, topwater plugs are the most exciting way to catch them. The explosive strikes on poppers and walk-the-dog lures are unforgettable. We also use metal jigs, soft plastics, and bucktails when fish are holding deeper in the water column.
Live bait — particularly pogies and mackerel — is deadly for larger bluefish. Trolling with surgical tube lures or spoons covers water efficiently when schools are scattered. Wire leaders are essential; bluefish teeth will cut through monofilament and fluorocarbon in an instant. Our captains carry a full spread of bluefish tackle and will match the approach to the conditions.
Season & Best Times
Our inshore season runs from April 24 through December 10, and bluefish are present for nearly the entire window. The first schools arrive in May as water temperatures climb into the upper 50s, and the bite builds steadily through June. Peak bluefish action hits from July through September when large schools patrol the rips and beaches.
Fall brings the annual southward migration, and October can produce the year's best bluefish action as schools stack up in Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay before heading south. Morning and evening tides tend to produce the most surface activity, though feeding bluefish will hit throughout the day when bait is present.
Related Pages
Ready to Catch Bluefish?
Bloodline Charters runs inshore trips from Falmouth Harbor aboard our 36-foot Harris Cuttyhunk. All gear, bait, and tackle provided. Up to 6 passengers per trip.
Or call us directly: (774) 313-6722