Summertime and autumn fishing in the Chesapeake Bay means trolling or casting for blues. Surf fishing for this fighting fish is popular in the autumn. Bluefish are not at their best when too large as they can taste oily. The best eating is in the two- to- five-pound weight range. Bluefish should be iced immediately when caught and eaten fresh. Approximately 90 percent of the bluefish harvested in Maryland are caught by sport fishermen.
The Fish
The long blue-green bluefish is an intimidating character with his large mouth, sharp triangular teeth and narrow snout; the lower jaw is protruding and there is a black spot on the pectoral fin. Bluefish can grow up to 32 pounds but are usually around 40 inches. They travel in groups of like-sized fish, migrating north in spring and south in autumn. The blues in Chesapeake Bay feed on many fish including white perch, striped bass, herring, alewife and American shad.
The Season
Spawning in the mid-Atlantic takes place in mid-summer and after that the bluefish move in shore. Bluefish visit the Chesapeake region from spring to autumn. Fishing in the Chesapeake is best when the weather is hot and the water is calm, so the summer months of June, July and August are best, though they do tend to stay around through October.
The Fight
Bluefish can put up a good fight and that is why anglers love them. Sight feeders, they will bite practically anything that crosses their path. They have been known to kill prey they do not eat and have occasionally snapped at human swimmers who swam into a school. Fishermen find them to be exceptionally strong fighters for their size and have significant biting power. When going after blues anglers use wire leaders to prevent bluefish from cutting fishing lines.
Locations
Schools are abundant in the lower Bay and common most years in the upper Bay, as far north as Baltimore. Peak abundance of bluefish near the mouth of Chesapeake Bay occurs in April through July and again in October through November. By mid-May, massive schools of bluefish move near Ocean City, and off Assateague Island.
Rules and Tips
Bluefish more than eight inches in length can be taken year round. The per person limit is 10 daily. Always check for state fishing regulations for updated limits. Anglers troll for bluefish with four to six lines. They use spoons or rubber tube lures. Some find it more of an adventure to chum cut bait and live line for this tough fish.
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