The bluefish is a highly migratory fish that will move with the temperatures of the water. In Georgia, they are caught seasonally by anglers who enjoy targeting them because of the impressive fight. During the right time of year, they can be seen both inshore and offshore. What is a bluefish?

How To Identify A Bluefish

Do you wonder what is a bluefish? The appearance of a bluefish will make you realize why it is such a strong battling fish. They have a streamlined muscular body with a forked tail. The lower half of the fish is typically white but turns to steel blue around the center point and up to the dorsal fins. A sharp row of teeth lines the large mouth, so be cautious when handling a blue fish. Lastly, a black spot is most often seen on the pectoral fins.

What Is The Range Of A Blue Fish

The range of a bluefish is extensive. It travels seasonally based on the water temperatures. During the summer months, the fish is in northern waters all the way up to Nova Scotia. As the temperatures begin to cool in the fall, bluefish migrate south down into Florida. For anglers who target these fish in Georgia, South Carolina, or North Carolina, spring and fall are when the populations are most significant as they travel down or back up the coast.

How Big Do Bluefish Grow

Are you wondering how big do blue fish get? A blue fish can be caught in a wide range of sizes. In the northeast, bluefish tend to be larger, while in the south, they are small. As the fish migrate down the coast, they tend to shed some pounds. In Georgia, they are frequently caught between a pound and twelve pounds. The bigger bluefish in the north will exceed twenty pounds.

How Do You Catch Blue Fish

The bluefish is an aggressive feeder that is almost always on the prowl for food. For anglers in Georgia, they are often a bycatch when fishing for sea trout, flounder, redfish, and sheepshead. When Georgia inshore fishing, there is no need to change up your popping cork rig. Hook a live shrimp on the hook beneath the popping cork and pop it gently back towards the boat.

Anglers also encounter them while surfcasting or fishing offshore waters. Medium rod and reel combinations are best suited for bluefish. They are excellent gamefish so expect long runs and even jumps. To avoid cutoffs from the sharp teeth, use heavy leader line or wire.

Beyond live shrimp or live bait, squid and cut bait are also effective for bluefish. For a sportier approach, cast artificial lures with a fast retrieval speed and hang on for the bite.

Are Bluefish Good To Eat

The question is often asked is blue fish good to eat? Some fishermen enjoy the taste of bluefish, while most do not. The flesh is coarse, oily, and may have dark meat, especially from larger fish. When they are caught, it is best to ice them down immediately. For the best taste, eat them the same day.

If you can get past the answer of no to blue fish good to eat. Know that when bluefish are prepared to eat, they are most frequently pan-fried or broiled. Before cooking, remember to cut away all of the dark meat to avoid any unwanted flavor.

Keep in mind that you won’t find blufish menu at restaurants in Georgia as it is not appetizing enough to serve.

Bluefish Regulations In Georgia

If you plan to keep bluefish when fishing in Georgia’s coastal waters, they are open to being harvested. Keep in mind that anglers who are sixteen years and older must possess a valid fishing license from the state of Georgia. A license can be purchased when visiting here.

However, note that other common catches mixed in with bluefish including trout, flounder, and redfish are regulated. Know the Georgia flounder regulations, redfish regulations, and trout regulations if you plan to keep fish.

Is It Worth Fishing For Blue Fish In Georgia

When it comes to heading out on the water, bluefish should not be a fish that is targeted. Although they put up a great fight, you know the answer to are blue fish good to eat. Therefore, they should be released because they do not make good table fare. When fishing Georgia coast, the redfish, sea trout, flounder, and convict fish are all equally strong but are far better to eat. Fortunately, during the spring and fall, they will be mixed in with the more popular inshore gamefish for your opportunity to fight and get a closer look at a bluefish.