The bluefish is a summer visitor to our Homosassa fishing waters. They seldom get very big down here and average 1 to 3 lbs in size. They are great fighters on light tackle. If you are getting cut off while fishing for Sea Trout in our Homosassa flats, you are probably falling victim to either a bluefish or spanish mackerel. Switch to a wire leader, Bluefish are not shy and are voracious eaters. Be very careful around their mouths as they have rows of very tiny razor sharp teeth and will cut you badly if your are not cautious.

Bluefish

Family Pomatomidae, BLUEFISHES
Pomatomus saltatrix

Description: color blue or greenish blue on back, sides silvery; mouth large; teeth prominent, sharp, and compressed; dorsal and anal fins nearly the same size; scales small; lateral line almost straight.

Similar Fish: blue runner, C. crysos.

Where found: young usually INSHORE spring and summer, moving OFFSHORE to join adults fall and winter; strong migration of northeast Atlantic stock to Florida east coast in winter.

Size: most west coast catches under 3 pounds, much larger on east coast.

*Florida Record: 22 lbs., 3 ozs.

Remarks: travels in large schools, following schools of baitfish; cannibalistic; all members of a given school about the same size; spawning occurs OFFSHORE in spring and summer.

* The Florida records quoted are from the Department of Environmental Protection's printed publication, Fishing Lines and are not necessarily the most current ones. The records are provided as only as a benchmark.

Regulations

Min. Size Limits: Not less than 12" at the fork.

Closed Seasons: None.

Daily Rec. Bag Limit: 10 per person per day.

Remarks:


Home \| Local Fish \| Recent Catches \| Fishing Photos \| Flats Boat Build Pictures \| Fishing Videos	Homosassa Fishing - Bluefish Information and Tactics