Raritan Bay Bluefish

Every year around May big bluefish invade the bays of New Jersey. Raritan Bay is home to some of these monster blues. Catching them can be exhilarating, exhausting, and downright dangerous at times.

Along the bay shore of Raritan Bay from Perth Amboy all the way to Sandy Hook bay at Gateway National Recreation Area, there are many places to fish for blues. There are piers, harbors, open beaches, and rock walls that offer great fishing opportunities. In May, it doesn't really matter where you fish, as much as it matters when and how you fish.

The first step in catching monster bluefish, blues in the eight to fifteen pound range, is to look for bait activity. Spearing and other small bait fish will have migrated into the bays as early as April, but the blues have come into the area chasing big bunker. Once the bunkers arrive, striped bass and big bluefish come in right behind them. When you find a spot that you know holds bunker, then you have found an ideal location.

Second, get fresh bait. While it may be difficult to catch or snag your own live bunker, many of the bait shops in the area will carry fresh or fresh frozen bunker. If you are unable to get bunker, you can try other oily fish like mackerel, herring, or even shad. Simply cut them into chunks and bait your hook.

Lastly, use wire leaders. These fish are big, aggressive, and hungry. They will bite through your line just as easily as they will chomp off your finger. Using wire leaders will keep your fish on the line and give you some safe leverage in handling the fish if you need to unhook.

In dealing with these big monster blues, I generally just cut off the rig if the fish is gut hooked. I try not to play around the mouth as they will definitely snap at you if they get a chance to.

There are many rigs you can use to catch big blues. Again, use wire leaders. The most popular rig to use is a fishfinder rig, but I have had success with hi-lo rigs as well. Since most of your bay shore access will put you into flats and shallow areas, time your fishing with the higher tides. It's during these times the fish will cruise through the shallows.

Good luck and enjoy the fight these fish bring.