Bluefish - Pomatomus saltatrix

Also known as: Blue, Chopper, Gator, Ocean Piranha, Snapper, Taylor

The bluefish is found worldwide, including the Mediterranean and Black Seas, in temperate to tropical waters, although sporadic in occurrence and location.

The bluefish is the only member of the family Pomatomidae. The mouth has extremely sharp teeth. The existence of a spine in the second dorsal fin, the absence of head markings, and the lack of an interspace between the dorsal fins distinguish the bluefish from the similar looking greater amberjack, Seriola dumerili. The bluefish’s lack of finlets immediately distinguishes it from the mackerels.

The voracious bluefish richly deserves the nicknames marine piranha and chopper because it swims in large schools through shoals of bait fish, slashing and destroying everything in its path. They will bite anything, including unlucky swimmers. Bluefish can easily inflict serious wounds even when the fish is out of water; as many a careless fishermen has learned.

Same anglers sniff out bluefish by their smell, which is something like fresh cucumbers. Fishing methods include trolling, chumming, casting, jigging, and live and dead bait fishing from boats, shores or piers. Live baits are preferred, but plugs, lures or feathers are also used. Bluefish does not keep well if frozen, and the flesh tends to become soft if not eaten soon after capture.