Bluefish Fishing NJ
When bluefish invade the Jersey Shore in summer, chaos ensues. These aggressive predators slash through schools of bait, creating explosive surface action that gets every angler's heart racing. Welcome to the bluefish blitz.
Bluefish are the thugs of the Jersey Shore. They travel in packs, attack anything that moves, and fight like demons when hooked. From May through November, these voracious predators provide some of the most exciting fishing on the East Coast - especially during the legendary bluefish blitzes of summer.
Book a Bluefish Charter
Get in on the summer bluefish action with experienced captains. Party boats and private charters available from all major ports.
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The Bluefish Blitz
A bluefish blitz is one of the most exciting events in fishing. Bluefish trap schools of baitfish against the beach, slashing through them with their razor-sharp teeth. The water erupts, birds dive, and chaos reigns. When you find a blitz, cast into the edge of the action and hold on.
Watch for Birds
Diving terns and gulls signal feeding fish below
Early/Late is Prime
Dawn and dusk bring the most blitz activity
Approach Quietly
Spooking the bait disperses the action
Best Bluefish Fishing Spots in NJ
Island Beach State Park
Miles of accessible surf with frequent bluefish blitzes. Beach buggy access to remote areas where fish push bait against the sand.
Access: Beach buggy permit or walk-in
Sandy Hook
Jetties and beaches with excellent bluefish action. Good structure holds bait and attracts predators. No NJ license needed (federal land).
Access: Free (park fees in summer)
Inlets & Jetties
All major inlets produce bluefish when fish are running. Tidal current concentrates bait, and blues follow. Fish incoming tide for best action.
Access: Various public access points
Offshore Structure
Party boats and charters work offshore wrecks and reefs for big bluefish. Larger fish often found off the beach.
Access: Charter boats from all ports
Book a Bluefish Charter
Party boats and charters run dedicated bluefish trips throughout summer. Great for beginners - blues are aggressive and not picky about bait or lures.
Belmar
Party boats run dedicated bluefish trips in summer
View charters →Point Pleasant
Family-friendly bluefish action on party boats
View charters →Barnegat Light
Access to Island Beach blitz zones
View charters →Book a Fishing Charter
Book online through FishingBooker
NJ Bluefish Regulations (2026)
Size Limit
No Minimum
All sizes legal
Ocean Limit
3 Fish
Per angler, per day
Delaware Bay
5 Fish
Higher limit in bay
Note: Regulations change frequently. Always check the NJ Fish & Wildlife website for current rules before fishing.
Bluefish Fishing Techniques
Lure Fishing
Blues attack lures with abandon. Metal spoons, poppers, and plugs all work. Use wire leader - their teeth will cut through mono and braid.
- • Hopkins/Kastmaster spoons - Cast and retrieve
- • Surface poppers - Explosive strikes!
- • Swimming plugs - Good for covering water
- • Wire leader mandatory - 6" minimum
Bait Fishing
Cut bait works great for blues, especially from boats or piers. They're not picky - bunker chunks, mullet, or squid all produce.
- • Bunker chunks - Classic blue bait
- • Fresh mullet - Cut into chunks
- • Squid strips - Durable in current
- • Fish finder rig with wire
Safety Warning: Bluefish have razor-sharp teeth. Use pliers to remove hooks and never put fingers near their mouths. A jaw spreader is highly recommended.
Bluefish Fishing: Cost Breakdown
| Option | Cost | Includes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Party Boat (half-day) | $50-70 | Rod rental, bait, tackle | Best value, great for families |
| Party Boat (full-day) | $70-90 | Rod rental, bait, tackle | More time to find the blitz |
| Private Charter (half-day) | $500-700 | Everything, 4-6 anglers | Dedicated bluefish targeting |
| Surf Fishing (DIY) | $0-20 | Beach badge + bait | Free fishing, just need gear |
| Basic Lure Kit | $30-50 | 3-4 spoons + wire leaders | One-time purchase, reusable |
Bluefish Gear Checklist
Lures (Pick 2-3)
- ✓Hopkins Shorty (1-2 oz)
- ✓Kastmaster spoon (silver)
- ✓Surface popper
- ✓Deadly Dick lure
Terminal Tackle
- ✓Wire leaders (6-12 inch)
- ✓Snap swivels
- ✓Extra treble hooks
- ✓Split rings
Safety & Handling
- ✓Long needle-nose pliers
- ✓Jaw spreader (recommended)
- ✓Cutting board
- ✓Fillet knife
Extras
- ✓Cooler with ice
- ✓Polarized sunglasses
- ✓Bucket for bait/fish
- ✓Towels
Bluefish Fishing Mistakes to Avoid
Using mono or braid without wire leader
Bluefish have razor-sharp teeth. Your first fish bites through your line. Lure gone, fish gone.
The fix: Always use wire leader (6-12 inches) or heavy fluorocarbon (60+ lb). No exceptions. Even small blues cut line instantly.
Reaching into a bluefish's mouth to remove the hook
Emergency room visit. Bluefish bites are serious - they can remove fingers. This happens every summer.
The fix: Use long needle-nose pliers or a jaw spreader. Grip the fish behind the head. Never put fingers near the mouth.
Casting into the middle of a blitz
You spook the baitfish. The whole school scatters. Blitz over. Everyone on the beach hates you.
The fix: Cast to the EDGE of the blitz, not the center. Let your lure drift into the action. Approach quietly.
Keeping bluefish without bleeding and icing them
Strong, fishy, almost inedible meat. That "bluefish taste" people complain about.
The fix: Bleed immediately by cutting the gills. Ice the fish right away. Fresh, properly handled bluefish taste great.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for bluefish fishing in NJ?
Bluefish are available from May through November, with peak action in summer (June-August). The infamous bluefish blitzes - when schools trap bait against the beach - are most common in July and August. Fall also brings good bluefish action as fish migrate south.
What are the NJ bluefish regulations?
Current NJ regulations allow 3 bluefish per angler per day for recreational fishing in the ocean (5 in Delaware Bay). There is no minimum size limit. Commercial regulations differ. Check current NJ Fish & Wildlife rules before fishing.
Where is the best bluefish fishing in New Jersey?
Blues are everywhere when they're in! Best spots include Island Beach State Park (surf), Sandy Hook (jetties), any inlet (current attracts bait), and offshore structure. Watch for bird activity - diving birds often signal a bluefish blitz.
What lures work best for bluefish in NJ?
Bluefish hit almost anything when feeding. Metal spoons (Hopkins, Kastmaster), surface poppers, and swimming plugs all produce. Use wire leader or heavy mono - their teeth cut through regular line. Bright colors work well in murky water.
How do you find a bluefish blitz?
Watch for diving birds (terns, gulls) and surface commotion. Check fishing reports and social media for recent sightings. Early morning and evening are prime times. When you find a blitz, approach carefully and cast into the edge of the feeding fish.
Are bluefish good to eat?
Fresh bluefish are excellent eating when prepared properly. Bleed and ice them immediately after catching. Smaller "cocktail blues" (2-5 lbs) are milder than larger fish. Grill, smoke, or bake - avoid overcooking. They don't store well, so eat them fresh.
Book Your Bluefish Charter
Summer is bluefish season! Book a charter and experience the chaos of a bluefish blitz.
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