Trolling for Bluefish in New Jersey
Trolling is the most efficient way to locate and catch bluefish over large areas of water. By pulling lures at speed behind your boat, you can cover miles of ocean and find feeding...
Trolling is the most efficient way to locate and catch bluefish over large areas of water. By pulling lures at speed behind your boat, you can cover miles of ocean and find feeding schools. When you connect with a school, the action can be non-stop. New Jersey's coastal waters hold excellent bluefish populations from spring through fall, making trolling a reliable and exciting technique.
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Overview
Trolling for bluefish involves pulling spoons, plugs, or rigged baits at relatively high speeds (4-7 knots) behind the boat. Unlike striper trolling which targets deep fish, bluefish trolling typically works the upper water column where blues chase bait. The technique is simple to learn and devastating when you find fish.
When to Use This Technique
- ✓When searching for scattered schools over large areas
- ✓During migrations when fish are moving through
- ✓When surface activity is visible but fish are boat-shy
- ✓As a way to load the cooler quickly
- ✓Combined with other techniques - troll to locate, then cast or chum
Step-by-Step Guide
Set Your Speed
Bluefish like faster presentations than stripers. Start at 4-5 knots and adjust based on results. Watch your lures boatside - they should have vigorous action without spinning wildly.
Tips
- •Faster speeds trigger aggressive blues
- •If you're getting follows without commits, speed up
- •Vary speed occasionally to trigger strikes
Deploy Your Spread
Run 2-6 lines at varying distances (50-150 feet back). Mix lure types and colors. Flat lines, outriggers, and downriggers can all produce. Keep lures in the prop wash or just outside it.
Tips
- •Stagger distances to avoid tangles
- •Inside flat lines often get hit first
- •Use outriggers to spread lines wider
Select Your Lures
Spoons are the classic bluefish trolling lure - Clark Spoons, Tony Accetta, and Drone Spoons in gold or chrome. Plugs and feathers also work. Wire leaders are mandatory.
Tips
- •Small spoons for peanut bunker bites
- •Larger plugs when big baits are present
- •Gold shines in dirty water, chrome in clear
Find the Fish
Watch for birds, surface activity, and meter marks. Troll along temperature breaks, structure edges, and areas where you mark bait. When you find fish, work the area thoroughly before moving on.
Tips
- •Birds are your best fish finders
- •Temperature breaks concentrate bait and blues
- •Mark productive spots on GPS
Handle the Hookup
When a rod bends, keep the boat moving initially. Clear other lines if needed. Hand the rod off and maintain tension throughout the fight. Blues will throw hooks if given slack.
Tips
- •Keep boat moving until rod is in hand
- •Don't slack the line during the fight
- •Net or gaff fish - no lip grabs
Recommended Gear
Rod & Reel
Medium trolling rod (6-7 foot)
Enough flex to handle speed and strikes. Roller guides or conventional.
Conventional reel (20-30lb class)
Smooth drag, level wind optional. Clicker for bite detection.
Line & Terminal
20-30lb monofilament
Stretch helps with high-speed strikes. Or use braid with a mono topshot.
Wire leaders (12-18 inch)
Mandatory for bluefish. Attached with barrel swivels.
Lures
Clark Spoons (sizes 0-2)
The classic bluefish trolling lure. Gold and chrome essential.
Drone Spoons
Heavier spoons that run deeper. Gold is deadly.
Surgical tube lures
Rubber tube lures in green, red, and black.
Book a Bluefish Fishing Charter
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Best Locations in New Jersey
Offshore Lumps
northUnderwater structure that concentrates bait and blues. Find the lumps on your chart and troll the edges.
Inlet Approaches
centralOutside major inlets where blues intercept bait. Barnegat, Manasquan, and Shark River approaches produce.
Temperature Breaks
offshoreWhere warm and cool water meet. Find them with your temperature gauge and troll along the edge.
Along the Beach
centralWhen blues push bait against the beach, troll parallel in 20-40 feet. Stay outside breakers.
Best Conditions
Tides
Moving water helps, but bluefish are less tide-dependent than stripers. Troll when you can and adjust to conditions.
Weather
Calmer water makes boat control easier. Light chop is fine. Avoid rough days that make managing the spread difficult.
Time of Day
Morning and evening produce best, but blues feed throughout the day. Summer heat may push fish deeper midday.
Season
May through November with peaks in June and September-October during migrations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Trolling too slowly - blues like speed
- ✗Not using wire leader - guaranteed cut-offs
- ✗Running all the same lures - vary your spread
- ✗Ignoring birds and surface activity
- ✗Slacking the line during fights - hooks pull easily
- ✗Not varying depth - use planers or downriggers if needed
Pro Tips
- ✓When you catch one, mark the spot and circle back
- ✓Speed changes trigger strikes - occasionally throttle up
- ✓Gold spoons outfish chrome in dirty water
- ✓Small Clark Spoons match peanut bunker perfectly
- ✓Keep pliers handy - those teeth are unforgiving
- ✓Ice fish immediately for best eating quality
Frequently Asked Questions
What speed should I troll for bluefish?
Generally 4-7 knots, faster than you would for stripers. Watch your lures boatside and adjust until they have good action without spinning.
Can I use the same gear as striper trolling?
Yes, with modifications. The main difference is speed (faster for blues) and the mandatory use of wire leaders to prevent cut-offs.
What size Clark Spoon for bluefish?
Match the bait. Size 0 or 1 for peanut bunker bites, size 2 when larger bait is present. Have multiple sizes available.
How many lines should I run?
Start with 4 lines until you learn to manage the spread. Two flat lines and two on outriggers covers good water. Add more as you gain experience.