Where to Catch Bluefish on the Jersey Shore

Bluefish are warm-water migrants that follow baitfish along the coast. Their arrival and departure are tied to water temperature and forage availability—understand these patterns and you'll intercept schools consistently.

Late Spring: The First Wave (May-June)

As water temperatures climb into the upper 50s, the first bluefish appear along the Jersey Shore. These early arrivals are often "snapper" blues—juvenile fish in the 1-3 pound range that provide excellent light-tackle sport. By Memorial Day weekend, expect consistent action in the back bays and along ocean beaches.

Summer Peak: Blitz Season (July-August)

This is prime time for bluefish blitzes. Schools of bunker, mullet, and spearing stack up along the beaches, and blues follow in packs. Watch for bird activity—diving gulls and terns mark feeding fish. Early morning and evening hours produce the most dramatic surface action. Mid-summer sees the largest fish, with "choppers" over 10 pounds common.

Fall Run: Running with Stripers (September-November)

Bluefish migrate south alongside striped bass during the fall run. This is when shore anglers have their best shot at both species from the same spots. Water temperatures in the 55-65°F range trigger aggressive feeding behavior as blues fatten up for their southern migration. Island Beach State Park and Barnegat Light see excellent action through November.

Winter: The Exodus

By December, most bluefish have moved south of New Jersey. While stragglers occasionally appear in warm years, plan your bluefish trips for the May-November window.

Bluefish can show up anywhere along the coast when bait is present, but certain locations consistently produce more fish.

Island Beach State Park

Ten miles of undeveloped coastline make Island Beach State Park the premier bluefish destination in New Jersey. The relentless surf matches the fish's ferocity. Watch for blitzes from Memorial Day through July, and again during the fall run. Best bets include the north jetty at the south end of the park and the beaches south of Coast Guard Station #110. Beach buggy permits allow access to remote stretches where competition is lower.

Barnegat Inlet & Jetty

The famous Barnegat Light jetty is productive year-round but shines during bluefish season. The structure concentrates baitfish, and blues patrol the current edges looking for easy meals. The south jetty produces consistently for bluefish alongside stripers and tautog.

Sandy Hook

Sandy Hook's 2,000 acres of beaches make it an unparalleled surf fishing haven. Multiple jetties plus miles of fishable beach give anglers options. Blues, fluke, and stripers all patrol these waters. The bay side offers calmer conditions when ocean surf is rough.

Shark River Inlet / Belmar

One of the most reliable fishing spots on the Jersey Shore. The Belmar area offers walkable jetties and coastline where bluefish stack up in summer and fall. The inlet walls produce steady action for anglers casting metals and plugs.

Brigantine & Absecon Inlet

South Jersey anglers head to Brigantine's jetties and the Absecon Inlet for reliable bluefish action. Less crowded than spots farther north, these areas fish well during the summer peak and fall migration.

Metal Spoons: The Go-To

When bluefish are blitzing, nothing beats a metal spoon. Hopkins, Kastmasters, and similar designs cast far, sink fast, and flash like injured baitfish. Use 1-3 oz spoons depending on conditions. Cast beyond the activity, let it sink briefly, and retrieve with a steady pumping action. Blues will intercept aggressively.

Topwater Plugs: Maximum Excitement

For pure fishing thrills, throw topwater when blues are feeding on the surface. Pencil poppers and walking plugs draw explosive strikes. Work them with a walk-the-dog action at dawn and dusk when surface activity peaks. Be ready—bluefish hits are violent and often miss the first strike.

Swimming Plugs

Bombers, Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnows, and similar swimming plugs match the bunker and mullet blues are chasing. Use bright colors in stained water, natural patterns when visibility is good. A steady medium retrieve with occasional pauses triggers strikes.

Cut Bait: The Sure Thing

When blues won't hit artificials, fresh cut bait rarely fails. Bunker chunks, mullet strips, and mackerel pieces fished on fish-finder rigs or under floats produce steady catches. Blues aren't picky—freshness matters more than species.

Wire Leaders: Non-Negotiable

Bluefish have razor-sharp teeth that slice through monofilament and fluorocarbon instantly. Use 6-12 inches of single-strand wire or heavy fluorocarbon (60-80 lb) for every bluefish rig. You'll lose fewer lures and land more fish.

Watch the Birds

Seagulls and terns are your scouts. Diving birds mark feeding fish below—when you see concentrated bird activity, get there fast. Blitzes can move quickly, so be prepared to chase the action along the beach.

Dawn and Dusk

Early morning and late evening produce the most consistent bluefish action. Blues feed aggressively in low light when their speed advantage over baitfish is greatest. Plan to be on the beach at first light during peak season.

Structure and Current

Bluefish patrol jetties, inlets, and other structure where current funnels baitfish. Points, sandbars, and troughs along beaches concentrate prey—and predators. Learn to read the beach and you'll find fish more consistently.

The Night Bite

After dark, beaches empty and bluefish move close to shore. Night fishing around jetties can be exceptionally productive, with less competition and feeding fish emboldened by darkness. Use glow-in-the-dark lures or fish bait on the bottom.