Where They Live
Bluefish are everywhere in OBX waters from spring through fall. They chase bait schools in the surf, crash topwaters in the inlets, and show up on the nearshore bottom on tin jigs. Where there is bait, there are blues.
When to Fish
Spring through fall. Blues arrive in April and can be caught through November. Peak blitz action is often May–June and again October–November.
Best Tide
Blues are active feeders on both tides and throughout the day during a blitz. If they are feeding, they are catchable regardless of tide. Mornings and evenings are consistently better.
How to Catch Them
- —Topwater lures during a blitz — match the size of the bait being chased.
- —Metal jigs and heavy bucktails for reaching fish beyond casting distance.
- —Wire or bite leader is strongly recommended. Blues will cut 40lb mono on a single pass.
- —White and chartreuse are top colors. Bluefish are not picky when feeding but color matters in slow conditions.
- —Cast into the edge of the bait ball, not the center. Blues work the perimeter.
- —Retrieve speed: fast. Bluefish are chase fish and a slow presentation often gets ignored.
From the Shack
Bluefish have a full mouth of very sharp teeth and the lateral grip instinct — they will bite whatever is closest when they come over the gunnel. Use long-nose pliers or a lip gripper, never put fingers near the mouth. Unhook over the water if possible.
Top Rigs & Lures
- Bucktail Jig — White
- Topwater Stick Bait
Built for Bluefish
Hand-tied and hand-painted for these waters.
Every Week
What's Biting Right Now
Conditions, species, tides, and what's working — straight from the water.
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