Looking for something different this summer? Try one of these fast action fighters… on for size!

One saltwater fish found throughout Florida and providing some awesome light tackle angling thrills is none other than the unwavering bluefish. Most fish around the Florida area weigh somewhere around 2 to 6 pounds and any over that are a real treat. In 1972 off the coast of North Carolina, the recognized IGFA record was caught weighing in at 31 pounds, 12 ounces.

Blues are a schooling fish with relatively large heads, powerful jaws and a mouth full of incredibly sharp teeth. Their tapered bodies end in deeply forked tails making them powerful swimmers and fighters. They’re decorated with blue/green backs, silvery sides, and white/silver bellies, but don’t sell them short these beautiful fish have plenty of muscle and speed.

Rigging for Blues is much like rigging for any toothy fish. Wire leaders are a must or at least 60# or better fluorocarbon with long shank hooks. When fishing live baits I use a short piece of 60# Seaguar fluorocarbon tied to my braid then attach a 12” piece of 30# Tyger Leader (black or bronze) and a bright long-shank 1/0 Daiichi hook. I belly hook the greenback at the pectoral fin, cast it out and the bluefish take care of the rest.

Fish can often be caught on any type of fast-moving lure that resembles a baitfish, including metal spoons, jigs, and tube baits. If you like artificial’s try a shinny spoon or old topwater lure tied to your braid with a dark leader wire leader. Make sure it’s an old lure because you might not get it back.

You might also try trolling on the hot, humid, no wind days. Once you hook-up stop and start fan casting around the area. The fish are there you just need to find them.

It’s not uncommon to find schooling bluefish sharing the same bait schools as mackerel, ladyfish and jacks. If you’re using whitebait/greenbacks start by tossing a few around the area you are fishing. If bluefish are present it won’t take long to get them going. Keep the live chums going and the fish will usually stay within casting distance.

If like using a fly rod here’s your chance to tangle with a fish that give no quarter. Extra strong leaders and larger flies that resemble the most popular regional baitfish will do the trick.

This article is owned by Capt. Woody Gore and is copyright protected. Permission to republish this article in print or online must be granted by Capt. Gore. wgore@ix.netcom.com