Maine Seafood Guide – Bluefish

Bluefish

Species Description

Bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix

Wild.

Bluefish is a migratory, warm-water species that ranges throughout the Atlantic Ocean. Swimming together in large schools, strong, stout bluefish migrate north with warming water temperatures and generally, but not always, appear along Maine’s coast during the summer months.

Blue-green above and silvery below, the bluefish has a large mouth, protruding lower jaw, and prominent sharp teeth. The tail is deeply forked. Bluefish are powerful, constant swimmers and voracious predators. They frequently follow other schools of fish that are their prey, such as menhaden, mackerel, and butterfish.

Season

Year-round.

For the most recent updates on fishing bluefish in Maine waters, visit the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR).

Status

Bluefish populations in the western Atlantic Ocean are considered healthy. The stock is not overfished nor is overfishing occurring. (Fishwatch.gov)

Regulatory Authority

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council.

Harvest Method

Gillnet, hook and line, and some trawl. See the vessel and gear guide for more information.

Recreational Harvest

Recreational harvest of up to three bluefish per angler per day is allowed. There is no minimum size. It is unlawful to use any hook other than a circle hook when using bait. A circle hook means “a non-offset hook with a point that points 90º back toward the shaft of the hook.” When using artificial lures or flies, no more than two treble hooks are permitted. Anglers should take extra care when handling bluefish because their bite can cause serious injury.

Health Benefits & Risks

Bluefish are an excellent source of selenium, niacin, vitamin B12, and omega-3s, and a good source of magnesium and potassium.

There is a consumption advisory for bluefish due to contamination from mercury, PCBs, dioxin, and other chemicals. The State of Maine recommends that pregnant and nursing women, women who may get pregnant, nursing mothers and children under 8 not eat any striped bass or bluefish. Everyone else should eat no more than four meals per year.

View the 2021 US Food and Drug Administration’s fish consumption guidelines.

Buying & Preparing

Bluefish is a flavorful, oily fish that’s best enjoyed as fresh as possible, ideally the same day it’s caught. Because it doesn’t freeze or store well, freshness is key to getting the best taste and texture. Look for firm, shiny flesh with no strong odor. Bluefish has a rich, full flavor that can be stronger or “fishier” than more delicate white fish. Marinating in citrus, vinegar, or wine helps mellow the flavor. It’s well suited to grilling, baking, broiling, or smoking, all of which help render some of the natural oils and enhance the taste. Grilling is especially popular, as it allows some of the fat to drip away.

Maine Sea Grant