Bluefish Fishing in Connecticut

Connecticut waters come alive with bluefish each summer when schools push into Long Island Sound chasing schools of bunker, herring, and other baitfish. Party boats find blues by watching for surface feeding frenzies and bird activity, which are telltale signs of bluefish driving bait to the surface.

When the bite is on, the action is fast and furious. Every rod on the boat can be hooked up simultaneously, with blues hitting diamond jigs, metal lures, and cut bait rigs with reckless aggression. The experience of standing on a party boat deck with fish boiling on the surface in every direction is something that hooks anglers for life.

The season builds from June through November, with the fall blitz providing the most spectacular fishing of the year. As large schools of big blues funnel through the Sound heading south for winter, they feed voraciously on anything they can catch. October and early November trips can produce nonstop action with fish in the 8 to 15 pound range.

Bluefish are one of the most accessible party boat targets for beginners. The fish are not picky eaters, the bite is unmistakable, and the fight is strong enough to be exciting without requiring advanced technique. Connecticut party boats provide all the necessary tackle, including the wire leaders that are essential for bluefish's razor-sharp teeth. Just bring gloves for handling the fish, and be prepared for a workout. A good bluefish trip means sore arms the next day.