Bluefish jacksonville11/27/2023 “Bluefish are opportunistic feeders and will eat Atlantic menhaden, silversides, anchovies, Atlantic croaker, spot, squid, shrimp, lobster, crabs, worms, other bluefish and many other fish species,” said Behringer. Good thing I remembered that story after I jumped into the water to record the event. You do not want to be in the water with this fish while they feed – they will attack a diver and chew right through your wetsuit. Having been in the water filming a school of these fish while they blitz-fed on Atlantic menhaden, I remembered a story that was told to me when I first started scuba diving some 30 years earlier. They are voracious feeders eating practically anything they catch in their path while eating,” Behringer said. This mixes the water at the surface that looks something like a washing machine during its cleaning cycle. “This species exhibits a behavior known as a ‘blitz.’ Large concentrations of large fish viciously attack bait fish that are near the surface, and hit them from below. This fish weighed 31 pounds, 12 ounces, and was landed on Jan. The all-tackle world record bluefish was caught off Hatteras in 1972. This species will spawn several times during the spring and summer months,” he said. “Females can lay between 400,000 to 2 million eggs per season, depending upon their size. Learn more and watch digital shorts and climate portraits. ![]() PBS North Carolina’s State of Change initiative examines the impact of climate change on coastal and inland communities across the state and how communities and individuals have responded with innovative solutions. ![]() Recreational fishing citations are given for fish weighing 15 pounds or more. In North Carolina waters, bluefish typically grow up to 34 inches in length and weigh 19 pounds. The fish will typically be between 15 to 20 inches in length at that age,” he said. They are able to reproduce by the time they are 2 years old. This species grows quickly, and can grow up to 31 pounds and be 39 inches in length. “Bluefish live to be as old as 12 years of age. They have a deep, forked tail that resembles that of a tuna, another indicator this fish is designed for speed,” said David Behringer, Division of Marine Fisheries bluefish biologist. The dorsal fin is also set-back on the top of the fish to reduce drag during quick bursts of speed to catch their prey. The second dorsal is just about the same size as the anal fin. “The dorsal fin is divided into two sections with the first section about half as long and high as the second fin. They have a protruding, and powerful jaw full of sharp, serrated teeth. Bluefish have a blue-green coloration along their back, and appear silver on their sides and bottom. This species is known for hard strikes on fishermen’s bait, and a challenging fight to land after being hooked. Learn how you can be in the Sponsor Spotlight You may refer a friend to earn another raffle entry! Learn more. Your membership at any level enters you in the drawing for a weekend for two in Beaufort, while your dollars help protect and restore our beautiful coast.
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