JP answers a new anglers questions about swivels. The main purpose for swivels is to prevent line twists and JP offers tips on picking the best type for your style of fishing.
Stamford is well known for its beautiful lakes and great fishing spots. In the late 19th century, New York residents built summer homes on the shore line to escape the hectic city and to retreat to a nice town, where they could enjoy the wonderful parks a
Mariko's in New Jersey digging up clams, night time blue fishing and hunting for the Jersey Devil.
From the country's largest tract of protected shoreline to Florida's only natural bluffs, there are so many reasons to visit Pensacola Bay. And there's no better way to top off a getaway than to catch fish. In order to do that, you need t
Bluefish are notorious for their great fight and fierce appetites. In New Jersey, Blues are the most prolific fish which also makes it the most popular species to fish for.
Since they are so aggressive, catching blue fish is more about the battle to bring the fish in than it is about enticing a bite. Anglers who head out to sea with a skilled captain almost always catch dozens of these voracious fish.
Blue fish fights are legendary among fans of this fish, so don't be surprised if you wind up with an incredible story to tell when you go after what many people refer to as 'Choppers'.
To make a comparison that most people can understand, think of blue fish as large ocean going piranhas and you won't be far off the mark. They are found all throughout the world's seas in nearly all climates. While the specific scientific name is Pomatomus saltatrix, they are generally called blue fish, shad, tailer or chopper - due to their impressive array of very sharp teeth.
Blue fish are exceptionally aggressive and they feed on just about anything smaller than themselves - including other blue fish. When they start to feed, they churn the water up so powerfully that many anglers say it looks as if a washing machine is in action. Schools of bait fish, such as sardines, end up being annihilated by blue fish and often this is how a captain will spot a school of blues.
While they have been recorded up to 40 lbs in size, most anglers tend to catch fish 20 lbs and smaller. Since they can be as deep as 200 feet, one never knows where they will be, but most angler prefer to go after fish already seen feeding near the surface of the water.
In the United States, blue fish spend the winter in Florida, heading back up the Atlantic coast as the waters warm. During the warm months they can be found as far north as Canada before they migrate back down the coast when Fall arrives.
Blue fish can be cooked, although their meat is described as being an acquired taste due to its intense flavor.
It cannot be understated how aggressive these fish are. They have been known to pursue their prey so viciously that they end up on the beach and die there. They are preyed on their entire life cycle by sharks, rays, tuna and dolphins - and each other. These fish are cannibals so they travel in schools of similar sized fish which helps them avoid turning on one another.
The first things you need to catch blue fish other than a sturdy boat with a knowledgeable captain, is a strong saltwater rod and reel. Make sure you can handle the fight, though, because blue fish will challenge your physical strength.
You will want to have a main line of 50 to 80 pound test. Steel leaders are a must because the teeth on blue fish will cut straight through most fishing lines.
A natural bait or artificial lure can be chosen. Any small bait fish such as sardines or even chunks of mackerel can work just fine. Blue fish will strike at most anything, so the bait is not nearly as important as being sure to load it with hooks. A 3/0 or 4/0 hook with an additional stinger is the preferred method for most anglers using live bait.
Those who seek the true blue fish experience at its finest swear by the fact that the waters off the New Jersey coast have some of the best, most aggressive blues in the world. These are dominant, aggressive feeders with an attitude.
Blue fish in New Jersey (NJ) is such a blast because the furious action can lead to several people on the same chartered boat all getting bites at once. This is quite a scene because everyone ends up yelling and cheering while the crew tries to make sure the lines don't get tangled.
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