Maine is a popular state for anglers, with plenty of opportunities to catch saltwater and freshwater fish. Some of the fish in Maine are quite large and weigh over 100 pounds! A well-known fish for anglers is the bluefish. They are delicious when caught fresh and cooked immediately. Keep reading to discover the largest bluefish ever caught in Maine!
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About Bluefish
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Bluefish are found in all oceans around the world, except for the northern Pacific Ocean. They prefer temperate and subtropical water. Bluefish are the only extant species in the family Pomatomidae, and their conservation status is vulnerable. At one point, they were heavily overfished. They are some of the most common fish caught in the world and they also live in commercial fisheries.
Size and Description
Bluefish have broad forked tails, proportional bodies, and a single row of sharp teeth. As their name suggests, they have a grayish blue-green coloration. However, their colors fade to white on their lower sides and belly. These marine fish vary a lot in size. Some bluefish are as small as 7 inches long, while others can grow up to 2 feet long. An average adult bluefish weighs between 10 and 31 pounds.
Diet
Bluefish live in loose groups. They are strong and aggressive, with strong stomachs. Bluefish aren’t picky eaters, and they commonly eat small forage fish. They are smart hunters, targeting schools of fish and attacking them in feeding frenzies. The exact fish species they eat depends on the season and where they are located; however, most bluefish eat sardine-like fish. Like most fish, bluefish are cannibalistic. It’s not uncommon to see an adult bluefish eat a juvenile bluefish. Although they aren’t large enough to kill or severely harm humans, they are known to bite fisherman.
Predators
Adult bluefish don’t have as many predators as young juveniles. However, largemouth bass, sharks, whales, and dolphins often hunt for bluefish. It’s most common for young bluefish to be eaten by rays, summer flounder, tuna, seals, and sea lions.
Distribution
Bluefish live virtually anywhere; however, they move frequently depending on the season. For example, you can find bluefish off Florida’s coast in the winter. By spring, they move up north, and in June, they live off of the coast of Massachusetts. Although most bluefish groups are migratory, those living in the Gulf of Mexico rarely move with the seasons. Bluefish also live in different types of water, including brackish water.
The Largest Bluefish Ever Caught in Maine
In Maine, there are endless opportunities to fish. One of the most common types of fish you can find off the coast of Maine is bluefish. The largest bluefish ever caught in Maine weighed 19 pounds and 6 ounces. On August 8, 1994, Denis Moran caught this record-breaking bluefish at Boothbay Harbor.
Large bluefish have also been caught in other states. For example, in 1979, Charles Toth caught a massive 24-pound and 13-ounce bluefish in Connecticut. Another angler in Massachusetts also surpassed the record in Maine. On September 11, 1982, Louis Gordon was fishing in Graves Light, an island in Boston Harbor, when he reeled in a 27-pound and 4-ounce bluefish.
What about the largest bluefish ever caught? The largest bluefish ever caught weighed 31 pounds and 2 ounces. It was caught on rod and reel off the beach at Hatteras, North Carolina, in 1972. While some people claim to have seen a 40-pound bluefish, these rumors were never confirmed.
Common Fish Species in Maine
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Fishing in Maine is a fun hobby and sport for most residents. The state also sees worldwide visitors for its beauty. With over 6,000 ponds and lakes, you will never be bored. Maine is also a coastal state with a rocky coastline perfect for catching fish. The most commonly caught fish in Maine are bluefish, bass, trout, and salmon. When looking for the perfect place to fish, you should visit Bar Harbor, Moosehead Lake, Boothbay Harbor, Old Orchard Beach, Acadia National Park, and Crescent Beach State Park.
Always check the local rules for fishing in Maine before pulling out your fishing pole. The state requires a valid Maine fishing license if you are 16 years or older. With your license, you can fish for some of the most common fish species in the state, including:
- brook trout
- lake trout
- yellow perch
- brown bullhead
- lake whitefish
- round whitefish
- northern pike
- Atlantic salmon
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