Bluefish in East Hampton & Montauk: A Fierce Local Favorite

Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) are one of the most exciting sportfish found in the waters off East Hampton and Montauk. Known for their aggressive strikes and relentless fighting power, bluefish are a staple of the local fishing scene, drawing both recreational anglers and commercial fishermen to the region every year.

How We Catch Them

In the waters around Montauk, bluefish are typically caught using topwater plugs, metal lures, and live bait such as bunker (menhaden). Anglers favor light tackle for an exhilarating fight, while trolling with deep-diving lures or diamond jigs is also a productive method, especially when schools are holding deeper in the water column. The annual blitzes, where bluefish chase baitfish to the surface in a feeding frenzy, make for some of the most thrilling fishing moments off the East End.

Migration Patterns

Bluefish are highly migratory, following warm water currents along the Atlantic Coast. They arrive in the waters around East Hampton and Montauk in late spring and stay through the summer and early fall before moving south as temperatures drop. These fish travel in schools and are often found mixed with striped bass, another local favorite. The best bluefish action around Montauk typically peaks in late summer when schools push into nearshore waters.

The Bluefish Fishery

Bluefish play an important role in both the recreational and commercial fisheries of Long Island. While they are often overlooked as a food fish, bluefish are prized for their rich, oily meat, which is excellent when smoked, grilled, or turned into pâté. Montauk’s fishing fleet, along with local anglers, contributes to the bluefish harvest, with sustainable management efforts in place to ensure the health of the stock. In recent years, catch limits and size regulations have been adjusted to maintain a balanced fishery.

With their explosive strikes and hard-fighting nature, bluefish remain one of the most sought-after game fish in the waters off East Hampton and Montauk. Whether you're casting from a boat off Montauk Point or chasing the summer blitzes along the beaches of Amagansett, hooking into a bluefish is an experience every East End angler should have.