Bluefish Fishing in Florida
When bluefish are caught across Florida, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Bluefish catch through the year
Recreational catch in Florida by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching bluefish in Florida
Bluefish catches in Florida run hardest around Mar-Apr, with the strongest two-month windows in Mar-Apr and Sep-Oct. Anglers keep about 25% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Florida fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch bluefish in Florida?+
Catches peak around Mar-Apr (March and April). The strongest two-month windows are Mar-Apr and Sep-Oct. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release bluefish in Florida?+
Across Florida, about 25% of the bluefish caught are kept and 75% are released. That works out to roughly 1.3M kept and 4.0M released in 2024.
How many bluefish are caught in Florida?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 5.3M bluefish caught by recreational anglers in Florida in 2024, making it the #20 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this bluefish data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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