Best Pier and Surf lures for catching Bluefish

Bluefish are one of the most aggressive gamefish in the sea, spreading fear and chaos in smaller-sized baitfish schools wherever they roam. Bluefish are very common along the Atlantic Coast ocean beaches from May until late autumn where large schools of blues - all similar in length to avoid cannibalistic comrades - feed, attacking any bait in sight.

Bluefish have sharp teeth so your fishing tackle must be rugged. Although bluefish are often caught on cut bait used by bottom fishermen, inshore saltwater anglers know that the most fun way to catch bluefish from the surf or pier is with a lure. Blues smash artificial lures with gusto and the thrill of fighting one up onto a pier deck or through the suds on the beach is addictive.

Here are some of the best lures to use when catching bluefish from the pier or surf:

Bass Pro Shops XPS Tungsten Jigging Spoon - 1/2 oz. - Nickel

This is a great lure to throw at bluefish from the beach. It cast a mile and has superior flash, detail and action that make it stand out from other spoons, including the 3D lazer eyes. Tungsten is heavier than lead - so these spoons are much smaller than comparable lead spoons, allowing you to "match the hatch" with no loss of sink rate. Classic design with brilliant scale finish. Toss it where mullet or pogies are schooling up and the blues will smash it hard.

Bomber Saltwater Grade A-Salt HD Minnow - 7" - Blue Runner

When you see how hard bluefish hammer the Bomber Saltwater Grade A-Salt HD Minnow, you'll be glad it's armed with a metal lip and a body that's strong as bulletproof glass. The A-Salt HD Minnow's tantalizing side-to-side wiggle screams ''murder me'' to nearly every bluefish that swims by, and its .040 stainless steel lip holds up to repetitive casting use and abuse. Features razor-honed Bomber Saltwater Grade hooks linked to super-duty components and an internal weighting system makes this bait a bullet to cast. You can use it from the pier, boat, or surf.

Sea Striker'® Got-Cha Plug - 3" - Red/White

Every bluefish buff knows that blues have a fondness for Got-Cha plugs. They can't resist them, and with the double treble hooks you rarely miss a fish. They cast a country mile from the pier and can also be used in the surf. Many bluefish anglers love the red head and white body combinations, but at times different color combos of Got-Cha plugs take blues and it is always fun to be the only one on the pier with the right color. Some hints: yellow heads, pink bodies, and gold or silver Got-Chas can really stir bluefish up.