Also known as
- Blue US
- Chopper US
- Snapper Blue US
- Snap Mackerel US
- Cocktail Blue US
- Skipjack US
Identification
A muscular schooling pelagic predator of Atlantic, Mediterranean, and southern-hemisphere temperate coasts — torpedo profile delivers explosive runs and savage feeding strikes.
- Greenish to blue-grey back grading to silvery flanks and a white belly
- Extended down-turned lower jaw with razor-sharp conical teeth in both jaws
- Deeply forked caudal fin
- Two dorsal fins — a short spiny first and a longer soft-rayed second
- Small smooth scales with a straight lateral line
Where it holds
- Inshore
- Offshore
- Sandy Shores
- Rocky Shores
- Estuaries
Behaviour
A voracious schooling pelagic predator working the upper 30m of surf zones, estuaries, inlets, and nearshore water. Hunts visually in tight same-size schools, herding baitfish into surface frenzies often signposted by diving gulls and terns. Among the highest feeding rates documented in temperate fishes (20-30% body weight daily). Most active at dawn, dusk, and tide changes; peak feeding in 14-22°C (57-72°F) water. Migratory, tracking warm water along the coast.
Diet: Menhaden, Mullet, Herring, Mackerel, Small Baitfish, Squid
How it's caught
Line Fishing
Spinning
The dominant US East Coast, Mediterranean, southern African, and Australian inshore approach — cast a metal jig, bucktail, soft-plastic paddletail, or topwater popper to surface blitzes signposted by diving birds and retrieve fast and erratic. Fish strike savagely on speed and irregular motion. PE1.5-2.5 spinning, 30cm of #5-7 wire trace or 40lb fluorocarbon shock leader for the razor teeth.
Surf Casting
An iconic US East Coast, NJ, and Outer Banks beach approach — long-cast a metal lure, popper, bucktail, or fresh menhaden chunk on a fish-finder rig past the break to fish blitzing in the surf zone. 11-13ft surf rod, PE2.5-4.0 mainline, 30cm of #5-7 single-strand wire or 40lb fluorocarbon shock leader. Dawn, dusk, and tide changes are prime.
Live Lining
A productive trophy approach for big chopper bluefish — drift or anchor near structure with a live menhaden, mullet, mackerel, or herring on a 6/0-8/0 hook with #7-9 wire trace and minimal weight. Free-line baits or use a balloon for depth control. Particularly productive when fish hold mid-water rather than blitzing the surface.
Trolling
An effective approach for locating scattered schools across open water — pull spoons, soft-plastic shads, or rigged baitfish at 3-6 knots on planers or downriggers along temperature breaks and bait concentrations. #7-9 wire trace mandatory. Vary depth and speed until contact is made.
Jigging
A productive approach when fish hold deeper or on structure — drop a 60-150g metal jig to depth and work it with sharp lifts and falls. Strikes typically come on the fall. PE2-3 jigging tackle, #5-7 wire trace.
Fly Fishing
Saltwater Fly
An exciting US East Coast estuary and surf-zone fly target — cast a Clouser Minnow, Deceiver, Surf Candy, or popper to surface blitzes from a 9wt rod with intermediate or floating line. Strip fast and erratic; the fish hit savagely. 30cm of #5 single-strand wire or 40lb fluorocarbon shock tippet — flies will be lost without it.
Spear Fishing
Inshore Spearfishing
A productive Mediterranean, Australian, and southern African shore-and-jetty target during migration blitzes — locate feeding schools by looking for bird activity and surface commotion in 3-15m. Lead the fast-moving fish well; head shots preferred. Handle landed fish with extreme caution — the teeth inflict serious injury.
