For throwing plugs at bluefish, we recommend a spinning rod and reel combo suitable for 20-30lb fused line. The optimal rod is 7′ feet long with a fast to extra-fast action and capable of handling lure weights up to 1 ounce (though you typically throw lures 50% heavier than the rating). Most anglers prefer to use 30lb fused line (as opposed to 20lb fused line) because the slightly increased line diameter does not noticeably affect casting distance.
Recommended Line for Bluefish Plugging
For bluefish plugging, we recommend loading the reel with 30lb fused line as opposed to braided line or mono. Fused and braided lines allow for much greater casting distance than mono. This is because is the much smaller line diameter of fused and braided lines. In addition, the fused and braided lines have virtually no stretch which allows the angler to carefully work even the most difficult lures, and easily set the hook. Fused line is preferred to braided line because it has better abrasion resistance and is less likely to form a wind knot.
Leader, and Terminal Tackle
The line should be attached to a 3ft length of 50-8olb fluorocarbon leader using a 75lb barrel swivel. The small profile of the swivel virtually eliminates any chance of picking up debris and provides an easy connection point between the line and the leader. The angler needs to be careful not to reel the swivel into the rod as it can damage the guides. Some anglers use an albright or uni-knot instead of a swivel. This knot can be tricky to tie properly with braided and fused lines. We do not recommend using wire leaders for bluefish plugs. The lure bodies are typically all the protection that is needed. The wire leaders harm the action of all but the biggest lures.
Surface Plug Retrieval for Stripers
As with any popping lure the angler should always experiment with different retrieval speeds. If a fish strikes at the lure and misses be sure to pause for a moment to give the fish a chance to gather itself before it strikes again. Different lures will be effective at different retrieval speeds. When targeting bluefish on poppers, lures that work well at slow speeds are typically preferred.
Surface Plug Styles, Sizes, and Colors
The two most common plug types are poppers (chuggers) and sliders (lipless swimmers). Poppers are typically heaver than swimmers and provide extra casting distance and a better target in choppy water. However, sliders can be worked very slowly and their subtle action can often draw strikes when poppers fail. Pencil poppers have the best characteristics of both types (casting distance and subtle irresistible action), but take some practice before they can be used effectively. Typically lures that are 4-7 inches are preferred, but when really big fish are around, lures up 9 inches can be used. Effective colors vary, but typically anything with a white or silver bottom is going to be effective.
Common Fishing Mistakes
One of the most common angler errors happens when the fish misses the lure and the angler takes a swing to set the hook and ends up pulling the lure out of the hit zone and eliminating the chance for a second strike. Always be sure the line is tight and the fish is on before setting the hook.
Another common mistake is that the fish strikes the lure, hooks itself, and the angler just starts fighting the fish without ever setting the hook. Bluefish often jump and thrash on the surface. They can easily unhook themselves. Remember to set the hook!
Changing Hooks
We rarely get the manufacturers original hooks to withstand a season of repeated saltwater use. In many cases we switch the hooks directly out of the package and always replace them with a corrosion resistant 3x treble. We typically carry extra size 2, 1/0, and 2/0 trebles. See our specific hook recommendations below.
Crushing Hook Barbs
Unless you are fishing in a tournament you should always crush the barbs on all treble hooks. By crushing the barbs you minimize any damage that might be done to the fish. Even more importantly, most angler/hook accidents occur when plugging. Smaller bluefish are easy to bring to the boat and are typically green (very lively). It doesn’t take much of a head shake or a slip while holding them to end up getting hooked. It can be very difficult to remove a barbed hook from an angler especially when it is attached to an angry bluefish.
Fish Flipping/Release Tool
We always use a fish flipper or release tool. The 3ft leader is just long enough for the angler to get a couple of wraps on their arm to control the fish while it is still in the water. The release tool is used to quickly remove the hooks without exposing the angler to them. It also minimizes any harm or stress to the fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
A spinning rod and reel combo suitable for 20-30lb fused line is recommended for bluefish plugging. The ideal rod is about 7 feet long with fast to extra-fast action and can handle lure weights up to 1 ounce, often throwing lures 50% heavier than the rating. Using a 30lb fused line is preferred for optimal casting distance and durability.
Fused line is preferred because it offers a smaller diameter for greater casting distance, has virtually no stretch which aids in lure control and hook setting, and provides better abrasion resistance than braided line. Unlike monofilament, fused lines enhance lure action and sensitivity, making them more effective for bluefish fishing.
Attach the main line to a 3-foot length of 50-80lb fluorocarbon leader using a 75lb barrel swivel. The swivel minimizes debris pick-up and provides a strong connection while preventing damage to the rod guides. Avoid wire leaders as they impair lure action and are unnecessary due to the lure's body protection.
Experiment with varying retrieval speeds when working surface plugs. If a fish strikes and misses, pause briefly to allow the fish to regroup before continuing. Generally, slower retrieval speeds work well with poppers, as they tend to attract bluefish strikes effectively.
The most common plug styles are poppers (chuggers) and sliders (lipless swimmers). Poppers are heavier and better for casting distance in rough water, while sliders have subtle action that can entice strikes at slow speeds. Pencil poppers combine advantages of both but require skill. Lures typically range from 4 to 7 inches, with up to 9 inches used when targeting large bluefish. Colors with white or silver bottoms are usually effective.
A frequent mistake is attempting to set the hook immediately when a fish misses the lure, pulling it out of the strike zone and losing a chance for a second hit. Another mistake is failing to set the hook after a strike, which allows bluefish to easily unhook themselves due to their thrashing. Always keep the line tight and set the hook appropriately.
Original manufacturer hooks often don't withstand repeated saltwater use. It's advisable to replace them with corrosion-resistant 3x treble hooks in sizes like 2, 1/0, or 2/0. This improves hook durability and performance during bluefish fishing.
Crushing the barbs on treble hooks reduces harm to the fish and minimizes the risk of injury to anglers. Bluefish are lively and can easily cause hook-related accidents. Removing barbed hooks from anglers during a catch can be difficult, so flattening barbs enhances safety and fish handling.