Most fishermen look forward to the time of year when the blustery winds of winter transform into the gentle breezes of spring. This is a sure sign of the beginning of the fishing season. Fishermen start to line the banks of their favorite ponds and streams in search of newly stocked trout. Bluefish anglers are forced to wait just a bit longer. For them, a sure sign of the start of blue fishing is when the spring run of mackerel starts to thin out. This indicates the arrival of the first bluefish of the season.

As with most species of fish, the migration of bluefish into the area is dependent on water temperatures and the availability of bait. Generally, the arrival of bluefish in Massachusetts takes place sometime in June. The first real numbers of bluefish caught by anglers usually happens around the 4th of July. Bluefish show up earlier along the Cape and islands.

For local fishermen. The first blues will be caught along Stellwagen Bank by anglers trolling deep=diving Rapala Magnums and Rebel Jawbreakers. Though the methods and techniques used for catching bluefish are varied, the most popular technique is trolling. Fishermen can cover a larger "patch" of water and the fish are less likely to "spook", especially during the first of the season. At times, though, problems do occur when a large numbers of boats have a school of blues corralled in a small area, The heavy boat traffic and the rumble of engines is almost guaranteed to put fish down.

Generally, the first fish of the season are somewhat difficult to locate as they can be anywhere from the surface to deep water. Moist fishermen start the season off by trolling with downriggers or wire line to get the needed depth. A good starting point is usually trolling at about 25 to 40 feet.

Some fishermen don’t like the idea of having to spent big bucks on downriggers and absolutely hate wire line, so they opt for trolling weights. For these fishermen, trolling weights seem to make sense. Most fishermen make use of trolling weights in the 2 to 8 oz. Range. The biggest drawback to using trolling weights id that not only are you fighting the weights but your fishing depth is little more than guess work. One way to help identify depth is to count as you let out line. When a fish hits, you know you let your line out to a 10 count and can repeat the count getting your line to approximately the same depth. Keep in mind that boat speed and currents will also effect the depth at which you are trolling.

If there is one thing that is very important when trolling with deep diving plugs it is that the plugs must be kept "clean". That is to say, no grass should be allowed to gather on the plug as this will effect it’s action and fish will stay clear. Watch your rod tip, this will let you know if there is grass on your plug. When the rod tip stops bouncing, it’s time to clean the plug.

Many times during the beginning of the season, bluefish will be seen "finning" on the surface. When this happens, too many fishermen will cast a large popper right into the middle of the school of fish. All this will do is spook the fish and send then deep. Instead, shut down the engin and allow your boat to slowly drift in the direction of the fish. Cast poppers to the edge of the school avoiding a "direct score" on the school. This technique is generally successful in drawing fish away from the school.

During the first few weeks after the arrival of bluefish, Stellwagen Bank is generally a "hot spot" with plenty of activity. Water temperatures on the top of the bank as usually a few degrees warmer that the rest of Massachusetts Bay. Fishing the double "L" on the bank and the edges often produce the greatest numbers of blues. The currents and up swells created around the bank hold plenty of bait and thus keep bluefish in the area.

As the season progresses, look for greater numbers of bluefish to be scattered throughout Mass. Bay. Weather conditions play a large part in just where the bluefish will be. Look for areas that water temperatures are slightly higher than surrounding areas. Keep a sharp eye out for any slick that is detected on the surface. Experience plays a part in the success of many bluefish anglers.

It is usual around the 4th of July or later when surf fishermen start their search for bluefish. Devereux Beach is generally popular location among bluefish anglers. Fishing the beach right after an easterly wind, though difficult to fish because of all the grass and debris, is very productive. Surf fishermen will also fish Singing Beach in Manchester, Revere Beach and Lynn Beach.

During a warm weather spell when winds are predominately out of the southwest, look for bluefish 3 to 5 miles out. The warmer surface waters are blown offshore and the blues will follow. During these conditions. Good blue fishing will usually occur around the "B" buoy, the old Marblehead Dumping Grounds and along the Graves. Deep diving plugs remain the best choice in these areas. When the winds shift to onshore, look for bluefish around the Pigs, Egg Rock, Revere, Lynn and Marblehead.

In Salem, two of the steadiest locations for catching bluefish have been the Gooseberries and the Breakers. For some reason, bluefish will generally hold in these areas during most conditions. Though most of the fish that are landed cannot be classified as monsters, a sufficient number of bluefish in the five to seven pound range can be caught when the area seems to be in a slump.

At the Breakers, located just outside Baker’s Island, live bait fishing is extremely productive, especially during the late afternoon into dusk periods. Live pogies are deadly. Live bait seems to produce fish that are somewhat larger than those caught on plugs. Drifting chunked bait can also be quite productive.

Drifting baits can be executed by using a plastic float, a balloon or letting the bait drift freely in the current. Night fishermen like to use balloons so they can insert a small light stick into the balloon and keep an eye on their bait.

Newcomb’s Ledge is another area that is productive for bluefish anglers. Trolling the area is the most productive method for attracting blues. Many times, huge schools of fish can be seen during afternoon periods. Fall fishing in this area is extremely productive.

Moving towards Gloucester and Rockport, bluefish have a habit of congregation around the Gloucester Breakwater. Thatcher’s Island and Twin Lights are also excellent areas for bluefish. Often times, fishermen trolling umbrella rigs have their rigs assaulted and torn apart by aggressive bluefish.

Bluefish also like the mouth of the Merrimack River where currents are strong and bait is plentiful. At times it can be difficult to maneuver a boat in the area as traffic is heavy with bluefish anglers.

`When the action pick up and the adrenalin is flowing, extreme caution must be exercised in order to avoid injury and increase the thrill and excitement of tight lines.