Blueback Herrings are saltwater fish found from Florida up the east coast to Nova Scotia. They are seasonal migrators moving into inland freshwater rivers during the spawning season.
Habitat: Ocean, River, Bay
How to identify Blueback Herring
Blueback Herring have vibrant blue-green colored backs that transition into silver flanks. The abdomen is silver-white with spiny scutes present. This fish has a lifespan of up to eight years and grow up to 16 inches long. A unique feature of the Blueback is the dark coloring of the inside of the abdominal walls.
Where to catch Blueback Herring
Blueback Herring are found in the Atlantic from Florida (St. Johns River) up to Nova Scotia (Cape Breton.) They are migratory, moving inland to rivers during spawning season.
The following are habitats where you can catch Blueback Herring:
- Estuaries
- Channel Entrances
- Coastal Waters
- Freshwater Lakes and Ponds
- Rivers and Streams
- Shallow and Shoals
- The Open Ocean
How to catch Blueback Herring
Master anglers know that Blueback Herring are easy targets to hook when using maggots for bait. Gang or long shank hooks with whole/halved bait such as Blue Sardines/White fish are also effective for catching Blueback Herring. Bait casting with maggots, cut bait or lures is an effective method for catching Blackback Herring.
The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching Blueback Herring:
Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch Blueback Herring
Blueback Herring will take a variety of baits, including topwater baits. Walking baits, popping-type baits, hard-plastic jerkbaits and buzzbaits also work for catching Blueback Herring.
The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch Blueback Herring: