Ghost Hunting: When The Bluefin Get Finicky

(Originally published in the March/April 2022 issue of the Journal)

By Capt. Jim Freda

The 2021 inshore run of December bluefin didn’t disappoint central New Jersey ghost hunters as more bluefin were seen than I can ever remember in the last five years. On any given day bluefin in the 35- to 55-inch range were present from 9 to 15 miles out and were popping up somewhere in that area. In fact, there were enough bluefin around and enough boaters out that this became a legitimate targeted fishery for the entire month. Many boaters were prepared and trying for them and many first time and veteran anglers alike connected. These December “ghosts” provided some major adrenaline rushes, hoots and hollers, and high-fives on many boats throughout the entire month.

The allure of catching a December topwater bluefin by casting poppers and stickbaits remains king in many angling circles in my central New Jersey area. If you want to make your claim to fame, this is the way to go. One reason is these bluefin are more difficult to catch than in the summertime. They are known to pop up here and there and be gone quickly, pulling a disappearing act. Therefore, they are dubbed “ghosts” by many.  They can be very difficult to catch because they get keyed in on microbaits such as juvenile sandeels or 1-inch baby hake. These two baits can make up the