Lets all kill the blues

[blynch]

Originally Posted by shrimpman steve

When we were getting them on my boat we didn't use a net or gaff. Get the fish close, rod in the holder, grab the jig. All released unharmed.

^^^ unless your boat has super high gunwales I don't get why it has to be more complicated than this.

[NoLimit]

Blues are the best fish to smoke
You need that oil to keep it from turning dry
Much better than whiting

[Fishfish]

Originally Posted by StriperGirl

I actually use them to fertilize my garden. Usually use about 45 nice sized ones. If you plant in the fall you would be amazed what you can produce in the spring. Highly recommend it.

A bag of 5-10-5 is about $20 bucks, chicken poop is better, and if you compost its free. Chicken poop smells, but decomposing fish in your garden stinks. Using them for fertilizer is you right but........... Let them go if you dont want to eat them! After all, most of us fish for the sport first and then to bring food home for the table. Smoking them is great!All abundant resources came come crashing to an end. As was said earlier, this topic was beat to death in an earlier thread.

[Pennsy Guy]

I was guilty of waste years ago before the limit went into effect--never did want the limit unless a buddy at work wanted some--started boarding all of them-yes, even the alligators after I'd caught all I wanted-of course I'd go to the windward side and jig 'em up by myself and the chum bucket...if they weren't chicken blues I'd marinate 'em for 24hrs using a modified recipe gotten from the Fisherman...only kept as many as I could use after I smartened up and the mates couldn't sell 'em at the co-op...and yes, the 'gators were very good, as were the Skippys!!!!Use it for tuna, also--an excellent marinade...
Pete, you need a Turkish water pipe for them.....

[Capt Sal]

Early spring there were so many blues in Raritan Bay the bass were following them to the boat.Great sport, nothing better than watching a youngster eyes light up when that rod bends over double.We keep a couple and "ice'' them down good.All the rest are released.Very important fish for New Jersey and always has been.Respect the resource but enjoy the sport.

[Parker Joe]

I agree with swinging the blues on to the deck when possible.I also know the need to control a wild fish jumping around on board.Hooks in hands etc...That being said,years ago I made a small hook gaff bout a 10/0 with the barb shaved off.this can be used to hook the blue on top behind the dorsal with no blood or damage to the fish when released.its quick, clean,and nobody gets hurt.

[Denlon]

I really like to eat the smaller blues, say less than 5 pounds, BUT only fresh on the day you catch them.

IMHO, Blues do not freeze well! The frozen fish that comes out of the freezer is not the same as the fish that went into the freezer...even if its only frozen for a week or so.

However, frozen or not, they do make great chum when you grind them up like bunker, or mackerel for your next blue fishing trip. My Dad and I did this for over 30 years using a hand meat grinder (a big one) in his back yard. If you do this, watch out for the hundreds of yellow jackets which are somehow attracted by the smell.

Denny

[seazu]

It's Disgusting, And Next Year The First Person That Says Where Are The Blues? "you Can Tell Them To Many Slaughters"
As Funny As You Think It Is, Nothing Lasts Forever And They Are Taking One Hell Of A Beating

[bobscrestliner]

I kept a few and used the for bear bait in Canada and they worked great. Got bear of two of the tree we had them hanging on.

[NoLimit]

There was no bluefish in the 50's and it had nothing to do with overfishing

They'll do what they wanna do