Another tough bluefish fights all the way to boatside. You expect nothing less from these fine game fish. Photo by Gary Caputi.

The chum bucket hadn't been in the water for 10 minutes before the first hit. As my young friend was drifting back a baited hook, the line was yanked from between his fingers. It started disappearing from the reel so quickly that only his presence of mind to keep his thumb on the spool prevented the reel from backlashing.

He turned the handle on the bait- caster and it slipped neatly into gear; the tussle between fish and boy began. The smiles, hoots and hollers that ensued were enough to invigorate even the crustiest old salt. There's nothing like the excitement and fun generated when you put youngsters, or any neophyte anglers for that matter, on a school of hungry bluefish. Even seasoned fishermen enjoy the action if you have the forethought to match the tackle to the size fish you're catching.

That blue was the first of dozens more we caught that day. Most were from 4 to 7 pounds, great fun on light tackle. Some blues fell for smelt or spearing, others to bunker backs, a few fish were even caught on jigs cast back into the slick.

Chumming is one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to fish for bluefish because you can employ a wide variety of tackle options that will give you the opportunity to experience the fighting prowess of these gamesters. Bluefish are strong and fast for their size, regardless of how big, and their fighting ability puts many other popular game fish to shame. Here are a few tips and tricks for making your chumming trips more successful.

GET READY!
Before you ever get near the boat, assemble the gear you'll use, and make sure the local bait store has the chum and bait you'll need. Always call at least a day in advance and have them set aside a couple of buckets of chum and inquire about what kinds of bait they have in their freezer. Bring an assortment of baits because there are times when bluefish can be incredibly picky. Checking the availability in advance can prevent you from having to go on a wild goose chase looking for supplies when you want to be on the water fishing; it also ensures that you will have a selection of frozen baitfish for use as hook baits.

Do a tackle check. Since you never know for sure if you're going to encounter small, medium or large blues, bring a selection of outfits. Include light stuff like small spinners filled with 6-pound-test, some heavier spinners or baitcasting outfits loaded with 12-pound-test line and, if the big boys make an appearance, be prepared with some heavier conventional outfits with 20-pound-test, which is about as heavy as you need to go.

A private boat isn't like fishing on a head boat. There are no patrons lined up on both sides of the rail to tangle with, so you can easily beat the biggest bluefish on modest tackle and have plenty of fun doing it. If you fly- fish, take along an 8- or 10-weight, fast-sinking line and a selection of flies like old Deceivers (ones that you won't mind having shredded after hooking a couple of blues).