Our second pick for good bluefish action in the northern part of the state is a different story altogether. This time, it's out of the bay and several miles off the beaches to the state's best known bluefish hotspots: The Mud Hole, Farms and 17 Fathoms are the big three of northern waters.

In summer, these areas are the holding grounds of one of the biggest bluefish populations to be found along the East Coast -- and for good reason. In these waters, bluefish numbers during the summer months have always been very good. Back in 2001, however, when fishermen finally succeeded in getting New Jersey to protect menhaden in state waters, they provided bluefish and other species of game fish with what they needed: plenty of forage!

The combination of an increasing forage base and more and bigger bluefish means plenty of action for fishermen. Boats targeting bluefish and sailing from New York, north Jersey and central Jersey ports fish these areas both day and evening. Most party boats will anchor up and chum, then fish cut baits and jig for the blues.

In these areas, the blues will usually pick up on a pattern and stay with it for several weeks or more, as long as a storm or a change in water temperatures doesn't come along and change things. More often than not, either the day fishing will dominate the action, or the evening action will be hotter. This makes it a must to keep an eye on the fishing reports so you can pick the better time to fish. Likewise, blues will also show a preference for bait over jigs, and vice versa from time to time.

One last thought on bluefish angling along the Jersey coast. We didn't highlight any spots in the surf along the coast, mainly because the slammer action in the suds is a crapshoot. Spring, summer and fall, the blues can come slamming into the beaches at any time and any place. Likewise, once the sun sets, blues will often frequent the undertow and are taken by bait-fishermen up and down the beaches.

There you have it -- a look at some of the best bluefish spots along New Jersey's lengthy coast. The Garden State is one of the top spots along the entire East Coast for bluefish of every size. And no matter what their size, they always give a good account of themselves. So if you're looking for some fishing fun this summer, jump onboard your favorite charter or party boat for exciting action with slammer blues. I hope to see you out there!