Huge schools of bluefish make their homes in the Atlantic Ocean, off the shores of Eastern Canada and the United States to the southern tip of South America. They have been known to migrate in immense numbers, at times in schools more than 50 miles wide, from which individual groups separate from time to time to go their own way. It is estimated that many thousands of tons of them are caught by fishermen throughout the world, but mostly off the eastern coasts of North America.
These fish are large, about 15 to 24 inches long and usually weigh 1 to 4 pounds. But some grow over 3 feet long and may weigh more than 30 pounds. Their name comes from their bluish color. They are fierce and usually hungry, never seeming to have enough fish and eels, their main food. They catch these with mouths wide open and often swallow them whole.
Fishermen call the bluefish the fiercest fish in the ocean. When hooked they fight hard and sometimes even attack the person taking it off the hook, severely biting hands, fingers and arms with their dagger-like teeth. When a bluefish catches a fish too large to swallow whole, it will bite it in two. Another bluefish looking on will immediately grab the other half.
They are not the least bit afraid of people. If a person falls into water close to a bluefish, it may not hesitate to attack the person with its razor-sharp teeth. If not quickly rescued, it may cause the person’s death.
Bluefish are not in demand as a commercial fish, as they do not keep well and freezing them spoils the taste. Therefore, they are mainly a sport fish for fishermen (and sometimes fisherwomen as well), who are not only interested in fishing the ocean waters, but who want some excitement. A hooked bluefish will fight and leap into the air as it tries to shake the hook out of its mouth.
The opening Bible verse speaks of the wonders of God’s creation in the depths of the oceans. It is certainly wonderful to think of the wonders of His creation of this great world on which we live and realize that its great oceans cover more than 70% of the surface. Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 1:77All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again. (Ecclesiastes 1:7), “All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.”
Some researchers have marveled at the wisdom of the Creator who arranged for such perfection. In Psalm 139:6,146Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. (Psalm 139:6)
14I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. (Psalm 139:14), David, speaking of the wonders of creation, said it so well: “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me. . . . I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are Thy works.” We all should agree with David.
ML-12/19/1993