Bonito

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Bonito, known for their speed and powerful fights, can be found in the coastal waters of Florida, offering exciting opportunities for anglers targeting nearshore and offshore species. They are commonly encountered in various regions along the Atlantic coast of Florida.
Florida: Bonito can be found in the Atlantic Ocean along the east coast of Florida, from the northern regions around Jacksonville down to the southern regions including Miami and the Florida Keys. They are often found near reefs, wrecks, and in areas with strong currents where baitfish gather.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Bonito are pelagic fish that inhabit nearshore and offshore waters. They are often found near reefs, wrecks, ledges, and other structures that attract baitfish. Bonito are highly migratory and tend to follow schools of baitfish, which they feed on voraciously.
Look for bonito in areas with strong currents, as they are known to congregate in these high-energy zones. They are also commonly encountered in areas with depth changes, such as drop-offs or underwater humps. Bonito are typically found in open water but can venture closer to shore during their feeding frenzies.

PATTERNS

SPRING

Spring is a productive season for targeting bonito in Florida. As water temperatures rise, bonito become more active and move closer to the shore in search of baitfish. Look for them near reefs, wrecks, and areas with strong currents. Trolling with diving plugs, casting metal jigs, or fly fishing with baitfish patterns can yield success.

SUMMER

In the summer months, bonito can be found in both nearshore and offshore waters. They often roam along the edges of reefs, chasing schools of baitfish. Look for them in areas with pronounced structure, such as drop-offs or ledges. Casting and retrieving flashy lures, trolling with spoons or feathered jigs, or fly fishing with streamer patterns can be effective.

FALL

Fall is another productive season for targeting bonito in Florida. They continue to actively feed on baitfish, especially as they prepare for their migrations. Look for bonito near reefs, wrecks, and areas with strong currents. Trolling with artificial lures, casting surface poppers or topwater plugs, or fly fishing with baitfish imitations can elicit strikes.

WINTER

Bonito can still be found in Florida's coastal waters during the winter, although their presence may vary depending on water temperatures and baitfish availability. They may move to deeper waters or follow warmer currents during colder days. Trolling with deep-diving plugs, vertical jigging with metal lures, or fly fishing with weighted streamers can be effective during the winter months.

Bonito are aggressive predators that feed on fast-moving baitfish. To target bonito, anglers commonly use artificial lures and flies that mimic small baitfish. Effective lures include metal spoons, feathered jigs, diving plugs, and surface poppers. Fly anglers can use baitfish patterns tied with flashy materials and weighted to match the depth at which the bonito are feeding.

Trolling

How: Trolling is an effective technique for targeting bonito. Use high-speed trolling lures or rigged baits to mimic the quick movement of their prey. Keep the boat speed between 6-10 knots and cover a wide area to increase your chances of encountering bonito. Pay attention to any bird activity or surface disturbances, as they can indicate the presence of feeding bonito.
Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy trolling rods with a fast action. Reels: Lever drag trolling reels with a high line capacity. Line: 20-30lb test monofilament or braided line. Lures: Trolling lures such as feather jigs, diving plugs, or skirted trolling baits.

Casting/Jigging

How: When bonito are feeding near the surface or actively chasing baitfish, casting or jigging can be productive. Cast lures or jigs into the feeding frenzy or areas of baitfish activity and work them back with a fast and erratic retrieve. Keep an eye out for any surface boils or birds diving, as these can indicate the presence of feeding bonito.
Gear: Rods: Medium to medium-heavy spinning or casting rods. Reels: Spinning or baitcasting reels with a smooth drag system. Line: 12-20lb test monofilament or braided line. Leaders: 12-20lb fluorocarbon leaders. Lures: Metal jigs, soft plastic jerkbaits, spoons, or topwater lures.

Live Bait

How: Bonito can be targeted using live bait, such as small baitfish or squid. Use a cast net or sabiki rigs to catch live baitfish or purchase them from a bait shop. Rig the live bait with a suitable hook and weight and present it near the surface or in areas where bonito are known to feed. Keep an eye on the baitfish's behavior, as bonito often target the weakest or most injured individuals.
Gear: Rods: Medium spinning or casting rods. Reels: Spinning or baitcasting reels with a smooth drag system. Line: 12-20lb test monofilament or braided line. Hooks: Size 2-4 live bait hooks. Leaders: 12-20lb fluorocarbon leaders.

Fly Fishing

How: Bonito can provide thrilling action on the fly. Use small baitfish or shrimp imitations that match their natural prey. Look for feeding activity, surface disturbances, or birds diving to locate bonito. Make accurate casts ahead of the moving fish and strip the fly back with quick, erratic retrieves to entice strikes.
Gear: Rods: 7-9wt fly rods designed for saltwater fishing. Reels: High-quality fly reels with a smooth drag system. Line: Weight-forward floating or intermediate sinking saltwater fly lines. Leaders: 9-12ft leaders with 12-16lb fluorocarbon tippets. Flies: Small baitfish patterns, shrimp imitations, or poppers.