Bonito
LOCATIONS
BODIES OF WATER
Bonito, known for their speed and spirited fights, can be found in selected saltwater locations along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. They are commonly found in nearshore and offshore waters, often near inlets, jetties, and along rocky coastlines.
Alabama: Gulf of Mexico, Mobile Bay, Perdido Pass.
Florida: Gulf of Mexico (excluding previously listed coastal locations).
Louisiana: Gulf of Mexico, Chandeleur Islands, Calcasieu Lake.
Mississippi: Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi Sound, Bay St. Louis.
Texas: Gulf of Mexico, Galveston Bay, Sabine Lake.
STRUCTURE/HABITAT
Bonito are pelagic fish that inhabit nearshore and offshore waters. They are often found around areas with structure, such as reefs, rock formations, and submerged ledges. Bonito prefer areas with strong currents and upwellings, as these create ideal feeding conditions.
Look for bonito near inlets, jetties, and areas with rocky bottoms. They are frequently found feeding on schools of baitfish near the surface, creating visible disturbances in the water. Bonito are known for their aggressive feeding behavior, often chasing baitfish to the surface and slashing at them.
PATTERNS
SPRING
During the spring, bonito migrate northward along the Atlantic coast. They can be found near inlets, jetties, and rocky areas as they follow the movements of baitfish. Casting or trolling with lures that resemble small baitfish can be effective in enticing strikes. Pay attention to areas with bird activity, baitfish schools, or visible surface disturbances created by feeding bonito.
SUMMER
In the summer months, bonito can be found in nearshore and offshore waters. They may move farther offshore in search of cooler waters or remain close to rocky structures where baitfish are abundant. Casting or trolling with lures such as metal jigs, spoons, or small diving plugs can be effective in attracting bonito. Target areas with visible feeding activity or use fish finders to locate baitfish schools.
FALL
As fall arrives, bonito activity tends to increase along the coast. They may migrate southward, providing anglers with excellent opportunities to catch them. Casting or trolling with lures, such as small swimbaits, surface poppers, or bucktail jigs, can yield success. Look for diving birds, breaking water, or baitfish schools to locate feeding bonito.
WINTER
During the winter months, bonito may move to deeper offshore waters or migrate to warmer regions. While they can still be caught, targeting them during this season may require venturing to offshore structures or areas with strong currents. Trolling with deep-diving lures, using live bait, or vertical jigging can be effective techniques when targeting bonito during the winter.
Bait
Bonito are opportunistic feeders and will strike a variety of baits and lures. Common bait options for bonito fishing include small baitfish such as pilchards, herring, or small mullet. Artificial lures such as metal jigs, spoons, small diving plugs, and surface poppers can also be effective in imitating the appearance and movement of baitfish.
Techniques
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.