bonito
Species Facts

Science Name: Sarda sarda
Other Names: common bonito, katonkel, belted bonito
Ideal Temp: 62 to 80
World Record: 18 lbs. 4 ounces, Azores
Environment: inshore, coastal
Techniques: medium tackle, trolling
Description

Atlantic Bonito are identified by their color, the conspicuously wavy lateral line, 16 to 22 gill rakers on the first arch and the 3 lateral keels on the caudal peduncle. The species has a steel-blue back and upper sides punctuated by 5 to 11 dark, slightly oblique stripes that run forward and downward. The lower sides are silver. The skipjack tuna, Euthynnus pelamis, is also striped, but the markings are along the lower sides and belly.

The Atlanitc bonito will inhabit either brackish or coastal saltwater areas. This migratory species is commonly found schooling.

As soon as the young bonito are able to feed, they waste no time in searching for prey. The species has been described as an insatiable predator that feeds throughout the day, but probably most frequently at dawn and dusk. Larvae feed on other fish larvae, but prefer copepods; juveniles also consume larvae. Adults eat larger fish such as mackerels, anchovies, alewives, menhaden and silversides as well as squids and shrimps.

Bonito are commonly caught by trolling anglers who are looking for a bigger catch. In that scenario (heavy tackle) they do not put up much of a fight. However they are a favorite target fish among light and medium-tackle anglers. Anyone targeting Atlantic bonito should try trolling feather lures pulled close to the boat. Bonito prefer a lively bait, so consider trolling a little faster for this species.

Bonito are also very common game for shoreside anglers. Cast flies and lures that resemble baitfish commonly found nearshore from the beach, jetties or rocks.