Atlantic Bonito
name: Atlantic Bonito
other names: Common Bonito
Bonito is a fish that belongs to the Mackerel family. There are four different species of Bonito which live in various Oceans around the World including the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. The four different species are the: Atlantic Bonito (Sarda sarda), Australian Bonito (Sarda australis), Pacific Bonito (Sarda chiliensis), Striped Bonito (Sarda orientalis). Bonitos have a distinctive look, with blue stripes running along its sides, a white underside, and a sharp forked tail. Bonito can always be distinguished from the false albacore by a pointed mouth with fairly large conical teeth and an absence of spots on the lower front third of the fish. The Atlantic Bonito are one of the most exciting game fish These cousins of the larger tuna species are very fast and challenging to catch, and light tackle and fly anglers eagerly anticipate the arrival of these fish every year.
These fish roam the seas in constant search of food. Bonito travel in large shoals, for several reasons one is for protection and the other reason is as a collective they can ball up any prey, leaving no escape. Bonito are normally found over any water structures weed lines. Basically anything that will attract their food in providing cover / shelter the Bonito will not be far behind.
Bonito have 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.
Growth is rapid. The fish live from 1 to 9 years and the weight and size depends on how long they can actually live. The maximum size is about 36 inches in length and a weight of about 27 pounds.
Bonito are commonly caught by trolling anglers who are looking for a bigger catch or who are trolling for bait. If heavy tackle is used 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 lively bait, so consider trolling a little faster for this species.
One thing is for sure try fly-fishing for Bonito, Now there's some fun, Fishing is all about balancing the tackle used against your intended catch.
