How To Catch Bonito

Bonito is a species of tuna that is found all over the world. Would you like to learn how to catch bonito? It is very strong and likes long runs. Many anglers like bonito as a gamefish as it fights hard and eats almost anything. In this article, we discuss the fishing methods, fishing tips, equipment, and behaviors of the fish that helps you catch bonito.

How To Catch Bonito

1. Trolling

Trolling is a widely used fishing method for targeting bonito, especially when they are feeding near the surface in open waters. Anglers typically deploy multiple lines equipped with lures or baitfish imitations while moving the boat at a slow to moderate speed. Bonito are attracted to the movement and vibration of the lures, often striking aggressively as they chase down their prey.

2. Chumming

Chumming is a technique used to attract bonito to a specific area by dispersing small particles of baitfish or fish oil into the water. Once the fish are attracted, anglers can then deploy lures or bait to entice them into striking. Chumming can be particularly effective when fishing from anchored or drifting boats, as it creates a concentrated area of feeding activity that bonito cannot resist.

3. Jigging

Jigging is a versatile technique that involves vertically presenting lures or jigs to bonito below the boat, typically over submerged structures or deep-water drop-offs. Anglers use specialized jigging rods to impart erratic movements to the lure, mimicking injured baitfish or squid. Bonito is often drawn to the sudden movements and flashes of the jig, striking aggressively as it descends or when jigged upwards.

4. Baitcasting

Bait casting is a fishing method in which you cast the bait into the water and then reel it back in. Bait casting covers a lot of water very quickly. Additionally, bait casting requires the casting and retrieval motions to be continuous. When a fish is attracted to the bait and gets hooked, the angler reels it back in and gets the fish.

5. Live Bait Fishing

Live bait fishing involves using live baitfish, such as anchovies, sardines, or small mackerel, to entice bonito. Anglers can deploy live baits either under floats or free-lined, allowing them to swim naturally in the water column. Bonito are attracted to the natural movements and scent of live baitfish, often striking with speed and aggression when they detect an easy meal.

Bonito Fishing Setup

A 7-foot medium heavy rod with a 4000-size spinning reel with a smooth drag rated for 20 to 30 pounds will work for bonito fishing.

How To Catch Bonito In Florida

Bonito is a pelagic fish which means it is found in open waters. However, they can sometimes be found in shallow waters as shallow as 15 feet. It is a schooling fish and will be found in schools. They eat anything and baits as well as lures can be used when fishing for bonito. Trolling, drift fishing, casting, and jigging are some of the fishing methods used to catch them.

How To Catch Bonito In North Carolina

Bonito can be found off the coast of North Carolina in open waters. They roam the waters in schools and eat anything they can find. Bonito are aggressive and this works to the advantage of the anglers. Baits and lures are used when fishing for bonito. Fly fishing, vertical jigging, casting, trolling, and drift fishing are used to catch bonito.

How To Catch Bonito In California

Bonito is a migratory fish that roams the open waters but can also be found in nearshore kelp forests. Sardines, anchovies, small fishes, and squid are some of the marine life that they feed on. Trolling and casting are used when fishing for bonito in California.

How To Catch Bonito In The Gulf

When fishing for bonito in the Gulf, look in open waters where they are often found. You will spot a school of them as they migrate from one area to another. Bonito is an aggressive fish and will eat anything it finds.

Squid, sardines, anchovies, and small baitfish are what they prey on. Trolling is one of the popular fishing methods used to catch bonito. Casting, vertical jigging, drift fishing, and fly fishing are also used to catch bonito.

How To Catch Bonito From A Boat

When fishing for bonito from a boat, you can use chumming to attract them to your boat. They are always out in the open waters in a school. They are always moving and eat anchovies, sardines, small fish, and squid. Lures and baits are used when fishing for bonito. Drift fishing, trolling, vertical jigging, and casting are fishing methods used to catch bonito.

How To Catch Bonito In New Jersey

When fishing for bonito in New Jersey, fish at the break of dawn. They will be found in schools out in open waters. Use squid, sardines, small fish, and anchovies when fishing for bonito. Drift fishing, trolling, fly fishing, vertical jigging, and casting are some of the fishing methods used to catch bonito.

How To Catch Bonito From Shore

Bonito is an open-water fish that travels in schools. They eat almost anything. Baits and lures can be used when fishing for bonito. Flashy lures with silver in them tend to attract bonito. You can also chum to attract them to the boat. Trolling is often used when fishing for bonito with plugs.

From the shore, you can cast to them using shiny spoons. A steady retrieve with an erratic lure or an erratic retrieve with a steady running lure will work. Drift fishing can also be used to catch bonito.

Best Bonito Bait

1. Anchovies

Anchovies serve as a highly effective bait choice for anglers targeting bonito, offering a natural and enticing option to entice these fast and voracious predators. These small baitfish emit a distinct scent and exhibit enticing movements that appeal to the keen senses of bonito, triggering their instinctual response to hunt.

Anglers typically rig anchovies using a variety of methods, such as hooking them through the nose or tail to allow for natural swimming action. Whether fishing from boats or shorelines, presenting anchovies near areas of active feeding or structures where bonito congregate can yield impressive results.

The natural appearance and lively movements of anchovies in the water entice bonito to strike, often resulting in explosive strikes and thrilling battles for anglers. Overall, anchovies stand as a reliable and effective bait choice for anglers seeking success in their pursuit of bonito, providing both excitement and satisfaction on the water.

2. Mackerel

Mackerel serves as an exceptional bait choice for anglers targeting bonito, providing a natural and enticing option to attract these swift and predatory fish. With their oily flesh and strong scent, mackerel emit a distinct aroma that appeals to the keen senses of bonito, luring them in from a distance.

Anglers typically rig mackerel using a variety of methods, such as cutting them into chunks or fillets and threading them onto hooks to present them effectively. Whether fishing from boats or shorelines, deploying mackerel near areas of active feeding or structures where bonito congregate can yield impressive results.

The natural appearance and oily richness of mackerel in the water entice bonito to strike, often resulting in explosive bites and exhilarating battles for anglers. Overall, mackerel stands as a reliable and highly effective bait choice for anglers seeking success in their pursuit of bonito, providing both excitement and satisfaction on the water.

3. Menhaden

Menhaden serves as an exceptional bait choice for anglers targeting bonito, offering a natural and enticing option to attract these fast and voracious predators. With their oily flesh and strong scent, menhaden emit a distinct aroma that appeals to the keen senses of bonito, drawing them in from a distance.

Anglers typically rig menhaden using a variety of methods, such as cutting them into chunks or strips and threading them onto hooks to present them effectively. Whether fishing from boats or shorelines, deploying menhaden near areas of active feeding or structures where bonito congregate can yield impressive results.

The natural appearance and oily richness of menhaden in the water entice bonito to strike, often resulting in explosive bites and thrilling battles for anglers. Overall, menhaden stands as a reliable and highly effective bait choice for anglers seeking success in their pursuit of bonito, providing both excitement and satisfaction on the water.

4. Pilchards

Pilchards are an exceptional bait choice for anglers targeting bonito, offering a natural and irresistible option to attract these swift and predatory fish. With their oily flesh and distinct scent, pilchards emit an enticing aroma that appeals to the keen senses of bonito, enticing them from a distance.

Anglers typically rig pilchards using a variety of methods, such as threading them onto hooks or cutting them into chunks to present them effectively. Whether fishing from boats or shorelines, deploying pilchards near areas of active feeding or structures where bonito congregate can yield impressive results.

The natural appearance and oily richness of pilchards in the water entice bonito to strike, often resulting in explosive bites and thrilling battles for anglers. Overall, pilchards stand as a reliable and highly effective bait choice for anglers seeking success in their pursuit of bonito, providing both excitement and satisfaction on the water.

5. Squid

Squid serves as an exceptional bait choice for anglers targeting bonito, offering a natural and enticing option to attract these swift and voracious predators. With its firm texture and strong scent, squid emits a distinct aroma that appeals to the keen senses of bonito, luring them in from a distance.

Anglers typically rig squid using a variety of methods, such as threading it onto hooks or cutting it into strips to present it effectively. Whether fishing from boats or shorelines, deploying squid near areas of active feeding or structures where bonito congregate can yield impressive results.

The natural appearance and texture of squid in the water entice bonito to strike, often resulting in explosive bites and thrilling battles for anglers. Overall, squid stands as a reliable and highly effective bait choice for anglers seeking success in their pursuit of bonito, providing both excitement and satisfaction on the water.

6. Threadfins

Threadfin serves as an exceptional bait choice for anglers targeting bonito, offering a natural and enticing option to attract these swift and voracious predators. With its slender body and silver scales, threadfin mimics the appearance of the small baitfish that bonito feeds on, making it irresistible to these predatory fish.

Anglers typically rig threadfin using a variety of methods, such as hooking them through the lips or tail to allow for natural swimming action. Whether fishing from boats or shorelines, deploying threadfin near areas of active feeding or structures where bonito congregate can yield impressive results.

The natural appearance and lifelike movement of threadfin in the water entice bonito to strike, often resulting in explosive bites and thrilling battles for anglers. Overall, threadfin stands as a reliable and highly effective bait choice for anglers seeking success in their pursuit of bonito, providing both excitement and satisfaction on the water.

7. Alewives

Alewives serve as an exceptional bait choice for anglers targeting bonito, providing a natural and enticing option to attract these swift and voracious predators. With their sleek bodies and shimmering scales, alewives closely resemble the small baitfish that bonito actively seek out.

Anglers often rig alewives using various methods, such as hooking them through the lips or tail to allow for natural swimming action. Whether fishing from boats or shorelines, deploying alewives near areas of active feeding or structures where bonito congregate can yield impressive results.

The natural appearance and lifelike movement of alewives in the water effectively entice bonito to strike, often leading to explosive bites and thrilling battles for anglers. Overall, alewives stand as a reliable and highly effective bait choice for anglers seeking success in their pursuit of bonito, offering both excitement and satisfaction on the water.

8. Silversides

Silversides are a highly effective bait choice for anglers targeting bonito, providing a natural and irresistible option to attract these swift and voracious predators. With their slender bodies and shimmering silver scales, silversides closely resemble the small baitfish that bonitos actively seek out.

Anglers often rig silversides using various methods, such as hooking them through the lips or tail to allow for natural swimming action. Whether fishing from boats or shorelines, deploying silversides near areas of active feeding or structures where bonito congregate can yield impressive results.

The natural appearance and lifelike movement of silversides in the water effectively entice bonito to strike, often leading to explosive bites and thrilling battles for anglers. Overall, silversides stand as a reliable and highly effective bait choice for anglers seeking success in their pursuit of bonito, offering both excitement and satisfaction on the water.

9. Herring

Herring stands as a highly effective bait choice for anglers targeting bonito, offering a natural and enticing option to attract these swift and voracious predators. With their sleek bodies and oily flesh, herring closely resemble the small baitfish that bonito actively seek out.

Anglers often rig herring using various methods, such as hooking them through the lips or tail to allow for natural swimming action. Whether fishing from boats or shorelines, deploying herring near areas of active feeding or structures where bonito congregate can yield impressive results.

The natural appearance and scent of herring in the water effectively entice bonito to strike, often leading to explosive bites and thrilling battles for anglers. Overall, herring stands as a reliable and highly effective bait choice for anglers seeking success in their pursuit of bonito, offering both excitement and satisfaction on the water.

10. Shrimp

Shrimp serves as an enticing bait choice for anglers targeting bonito, providing a natural and irresistible option to attract these swift and voracious predators. With their delicate texture and distinct scent, shrimp closely mimic the small crustaceans that bonito actively seek out.

Anglers often rig shrimp using various methods, such as hooking them through the tail or body to present them effectively. Whether fishing from boats or shorelines, deploying shrimp near areas of active feeding or structures where bonito congregate can yield impressive results.

The natural appearance and scent of shrimp in the water effectively entice bonito to strike, often resulting in explosive bites and thrilling battles for anglers. Overall, shrimp stands as a reliable and highly effective bait choice for anglers seeking success in their pursuit of bonito, offering both excitement and satisfaction on the water.

Best Bonito Lures

1. Spoons

Spoons are a tried-and-true lure choice for anglers targeting bonito, offering a flashy and enticing presentation that mimics the movement of fleeing baitfish. These lures typically feature a curved metal blade with a reflective finish, designed to imitate the erratic motions of wounded or distressed prey.

Anglers can vary the retrieve speed and depth to adjust to the fish’s preferences and the prevailing conditions. Spoons are particularly effective when bonito are feeding near the surface or actively chasing baitfish, as their shiny appearance and darting action provoke aggressive strikes.

Whether cast and retrieved or trolled behind a boat, spoons provide anglers with a versatile and productive option for targeting bonito in a variety of saltwater environments. With their ability to mimic natural prey and elicit strong reactions from bonito, spoons remain a go-to lure choice for anglers seeking success on the water.

2. Jigs

Jigs are a versatile and effective lure choice for anglers targeting bonito, providing a realistic and enticing presentation that closely resembles the movements of baitfish. These lures typically consist of a weighted head with a hook and a soft plastic body, often adorned with vibrant colors or reflective finishes to attract the attention of bonito.

Anglers can vary the size and color of jigs to match the prevailing conditions and the preferences of the fish. Jigs can be retrieved at varying speeds and depths to mimic the actions of injured or fleeing prey, making them highly effective when bonito are actively feeding near the surface or in deeper waters.

Whether jigged vertically or cast and retrieved, jigs provide anglers with a versatile and productive option for targeting bonito in a variety of saltwater environments. With their lifelike appearance and realistic swimming action, jigs continue to be a go-to lure choice for anglers seeking success on the water.

Bonito Fishing Tips

1. Bonito is an open-water fish that moves in schools.

2. Bonito fights very hard when hooked.

3. Baits and lures can be used to catch bonito as they are not picky eaters.

4. Bonito is a tuna species that does not taste good.

5. Bonito is fond of flashy lures with silver as part of the lure.

6. Chumming can be very effective in bringing bonito closer to your boat.

7. Trolling is a fishing method that is effective in catching bonito using plugs.

8. Spoons, plugs, and jigs are used to catch bonito.

9. Bonito tends to go into a state of convulsions when it is captured and this makes it difficult to remove the hook. To resolve this issue, hold it upside down to calm it down.

10. Bonito is a schooling fish.

11. Bonito can be caught all year round.

12. When searching for prey, bonito often leaps out of the water.

13. Bonito are often found jumping at the surface of the ocean in pursuit of prey.

14. Fast-moving bait or lures will work well to attract bonito.

15. Troll at or near the surface for bonito.

16. Do not move your boat through the school of bonito. Instead, move it near the school of fish. Motoring the boat through the school of fish will scatter them and make it difficult to relocate them.

17. Bonito can be found in coastal waters as shallow as 15 feet and as deep as 300 feet.

18. When searching for schools of bonito, keep your eyes open for birds circling above as they might be preying on baitfish that bonito also eat.

19. Jigging and bait casting are other fishing methods that can be used to catch bonito.

The Bottom Line

Bonito is a species of tuna that can be found throughout the world. It is a schooling fish that eats almost anything which makes it a favorite of anglers. In this article, we discussed fishing techniques, fishing equipment, and tips to help you successfully catch bonito.

If you also fish for other fish like Almaco jack, sturgeon, blackfin tuna, yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna, and wahoo, then you can read how to catch Almaco jack, how to catch sturgeon, how to catch blackfin tuna, how to catch yellowfin tuna, how to catch blackfin tuna, and how to catch wahoo.