Pacific Bonito Fishing Guide

The Pacific bonito (Sarda chiliensis) is an abundant inshore schooling fish of the California current system, frequently found in the same areas as yellowtail and albacore and serving as both a game fish and a major live-bait species. They closely resemble Atlantic bonito but are a separate species restricted to the eastern Pacific. Pacific bonito are an important part of the SoCal party boat fishery, particularly during the summer months when schools come inshore. Like all bonito, quality is entirely dependent on rapid bleeding and icing — fish handled poorly develop a very strong flavor. Bonito are used as live bait for large yellowtail and bluefin, their speed and hardiness making them effective baits.

Pacific Bonito is a saltwater species.

Habitat

Eastern Pacific from Alaska to Chile; in US waters, most abundant off California and Baja, occasionally ranging as far north as British Columbia during warm-water years. Schooling, surface-oriented fish found inshore over rocky reefs and in open water; follows warm water masses seasonally.

Diet

Anchovies, squid, and other small schooling fish. Pacific bonito are aggressive surface feeders that can be caught on small iron jigs, live anchovies, and small surface lures — particularly accessible during feeding blitzes visible from long distances.

Fishing Techniques

• Casting small metal jigs from shore or boat
• Live anchovy under a float
• Trolling small chrome lures
• Surface iron jigs

Best Seasons

Summer, Fall

Size & Records

Average weight: 5 lbs. World record: 14.38 lbs (Malibu, California, USA (1978)).