Atlantic Bonito

Oceans & Range: Eastern and Western Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea, and Black Sea. In the Western Atlantic, found from Nova Scotia to Argentina, with main concentrations off New England in summer (June–October) and throughout the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico year-round.

Preferred Water Temperature: 62°F–75°F. A schooling, migratory species that follows temperature-driven baitfish migrations along the Eastern Seaboard. Arrives in New England waters as warm water moves north in summer.

Size & Weight: Typically 2–8 lbs and 16–22 inches. Maximum size approximately 12 lbs. World record: 18 lbs 4 oz. Outstanding light tackle sport fish with impressive speed and stamina relative to size.

Best Lures: Trolled small feather jigs and cedar plugs produce consistent action. Casting chrome metal jigs, diamond jigs, and small Deadly Dicks into feeding schools is very effective. Small spoons produce on the surface. Small epoxy jigs work well on finicky fish. Tube lures in white or pearl are excellent.

Best Baits: Live sand eels are the top bait in New England waters. Live bay anchovies produce fast action. Fresh strips of mackerel or herring belly are effective. Whole small squid work well. Atlantic Bonito are excellent live bait for large Striped Bass and Bluefish.

Eastern and Western Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea, and Black Sea. In the Western Atlantic, found from Nova Scotia to Argentina, with main concentrations off New England in summer (June–October) and throughout the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico year-round.

62°F–75°F. A schooling, migratory species that follows temperature-driven baitfish migrations along the Eastern Seaboard. Arrives in New England waters as warm water moves north in summer.

Best Lures: Trolled small feather jigs and cedar plugs produce consistent action. Casting chrome metal jigs, diamond jigs, and small Deadly Dicks into feeding schools is very effective. Small spoons produce on the surface. Small epoxy jigs work well on finicky fish. Tube lures in white or pearl are excellent. Best Baits: Live sand eels are the top bait in New England waters. Live bay anchovies produce fast action. Fresh strips of mackerel or herring belly are effective. Whole small squid work well. Atlantic Bonito are excellent live bait for large Striped Bass and Bluefish.

Typically 2–8 lbs and 16–22 inches. Maximum size approximately 12 lbs. World record: 18 lbs 4 oz. Outstanding light tackle sport fish with impressive speed and stamina relative to size.