Australian Bonito

Oceans & Range: Indo-Pacific — primarily found in Australian and New Zealand waters, ranging from the tropical north to the temperate southern coasts of Australia. Also found throughout the Southwest Pacific. Not found in US continental waters — a target of Australian sport anglers, particularly along the southeastern and southwestern Australian coasts.

Preferred Water Temperature: 62°F–74°F. Follows seasonal migrations of anchovies and pilchards along the Australian coast. Particularly abundant off New South Wales and South Australia in summer months (November–March).

Size & Weight: Typically 2–8 lbs and 16–24 inches. Maximum approximately 12 lbs. Known as "bonnie" or "horse mackerel" in Australia — a popular light tackle sport fish and excellent table fare. Highly regarded as a smoked fish product.

Best Lures: Metal slugs and chrome spoons cast into surface schools produce instant strikes. Small feather jigs trolled at 5–7 knots are very effective. Soft plastics on small jig heads work in some conditions. Surface poppers and stick baits attract fish during active surface feeds.

Best Baits: Live and dead pilchards are the premier bait in Australian waters. Live anchovies (where available) produce excellent results. Cut strips of mackerel belly are highly effective. Small whole squid produce consistent action. A prized table fish in Australia, particularly when smoked or prepared as sashimi.

Indo-Pacific — primarily found in Australian and New Zealand waters, ranging from the tropical north to the temperate southern coasts of Australia. Also found throughout the Southwest Pacific. Not found in US continental waters — a target of Australian sport anglers, particularly along the southeastern and southwestern Australian coasts.

62°F–74°F. Follows seasonal migrations of anchovies and pilchards along the Australian coast. Particularly abundant off New South Wales and South Australia in summer months (November–March).

Best Lures: Metal slugs and chrome spoons cast into surface schools produce instant strikes. Small feather jigs trolled at 5–7 knots are very effective. Soft plastics on small jig heads work in some conditions. Surface poppers and stick baits attract fish during active surface feeds. Best Baits: Live and dead pilchards are the premier bait in Australian waters. Live anchovies (where available) produce excellent results. Cut strips of mackerel belly are highly effective. Small whole squid produce consistent action. A prized table fish in Australia, particularly when smoked or prepared as sashimi.

Typically 2–8 lbs and 16–24 inches. Maximum approximately 12 lbs. Known as "bonnie" or "horse mackerel" in Australia — a popular light tackle sport fish and excellent table fare. Highly regarded as a smoked fish product.