Leaping Bonito

Oceans & Range: Eastern Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea — from the Azores and Canary Islands south to West Africa, and throughout the Mediterranean and Black Sea. Not found in US waters on the East Coast under typical conditions — primarily a European and African Atlantic species. Encountered by offshore anglers in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Preferred Water Temperature: 65°F–76°F. A temperate to subtropical Atlantic species that follows seasonal migrations of small baitfish, particularly anchovies and sardines, through the Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic.

Size & Weight: Typically 2–6 lbs and 14–20 inches. Maximum approximately 10 lbs. Named for its habit of leaping from the water — spectacular behavior that is exciting to observe and photograph.

Best Lures: Small metal jigs and spoons are very effective when cast into feeding schools. Small feather trolling lures produce consistent results. Casting lightweight spinners produces good action. Small surface poppers attract fish during feeding frenzies.

Best Baits: Live small anchovies and sardines are the top baits throughout the Mediterranean range. Cut strips of fish belly produce. Small squid are universally effective. A popular sport fish in Spain, Italy, and North Africa.

Eastern Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea — from the Azores and Canary Islands south to West Africa, and throughout the Mediterranean and Black Sea. Not found in US waters on the East Coast under typical conditions — primarily a European and African Atlantic species. Encountered by offshore anglers in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean.

65°F–76°F. A temperate to subtropical Atlantic species that follows seasonal migrations of small baitfish, particularly anchovies and sardines, through the Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic.

Best Lures: Small metal jigs and spoons are very effective when cast into feeding schools. Small feather trolling lures produce consistent results. Casting lightweight spinners produces good action. Small surface poppers attract fish during feeding frenzies. Best Baits: Live small anchovies and sardines are the top baits throughout the Mediterranean range. Cut strips of fish belly produce. Small squid are universally effective. A popular sport fish in Spain, Italy, and North Africa.

Typically 2–6 lbs and 14–20 inches. Maximum approximately 10 lbs. Named for its habit of leaping from the water — spectacular behavior that is exciting to observe and photograph.