The Atlantic bonito is a
fish that travels in huge
schools within 20 miles of
the shoreline. It is
located in the southern Atlantic and the Gulf Coasts year
round and in the northeast during the summer when
waters are warmer. Fishermen with smaller boats usually
target the Atlantic bonito. A surface feeder, the Atlantic
bonito usually averages from 3 to 8 pounds.
Catching Atlantic Bonito
Most anglers prefer trolling for these fish. Because they
are surface feeders, you want to keep your bait just below
the surface while trolling. A 3 or 4 ounce sinker at about
a 5 knots trolling speed should keep your lures at the
proper depth. You have to be able to adjust your trolling
speed or your set up to make sure that you are trolling at
the proper depths. Spoons and feather jigs work best for
Atlantic bonito.
Chumming can also be effective, but it can be challenging
at times. They will often feed on the chum, but refuse to
eat any of the baits that are set up with hooks. Using
lighter line and small hooks are a must. By burying the
hook completely into the bait, you will have a much better
chance of fooling the Atlantic bonito. Ground up
menhaden and other forage fish will work for chumming.
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