Overview
Tuna relative, fast and feisty. Often the first fish beginners catch on party boats in California.
Identification
Strong oblique stripes on the backShort pectoral finsElongated bodyLunate-shaped tailLarge eyesBig mouth with sharp teeth
- Body
- Elongated and streamlined fusiform body.
- Colouration
- Silvery body with dark stripes on the back and a light belly.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Absent/not noticeable
- Growth
- Fast, quick-growing species with high reproductive capability.
Taxonomy
- Family
- Scombridae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
Related species
Katsuwonus pelamisThunnus albacaresThunnus thynnusAuxis rocheiSarda sarda
Habitat & distribution
- Environment
- coast, open_sea, pelagic
- Preferred bottom
- pelagic
- Geographic distribution
- Pacific Ocean along the American coast from Southern California to Peru.
- Micro-habitat
- Prefers open waters near the coast, often hunting near schools of baitfish.
Frequently moves in search of baitfish schools.
Presence by sea area
Na Costa Ovest CentroPeak
Na Costa Ovest SudPeak
Na Baja CaliforniaPeak
Sa Pacifico SePeak
As Giappone SudPeak
Diet
- Primary prey
- anchovies, sardines, squid
- Secondary prey
- anchovies, lanternfish, planktonic crustaceans
- Occasional prey
- mullet, pipefish
- Feeding behaviour
- Fast and aggressive predator, hunts both individually and in small groups, often seen chasing schools of fish.
- Natural predators
- sharks, tunas, carnivorous seabirds
Prefers rapid and coordinated attacks, both solo and in groups.
Behaviour
- Activity
- diurnal
- Social behaviour
- small_groups
- Aggressiveness
- medium
- Migration
- Seasonal migrator along the coast seeking warmer waters.
- Seasonal behaviour
- Forms schools during warmer months when food is abundant, dispersing in colder months.
- Juveniles
- Juveniles form small groups near the coast for protection from predators.
- Adults
- Adults are often seen in groups around baitfish schools.
Reproduction
- Spawning season
- March, April, May
- Spawning depth
- Between 20 and 60 meters
- Eggs
- Pelagic eggs, small and transparent.
- Larval stage
- Highly active pelagic larvae that quickly disperse with the currents.
- Sexual maturity
- 2-3 years
When to catch Pacific Bonito
Activity calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PeakGoodLowInactive
Activity by season
Best times
DayDawn, Midday, Dusk
Night—
This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.
Fishing activity decreases in winter, when conditions are less favourable.
Ideal conditions
Water temperature
10°COptimal zone: 14-24°C27°C
Preferred tide: moving
Where to catch it
Best spots
current zonesnear reefsalong the coastsbaitfish schools
Bottom preference
Spot type
Fishing techniques
Recommended
trollingspinningjiggingtrolling
Other applicable
SpinningShore JiggingTrolling OceanicoBeach FishingLive BaitingPesca A Mosca In MarePoppingRock FishingSlow JiggingSpinning MedioSpinning PesanteSpinning VeloceStreamerSurfcastingSurfcasting MedioSurfcasting NotturnoSurfcasting PesanteTraina CostieraVertical Jigging
Recommended baits
live baitsquidsardinespike lures
Baits by pressure
Low
Feather jigMetal jig leggero (20-40g)Metal slug / PilkerPiuma colorataSabiki standardCucchiaino ondulanteJerkbait
Medium
Acciuga vivaSardina vivaTrancio di sardina
High
Acciuga vivaFeather jigMetal jig leggero (20-40g)
Catch & handling tips
- Fight
- Fights vigorously, tends to move swiftly and energetically.
- Handling
- Use gloves to avoid injuries from teeth and fins.
- Release
- Ensure it is fully revived before releasing.
Curiosities & culture
- Record catches
- The IGFA all-tackle world record for Pacific Bonito (Sarda chiliensis) is 5.44 kg, caught off the coast of Mexico in 2008.
- In the kitchen
- Consumed fresh or smoked, sometimes used in sushi.
- Cultural notes
- Considered a prized sportfish for its fighting ability.
- Historical notes
- Traditionally fished by Native Americans along the Pacific Coast for centuries.
