Pacific Bonito

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean from Alaska south to Chile, with the main sport fishery concentrated from Central California to Baja California. Particularly abundant in Southern California waters from June through October. A highly migratory, schooling species that follows warm water intrusions northward in summer.

Preferred Water Temperature: 64°F–72°F. Follows warm water and baitfish northward in summer and retreats south in fall. The 64°F line is a reliable temperature trigger for locating fish off Southern California.

Size & Weight: Typically 2–8 lbs and 16–24 inches. Trophy fish reach 10–12 lbs. World record: 14 lbs 4 oz. A very common sport fish that can be caught in extremely high numbers off the California coast.

Best Lures: Trolled cedar plugs and feather jigs in blue-white produce fast action. Cast metal jigs (Salas, Tady) into surface schools generate instant strikes. High-speed trolling with Hex heads and Rapala magnums works well. Chrome surface iron works well at 4–6 inch sizes. Topwater lures produce when fish are busting on bait.

Best Baits: Live anchovies fly-lined or drifted are the top bait — standard SoCal technique of slowing over a school and throwing chum. Fresh-dead squid are excellent. Small sardines work well. Anchovies on a high-low bait rig produce when fishing at anchor. Pacific Bonito are also excellent live bait for larger species including Yellowtail and White Seabass.