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Photo of Pacific Bonito (Sarda chiliensis)

Photo: CC BY 4.0 — ianmanning, Wikimedia Commons

Saltwater

Pacific Bonito

Sarda chiliensis

A fast, schooling member of the tuna family that provides non-stop light-tackle action when it shows up along the coast.

Size

No CA min · avg 3–8 lb

Season

Summer–Fall

Difficulty

Habitat

Open water around bait schools — piers, harbor mouths, and nearshore boat waters.

Best lures & bait

Small chrome jig or spoon
Feather jigs (trolled)

How to catch them

Troll feather jigs at 4–6 knots around bait schools
Cast small metal jigs into surface-feeding fish and retrieve fast

Shop lures & gear for Pacific Bonito

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