TECHNIQUE TO CATCH BONITO FISH
1. Understanding Bonito's Behavior
To begin with, it is necessary to introduce the principles of the behaviour of bonito fish as well as its habitat. Bonito are schooling fish that are mostly seen at the surface of the water especially when the weather is hot. Red tide usually occurs close to the shore, preferably around reefs, wrecks, or any other structure below the water level. Sharks are very predatory animals, their diet consists mainly of small fish including anchovies, sardine fish, and squids. Because of such qualities, they are easily attracted to fast-moving and quick-to-swallow lures and baits.
The main challenge is locating bonito schools, where birds, particularly diving ones like gulls or terns, actively chase baitfish. Identifying bird activity is crucial for bonito fishing when fish reach the surface.
2. Choosing the Right Equipment
If you are getting ready to catch bonito fish then knowing the right equipment to use can go a long way in determining whether you are going to have a successful fishing or not. Because of their fast swimming abilities and the strength of bonito, they need to use appropriate gear for their powerful runs.
- Rod and Reel: For TV fishing a medium light to medium action spinning rod of 6-7 feet long is suitably coupled with a spinning reel. It should also have a sleek drag that can accommodate a minimum of 200 yards of 10- 20lb of either braid or the mono line.
- Leader: Bonito possesses pointed teeth and is recognized by its charge thus, using a fluorocarbon leader of 20-30 pounds test is advisable to avoid cutting off the line. Fluorocarbon is also invisible in water which makes it perfect to be used in areas of clear water.
3. Bringing Bonito in with Lures
Conventional fishing techniques like hooks and spears are effective but less effective for bonito. To catch bonito, use fishing rods and lures that resemble natural bait, such as small, shiny, and fast-moving items on water.
- Metal Jigs: Metal lures like Kast masters or spoons are recommended for bonito fishing, mimicking small shad. Anglers should quickly release these lures to mimic fleeing baitfish.
- Topwater Lures: Bonito feeds on topwater lures like poppers and plugs, providing ripples and attracting fish. Throw the bait into a school and move it rapidly for bites.
- Soft Plastics: Soft plastic lures, tear-dropped shapes, or jig heads with a jig head are less effective but should be easily reachable and create an impression of tiny fish.
4. Chasing and Live Bait
Another great method of fishing bonito is live bait especially when the fish are very selective on what they are going to eat off the hook.
- Baitfish: Bonito likes to feed on small oily fish like sardines, or anchovies and strips of King Mackerel. All of the previously described species can be caught on a light tackle outfit; using a small hook, size 2-4, and no more than ¼ oz weight.
- Chumming: Another method that can also be used to lure bonito to your fishing ground is chumming. Small baits like pieces of small baits fish also known as ground chum should be thrown into the water to attract the attention of bonito fish around the boat. This technique can be particularly effective where bonito is not showing close to the surface area.
5. Trolling for Bonito
Trolling is one way of bonito fishing especially when it is dispersed or hidden in the water surface. This includes trolling whereby lures or bait is trailed behind a moving boat at different speeds. High-speed trolling is effective for bonito fishing due to their fast swimming.
Small feather jigs, spoons, diving plugs, and slow speeds of 6-8 kt are productive. Cover large areas and use a slow reel. Downriggers are effective for deeper bonito fishing, with trawling speed varying based on water depth, fish location, and water conditions.
6. Fishing Bonito at the Surface
Fishing at schools of Rogue surface-feeding bonito is one of the most thrilling ways of fishing for these fish. As soon as you sight a school assemble your boat upwind or upstream of the fish and throw your lure beyond the school. This is retracted quickly, with short erratic strokes to mimic an escaping bait fish.
Bonito are very predatory when it comes to feeding and can bite at anything that is thrown at them within a few seconds. To accurately cast at fish, avoid getting too close, spook the fish, and avoid disturbing wildlife, especially in Bonito. Wear polarized sunglasses to see underwater activity.
7. Defending and Getting Bonito
8. Conditions and Timing of Bonito Fishing
Bonito are most active during warm weather and can be found rather often in the waters during spring and summer. Bonito seem to bite well in the early morning and towards the evening because they are most active at dawn and dusk.
Also, fishing during flood and ebb tides since water currents help to bring foods such as bait fish to the waters ups your chances of success.
