Pacific Bonito
Sarda chiliensis
FR Bonite du Pacifique · ES Bonito del Pacífico · PT Bonito-do-Pacífico
Also known as: Eastern Pacific BonitoBonito del Pacífico OrientalBonito-do-PacificoBonito del PacíficoBonite du PacifiqueBonito-do-Pacífico
PelagicBoat
Gamefish
Score
—
Prime time
Warm months; daylight, bait/bird activity
Depth
5–80m
Platform
Boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jul–SepGood Jun–Oct
Depth range
5–80mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Trolling60%
Sabiki under lights60%
Findr bio
Morning surface runs when bait's thick. Feathers or metals, fast retrieves only...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Open seaShallow water
Recommended baits
Fish baitsSquidSpinnersSurface lures
Diet
AnchovySardineSmall fishSquidShrimp
Effective techniques
TrollingJiggingSpinning
Gear
Best times
DawnDayDusk
Pacific bonito — fast, flashy, and criminally underrated sashimi.
Field notes
Where to find them
California/Pacific nearshore and offshore banks
Where they hang out
Nearshore to offshore, surface layer
Prime time
Warm months; daylight, bait/bird activity
Tide game
Low; current edges and bait activity matter most
What they're into
Trolled lures, live bait
Temperature vibe
Prefers 16–24°C
Fave weather
Calm-to-moderate seas best
Fun fact about me
Pacific bonito — fast, flashy, and criminally underrated sashimi.
Dinner material?
6/10Edible, nothing special
Play by the rules
Bag/size limits common — check CDFW rulesCalifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
Looking after them
Least Concern
Other regions where you can target Pacific Bonito