Overview
Bonito are the entry point to pelagic fishing for most Australian anglers — accessible from rocks, jetties and small boats.
They hunt whitebait, pilchards and slimy mackerel in tight schools, driving bait to the surface where birds mark the fish for you.
Their flesh is dark and strong but makes excellent bait and outstanding sashimi if bled and iced instantly.
Where to find them
- ▸Rocky headlands with deep water and washy fronts.
- ▸Inshore bommies and reef edges holding bait.
- ▸Harbour entrances on a run-out tide.
- ▸Behind trawlers and around bait balls marked by working birds.
Tackle
- ▸Rod: 8'–9' rock spin or 7' boat spin rated 4–8 kg.
- ▸Line: 20–30 lb braid with 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.
- ▸Lures: 20–40 g chrome slices, 65–95 mm stickbaits, small skirted trolling lures.
Tips from the water
- ▸Cast beyond the school and retrieve fast — bonito rarely refuse speed.
- ▸Bleed immediately if you want to eat them.
- ▸Live or dead bonito strips are premium mulloway and kingfish bait.
Regulations
Size, bag and possession limits differ between states and can change each season. Check the current rules with your state fisheries authority before keeping a fish.