Bonito Gymnosarda unicolor

Bonito are rarely targeted by anglers, they are often a by catch while fishing, jigging or trolling for other species. Bonito are a fantastic sport fish that will regularly take lures from shore, particularly during the winter months when they move in close.

From the same family as mackerel, tuna, and Spanish mackerel tribes the Bonito of Australia will put up a good fight on light gear.

In Australia, “bonito” can refer to two different fish species: the Australian bonito (Gymnosarda unicolor) and the oceanic bonito (Auxis thazard).

The Australian bonito is a member of the mackerel family and is found in coastal waters around southern Australia. It is a popular sport fish and is known for its fast and powerful swimming ability. Australian bonito are often caught using lures or bait and are typically released after being caught, as they are not considered to be a highly prized table fish.

The oceanic bonito, on the other hand, is a smaller fish and is more commonly used for food in Australia. It is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, and in Australia it is mainly found in the northern waters off Queensland and Western Australia. Oceanic bonito are commonly caught using bait and small lures, and are often smoked or canned for consumption.

It is important to note that both Australian and oceanic bonito are migratory species and can vary in abundance depending on the season and location. Anglers should follow local fishing regulations and best practices to ensure sustainable fishing practices and the conservation of these important fish species.

Australian Bonito Migration

Australian Bonito (Gymnosarda unicolor) are a pelagic, migratory fish species that are found in temperate waters around southern Australia. They are known to undertake seasonal migrations, moving along the coast in search of food and suitable breeding grounds.

During the warmer months, Australian Bonito are often found in the southern parts of Australia, around Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. As the water cools down, they tend to migrate northward, often as far as Queensland, following schools of baitfish such as pilchards, anchovies, and squid. They typically return southwards in the warmer months, completing their annual migration cycle.

The exact timing and patterns of Australian Bonito migration can vary from year to year and depend on a range of factors such as water temperature, food availability, and weather patterns. As such, it can be challenging for anglers to predict the exact movements of these fish.

However, many recreational fishers target Australian Bonito during their annual migration, using lures and baits to catch them from boats, piers, and rock platforms. It is important for anglers to follow local fishing regulations and guidelines to ensure sustainable fishing practices and the conservation of Australian Bonito populations.

Leaping Bonito

Australian Bonito