Bonito
Sarda orientalis / Katsuwonus
Also known as: Bonito, katonkel (loose), skipjack
Illustration: gardenroutefishing.co.za
A small tuna-like speedster of the colour lines — great light-tackle sport and fine bait for bigger fish.
Field guide
Streamlined tuna-like body with dark oblique stripes along the back.
Open water and colour lines inshore
Common 1-4 kg
Fast shoaling predator on small baitfish
Blistering first runs and often spectacular aerial work — a light-tackle thrill.
Small tuna, mackerel
How to catch Bonito
Light trolling or spinning, wire optional
Fast 6000–10000 spinning reel for casting and jigging, or a light conventional for trolling.
20–30 lb braid with a mono top shot.
5/0–8/0 for bait, or upgrade the trebles/singles on lures.
0.60 mm fluorocarbon; single-strand wire for toothy species (katonkel, snoek).
Small spoons, feathers, live baitfish
When to catch Bonito
Warm months around bait
Low-light around the tide change, especially when bait is being funnelled past a point.
Warm months around bait
Warm water of 19–24 °C pushes them inshore; find the temperature/colour break.
🥅 Landing
Net or lip-gaff at the boat; on the rocks lead it to a gulley on the swash. Keep the line tight — they throw hooks.
♻️ Release
Bleedable table fish are usually kept; if releasing, minimise the fight, keep it in the water and revive before letting go.
No tours targeting this species yet — browse all tours.
