The Ultimate Guide to Using Bonito as Bait

In the world of saltwater fishing, few baits command the respect and proven track record of the humble bonito. These torpedo-shaped members of the tuna family have earned a reputation as perhaps the most effective bait fish in the ocean. Anglers from the rocky shores of New England to the tropical waters of the Florida Keys, from the kelp beds of California to the offshore rigs of the Gulf of Mexico all share a common secret: bonito bait consistently produces trophy-class catches. What makes bonito so special isn't just their widespread availability across global waters, but their remarkable combination of natural attributes that make them irresistible to predatory game fish. Whether used live, dead, in strips, or chunks, bonito have supported both recreational and commercial fisheries for generations, often outperforming artificial lures and other natural baits when targeting the ocean's most prized species.

Bonito Species and Distribution

Bonito are globally distributed pelagic fish belonging to the genus Sarda within the tuna family (Scombridae). The two most commonly encountered species are:

Atlantic Bonito (Sarda sarda): Found throughout the western Atlantic Ocean from Nova Scotia to Argentina, as well as in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. They typically grow to 30 inches and about 12 pounds, with most catches averaging 18-24 inches in length. Their distinct coloration features silver lower sides and belly, blue-green dorsal fins, and dark, slanted stripes along the back.
Pacific Bonito (Sarda chiliensis): Inhabits the eastern Pacific Ocean, most prevalent south of Point Conception, California, extending into Mexican waters. Pacific bonito generally grow larger than their Atlantic cousins, reaching up to 40 inches and 25 pounds—sometimes nearly double the size of Atlantic bonito. They display a dark blue color above, dusky on the sides, silvery below, with similar slanted dark stripes along the back.

Other species include the Australian bonito (Sarda australis) and the striped bonito (Sarda orientalis) found in the Indo-Pacific region.

Seasonally, bonito migrations follow predictable patterns tied to water temperature and baitfish movements. In the Northeast U.S., bonito typically arrive in July and remain through September, while in Florida and California, they can be caught year-round with spring and summer representing peak seasons. Pacific bonito tend to be more abundant during warmer water periods, often disappearing from California waters during colder ocean conditions.

Their habitat preferences reveal their predatory nature. While pelagic, bonito frequently come close to shore, especially near structures that concentrate their prey:

Jetties, rocky points, and cliffs
Steep drop-off beaches
Inlets and river mouths
Nearshore reefs and ledges
Offshore banks and underwater structures

These locations provide bonito with both the deep, clear, moving water they prefer and access to the small baitfish schools that make up their diet.

Biological and Ecological Importance

Bonito possess physical characteristics that make them both effective predators and prized bait. Their streamlined, torpedo-shaped bodies enable them to reach impressive speeds when pursuing prey or evading larger predators. Their muscular build, packed with energy-rich flesh, makes them a substantial and satisfying meal for larger fish.

In marine food webs, bonito occupy a critical middle position. As active predators, they feed voraciously on smaller schooling fish such as anchovies, sardines, mackerel, silversides, and squid. This feeding behavior regulates baitfish populations while converting this energy into their own oily, protein-rich flesh. Bonito themselves serve as prey for many apex predators, including:

Larger tunas (bluefin, yellowfin)
Billfish (marlin, sailfish)
Sharks
Marine mammals (dolphins, sea lions)
Other pelagic predators (wahoo, king mackerel)

What makes bonito particularly interesting is their feeding behavior. They are aggressive surface feeders, often creating visible "blitzes" as they chase and corral baitfish against the surface. This behavior not only makes them exciting to catch but also indicates why they're such effective bait—they represent a natural, energy-rich prey item that larger predators actively target.

Their oily flesh, significant size, and widespread distribution make bonito ecologically significant in transferring energy through marine food webs from small forage fish to apex predators. This same role in nature is precisely what makes them such outstanding bait for anglers targeting those apex predators.

roosterfish bait attacked by a cuber snapper

Why Bonito Makes Outstanding Bait

Bonito's reputation as a premier bait fish is well-deserved, supported by several natural characteristics that make them highly effective at attracting and catching trophy game fish.

Oily, Scented Flesh: Perhaps bonito's most valuable attribute as bait is its extremely oily and bloody meat, which releases a strong scent trail in the water. This potent combination draws predatory fish from considerable distances, acting as a natural attractant for species with keen scent detection abilities. Even as cut bait, bonito's oils continue to disperse, creating an irresistible calling card for predators.

Natural Prey Profile: Bonito represent a natural and substantial prey item for many large game fish, including marlin, tuna, wahoo, and kingfish. Using bonito as bait taps directly into these predators' natural feeding preferences. The presence of bonito in an area often signals a healthy ecosystem and attracts larger predators looking for an energy-rich meal.

Durability: The tough flesh and skin of bonito help it stay on the hook longer than softer baits, particularly when targeting toothy or aggressive species. This durability is especially advantageous when:

Fishing in rough conditions
Trolling at higher speeds
Making multiple presentations to the same school
Targeting species known for destroying softer baits

Versatility: Few baits offer the range of presentation options that bonito provides. It can be:

Used live for maximum movement and attraction
Rigged whole and dead for trolling
Cut into chunks for bottom fishing
Sliced into strips for trolling or casting
Ground up for chumming

Each of these presentations has proven effective across different fishing scenarios, making bonito a true multi-purpose bait.

Visual Appeal: Beyond scent, bonito provides visual attraction through its natural coloration and movement in the water. When cut into strips, the silvery skin creates a flash that mimics baitfish, while the robust body of a whole bonito creates a substantial profile that can trigger predatory instincts in larger fish.

Size Advantage: While smaller baits have their place, bonito's larger size offers the advantage of attracting trophy-class fish looking for a substantial meal. Many experienced captains rely on bonito when specifically targeting record-class marlin, tuna, and other large pelagics precisely because the larger bait profile tends to attract larger predators.

Availability: Though not always easy to catch, bonito's widespread distribution across temperate and tropical oceans worldwide makes them accessible to anglers in many regions, contributing to their popularity as bait for both recreational and commercial fishermen.

This combination of attributes—strong scent, natural appeal, durability, versatility, visual attraction, size, and availability—makes bonito arguably the most complete bait fish in the ocean, capable of outperforming other options in a wide range of fishing scenarios.

Using Bonito as Bait

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luis salazar holds a bonito used for giant roosterfish bait

Types of Bait from Bonito

One of bonito's greatest strengths as bait is its versatility. A single bonito can be prepared in multiple ways to create different bait presentations, each suited to specific fishing scenarios and target species. Here are the primary types of bait preparations from bonito:

Live Bait: Whole, live bonito are considered premium bait for targeting the largest game fish, particularly marlin and tuna. Their lively swimming action and substantial size make them irresistible to apex predators.

To maintain bonito as live bait:

Use specialized tuna tubes or large baitwells with robust water circulation
Handle with wet hands to avoid removing protective slime
Minimize stress during capture and transfer
Use bridle rigging techniques to keep the bait swimming naturally
Deploy using outriggers when trolling to keep the bait near the surface

Whole Dead Bait: When live bonito aren't available or practical, whole dead specimens make excellent trolling baits, especially for wahoo, kingfish, and tuna.

For effective dead bait rigging:

Use chin weights or guards to prevent spinning
Rig with multiple hooks to improve hookup rates
Add wire leader for toothy species
Maintain moderate trolling speeds (3-4 knots) to prevent washing out

Chunks: Bonito cut into chunks delivers concentrated scent and oils, making it ideal for bottom fishing or chumming. These chunks are particularly effective for:

Bottom species like snapper and grouper
Sharks and other scent-oriented feeders
Creating chum slicks to attract pelagic species
Drift fishing over structure

Strips: Perhaps the most versatile and widely used form of bonito bait, properly cut strips offer durability, flash, and natural movement in the water. Strip baits are especially productive when:

Trolled behind lure heads or skirts
Used for kingfish, wahoo, sailfish, and mahi-mahi
Fishing areas with high pressure where natural baits outperform artificials
Needing a bait that can withstand multiple strikes

Fillets: Bonito fillets with the skin left on provide a larger presentation than strips while still offering the flash and scent that make bonito effective. They're commonly used:

For larger target species
When slow-trolling or drift fishing
As an alternative to whole bait when targeting medium-sized predators

Cured/Salted Bait: Bonito strips or chunks can be salted and cured, increasing their durability and shelf life. This preparation:

Toughens the flesh for better hook retention
Allows for longer storage periods
Can enhance the scent profile under certain conditions
Provides ready-to-use bait when fresh bonito isn't available

The ability to create these varied presentations from a single fish makes bonito exceptionally economical as bait. Even injured or less-than-perfect specimens can be converted into effective cut bait, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. This versatility is a significant reason why serious offshore anglers consider bonito to be among the most valuable baits available.

Techniques for Using Bonito as Bait

Successful fishing with bonito bait requires specific techniques tailored to each presentation style and target species. The following approaches have proven effective across various fishing scenarios:

Live Bait Rigging

Live bonito represents the ultimate big-game bait, particularly for selective marlin, tuna, and sailfish. The key to success lies in proper rigging and deployment:

Bridle Rigging: The preferred method for trolling live bonito involves:

Threading waxed floss or heavy monofilament through the soft tissue just above the bonito's eyes
Creating a small loop with the floss
Attaching a strong circle hook (typically 8/0-12/0) to the loop
Positioning the hook so it rides free above the fish's nose

This technique allows the bonito to swim naturally while keeping the hook in an optimal position for hookups.

Deployment Strategies:

Troll live bonito slowly (1-2 knots)
Use outriggers to keep the bait near the surface
Position baits 30-50 feet behind the boat
Occasionally bump the boat in and out of gear to maintain an enticing action
When a fish strikes, allow it to take the bait before smoothly engaging the drag

Dead Bait Presentation

Whole dead bonito can be rigged in several ways depending on the target species:

Multiple Hook Rigs for Big Game:

For wahoo and other toothy predators, use a triple treble hook rig
Place one hook through the roof of the mouth and secure two more along the sides
Add wire leader for bite protection

Chin-Weighted Trolling:

Add a chin weight to prevent spinning
Use a nose guard or pin to maintain shape
Troll at moderate speeds (3-4 knots)
Rig with a combination of J-hooks or circle hooks depending on target species and regulations

Strip Bait Techniques

Bonito strips are prized for their durability and fishing action, particularly when trolled:

Preparation:

Cut strips from the belly section for maximum shine and strength
Trim to about 1/4 inch thickness
Create a tapered, baitfish-like shape
Notch the head for better rigging and action

Rigging Options:

Double hook rig: Use two appropriately sized hooks with the lead hook through the head of the strip
Sea Witch combination: Add a colorful trolling skirt in front of the strip for added attraction
Dredge presentation: Use multiple strips as part of a dredge teaser system for billfish

Regional Rigging Styles: Different regions have developed specialized techniques:

Florida style: Combining strips with mylar skirts for sailfish
Hawaiian style: Using larger strips behind artificial jet heads for marlin
California style: Rigging behind feathers for tuna and mahi-mahi

Chumming Techniques

Bonito makes excellent chum material due to its high oil content:

Surface Chumming:

Cut small pieces of bonito and distribute consistently behind the boat
Create a steady stream rather than dumping large amounts at once
Add fish oil to enhance the slick
Present baited hooks within the chum line

Deep Water Chumming:

Use weighted chum bags or sand balls to get chum to the desired depth
For reef fishing, deploy chum near structure but not directly on it
Adjust amount based on current strength—more in strong current, less in slack water

Species-Specific Approaches

Different predators respond better to specific bonito presentations:

Marlin: Live bridle-rigged bonito near the surface, often deployed from outriggers.

Wahoo: Dead bonito rigged with wire leaders and multiple hooks, trolled at faster speeds.

Kingfish: Bonito strips behind skirts or spoons, trolled at moderate speeds along structure.

Tuna: Live bonito for large yellowfin; bonito chunks for chumming and baiting.

Sailfish: Bonito belly strips behind Sea Witches or dredge teasers.

Grouper/Snapper: Bonito chunks fished near bottom structure with sufficient weight to hold position.

The versatility of bonito allows anglers to adapt their presentation based on local conditions, target species, and fishing pressure. Often, when artificial lures fail to produce, switching to natural bonito bait can make the difference between success and failure, especially for trophy-class fish that have become wary of standard artificial offerings.

Target Species When Using Bonito Bait

Bonito's effectiveness as bait spans virtually every major game fish in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide. Here's a breakdown of the primary target species and the most effective bonito presentations for each:

Billfish

Blue and White Marlin: These apex predators respond exceptionally well to live bonito, which mimics their natural prey. For blue marlin in particular, larger live bonito (2-5 pounds) bridle-rigged and deployed from outriggers produces consistent results. In areas like Hawaii, Southern California, and the Caribbean, marlin anglers consider live bonito the premium bait when targeting trophy specimens.

Sailfish: Slightly smaller than marlin, sailfish show a particular preference for bonito belly strips rigged behind colorful skirts. The flashy, undulating action of these strip baits triggers the sailfish's natural predatory instincts. In Florida, the sailfish capital of the world, many charter captains rely exclusively on bonito strips during peak season.

Swordfish: For deep-dropping swordfish, large bonito chunks or whole small bonito are highly effective. The oily flesh creates a scent trail in the deep, dark water where these predators hunt. Many successful commercial swordfishermen consider bonito essential bait.

Tuna Species

Yellowfin Tuna: Both live bonito and chunks work exceptionally well. Schools of large yellowfin frequently feed on juvenile bonito in nature, making this a natural prey item. When chunking for yellowfin, a steady stream of bonito pieces creates a feeding frenzy that can result in spectacular action.

Bluefin Tuna: Giant bluefin respond well to live bonito, particularly in areas like Cape Cod, North Carolina, and Southern California. The substantial profile of a live bonito attracts trophy-class specimens that might ignore smaller baits.

Blackfin and Skip jack Tuna: Smaller pieces of bonito or strips work well for these smaller tuna species, often outperforming artificial lures when the fish are feeding selectively.

Coastal Pelagics

Wahoo: These speed demons show a strong preference for bonito, either as whole dead bait or as strips. The tough texture of bonito stands up to wahoo's razor-sharp teeth better than most other natural baits, allowing for solid hookups on these notoriously difficult-to-catch fish.

King Mackerel (Kingfish): Bonito belly strips trolled behind skirts or spoons are deadly effective for kingfish, particularly trophy-class specimens. The silvery flash and scent trail create an irresistible combination.

Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin): While often caught on artificial lures, larger bull dolphin frequently respond better to bonito strips, especially when fishing pressured areas. The natural presentation triggers strikes when fish have become wary of standard offerings.

Spanish Mackerel: Small strips of bonito trolled quickly produce consistent results for these smaller coastal pelagics.

Bottom Species

Grouper: Chunks of bonito fished near bottom structure are highly effective for various grouper species. The oily flesh creates a scent cloud that draws these predators out from their rocky lairs.

Snapper: Similar to grouper, snapper species readily take bonito chunks, particularly when used in conjunction with a chum slick of ground bonito.

Amberjack and Greater Jacks: These powerful fighters eagerly strike live bonito or large chunks dropped near offshore structure, wrecks, or reefs.

Sharks

Mako, Thresher, and Blue Sharks: These offshore predators are strongly attracted to the scent of bonito. Large chunks or whole small bonito fished in conjunction with a chum slick consistently produces results.

Coastal Shark Species: Bull, blacktip, and hammerhead sharks readily take bonito chunks fished near inlets, channels, and coastal structure.

Regional Success Patterns

Different regions report varying success with bonito bait:

East Coast U.S.: Bonito strips and dead whole bonito produce consistently for kingfish, wahoo, and sailfish.
Gulf of Mexico: Live bonito excels for marlin, while strips work well for kingfish and wahoo near rigs and structure.
Southern California: Live Pacific bonito is the premium bait for local bluefin tuna and marlin.
Hawaii: Bridle-rigged live bonito is considered essential for targeting large blue marlin.
Caribbean: Bonito strips behind skirts consistently outproduce artificial lures for sailfish and wahoo.
Australia: Strips and whole rigged bonito are go-to baits for billfish and wahoo along the Great Barrier Reef.

The extensive range of species that respond to bonito bait demonstrates its universal appeal across predatory fish families and ocean environments. Whether targeting coastal species from shore or trophy billfish offshore, bonito presentations have proven track records of success.

Bonito Fishing: How to Catch Your Own

Securing your own supply of bonito not only provides premium bait but adds another dimension to your fishing experience. These hard-fighting, fast-swimming fish present an exciting challenge that rewards proper technique and approach.

Finding Bonito

Locating bonito requires understanding their habitat preferences and feeding behaviors:

Look for Surface Activity: Bonito often chase schools of baitfish near the surface, creating visible disturbances such as splashing, jumping fish, or "blitzes." These feeding frenzies are accompanied by diving birds, a strong indicator that bonito are forcing baitfish toward the surface.

Target Structure and Drop-offs: While pelagic, bonito frequently come close to shore, especially near:

Jetties and rocky points
Steep drop-off beaches
Inlets and river mouths
Nearshore reefs and ledges
Offshore banks and underwater structures

Focus on Water Conditions: Bonito prefer:

Clear, clean water (they feed primarily by sight)
Moving currents (especially tidal movement)
Transitional areas between water masses
Temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C)

Time Your Efforts: Bonito feed most actively during:

Dawn and dusk
Tide changes
When baitfish are abundant
Periods of light chop (which disorients prey)

Best Techniques for Catching Bonito

Multiple effective methods can be employed to catch bonito, each suited to different conditions:

Trolling: Perhaps the most consistently productive method, especially when bonito aren't showing on the surface:

Use small trolling feathers, small planers with a sabiki style rig, spoons (Clark, Krocodile), or deep-diving minnow plugs
Troll at moderate to high speeds (4-7 knots)
Cover water methodically, focusing on depth changes and structure
When a school is located, make repeated passes through the area

Casting and Retrieving: When bonito are visible on the surface:

Cast metal jigs, spoons, or stickbaits into or ahead of the school
Retrieve quickly with an erratic action
Keep lures near the surface where feeding activity is occurring
Be prepared for explosive strikes and strong runs

Live Bait Fishing: Particularly effective when bonito are selective:

Use small, lively baitfish such as anchovies, sardines, or silversides
Fish either freelined or with minimal weight
Present baits near visible schools or structure where bonito likely hold
Avoid excessive terminal tackle that might spook fish

Chumming: Creates a feeding scenario that draws bonito to your position:

Toss small pieces of bait (anchovies, sardines) into the water
Establish a consistent chum slick
Cast lures or baited hooks into the chum slick
Continue chumming to keep fish interested

Jigging: Effective when schools are deeper:

Use vertical jigs (diamond jigs, butterfly jigs) in the 1-3 oz range
Drop to the depth where fish are marking on sonar
Use sharp, upward jerks followed by controlled drops
Maintain contact with the jig throughout the retrieve

Tackle Recommendations

Rod and Reel:

Medium-light to medium spinning gear for most situations
7-9 foot rods rated for 1/2 to 1 oz lures
3000-4000 size spinning reels with smooth drags
For trolling, light conventional tackle with line counters can be advantageous

Line and Leaders:

10-20 lb braided main line provides casting distance and sensitivity
20-30 lb fluorocarbon leaders (12-24 inches) reduce visibility
Consider wire leaders when bluefish or mackerel are mixed in with bonito

Lures and Colors:

Silver/chrome is universally effective
Green and blue combinations work well in clear water
Smaller lures (3-4 inches) typically outperform larger offerings
Top producers include Deadly Dick, Kastmaster, and Clark Spoons

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Retrieval Speed Errors: Many anglers believe faster is always better, but a controlled, medium-fast retrieve that keeps the lure just below the surface often outproduces frantic speeds that cause lures to skip.

Neglecting to Match Local Baitfish: Bonito can be selective. Using lures that match the size and profile of local baitfish (anchovies, sardines, silversides) increases success rates.

Fishing Poor Water Conditions: Bonito rely heavily on sight to feed. Fishing in stained or murky water dramatically reduces your chances.

Using Inappropriate Tackle: Overly heavy gear reduces bites, while gear that's too light leads to extended fights that stress fish intended for bait.

Approaching Schools Incorrectly: Running a boat directly through a feeding school will scatter the fish. Instead, position ahead of the school's direction and cast where the fish are heading.

Shore vs. Boat Fishing Techniques

Shore Fishing Success:

Focus on jetties, piers, and rocky points with deep water access
Cast far and retrieve quickly to cover more water
Early morning or choppy conditions often produce best from shore
Use slightly heavier lures (1-2 oz) to achieve necessary casting distance

Boat Fishing Advantages:

Ability to follow schools and birds
Access to offshore structure
Trolling capability to locate scattered fish
Possibility of chumming to create feeding scenarios

By applying these techniques and avoiding common mistakes, you can consistently catch bonito for both bait and sport. Their hard fights and blazing runs make them worthy adversaries in their own right, while their effectiveness as bait makes the effort doubly rewarding.

Comparing Bonito to Other Bait Fish

While many baitfish species have their place in an angler's arsenal, bonito offers distinct advantages that frequently make it the preferred choice for serious offshore and inshore anglers. Understanding these comparative strengths helps explain why bonito often commands premium prices and devoted followers.

Advantages Over Other Common Bait Species

Versus Menhaden (Bunker/Pogies):

Bonito has significantly tougher skin and flesh, remaining on the hook longer
Bonito creates a stronger scent trail due to higher oil content
Bonito can be used in multiple presentations (strips, chunks, whole) while menhaden is primarily used whole or chunked
Bonito's larger size attracts trophy-class predators more consistently

Versus Sardines and Pilchards:

Bonito offers dramatically improved durability, especially when trolling
Bonito provides a larger profile that attracts bigger predators
Bonito strips can be cut to maintain effectiveness over multiple days
Bonito's tougher texture allows for higher-speed trolling

Versus Mackerel (Spanish, King, Boston):

Bonito's higher oil content creates a more persistent scent trail
Bonito flesh remains firm longer when soaking or trolling
Bonito strips cut from the belly provide superior flash and action
Bonito offers better hook retention, especially for toothy species

Versus Mullet:

Bonito provides significantly more scent attraction
Bonito's oily nature creates a more visible slick when chumming
Bonito stands up better to multiple strikes from toothy predators
Bonito strips offer better trolling action and flash

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

While bonito often costs more per fish than other bait options, its superior durability and versatility offer better value over time:

Extended Usability: A single bonito can be used for multiple presentations and often lasts through several strikes before needing replacement.
Multiple Bait Types from One Fish: From a single bonito, an angler can create strips, chunks, and ground chum, maximizing utility from each fish.
Freezes Well: Properly prepared and stored bonito maintains its effectiveness longer than most other natural baits when frozen.
Higher Strike Rates: For many target species, bonito produces more consistent strikes, reducing "wasted" fishing time.

Situations Where Bonito Excels

Bonito outperforms most other natural baits in several specific scenarios:

Offshore Trolling: The durability and flash of bonito strips make them superior for high-speed trolling for wahoo, kingfish, and tuna.
Big Game Targeting: Live or whole dead bonito presents a substantial profile that consistently attracts trophy-sized predators like marlin and large tuna.
Deep Drops: The strong scent dispersion of bonito chunks works exceptionally well for deep-dropping for swordfish and grouper.
Highly Pressured Areas: When fish have seen countless artificial lures, the natural presentation of bonito often triggers strikes from otherwise reluctant feeders.

When Other Baits Might Be Preferable

For balanced perspective, it's worth noting situations where alternatives might outperform bonito:

Ultra-Clear Water Sight Fishing: For certain species in gin-clear flats scenarios, smaller, more naturally presented baits like pilchards or shrimp may produce better results.
Very Small Target Species: When targeting smaller inshore species, appropriately sized baits like shrimp or small minnows may be more suitable.
Specific Regional Preferences: Some species develop strong preferences for locally abundant prey. For example, in areas where squid are the primary forage, squid baits might outproduce bonito.
Convenience Factors: When bonito are scarce or difficult to obtain, readily available alternatives may be the practical choice despite bonito's superior qualities.

Despite these exceptions, bonito's versatility, durability, and proven effectiveness across a wide range of fishing scenarios justify its reputation as a premium bait choice. For serious anglers targeting trophy game fish, the additional effort or expense required to secure bonito is typically rewarded with improved results.

Best Practices for Preparing and Storing Bonito Bait

Maximizing bonito's effectiveness as bait requires proper preparation and storage techniques. Following these best practices ensures your bait maintains its attractive qualities and durability whether used immediately or preserved for future trips.

Cutting the Perfect Bonito Strips

Bonito belly strips are prized for their toughness, shine, and action in the water. Here's a step-by-step guide to cutting them properly:
1. Start with Fresh Bonito: Ideally, use freshly caught bonito that has been bled and kept cool. The fresher the fish, the better your bait will perform and preserve.

2. Remove the Belly Section:

Lay the bonito on its side
Cut along the bottom from the pectoral fin to the anal fin
Remove this entire belly section in one piece, keeping the silvery skin intact

3. Trim for Optimal Thickness:

Place the belly section skin-side down
Trim the flesh to approximately 1/4 inch thickness
Leave just enough meat on the skin for durability without hindering movement

4. Shape the Strips:

Cut the belly section into elongated, teardrop-shaped strips
Make strips 4-8 inches long depending on target species
Taper the tail end for better action
Create a small notch at the head end for easier rigging

5. Bevel the Edges:

Carefully angle cuts along the edges
This promotes better undulating action in the water
Smoother edges reduce spinning and improve natural movement

The silver skin side should face outward when rigged, as this provides the flash that attracts predators. For larger fish like marlin and tuna, prepare larger strips; for kingfish and wahoo, medium strips work best; and for smaller game fish, thinner strips are ideal.

Preservation Techniques

Several methods can be used to preserve bonito bait, each with specific advantages:

Freezing (Basic Method):

Stack strips skin-to-skin and meat-to-meat
Remove as much air as possible
Place in ziplock bags in portions suitable for a single trip
Freeze immediately and keep frozen until use

Salting Process:

Lay strips on a flat surface, meat-side up
Cover lightly with non-iodized salt (kosher salt works well)
Allow to sit for 30-60 minutes for the salt to draw moisture
Rinse lightly if desired or leave salt on for tougher bait
Pat dry before packaging and freezing

Brining Method:

Create a saltwater brine solution (1 cup salt per gallon of water)
Add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda per gallon (toughens the flesh)
Soak strips for 1-2 hours
Remove, pat dry, and package for freezing

Combination Preservation:

Lightly salt strips to draw out initial moisture
After 30 minutes, dip in a concentrated brine solution
Allow to air dry slightly before freezing
This dual approach creates exceptionally durable strips

Storage Best Practices

Proper storage significantly impacts bait quality and longevity:

Portion Control: Package strips in quantities you'll use in a single outing to avoid repeated thawing and refreezing.
Vacuum Sealing: If you have access to a vacuum sealer, this is the optimal method, as it removes all air and prevents freezer burn.
Layering: If vacuum sealing isn't available, layer strips between wax paper before placing in freezer bags.
Flat Freezing: Freeze bags flat to allow for quicker thawing when needed.
Labeling: Mark packages with the date and type of cut to stay organized.
Rotation: Use older bait first—properly prepared strips can last 6-12 months in the freezer but are best used within 3-6 months.

On the Water Handling

Once on the water, maintaining your bonito bait's effectiveness requires proper handling:

Gradual Thawing: Thaw bait slowly in a cooler rather than in direct sunlight, which can degrade quality.
Keep Cool: Store thawed bait on ice between uses to maintain firmness and scent.
Rinse Before Use: A quick rinse in seawater can revive dried strips and remove excess salt.
Rigging Care: When rigging strips, ensure they're straight and secured properly to promote natural movement.
Bait Rotation: Replace baits that have lost their luster or scent, even if they still appear physically intact.

By following these preparation and storage techniques, you can maximize the effectiveness and longevity of your bonito bait investment. The extra care taken in proper cutting, preservation, and storage pays dividends through increased strikes and more consistent fishing success.

Wrapping Up

The incredible bonito truly stands as nature's ultimate fish bait, offering a unique combination of attributes that consistently produces results when other options fail. Its oily, scented flesh creates irresistible attraction, while its tough skin and texture provide the durability needed for targeting trophy game fish. Whether used live, whole, in strips, or chunks, bonito's versatility accommodates virtually any fishing scenario from shallow flats to the deepest offshore waters.

What makes bonito particularly remarkable is its effectiveness across such a diverse range of predatory species. From massive blue marlin and tuna that strike live bonito with explosive force to bottom-dwelling grouper and snapper that cannot resist bonito chunks, few natural baits can match its universal appeal. This wide-ranging effectiveness explains why seasoned captains and serious anglers worldwide prioritize securing quality bonito bait before heading offshore.

The techniques for properly preparing, rigging, and deploying bonito bait represent accumulated wisdom passed down through generations of successful anglers. The careful cutting of belly strips, precise bridle-rigging of live specimens, and strategic deployment of chunk baits all contribute to bonito's reputation for consistent productivity. When artificial lures and other natural baits fail to produce, properly presented bonito often saves the day.

Beyond its practical fishing applications, bonito's role in marine ecosystems deserves recognition. As both predator and prey, these remarkable fish transfer energy through the ocean food web, supporting the very game fish populations anglers prize. This ecological importance highlights the value of sustainable fishing practices that ensure healthy bonito populations for future generations.

For anglers seeking to elevate their big game fishing success, few investments pay greater dividends than learning to effectively use bonito bait. Whether caught fresh or properly preserved from previous trips, bonito represents the gold standard against which all other baits are measured. Its combination of scent, durability, versatility, and proven effectiveness makes it truly the ultimate fish bait nature has provided.

Seth Horne In The Spread,
Chief Creator

Bonito: Nature's Ultimate Baitfish