Atlantic Bonito fishing
HOW-TO CATCH
Atlantic Bonito
When: mid March thru early May are the best months
Where: Atlantic Bonito pass by our area as they follow schools of small minnows that are also migrating north. The main determining factor to their arrival to the area seems to be when near shore water temperatures reach the 60-65 degree range. Once the water temperature is good, look for the Atlantic Bonito in the 40-60 foot depth range and look for the birds.
Local hotspots include: General Sherman, PA-01, PA-02, 390/390, AR 460, AR 455, AR 445, AR 440
How: There are a couple of methods
#1- Trolling Method (This method is most common and is particularly effective if you are searching)
Take two prerigged silver Clarkspoon rigs, a #1 planer and a #2 planer and connect the leader and Clark Spoon to the back of the planer via the snap swivel. Connect the planer to the main line on your rod with a 75#-150# snap swivel (Your main line will need to be at least 20# for a #1 planer and at least 30# for a #2 planer). Rig 2 rods like this- recommended one with #1 planer and one with #2 planer. On third rod, connect a splashing bird/Clarkspoon rig to be fished on the surface. Total of 3 lines out when trolling. The splashing bird rigs goes farthest back at 75 yards, #1 planer is next farthest back (set where line touches the water 20 yards back) and #2 planers is closest (set where line touches the water 10 yards back). This spread will allow you to make turns without tangles.
Troll at 5-6 mph and be sure you set your drags tight enough that the planers don’t pull drag, but loose enough that the Atlantic Bonito can take line when it strikes. They hit hard and fight hard. Be sure to have gloves handy as you must handline the last 30 feet, and that can be a little tough.
Products you need- 75#-150# snap swivels, #1 planer, #2 planer, splashing bird/Clarkspoon rig, (2) premade silver Clarkspoon rigs
Tackle recommendation- conventional reel with 20# - 30# line on 6’-6’6” boat style rod rated 15-40# +/-.
#2- Deep Jigging Method (This method is good when you have the Atlantic Bonito located, but they are holding deep)
Use a 1 ¼ ounce Stingsilver, 1 ounce Sea Striker Jigfisher or a 1 ounce Mega Bait Live jig (color preferences include silver, pink, chartreuse, green) and tie on 3 feet of 20# fluorocarbon. Tie the fluorocarbon to a #10 SPRO power swivel and then tie your main line to the SPRO swivel.
You begin by trolling for the Atlantic Bonito as specified above. If you cross an area 2 or 3 times and catch fish on the troll get your deep jigging method ready. Keep trolling and as you cross the area, watch the trolling rods. Just as soon as one of them gets a bite, drop your jig in the water and freespool. Slow the boat to idle (do not stop) and count to 20. At 20 count, engage the reel and wind it as fast as you can- HANG ON for the strike. If you find the Atlantic Bonito holding very consistent in one spot, you can forgo the trolling method all together and simply put the boat idle ahead in circles and follow the above procedure
Products you need- #10 SPRO power swivels, 20# fluorocarbon, 1 ¼ ounce Stingsilver, 1 ounce Sea Striker Jigfisher or a 1 ounce Mega Bait Live jig (color preferences include silver, pink, chartreuse, green)
Tackle recommendation- spinning reel with 10#-15# line on 6’6”-7’spin rod rated 10#-20# +/-.
#3- Topwater Casting Method
Use a #3/4 or #1 Deadly Dick or any Yozuri Crystal Minnow lure in the 1”-3” size range and tie on 3 feet of 20# fluorocarbon. Tie the fluorocarbon to a #10 SPRO power swivel and then tie your main line to the SPRO swivel. Once you see the Atlantic Bonito breaking the surface, quietly approach (turn off your motor and coast into them) and make as long a cast as possible into them- keep your distance as they can be spooky. With the Deadly Dick, let it sink 5 seconds then wind as fast as you can. With the Yozuri Crystal Minnow, begin retrieving at variable speeds as you will need to find out if they prefer this lure slow, medium or fast.
Products you need- 10 SPRO power swivels, 20# fluorocarbon, #3/4 or #1 Deadly Dick or any Yozuri Crystal Minnow lure in the 1”-3” size range
Tackle recommendation- spinning reel with 10#-15# line on 6’6”-7’spin rod rated 10#-20# +/-.
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