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Australian bonito

Australian bonito

Sarda australis

Family
Scombridae
Max Length
180 cm
Max Weight
9.4 kg
IUCN Status
LC
Water Type
saltwater
Fishing Spots
10

Overview

The Australian bonito, horse mackerel, or little bonito, Sarda australis is a ray-finned fish of the family Scombridae. It is found in southeastern Australia and New Zealand. They swim in open water reaching depths of approximately 30 m (98 ft), but probably can also dive deeper. Its length is commonly at around 40–45 cm (16–18 in) fork length and 1.8–2.3 kg (4.0–5.1 lb) weight. Its maximum length and weight are about 180 cm (71 in) and 9.4 kg (21 lb), respectively.

Best Baits & Lures

Live Baits

  • Pilchards

    Excellent all-around bait, can be whole or cut.

  • Garfish

    Effective trolled or drifted under a float.

  • Slimy Mackerel

    Bonito love these; use whole or as strip baits.

  • Yellowtail Scad

    Another common forage species, great live bait.

  • Squid

    A versatile bait, use whole or in strips.

Artificial Lures

  • Halco Twisty 40gSpoon

    Cast and retrieve quickly.

    Buy
  • Rapala X-Rap 10Hard Body Minnow

    Troll or cast, fast retrieve.

    Buy
  • Daiwa Silver Wolf Chiika Vibration 3.5gVibration Lure

    Cast and retrieve at varying speeds.

    Buy
  • Samaki Vibelicious 70mmSoft Plastic Vibration Lure

    Retrieve with twitches and pauses.

    Buy
  • SureCatch Knight Sinking Stickbait 85Stickbait

    Jerk aggressively for best action.

    Buy

Techniques

Australian bonito often feed aggressively on surface schools of baitfish; target areas with visible surface activity.

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Where to Find Australian bonito

New South Wales, Australia10 spots
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bait for Australian bonito?+

Popular baits for Australian bonito include Pilchards, Garfish, Slimy Mackerel, Yellowtail Scad, Squid. Tip: Australian bonito often feed aggressively on surface schools of baitfish; target areas with visible surface activity.

Where can I catch Australian bonito?+

Australian bonito can be found in many locations worldwide. Top regions include New South Wales, Australia. WikiCatch lists 10 fishing spots where this species is found.

How big do Australian bonito get?+

Australian bonito (Sarda australis) can reach up to 179.99999499999998 cm in length and 9.4 kg in weight. Their IUCN conservation status is LC.

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