Atlantic Bonito are one of the most exciting gamefish that visit our waters each year. These cousins of the larger tuna species are very fast and challenging to catch, and light tackle and fly anglers eagerly anticipate the arrival of these fish every year.

Bonito first show in our waters in mid-July, with late July being a better time to find fish consistently. The bones will stay on through late October and often into the very first part of November.

Bonito can be distinguished from the false albacore by a pointed mouth with fairly large conical teeth and an absence of spots on the lower front third of the fish. Bonito are also excellent eating, though many anglers practice catch and release as a conservation measure to preserve these beautiful gamefish.

Shore fishermen who target bonito frequent the inlets around Martha's Vineyard, including the entrance to Edgartown Harbor, Vineyard Haven Harbor, the Lagoon Pond drawbridge, Cape Poge Gut, as well as the inlet to Sengekontacket pond at Big Bridge. The Lake Tashmoo inlet and the Menemsha inlet are other popular spots to search for the elusive bonito. Good spots for boat fishing include the points on the North side of the island, including Cape Poge Point, East and West Chop, Paul Point, Cape Higgon, and Devil's Bridge, along with the rips that form over the sand shoals found between Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard such as Hedge Fence and Middle Ground.

Popular techniques for bonito include live bait fishing with mackerel or butterfish, as well as spincasting with small metal lures such as those made by Swedish Pimple, Deadly Dick, and Yo-Zuri. Fly anglers can do well with bonito since these fish feed mainly on small baits like sand eels and silversides. Small white deceivers and epoxy patterns which mimic the available prey can be deadly at times.

Bonito fishing on Martha's Vineyard is some of the best in the world, and several IGFA records for fly and light tackle have been set in our waters. Please stop by the shop, or call us for the most up-to-date information on where, when, and how to find the exciting Atlantic Bonito.