Species
Australian Bonito
Sarda australis
Also known as bonito · horse mackerel · little bonito
Tier 2Eating5/10light tackleNSWVICQLD
0 waypoints40–60 cm (max 90 cm) typical
Overview: about australian bonito
Schooling east-coast bonito that smashes baitfish off headlands, breakwalls and inshore reefs. Smaller and more compact than Watson's leaping bonito, common from southern QLD to eastern VIC. Targeted with small metal slices, trolled minnows and small skirts. Bony but bleeds to a clean fillet for sashimi, and an underrated livebait for kingfish and marlin.
Biology: Australian Bonito size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Inshore, Offshore, Pelagic, Shelf
- Typical size
- 40–60 cm (max 90 cm)
- Weight
- 1–4 kg (max 10 kg)
- Depth range
- 0–100 m
- Diet
- pilchards, anchovies, small fish, squid
- Most active
- diurnal
- Global range
- Southwest Pacific
How to target: Australian Bonito angling strategies
Generally fished with light tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- small metal slugs cast into headland bust-ups
- trolling minnows and small skirts behind a boat around current lines
- ganged pilchards drifted on a tuna pattern from headlands
Safety & handling
Bleed and ice quickly — flesh deteriorates rapidly.
Recent community catches: anglers who caught australian bonito
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More information: australian bonito references & sources
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