The Fishing Report
Fishing seasons & conditions by region
Bonito / Atlantic Sarda sarda
Bonito / Atlantic Size, Range & Diet
| Typical size | 16–24 in, 2–8 lb |
|---|---|
| Maximum | up to about 36 in and 18 lb |
| Lifespan | up to about 5 years |
| Range | Western Atlantic from Nova Scotia to Florida and the northern Gulf; a summer-into-fall visitor off southern New England and Long Island. |
| Habitat | Nearshore ocean and tide rips — open water over shoals and around inlets, feeding near the surface. |
| Diet | Sand eels, silversides, small herring, mackerel and squid. |
Sizes are typical rod-and-reel and documented maximum figures, not size limits — see the regulations links below for the rules where you fish.
How to Identify a Bonito / Atlantic
- straight, slanting dark oblique stripes along the back, angling down onto the upper sides
- stripes are linear and well-defined (not wavy scribbles)
- small but visible conical teeth in the jaws
- compact tuna-shaped body with finlets and a slim keeled tail base
- metallic blue back, bright silver sides
Tell it apart: Straight slanted dark stripes on the back plus small visible teeth distinguish bonito from the toothless, scribble-backed, belly-spotted false albacore; bonito is striped where Spanish mackerel is spotted.
Easily confused with: False Albacore, Spanish Mackerel
Side by side: Bonito / Atlantic vs Bluefish, Bonito / Atlantic vs False Albacore, Bonito / Atlantic vs Spanish Mackerel
How to Catch Bonito / Atlantic
Gear links open Amazon searches. As an Amazon Associate, The Fishing Report earns from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. Using these links helps keep the site ad-free.
- Best July-August - cast small epoxy jigs and slim metals to schooling fish on light spinning gear with a fluorocarbon leader.GearEpoxy jigsSlim casting metalsLight spinning combo
When & Where Bonito / Atlantic Are in Season
Peak Good Fair Slow
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast Nearshore |
Bonito / Atlantic Regulations
New YorkNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), Division of Marine ResourcesConnecticutConnecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Marine FisheriesRhode IslandRhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), Division of Marine FisheriesMassachusettsMassachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF), Department of Fish and Game / Mass.govNew HampshireNew Hampshire Fish and Game Department (Marine Fisheries Division)MaineMaine Department of Marine Resources (DMR)NOAA Fisheries (Greater Atlantic Region / New England-Mid-Atlantic)NEFMCAtlantic States Marine Fisheries CommissionASMFC
Always check local regulations — seasons, size, and bag limits vary by state and species, and change year to year. When in doubt, release.