Atlantic bonito in Florida
Meet the species
Scientific name
Sarda sarda
Overview
Coastal to offshore waters of the atlantic ocean (rarely found in the gulf).
Typical size
Up to 36 inches coastal to offshore waters of the atlantic ocean (rarely found in the gulf). Feed on small fishes and invertebrates
At a glance
- Regions
- Statewide gulf, statewide atlantic
- Water
- Saltwater
- Bait
- Small live baitfish
Florida fishing record
- Weight
- 9 lb 9 oz
- Location
- Stuart
- Date
- Apr 27, 2025
- Angler
- Joel R. Hierholzer
- Type
- Florida state record
Record catch notes
9.56 lb; by joel R. Hierholzer; on 04/27/2025; at stuart
When to fish
Good months
January–december
Season notes
Resolved unknown→year round via FWC profile/regs citation.
Where to fish
Florida regions
Statewide gulf & statewide atlantic
Water
Saltwater
Habitat
Coastal to offshore waters of the atlantic ocean (rarely found in the gulf).
How to catch
Cast or troll to bait schools
Bait
Small live baitfish
Lures
Fast metal jigs and feathers
Videos
- How to catch countless bonito - Florida sport fishing TV- popular offshore bait · Open original
- Atlantic bonito catch clean & cook (slow pitch jigging) · Open original
- Chasing the bonito blitz! How to target the atlantic bonito! (Give-Away included) · Open original
- How to catch atlantic bonito - tools, tricks, and tips · Open original
Sources
- Myfwc.com
- Catchafloridamemory.com
- Floridasportsman.com (2 pages)
Information comes from the supplied source datasets. Check linked FWC regulations for current rules.