Atlantic Bonito

Atlantic Bonito (Sarda sarda)
Known locally as bonítol, the Atlantic Bonito is a fast, schooling member of the tuna family and the fish most often confused with Little Tunny on this coast. The difference is clear once you know it: bonito carry slanted dark stripes along the upper back, a clean silver belly with no spots, and a mouth lined with sharp teeth. Little Tunny have worm-like markings and dark spots below the pectoral fin. Off Cambrils andL'Hospitalet de l'Infant, bonito follow sardine and anchovy schools close to the coast and push them to the surface in short, violent feeds. The approach is to find the birds, position upwind and cast small metal jigs or stickbaits into the boil. When the fish stay down, light trolling with feathers and small wobblers keeps lines working. Most fish here weigh 1–4 kg, and on medium-light spinning tackle they fight well above their size, with fast runs and repeated dives. Season peaks in spring (May–June) and again in autumn (September–October).