Pacific Bonito
Sarda chiliensis
Also known as: Bonito; Bonehead; Skippy
Size & Weight
Average Length
24.0"
Max Length
40.0"
Average Weight
4.0 lbs
Max Weight
25.0 lbs
Lifespan
8 years
Habitat
Depth Range
0 - 300 ft
Water Temp
60-72°F
Coastal to offshore; schooling; surface; warm water
Behavior
Spawning Season
Spring-summer (SoCal)
Migration: Migratory; follow warm water and bait; occasionally reach PNW in warm years
Diet: Fish; squid; crustaceans
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Rare PNW; El Niño years
Techniques: Trolling; casting; live bait; fly fishing
Best Bait: Live bait; feathers; metal jigs
Eating Quality
Edibility
Good
Dark meat; best smoked or grilled fresh; must bleed immediately
State Records
California
21.31
lbs
Fun Facts
Fast swimmers; aggressive feeders; must bleed immediately; occasionally reach OR/WA in warm years
How to Identify
Striped pattern on body; sleek torpedo shape; fast swimmer; warm water species; fights hard on light tackle
Official Resources
Sources: CDFW; NOAA
Change History (Last updated Feb 04, 2026 at 06:11 AM)
| Date | Change | Old Value | New Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 04, 2026 06:11 AM | Added image | — | species-87-6119dc026026c4b2.jpg | Source: Ian Manning/iNaturalist |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Avg Length | — | 24.0 |