Presentation of the bonitou
Its scientific name is Auxis rochei, the bonito is a species of pelagic fish common in the Mediterranean. The bonito or bullet tuna is part of the scombridae family, a species not to be confused with the bonito with striped back (Sarda sarda) or with the bonito with striped belly (Euthynnus pelamis).
The bonitou has a spindle-shaped and rather stocky body. Its head is pointed and has two small eyes. The jaw of the bonitou has many small sharp teeth that point backwards. The back of the bonitou is covered with black stripes on the back three quarters. It can reach a size of 50 centimeters, but individuals of about thirty centimeters are more common.
Behavior of the bonitou
The bonito moves most often in schools composed of many individuals in search of prey that can be anchovies or sardines. The bonito feed mainly on small fish, but also on zooplankton when they are juveniles.
In spring the schools of bonito approach the Mediterranean coasts, they move quickly and can be a prey for bluefin tuna.
The fishing of the bonitou
The bonito is a pelagic fish that moves closer to the coast when the waters begin to warm up. The bonito can be fished from the shore, most often by shore jigging on spots where forage fish are present. In boat or kayak, the bonitou can be fished with lures either by trolling or by chasing. The lures to use must be small. Spoons, micro-jigs or soft lures, bonitos are not too difficult as long as they are looking for prey. The fishing with the scramble also allows to bite bonitos which are often mixed with the other pelagic fish.
There is no minimum size of capture for the bonitou, but it is of course preferable to release the small subjects especially since the flesh of the bonitou is not succulent.
