UTERPacific bonito fishing in Central California Coast
In Central California Coast, Pacific bonito are around July–September but never at the peak of their run, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. July: Warm years only — Monterey Bay bonito.
Not in Central California Coast this month.
Pacific bonito in Central California Coast, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MayNot here
- JuneNot here
- JulyAroundWarm years only — Monterey Bay bonito.
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAroundA few in warm falls.
- OctoberNot here
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish Pacific bonito near Morro Bay, Monterey, Santa Cruz
A rugged, cold coast of kelp and granite — Big Sur, Monterey Bay's submarine canyon, Half Moon Bay, the Farallones — and San Francisco Bay, San Pablo and Suisun Bays running up into the Delta.
Fish Scouter charts 1 artificial reef spots in the Central Coast & San Francisco Bay map area — the kinds Pacific bonito hold on.
What to use for Pacific bonito
- Anchovies (Pacific)Nose- or collar-hooked on a #4 to 1/0 hook and fly-lined with no weight, or on a dropper loop; a dozen tossed over the side as chum keeps the bass and bonito up.
- Sardines (Pacific)Collar- or nose-hooked on a 1/0 to 3/0 hook and fly-lined for yellowtail, white seabass and calico bass; a sinker a few feet up to get it under the bait ball.
- Leader20–40 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#1–4/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 60–74°F water, best at 64–70°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch Pacific bonito in Central California Coast?
Pacific bonito are in Central California Coast July–September, but the calendar never marks a peak here. July: Warm years only — Monterey Bay bonito.
Where do Pacific bonito hold in Central California Coast?
Look on artificial reef, fishing pier, beach / surf, channel edge — around Morro Bay, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay, San Francisco, Berkeley.
What is the best bait for Pacific bonito in Central California Coast?
Live bait: anchovies (pacific), sardines (pacific). Anchovies (Pacific): Nose- or collar-hooked on a #4 to 1/0 hook and fly-lined with no weight, or on a dropper loop; a dozen tossed over the side as chum keeps the bass and bonito up. Tackle: leader 20–40 lb fluorocarbon, hook #1–4/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for Pacific bonito in Central California Coast?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and change — read the current rule at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Fishing.
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All about Pacific bonito · Central Coast & San Francisco Bay, the whole year