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Oriental Bonito

ORIENTAL BONITO

ASIANS

bonito coiba island fishing

What you’d get crossing a Wahoo with a Bonito

 
Speedy Coastal Striker
The Oriental Bonito (Sarda orientalis), a sleek, fast-moving member of the Scombridae family, is a thrilling catch for anglers in Panama’s Pacific waters near Bahia Honda. Known for its striped back, hard strikes, and schooling behavior, it’s a favorite for light tackle fishing in the Gulf of Chiriquí and Coiba Island.
 
Oriental Bonito thrive in 70–82°F (21–28°C), aligning with the wet season (May–November) near Isla Coiba when cooler 77–82°F waters draw baitfish and bonito closer to shore.
In the dry season (December–April), warmer 85–87°F waters push them offshore, requiring deeper trolling.
Peak fishing occurs during the wet season, especially November–January, when coastal upwelling boosts prey abundance.
Oriental Bonito are pelagic, neritic fish, typically found from the surface to 110 meters (360 feet), but most commonly in 10–50 meters (33–164 feet) near Bahia Honda’s reefs and drop-offs.
 
They school near the surface during dawn/dusk feeding, diving deeper (50–80 meters) midday or during low tides. Anglers target them in 20–100 feet using trolling or casting near coastal structures.
 
Oriental Bonito range widely in the Indo-Pacific, from the Gulf of California to Asia, Australia, and the eastern Pacific (Ecuador to Chile). In the eastern Pacific, they exhibit seasonal migrations, moving closer to shore during the wet season’s cooler waters (77–82°F) to feed on baitfish schools. They migrate up to 600 miles, heading south in winter for warmer waters and north in summer, with Bahia Honda a key stopover during November–January due to abundant prey. El Niño years may extend their range northward, while La Niña concentrates them near Central America. Their schooling behavior makes them reliable targets near Coiba Island.Growth Rate and Age-to-Weight RatioOriental Bonito grow rapidly, with a lifespan of 6–8 years. They reach sexual maturity at 1–3 years, with slight sexual dimorphism during spawning. Growth estimates include:

  • Year 1: 33–40 cm (13–16 inches), 0.5–1 kg (1–2 pounds).
  • Year 2–3: 47–53 cm (18–21 inches), 2–4 kg (4–9 pounds).
  • Year 5–6: 60–75 cm (24–30 inches), 5–6 kg (11–13 pounds).
  • Maximum: Up to 102 cm (40 inches), 8–10 kg (18–22 pounds), though Bahia Honda catches typically range 4–10 pounds.

Growth is fastest in the first two years, slowing after maturity. Males mature at 1 year, females at 2–3 years. No hermaphroditism is documented, unlike some other fish species.

 
Asians are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with stable populations in the eastern Pacific due to fast growth and high reproductive rates. However, populations have declined over the past decade due to historical commercial fishing. They are now primarily caught as bycatch rather than targeted, reducing pressure. Panama’s protected areas, like Coiba National Park, support healthy local stocks. Sustainable practices, such as catch-and-release, are key to maintaining populations.
 Oriental Bonito feed on:

  • Fish (70–80%): Anchovies, sardines, mackerel, and small jacks, abundant in wet season coastal waters.
  • Cephalopods (15–25%): Squid, targeted during deeper dives.
  • Crustaceans (<5%): Euphausiids and shrimp, eaten opportunistically.

They chase schooling baitfish near the surface, making them ideal for trolling or casting.Central American Commercial CatchOriental Bonito are caught as bycatch in Central American purse seine and longline fisheries targeting tuna.

In Panama, artisanal fisheries near Bahia Honda may retain small amounts, but commercial focus is on larger species like yellowfin tuna.
Pacific landings data is limited, but oriental bonito are less targeted than in the 1990s due to reduced market demand. The IATTC encourages bycatch reduction, with hook-and-line methods improving sustainability.Panama-Specific Facts

  1. Bahia Honda Hotspot: Access to Hannibal Bank yields 4–10 pound Oriental Bonito, especially in November–January.
  2. Wet Season Surge: Cooler 77–82°F waters attract bonito schools to Bahia Honda’s coastal reefs.
  3. Coiba Sanctuary: Coiba National Park supports robust populations, enhancing sportfishing.
  4. Culinary Use: Their firm, darkish meat is used for ceviche or grilling, though less prized than tuna.
  5. Sportfishing Appeal: Bahia Honda’s light tackle fishing for bonito boosts local tourism.

Remarkable Facts

  1. Speedy Swimmers: Reach 40 mph, delivering hard strikes and long runs.
  2. Striped Beauty: Oblique black stripes on a blue-green back make them visually striking.
  3. World Record: The IGFA record is 18 pounds 4 ounces (Azores, Atlantic), but Panama offers similar potential.
  4. Schooling Frenzy: Schools of 50+ fish create exciting multi-hookup opportunities.
  5. Baitfish Hunters: Slash through baitfish schools, ideal for surface lures near Bahia Honda.

Why Fish from Bahia Honda?Bahia Honda’s access to coastal reefs and wet season bonito runs offers thrilling light tackle fishing. Trolling or casting near Coiba Island delivers fast action, with ceviche as a fresh reward.