What can I expect if I catch one?
If you hook a Bonita, be ready for an explosive, high-speed fight! As soon as the Bonita is hooked, expect it to scream drag and make a blistering run, sometimes over 100 yards in seconds. Unlike some fish that tire quickly, Bonita can fight hard all the way to the boat. These fish are a fun fish for teenagers to catch and a fish you can catch nearshore in Destin on a quick trip.
Can you eat them?
You can eat Bonita, but they are not typically prized as table fare due to their dark, bloody, and oily flesh. Most anglers in Destin use them as bait for larger fish like snapper, grouper, and sharks.
How far out do we need to go to catch them?
You don’t always need to go far offshore to catch Bonita (False Albacore) in Destin. These fast-moving, hard-fighting fish frequently cruise near the Destin Pass jetties, along the beaches, and around inshore wrecks, feeding on baitfish. While many anglers consider them bycatch, they provide exciting light-tackle action and are excellent for bait. Bonita are regularly caught on all trips that we offer.
How long of a trip do I need to book to catch one?
