Saltwater Fish of Connecticut
Atlantic Bonito
Sarda sarda
🏆 Connecticut State Record
Harvest11 lb 8 oz · 29.5"Mark Drummey · 2017 · Ocean Beach
Catch & Release24.25"Adam Litwin · 2026 · Block Island Sound
All Connecticut state records →
Also called: Bonito, Bones
Identification
Small tuna with dark slanted stripes on the back, silvery belly and a full set of small teeth.
Habitat
Inshore and nearshore waters of eastern Long Island Sound, the Race and Block Island Sound from mid-summer into fall.
Behavior
Travels in fast-moving schools that blitz bay anchovies and sand eels at the surface.
How to Catch
Light spinning gear with small metal epoxy jigs or tins cast into surface breaks; use fluorocarbon leaders.