Little Tunny (Bonito, False Albacore)
Euthynnus alletteratus
Offshore TABLE: Poor DIFFICULTY
Compact, football-shaped tuna relative with wavy dorsal markings and a few dark belly spots. Nearshore fish are commonly 3-10 lb. Locally lumped in as 'bonito.'
⚖ Texas & federal limits
Bag, size and season rules apply — several offshore species run on federal seasons that open and close by the year. Check the current TPWD Outdoor Annual →.
Bag, size and season rules apply — several offshore species run on federal seasons that open and close by the year. Check the current TPWD Outdoor Annual →.
On the water
WhenSpring through fall, blitzing bait on calm, clear days; often the first pelagic action you find running out.WhereNearshore and offshore around rigs, jetties, the beachfront, and open water where bait balls form; from just off the sand to the offshore banks.HowRun to diving birds and surface boils, cut the motor, and cast small metal jigs or flies into the frenzy with a fast retrieve; they refuse anything too big or too slow.BehaviorBlistering, schooling predator that corrals glass minnows and small baitfish into surface blitzes and crashes through them - a run-and-gun sight fishery.The fightScreaming, drag-burning runs and tight circles - one of the fastest fish for its size.
Baits that work
- Small metal casting jigs and spoons
- Cigar minnows / live bait around rigs
- Flies and small swimbaits
Tackle
Rod & reelMedium 7 ft spinning with a fast reelLine20-30 lb braidLeader30-40 lb fluoroTerminal1/0-3/0RigSmall casting jig or spoon, cast and burned
The bait clock
☀ DawnSmall jig into early bird schools
Calm dawns show the first blitzes.
☼ MiddaySmall metal jig/spoon cast to boils
Prime: birds and bait balls are easiest to see under sun.
☾ DuskJig or live bait near rigs
Evening feed around structure and bait.
[{'months': [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11], 'note': 'Warm-season nearshore blitzes and rig bait; the go-to king/shark bait catch.'}]
Match the tiny bait and burn it - the strike is savage.
Don’t confuse it with
Bonita: wavy 'scribble' lines on the back, spots below the pectoral, white belly, no yellow finlets. Blackfin: dark finlets with a yellow tinge, a gold band along the flank, no scribbles.
Not sure? Point the Fish ID camera at it →
Keep or release
Handling & releaseBleeds and tires fast; revive well before release. No barotrauma. A key bait species, so many are kept for the box.On the tableDark, strong, bloody meat - rarely eaten.As baitYes - prime bait: strips and whole fish for kingfish, sharks, marlin, and swordfish.
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