Sydney Land-based Bonito With Marki Mark

Introduction To Bonito Fishing with Lures

In this episode of the Australian Lure Fishing podcast I explore the exhilarating world of bonito fishing along the picturesque Sydney coastline with Mark. He’s a seasoned angler renowned for his expertise in shore-based Sydney fishing and this article delves into the tips and techniques that promise an unforgettable fishing adventure right from the rocks.

Optimal Timing and Strategies for Bonito Fishing

Key Features of Ideal Fishing Locations

Successful bonito fishing often occurs near headlands with significant water movement. Active bait observed near ledges or reacting to your lure often indicates the presence of bonito or other predatory species.

Using tools like Google Earth can help anglers identify promising casting ledges and assess the terrain’s accessibility.

Prime Times And Tides for Bonito Fishing

Mark emphasizes that early morning is the ideal time for targeting bonito, as these fish are more likely to be found near the surface. He advises arriving at the fishing spot by dawn to make the most of topwater lures during the sunrise, switching to sub-surface lures as the day progresses.

Mark has noted that the run-in tide, particularly when it aligns with dawn or dusk, significantly enhances the chances of a successful catch. These periods allow anglers to capitalize on the natural behaviours of bonito as they feed more actively.

Essential Gear for Sydney Rock Hopping

Mark carries two rods: a heavier setup for kingfish and a lighter one specifically for bonito fishing. This allows him to adapt quickly to whatever the sea offers up at any given moment. A 10’ PE2 to PE2.5 Palms Blue Runner Gun Evolve jigging rod is perfect, coupled with a 3500 Daiwa or 4000 Shimano spin reel, 20lb braid and a rods length of 30lb leader.

Fishing from the rocks can be hazardous, so it’s important to visit new spots in daylight before trying to access and fish them in the pre-dawn darkness. Beyond just tackle and timing, Mark underscores the importance of comprehensive safety gear including a personal flotation device (PFD), rock cleats, and emergency aids like a rope with a tennis ball for rescues.

Best Lures for Bonito Fishing: Maximizing Action and Attraction

Halco Max Minnows for Rough Waters

For turbulent conditions, Halco Max minnows, available in 110mm (30g) or 130mm (80g) sizes, are among the best lures for bonito. These bibless minnows excel in casting distance and feature a dynamic side-to-side action with significant vibration, making them ideal for bonito fishing when the water is rough. They are most effective when retrieved quickly in a straight line, which mimics the movement of fleeing baitfish.

Duel Hardcore Monster Shot for Versatility

Replacing the Duel Adagio, the Duel Hardcore Monster Shot, a 125mm (45g) sinking stickbait, is another favourite bonito lure. This lure is particularly versatile for calmer days and can be used in various ways: fast retrieves, a “twitch, twitch, pause” technique, or by allowing it to sink deeper to reach bonito swimming lower in the water column. These methods help mimic wounded baitfish, attracting bonito looking for an easy meal.

Duo Rough Trail Blazin for Alternative Action

When searching for a bonito fishing lure with a different kind of action and vibration, the Duo Rough Trail Blazin 110mm bibbed minnow stands out. This lure is effective from higher vantage points off the stones, providing a unique movement that can entice wary bonito.

Advanced Bonito Fishing Techniques from Elevated Positions

Jigging becomes particularly useful when angling from elevated ledges or when the early morning surface activity is missed. The Palms Slow Blatt Cast jigs in 40-60g sizes come in natural colours, silvers, and pilchard patterns and are some of the best bonito lures for this style of fishing. These jigs should be cast long distances, allowed to sink, and then worked back with a fast and erratic retrieval pattern. This technique simulates an injured prey making sporadic movements, a proven method to trigger strikes from bonito and other pelagic species.