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Caught a Bonito Offshore in Jensen Beach
Atlantic Bonito Fishing in Jensen Beach, FL
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The Atlantic Bonito belongs to the order Perciformes and family Scombridae, the same family as tuna and mackerel. These powerful fish typically measure between 8 and 36 inches in length and weigh between 10 and 12 pounds when caught in Jensen Beach waters. - Atlantic Bonito are found in nearshore and reef habitats where they hunt smaller baitfish. - Their streamlined bodies allow them to reach speeds up to 40 mph when chasing prey.
Fishing Charter by Captain Dennis Youngkin in December
Meet your Captain Dennis Youngkin
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Summary
Sunday July brought perfect conditions for our offshore fishing charter in Jensen Beach, FL. Partly cloudy skies created ideal fishing weather as we set out from Sandsprit Park with Grocery Cart Fishing Charters. Our 6-hour private charter focused on a mix of trolling, bottom fishing, and live bait techniques to target pelagic species like Atlantic Bonito. The variety of fishing methods kept the action exciting as we worked different offshore spots. For anglers looking to experience the thrill of offshore fishing in Jensen Beach, this trip offers the perfect balance of action and opportunity, with all the gear and local expertise you need for a successful day on the water.
Fishing Charter with Dennis Youngkin – Rates & Booking
Captain Dennis Youngkin of Grocery Cart Fishing Charters on Sunday July offers the "Private 6 Hour Offshore Fishing Trip In Jensen Beach" for groups up to 4 guests. This offshore adventure gives you the opportunity to target pelagic species like Atlantic Bonito or explore the rich underwater reef systems. Captain Dennis provides all necessary fishing gear, licenses, and his extensive local knowledge of Jensen Beach's prime fishing grounds. The charter departs from Sandsprit Park, making it convenient for anglers staying in the Jensen Beach area. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to offshore fishing, this trip is tailored to provide an exciting day on the water with consistent action.
Highlights of Private 6 Hour Offshore Fishing Trip In Jensen Beach
This offshore trip combines the excitement of pelagic fishing with the steady action of reef fishing, creating a versatile experience for all anglers. The waters off Jensen Beach are home to a variety of species, including the hard-fighting Atlantic Bonito that provide thrilling battles when hooked. Using a strategic mix of trolling, bottom fishing, and live bait techniques, Captain Dennis maximizes your chances of landing quality fish throughout the day.
The 6-hour duration gives you plenty of time to explore different offshore locations and adapt tactics based on where the fish are biting. With a focus on keeping lines wet and rods bent, this trip delivers consistent action that makes the time on the water fly by. The partly cloudy conditions common in summer months provide comfortable fishing conditions and often coincide with excellent bite periods.
Local Species Insights: Atlantic Bonito
Atlantic Bonito are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs that make them a favorite target for offshore anglers visiting Jensen Beach. These torpedo-shaped speedsters are related to tuna and can be found in the nearshore and offshore waters during summer months. Captain Dennis targets these fish using fast-moving lures or live bait presentations that trigger their predatory instincts.
When hooked, Bonito make blistering runs that will test your drag system and fighting technique. Their preference for cooler water temperatures means they're often found in slightly deeper water during the summer months off Jensen Beach. The partly cloudy conditions we experienced create ideal light penetration for spotting feeding schools on the surface, allowing for exciting cast-and-retrieve action when they're actively feeding.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your offshore trip with Grocery Cart Fishing Charters, plan to arrive at Sandsprit Park about 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather, along with non-marking shoes, sun protection, and polarized sunglasses. The boat is well-equipped with safety gear, fishing equipment, and basic amenities for your comfort during the 6-hour trip.
It's recommended to bring a small cooler with drinks and snacks, along with a camera to document your catches. Captain Dennis maintains a catch-and-release policy for certain species while allowing you to keep legal-sized fish for the table when regulations permit. The charter can accommodate up to 4 guests comfortably, making this an ideal option for small groups or families looking to experience Jensen Beach's offshore fishing opportunities.
Fishing in Jensen Beach, FL: Atlantic Bonito
The Atlantic Bonito (Sarda sarda) is a speedy member of the Scombridae family within the Perciformes order. These streamlined predators are easily recognized by their silver bodies with distinctive dark oblique stripes along their backs and bluish-green dorsal fins. In Jensen Beach waters during July, these energetic fish provide exciting action for offshore anglers looking for hard-fighting pelagics.
Atlantic Bonito Overview
Atlantic Bonito are torpedo-shaped predators that resemble small tuna with compressed bodies and narrow caudal peduncles. These fish are highly valued by sport anglers for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs that can strip line from reels at impressive speeds. Their firm, dark meat also makes them popular among anglers who appreciate stronger-flavored fish.
Atlantic Bonito Habitat and Distribution
These fish are typically found in nearshore and reef environments, often traveling in schools around structures that attract baitfish. In Jensen Beach waters, they frequent the transition zones between reefs and open water, especially areas with current breaks or upwellings. While they can be found year-round in Florida waters, they tend to be more prevalent during cooler months but can still be targeted successfully during summer offshore trips.
Atlantic Bonito Size and Weight
Atlantic Bonito caught near Jensen Beach typically measure between 8 and 36 inches in length and weigh between 10 and 12 pounds. Their streamlined shape and powerful muscles give them impressive strength for their size, making even average-sized specimens challenging and exciting catches for anglers.
Atlantic Bonito Diet and Behavior
These aggressive predators feed primarily on small schooling fish like anchovies, sardines, and herring. They hunt in packs, often corralling baitfish into tight balls near the surface before attacking in coordinated feeding frenzies. This behavior makes them susceptible to fast-moving lures and live bait presentations that mimic injured or fleeing prey fish.
Atlantic Bonito Spawning Season
Atlantic Bonito typically spawn in offshore waters during spring and early summer months when water temperatures reach their preferred range. During July in Jensen Beach waters, many Bonito have completed spawning but remain active feeders as they rebuild their energy reserves, making this a good time to target them on offshore charters.
Atlantic Bonito Fishing Techniques
The most effective method for targeting Atlantic Bonito is high-speed trolling with small, shiny spoons or feather jigs. Maintaining a trolling speed between 6-8 knots often triggers reaction strikes from these fast-swimming predators. Another productive approach is casting light spinning tackle with small metal jigs when schools are spotted feeding near the surface. In July, anglers around Jensen Beach often find Bonito around reef edges and underwater structures in 60-100 feet of water, especially during morning hours when they feed more actively.
Atlantic Bonito Is It Good to Eat?
Atlantic Bonito offers dark, firm meat with a stronger flavor profile than many other fish. While some anglers find the taste too strong, others prize it for its rich, oily character that stands up well to bold preparation methods. The meat is excellent when prepared fresh and is traditionally used in Mediterranean cuisines. It's worth noting that Bonito contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids but should be bled immediately after catching and kept on ice to preserve quality.
Atlantic Bonito Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Atlantic Bonito?
A: Small, shiny lures like Clark spoons and Drone spoons work exceptionally well when trolled at speeds of 6-8 knots. For casting, small metal jigs (1-2 oz) in silver or blue colors produce great results when retrieved quickly. Live baits like pilchards or small sardines are also effective when fish are being finicky.
Q: Where can I find Atlantic Bonito near Jensen Beach?
A: Look for Atlantic Bonito around reef edges, drop-offs, and underwater structures in 60-100 feet of water off Jensen Beach. They're often found where currents create upwellings that concentrate baitfish, particularly around the edges of the Gulf Stream current.
Q: Is Atlantic Bonito good to eat?
A: Atlantic Bonito has dark, oily meat with a stronger flavor than many other fish. While not as prized as its cousin the tuna, many anglers enjoy Bonito when properly prepared. For best results, bleed the fish immediately, remove the dark meat, and prepare it fresh using methods that complement its robust flavor profile.
Q: When is the best time to catch Atlantic Bonito?
A: While Atlantic Bonito can be caught year-round in Florida waters, they're typically more abundant during cooler months. In Jensen Beach, early morning hours generally provide the best action, especially when targeting them in July and August. Look for feeding activity on the surface, which often indicates the presence of schools.
