Species Spiels: Australian Bonito, by Nick Martin
Common names: Australian Bonito, Bonnie, Horse Mackerel or Striped Bonito.
Identifying features: The Australian Bonito is a very aesthetically pleasing fish with a dark bluey-green back, bright silver sides and dark longitudinal bands running from just below the fish's back down to its mid flanks. They also have a powerful mouth filled with small sharp teeth.
Size: Between 1 -8 kilograms. In Sydney Harbour they found in the 1-4kg range however most often found around the 0.8-1.5kg mark
Diet: Predominantly smaller fish
Distribution: In Australia the Bonito is found from southern Queensland to southern Victoria and eastern Tasmania. They are also found in New Zealand.
Fishing techniques: Recently Bonito have been caught using a variety of techniques. Predominantly, trolling deep diving minnows along North and South head. Also casting small metals and soft plastics into wash around these headlands and also as a bi-catch when throwing metals and soft plastics into school of Salmon. If the Salmon are proving difficult to catch let your metal or plastic sink for 5-10 seconds before you retrieve and chances are you will pick up a Bonnie.
Eating qualities: Bonito are quite commonly misconceived as being only good for berley or baitfish. This is not the case, if bled and chilled immediately they make fantastic sashimi.
For an alternative on the simple wasabi and soy combination try the following tips:
1. Mix in avocado, lime zest and lime juice with your wasabi for an interesting new flavour.
2. With the soy sauce add a dash of rice wine vinegar and mirin for added flavour.
3. Serve with shaved horseradish and pickled ginger for a contrast in texture and flavour.
Refine:
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