Tuna and Mackerel (Scombridae)
Bonito (Little Tunny)
Euthynnus alletteratus
About the bonito (little tunny)
Bonito, locally called little tunny or false albacore, are speedsters that rip past Grand Strand piers during spring and fall migrations. They hit like a freight train and make screaming runs that will test your drag. Not great eating for most, but the fight is world-class.
- offshore
- speed
- spring
- fall
- sport fish
- catch and release
Where to find them
Piers that report bonito (little tunny)
Season, bait and average size as reported for each pier.
Apache Pier
Biting- Months
- Apr–May, Oct–Nov
- Best bait
- Metal spoons, Gotcha plugs
- Average size
- 8–15 lbs
- Pier record
- 35 lbs
Speedsters that rip past piers during spring and fall. Hit like a freight train.
Second Avenue Pier
Biting- Months
- Apr–May, Oct–Nov
- Best bait
- Metal spoons, Gotcha plugs
- Average size
- 8–15 lbs
- Pier record
- 35 lbs
Speedsters that rip past piers during spring and fall. Hit like a freight train.
Garden City Pier
Biting- Months
- Apr–May, Oct–Nov
- Best bait
- Metal spoons, Gotcha plugs
- Average size
- 8–15 lbs
- Pier record
- 35 lbs
Speedsters that rip past piers during spring and fall. Hit like a freight train.
Pier 14
Biting- Months
- Apr–May, Oct–Nov
- Best bait
- Metal spoons, Gotcha plugs
- Average size
- 8–15 lbs
- Pier record
- 35 lbs
Speedsters that rip past piers during spring and fall. Hit like a freight train.
Surfside Pier
Biting- Months
- Apr–May, Oct–Nov
- Best bait
- Metal spoons, Gotcha plugs
- Average size
- 8–15 lbs
- Pier record
- 35 lbs
Speedsters that rip past piers during spring and fall. Hit like a freight train.
Springmaid Pier
Biting- Months
- Apr–May, Oct–Nov
- Best bait
- Metal spoons, Gotcha plugs
- Average size
- 8–15 lbs
- Pier record
- 35 lbs
Speedsters that rip past piers during spring and fall. Hit like a freight train.
Cherry Grove Pier
Biting- Months
- Apr–May, Oct–Nov
- Best bait
- Metal spoons, Gotcha plugs
- Average size
- 8–15 lbs
- Pier record
- 35 lbs
Speedsters that rip past piers during spring and fall. Hit like a freight train.
- Months
- Apr–May, Oct–Nov
- Best bait
- Metal spoons, Gotcha plugs
- Average size
- 8–15 lbs
- Pier record
- 35 lbs
Speedsters that rip past piers during spring and fall. Hit like a freight train.
South Carolina rules
Keeping bonito (little tunny)
No specific size or bag limit on file
SCDNR does not list a dedicated rule for Bonito (Little Tunny) in our regulations table. General saltwater rules still apply — check the regulations page and confirm before you keep a fish.