Collection: Matt's Bonito Essentials

Bonito, bonita, bones, hardtails, greenies, Sarda sarda, whatever you call them, we love them!  Nantucket's famous Bonito Bar is perhaps the best place in the world to find them and Nantucket Tackle the best place to outfit yourself for them.


First, let's start with the lure.  On the Bonito Bar, you could start and finish with the Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow.  We highly recommend the 5 1/4" and the sinking rather than the floating.  As for color, I am less picky.  The blue mackerel is a long-time Nantucket favorite, but I also love the blue/yellow, the bronze, and I wouldn't recommend leaving the dock without a candy.  If you are looking to mix it up a bit, the Nomad Styx Minnow is another producer, and a great one to throw on a real light rod.  Nothing beats our own Spofford's Needlefish in the 5/8oz size for exciting topwater bonito bites.  Of course, last but not least, you have the Deadly Dick, a perennial favorite especially amongst beach anglers looking to cover some ground.


Now that you have a lure, you’re going to need something to tie it to.  I think stealth is critical most days, and small fluorocarbon is key.  I usually use 20 or 25lbs., there are days when 15lbs. will definitely get your more bites, and I wouldn't go north of 30lbs.
As for the reel, Daiwa's Certate is as good as it gets and the Shimano Stradic is a great option.  

The Bonito Bar can be hot on those mid-summer days so stay cool and protected from the sun with our new Fishback Performance Shirt with our Bonito logo on the front.  Complete the package with a Bonito Patch Hat that looks good on or off the water.

23 products
  • Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow
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  • Spofford's Needlefish
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  • Grey Lady Tackle Sidewinder Minnow
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    $10.95
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  • Deadly Dick
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  • Seaguar Blue Label Fluorocarbon
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  • Daiwa J-Fluoro Fluorocarbon Leader
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  • Daiwa Certate LT Spinning Reel
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  • Shimano Stradic Series
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    from $209.99
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  • Nantucket Species Performance Long-Sleeve
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    $40.00
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  • Bonito Patch Hat - Print
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    $35.00
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  • Bonito Patch Hat - Embroidered
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  • Bluwater Sunglasses
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  • Spro Pliers 6” Stainless w. Sheath
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    $34.95
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  • Danco Plier 6.5” asst. colors
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    $26.95
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  • Baker Hookout
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  • Tide Rite Coastlock Snap Swivel
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    $6.95
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  • Van Staal Pliers
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  • Plano Deep ProLatch Stowaway 3700 Series 1 Deep Open Compartment
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    $14.95
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  • Plano Edge 3700
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  • Plano Prolatch Stowawy 3600 4-24 11x7.25 2-3620-01
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    $9.95
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  • Plano Deep Latch Stowaway 3600 4-9 adj. Half Box
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  • Plano Prolatch Stowaway 3600 Series
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  • Plano Prolatch StowAway 3700 Series
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