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Fish, Crustaceans & Cephalopods

Beche De Mer
(Sea Cucumber)

The Watson's Leaping Bonito is a sub-tropical fish frequents coastal waters of mid to northern east coast of Australia.  More abundant in Queensland where schools swim inshore to feed on small baitfish.

It is different from the common Bonito by having a combination of spots and broken bars above the lateral line and continuous longitudinal lines below.  The dorsal fin is black in front and pearly white behind and is decidedly taller than in the bonito.

They are often caught among common Bonito, and may go unobserved until the difference is pointed out.

They are excellent baits for Marlin.

The Leaping Bonito is known to frequent estuaries in search of bait fish populations during the winter months.

Other Bonito Links:

Recipes for Tuna from How To Cook Fish

Exporters of Bonito
Importers of Bonito 
Processors of Bonito 
Wholesale Suppliers of Bonito
Seafood Agents for Bonito

This picture shows the difference between common Bonito and Watson's Leaping Bonito.  The Middle fish is the common bonito

Angling & Fishing for Watson's Leaping Bonito:

Bonito are fantastic fun on light gear and two or four-kilo spinning outfits allow these fish to display their full potential when boat fishing. When fishing from the shore or jetty, a heavier spinning outfit will often be necessary for casting distance. In which case a six-kilo spin stick should do the job. I would prefer to fish lures for bonito, but they will take a range of small fish and cut baits

Best Bait: Garfish, Herring, Live minnow, Pilchard, Slimy mackerel (blue), Squid, Yellowtail scad (yakka)
lure: Jigs, Slice, Slugs
Other: High speed chrome baitfish lures, chrome spoons, slugs, flathead jigs and plastic squid for trolling and metal lures such as Juro Shiners and Halco Hex slices work for spinning. Saltwater flies such as Clousers and Deceivers.
Tackle

Link: 3 - 7kg main line.
Hook: No. 2/0 - 6/0 Mustad 34007 Stainless Steel.
Rig: Whole live or dead bait under a float. Light to medium trolling and spinning gear. Fly gear.
More info: Locked Half Blood Knot

Hints
Fish frequent wash areas of rocky headlands and inshore reef areas so fish close to rocks. Best fishing is at dawn. Trolling over reefy areas and around headlands. Trolling speed of around 5 knots works best. Summer and autumn produce good fishing.

Photo: Resolution Fishing - Gav

Cooking Watson's Leaping Bonito:

To Buy
Usually sold whole, though fishmongers will fillet it upon request; also sometimes available as sashimi. In whole fish look for lustrous skin, firm flesh, and a pleasant, fresh sea smell; flesh should be pale reddish (pale pink to white in Leaping Bonito), firm, lustrous and moist without any dull brown markings or oozing water. Always buy sashimi-grade fish if it is to be served raw or rare.

To Store
Make sure whole fish is gilled, gutted and cleaned thoroughly. Wrap in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months below -18ºC. Sashimi-grade fish should be eaten within 24 hours of purchase, or else cooked.

To Cook
Average yield is 70-75%. Has a delicate flavour, medium oiliness and moist soft flesh, which quickly becomes dry if overcooked. The cooked flesh turns brownish-grey and breaks into large flakes; there are very few bones to worry about. Cut thick fillets into serving-size portions to allow even heat penetration. Most people prefer to remove the dark bloodline before cooking.

Cooking Methods
Pan-fry, bake, grill, barbecue, smoke, raw (sashimi), pickle.

Goes Well With
Anchovies, balsamic vinegar, capers, capsicum, chilli, eggplant, garlic, ginger, lemon, lime, olive oil, onion, soy sauce, tomato, wasabi.

Alternatives
Atlantic Salmon, Marlins, Mackerels, Swordfish, Tunas, Yellowtail Kingfish.

Imports
None. ‘Bonito’ in Japanese cuisine usually refers to smoked, dried and shaved Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis, also known as striped bonito) used to make dashi (Japanese fish stock).

Microwave Cooking Times for Fish
- Fish fillets – 5 minutes per 500g on medium-high, +50 seconds more for thicker fillets, or until flesh flakes
- Whole fish - Large – 6 minutes/750g on medium
- Whole fish – Small – 3-4 minutes on medium

Baked Salmon or Tuna Rolls	Spicy Tuna Roll	Tuna Melt Cheese	Tuna Salad

Commercial Fishing for Watson's Leaping Bonito:

More links about Watson's Leaping Bonito Information