Answer
Atlantic bonito (Sarda sarda) are striped pelagic mackerel relatives with clean horizontal lines and fast strikes—not false albacore (little tunny) despite both being called “bonito” colloquially. Nearshore boats encounter them when bait and temperature breaks align off Delmarva.
Sources: NOAA Fisheries · Maryland DNR · Visit Ocean City
Editorial visitor guidance for Ocean City, Maryland. Confirm current Town of Ocean City, Maryland DNR, NPS Assateague, and NWS rules when regulations or safety apply.
