(Scomberomorus concolor)
This is another of the =Scrombidae= family. It ranges north to Monterey
Bay, where it makes its appearance in September, remaining until
November, when it goes south to the Santa Barbara channel; remaining
in these waters and about Catalina Island during most of the winter.
This fish is called bonito by many of the Catalina anglers, which is a
misnomer, as it is a much slimmer fish than the bonito.
The pectoral fins are small and located a little above the center of
the body and close to the gill covers; front dorsal starts just above
the base of the pectorals and extend along the back for a distance a
little more than the length of the head, and nearly meeting the second
dorsal, which is about the same width as its heighth; ventral fins, a
little in front of the pectorals and rather small; front of the anal
fin under the back of the second dorsal. Back, steel blue; sides,
silvery. Oblique lines, of the darker color of the back, running
forward and downward to a little below the lateral line.
Weight, usually from nine to twelve pounds, though they occasionally
attain a weight of eighteen pounds.
=Tackle and Lure=--The same as for the bonito.
[Illustration: CHUB MACKEREL OR GREEN-BACK (Scomber japonicus)]