Albacore Tuna Fishing Guide

The albacore (Thunnus alalunga) is the only tuna species that can be legally labeled 'white meat tuna' in the US — accounting for its dominance of the premium canned tuna market. It is distinguished from other tuna by extraordinarily long pectoral fins that extend past the base of the second dorsal fin — often reaching over half the body length. Albacore are highly migratory, performing trans-Pacific migrations between North America and Japan, with individual fish tagged off California later recovered off the Japanese coast. Pacific albacore, targeted by an active party-boat and small-boat fishery off the US West Coast from Oregon to California, typically run 8–25 pounds — larger fish are found in deeper, colder water. Fresh albacore seared rare is one of the finest fish meals from the Pacific Coast.

Albacore Tuna is a saltwater species.

Habitat

Cool to moderately warm offshore waters of all major oceans; in US waters, the Pacific West Coast fishery targets migrating fish in 58–68°F water during summer and fall, typically 50–300 miles offshore. Atlantic albacore are also found along the East Coast. Prefers cooler water than yellowfin or bigeye tuna.

Diet

Anchovy, sardines, squid, and any schooling pelagic prey. Highly aggressive feeders that can be taken on high-speed trolled lures, live anchovies, or on fly during surface feeding frenzies.

Fishing Techniques

• Trolling cedar plugs and feathers
• Live bait chumming
• High-speed casting to surface schools
• Fly fishing when fish are in a chum slick

Best Seasons

Summer, Fall

Size & Records

Average weight: 20 lbs. World record: 88.2 lbs (Gran Canaria, Spain (1977)).