Little Tunny Fishing Guide

The little tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus) — widely called "false albacore" or "fat albert" on the US East Coast — is not a true albacore and should not be confused with the Pacific albacore (Thunnus alalunga) prized for canning. Despite the nickname, little tunny is a member of a separate genus and is distinguished by the worm-like markings on its back and dark spots below the pectoral fin. What it lacks in table quality it more than makes up for in sport: a 10-pound false albacore on a fly rod is one of the hardest-fighting inshore fish in the ocean, and the fall "albie" run along the Northeast coast is a cult obsession for light-tackle and fly fishing purists. Little tunny are built like a miniature bullet, capable of blistering runs that test reel drag systems and angler endurance. They are almost universally catch-and-release — the dark, strongly flavored flesh requires significant preparation to be palatable.

Little Tunny is a saltwater species.

Habitat

Little tunny are found throughout the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, with the heaviest US concentrations along the Mid-Atlantic and New England coasts in fall. They are inshore and nearshore fish compared to other tunas, frequently found within a few miles of the beach, in inlets, and along barrier island beachfronts when chasing bait. Water temperatures of 65–80°F are preferred.

Diet

Little tunny feed with explosive aggression on silversides, sand eels, glass minnows, anchovies, and squid. Fall feeding frenzies along the East Coast create spectacular surface boils that attract flocks of birds and are visible from shore. Small metal jigs, epoxy flies, and ultra-small artificials outperform larger lures because their prey is often tiny.

Fishing Techniques

Best Seasons

Fall

Size & Records

Average weight: 10 lbs. World record: 35.98 lbs (Key Largo, Florida, USA (1996)).