Saltwater Fishing: Albacore Tuna

Albacore Tuna

Thunnus alalunga 

Distinguishing Markings:

Fusiform body, dark blue or grey above and on fins, light grey below.  A series of 7 to 8 dorsal finlets are yellowish, 7 to 8 anal finlets are silvery or dusky.  The snout is pointed and the pectoral fin is very long

Size: 

Up to 5 feet long and 95 pounds.

Distribution:

In the Atlantic from Nova Scotia to Argentina, including Bermuda, the Bahamas, and eastern caribbean.  In the Pacific, from Southeast Alaska to Baja California.  Found worldwide in tropical and warm temperate seas, including the Mediterranean.  Pelagic and migratory. Usually remains in deep clear blue tropical or warm waters, but makes seasonal migrations into colder zones of New England, South Brazil, and northern Gulf of Mexico.

Habitat:

Surface to mid depths of open seas

Food Preference:

Small baitfish, squid, crustaceans

Spawning:

Spawning takes place in the mid-Pacific, probably north and west of the Hawaiian Islands

Tuna Fishing Tips:

Albacore is found worldwide in tropical seas and is one of the most prized sport fish on the Pacific Coast.  In winter, it migrates to the middle Pacific and returns to the California coast in the summer.  Charter boats troll surface lures until a school is located, then drift live anchovies. Albacore are incredibly strong, fast swimmers, and also excellent table fare.  Fishing methods also include trolling with feathered jigs, spoons and lures; live and whole bait fishing with mullet, sardines, squid, herring, anchovies and other small fishes. The albacore is considered by anglers to be an excellent light-tackle game fish.

Other Types of Tuna:

• Bluefin Tuna

Types of Offshore Fishing Boats:

• Cuddy Cabins
• Inboard Cruisers
• Sedan Bridge
• Sportfishing Boats
• Stern Drive Cruisers