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Albacore

Thunnus alalunga

Albacore© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Albacore Tuna are a highly prized game fish known for their strong fighting ability and excellent taste. They are a pelagic species found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide, often schooling near the surface. Anglers prize them for their challenging catch and the quality of their meat.

Fight
Taste
Game Fish

Basic Information

Family

Scombridae

Max Size

140 cm

Max Weight

60.3 kg

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

0-600m

Climate

subtropical

Best Season

Varies by location; in the Pacific, peak season is typically July to October, though this can shift based on oceanic conditions.

Best Time

Early morning to late afternoon, with peak activity often during the late morning.

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Albacore

  • Use high-speed trolling gear to cover large areas and catch schooling Albacore.
  • Live bait, such as sardines or anchovies, can be very effective when drifted or chunked.
  • Jigs and lures that imitate baitfish are also successful, particularly when trolled at high speeds.
  • Pay attention to ocean conditions and fish the edges of currents and upwellings, as these areas often attract Albacore.

Top Fishing Locations for Albacore

Cabo San Lucas

Mexico
intermediate60% Common

Known for its large schools of Albacore Tuna during the summer months.

Best: June-September

Azores Islands

Portugal
expert70% Very Common

A remote archipelago in the Atlantic with abundant Albacore Tuna.

Best: July-October

Corsica

France
intermediate55% Common

A Mediterranean island with a rich marine life, including Albacore Tuna.

Best: July-September

Canary Islands

Spain
expert65% Common

An archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, known for its Albacore Tuna fishing.

Best: April-July

Madeira Islands

Portugal
expert70% Very Common

A remote island chain in the Atlantic with a healthy population of Albacore Tuna.

Best: June-September

Hawaii

USA
expert50% Common

The state of Hawaii offers excellent offshore fishing for Albacore Tuna.

Best: April-October

South Africa

South Africa
expert45% Occasional

The coast of South Africa is known for its large Albacore Tuna, particularly around the Western Cape.

Best: November-April

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Albacore

Recommended Equipment

RodMedium to heavy action rod, designed for high-speed trolling and capable of handling large fish.
Line15-30 lb test line, braided or monofilament, suitable for the strength and speed of Albacore.
Lure TypeTrolled lures such as skirted lures, jigging spoons, or plugs that imitate baitfish. Size and color can vary, but often include patterns that reflect local bait.
TechniqueTrolling is the primary technique, with speeds often exceeding 8 knots. Chumming or casting into schools can also be effective when Albacore are feeding aggressively.

Best bait: Live or chunked baitfish like sardines or mackerel. Fresh bait is crucial for enticing bites.