Albacore Fishing Tips

One species of fish that is on many angler’s bucket lists is the albacore. While the name may be confusing or unfamiliar to many people, this type of fish is one that many people are already acquainted with. It is also known as the albacore tuna.

Whether it is tracking elk or fishing for various species of fish, people have attributed this fascination to the “thrill of the hunt”. It is said that at some deep neurological level, people love the process of the hunt.

For albacore tuna though, the hunting is only half of the thrill. The other half is eating it. At least 20% of shelf-stable tuna in the United States comes from this species.

Regardless if you are an angler up for the challenge or someone looking to nab some delicious dinner, albacore tuna is one species that you need to learn more about. In this article, we’ll learn more about the albacore tuna as well as some fishing tips that may help you down the line.

Getting to Know the Albacore

The albacore tuna is quite small when compared to other tuna species. They are characterized as being bullet-shaped, with a couple shades of blue around their bodies. The dorsal fins are colored yellow while the belly is white or silver. They also have very long pectoral fins and a tail that is shaped like a moon.

The albacore can live as long as 12 years. In their lifetime, they can reach a size of 47 inches, with its weight reaching a maximum of 80 pounds.

They travel in schools, often with various other tuna species included. These schools can grow to be as big as 19 miles wide.

They are fast swimmers and feast on things like sardines, squid, anchovies, and crustaceans. Their metabolism is quite high. As such, they need to eat at least a fourth of their body weight to keep their energy tanks on full each day.

Albacore tuna are migratory in nature. They travel vast distances in order to find the perfect spot to spawn and find enough food.

At four or five years of age, the albacore tuna reaches sexual maturity. At this stage, they grow to an approximate length of 37 inches. When they find the perfect spot in the open sea, the females are able to produce somewhere from two to three million eggs a season.

Due to the white meat that they have on them, they are often considered the “chickens of the sea”. Anglers and fishermen see the albacore tuna as a prized catch and delicacy when they are able to catch them.

Some parts in the northern hemisphere though warn against the eating of this species, as they may be contaminated with high levels of mercury.

This species is often found in temperatures that are warm and tropical. These include the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans.

Albacore Fishing Tips

Albacore Tuna Lures

• Squid Tuna Lures

As stated previously, one of the things included in the albacore’s daily diet is squid. That is why the squid tuna lures are particularly effective when catching this species.

These lures are designed to look and feel like real squids. They often have small chugger lures at the end. These lures will make some noise in the water, which will definitely help in drawing in and catching the albacore.

• Cedar Plug Tuna Lures

The cedar plug tuna lures are responsible for bringing in large amounts of tuna every year. It is favored by commercial fishermen, with anglers coming around and using them as well.

Anglers have a choice of color for these lures. They can get them for red and white. Going for any of these colors gives a contrast that will be effective at sea. Furthermore, the menhaden oil on the unfinished natural cedar gives off a scent that attracts more fish.

• Ballyhood Tuna Lures

Many have reviewed and rated Ballyhood’s tuna lures to be some of the world’s best to catch albacore.

All these lures are crafted professionally, with non-rust metal and stainless steel cable leaders used in its creation. It is highly durable, with its durability attributed to double crimping. The stainless steel hooks also have spinner blades that are useful for attracting fish, especially albacore.

How to Fish for Albacore Tuna

Initially, albacore tuna are attracted to a boat via trolling. Trolling is the process of throwing out several fishing lines that are baited with fish or lures. Once the target fish get next to the boat, they can be fished for using baits and lures.

Always keep an eye out for the bait fish that you use in the trolling line. If they slip away from the hook, then the tuna are keen to follow. It will also help if you get the best fishing hooks for that ultimate albacore tuna fishing.

It is also important to remember that tuna have really good eyesight. Utilizing something that reduces visibility – like a fluorocarbon leader – will work wonders.

Rigging for Albacore Tuna

Without the proper rigging, anglers could easily lose fish that are on the line. For albacore, here are some tips for the rigging that you need to bring with you.

For starters, the line should be strong and have enough length to it. Anglers can choose between mono, hollowcore, or braided lines. It just has to be in the best condition possible.

For the leader, regular mono leaders are ideal when trolling for albacore tuna. The common leader weight for tunas is anywhere between 150 to 250 pounds. In terms of length, it should be long enough to grab when a fish is on the line, but also short enough to not be a hindrance when fish are being reeled in.

When choosing hooks, a good range is anywhere from 6/0 to 10/0.

Hunting Delicacy

Albacore tuna is a great fish to add to any anglers bucket list. If you are passionate about fishing, then you’ll need to try and catch this species at least once in your life.

We hope that the tips that we’ve shared will help you bag your very own albacore tuna. There are also a variety of other useful equipment that will make catching the albacore tuna much easier.

Whether you are hunting for the thrill of it or gunning for the taste, we urge you to enjoy the process and keep safe while you are doing it.