Albacore - Thunnus alalunga

Also known as: Long-finned Tunny, Longfin Tuna

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 (New England, South Brazil, and northern Gulf of Mexico).

The most distinguishing feature of this member of the tuna and mackerel family is its very long pectoral fins that reach to a point beyond the anal fin. The pectoral fins of other adult tunas may also be moderately long, but never extend all the way to the anal fin. Though the very long pectoral fins readily distinguish the adult albacore from the other adult tunas, it should be noted that juvenile albacore might have shorter pectoral fins than similar-sized yellowfin tuna, T. albacares, or bigeye tuna, T. obesus. The albacore can be distinguished from these species at any age by the lack of stripes or spots on its lower flanks and belly and by the presence of a thin, white trailing edge on the margin of the tail fin. The liver is striated on the ventral surface. The deepest part of the albacores body is near the second dorsal fin, rather than near the middle of the first dorsal fin as in other tunas, and the vent is round rather than oval or teardrop shaped. The fins are dark yellowish, except for the white trailing edge of the tail. The anal finlets are dark.

Fishing methods 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.

In the United States the albacore is probably the most valuable tuna in terms of quality and profit. Its white meat is canned and sold commercially throughout the country, and, with the blackfin tuna, is the only kind that can carry the label white meat tuna.

Albacore - Thunnus alalunga

Also known as: Long-finned Tunny, Longfin Tuna

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 (New England, South Brazil, and northern Gulf of Mexico).

The most distinguishing feature of this member of the tuna and mackerel family is its very long pectoral fins that reach to a point beyond the anal fin. The pectoral fins of other adult tunas may also be moderately long, but never extend all the way to the anal fin. Though the very long pectoral fins readily distinguish the adult albacore from the other adult tunas, it should be noted that juvenile albacore might have shorter pectoral fins than similar-sized yellowfin tuna, T. albacares, or bigeye tuna, T. obesus. The albacore can be distinguished from these species at any age by the lack of stripes or spots on its lower flanks and belly and by the presence of a thin, white trailing edge on the margin of the tail fin. The liver is striated on the ventral surface. The deepest part of the albacores body is near the second dorsal fin, rather than near the middle of the first dorsal fin as in other tunas, and the vent is round rather than oval or teardrop shaped. The fins are dark yellowish, except for the white trailing edge of the tail. The anal finlets are dark.

Fishing methods 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.

In the United States the albacore is probably the most valuable tuna in terms of quality and profit. Its white meat is canned and sold commercially throughout the country, and, with the blackfin tuna, is the only kind that can carry the label white meat tuna.

Albacore - Habitats

Open Oceans

Coastal Waters

In coastal areas, closer to shore, the ocean bottom may have sections of exposed rock. But most of it’s covered with sand or sediment. Fish live at all depths in coastal water, but most stay close to the bottom. Many feed near cover, such as a rock or a coral reef, where they can ambush prey. Other fish roam, searching for an easy meal.

Most saltwater anglers fish in coastal waters because there are dozens of different fish species there. Many marine fish migrate up and down the coastline seasonally. Smart anglers monitor water temperatures to determine which species they should fish.

The Open Ocean

Because it requires big and expensive tackle and boats, most all fishing in the open ocean is done with charter boats.

If you’re a sporting fisherman, not just a tourist looking for a boat ride and a fish to mount, select your charter company wisely. Tourist charters use very heavy tackle and try to “haul in” as many fish as possible. They don’t let the customer do much more than crank the reel. Sporting fish captains use lighter tackle, catch a lot less fish and use a more hands-on approach with their experienced customers.

Open ocean fishing takes place in the southern Gulf of Florida and in the Pacific Gulf, which includes the Gulf of California, the Sea of Cortez, and the Baja and Yucatan Peninsulas of Mexico.

Southern Gulf species include sailfish, marlin, swordfish, dolphin, mackerel and amberjack.

The Pacific Gulf has roosterfish, billfish, marlin and many species of tuna.

Albacore - Fishing Methods

Trolling

Most trolling is done using a small electric motor that moves the boat quietly through the water so fish aren’t spooked. But you can also troll by towing a lure while walking along the edge of a shoreline, bridge or pier. The speed of the boat determines the depth of your bait. And the depth of the bait is determined by the species of fish you’re trying to catch. Use a spinning reel or a bait caster for trolling. Some states don’t allow motorized trolling, so check out your local fishing regulations to avoid tangling with the fish enforcers.

Albacore - Baits

Spoons

Spoons are metal lures designed to look like a swimming baitfish or minnow. Many spoons are made to be cast while others are meant to be trolled behind a moving boat.

Depending on where and how you're fishing, you can buy weedless, structure or trolling spoons. Ask your tackle shop which ones you need.

Squid

Amberjack, Atlantic croaker, bluefish and dolphinfish can all be caught with squid. Use them whole by running the line through the mantle (the outside body shell) and hooking the squid in the head. Larger squid can be cut into pieces for strip bait. You can use squid for trolling and for bottom and floating rigs.