Albacore Tuna
Thunnus alalunga
FR Thon albacore · ES Bonito del norte · PT Atum albacora (Albacora-branca) · IT Alalunga
Also known as: Longfin TunaLong-fin TunnyGermonAlbacoraBonito del norteThon albacoreAlalungaAtum albacora (Albacora-branca)
PelagicBoat
Gamefish
Score
—
Prime time
Summer–autumn; dawn and dusk troll windows
Depth
20–300m
Platform
Boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jul–SepGood Jun–Oct
Depth range
20–300mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Trolling60%
Sabiki under lights60%
Findr bio
White-meat long-range sprinter – I haunt cool offshore breaks, turning little trolling spreads into long, stubborn slugfests.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Current edgeOpen seaShallow waterTemperature break
Recommended baits
Fish baitsArtificial baitsSpinners
Diet
Small fishAnchovySardineSquidAmphipods
Effective techniques
TrollingSpinning
Gear
Best times
DawnDayDusk
Albacore tuna rack up ocean-scale migrations, with tagged fish crossing thousands of kilometres of Pacific bluewater between seasons.
Field notes
Where to find them
Offshore Atlantic/Pacific temperate belts, 15–20°C breaks
Where they hang out
Well offshore, 0–50 m, surface to mid-water
Prime time
Summer–autumn; dawn and dusk troll windows
Tide game
Low; current edges and temp breaks matter more than tide
What they're into
Small trolling lures, feathers; eats small baitfish and squid
Temperature vibe
Holds tight to 12–20°C water, avoids warmer surface layers
Fave weather
Calm to moderate seas; bird activity signals fish
Fun fact about me
Long pectorals, longer voyages — sushi royalty with wanderlust.
Dinner material?
8/10Solid dinner choice
Play by the rules
Bag/size limits common; check regional tuna rulesNOAA Fisheries (US); ICCAT-aligned national agencies (EU/UK)
Looking after them
Least Concern
Other regions where you can target Albacore Tuna