Albacore

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Open Offshore waters.
Coastal waters: Albacore can also be found in the coastal waters of the North East region, particularly along the continental shelf. They may be found closer to shore during the summer and fall months when they migrate to the area to feed.
Surf- Stay mobile and search a length of the beach for surface feeding, birds, and bait. Use fast lure retrieves.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Albacore are often found in areas with strong tidal currents, deep water, and abundant baitfish.
Look for them near underwater canyons, drop-offs, offshore reefs, and areas with upwelling, where nutrient-rich water attracts baitfish and other prey.
Pay attention to water temperature, clarity, and surface activity, as these factors can indicate the presence of feeding albacore.
Albacore are known for their tendency to feed near the surface, making them accessible to anglers using a variety of fishing techniques.

PATTERNS

SPRING

SUMMER

During the summer months, albacore migrate northward along the Northeast coast in search of cooler waters and abundant baitfish. Target them in offshore waters using trolling techniques with artificial lures, spreader bars, and cedar plugs. Look for areas with strong tidal currents and temperature breaks, where albacore are likely to congregate in large numbers. Additionally, consider casting surface poppers or metal jigs into feeding frenzies to entice strikes from actively feeding albacore.

FALL

As temperatures cool down in the fall, albacore continue their migration along the Northeast coast, often following schools of baitfish. Target them in offshore waters using trolling techniques with artificial lures, swimming plugs, and diving baits. Focus on areas with temperature breaks, underwater structure, and offshore reefs, where albacore are likely to feed on baitfish and other prey. Additionally, consider drifting live bait such as squid or mackerel in areas where albacore are actively feeding near the surface.

WINTER

During the winter months, albacore may migrate southward to warmer waters along the Southeast coast, making them less accessible to anglers in the Northeast. However, occasional sightings of albacore may still occur in offshore waters during mild winters or during periods of unusual weather patterns. Target them using deep trolling techniques with downriggers and diving baits in areas with deep water and strong currents. Additionally, consider fishing around offshore wrecks and artificial reefs where albacore may seek shelter and ambush prey.

Albacore can be caught using a variety of bait options, including artificial lures and natural baits. Popular choices include trolling lures such as cedar plugs, spreader bars, swimming plugs, and diving baits. It is also common to use live bait such as squid, mackerel, or small fish rigged on trolling rigs.

Trolling

How: Trolling fast in the 6-8 knot range is most productive. Rods: 20-40lb Reels: Lures:
Gear: Rods: 15-30 lb class conventional. Reels: 20 wide. Lures: Hoochies, Diving Plugs, Tuna Feathers.

Chunking

How: Locate albacore, look for birds, bait, or use electronics. Set up the boat so you are drifting with the wind or current and toss live bait behind boat. Keep reel in freespool or low gear, when you get a bite set the drag. Baits: anchovies, sardines, or mackerel. Fish larger chunks of bait on hook.
Gear: Rods: 15-30 lb class conventional, medium heavy spinning rods. Reels: 20 Wide conventional reel, 6000-8000 spinning reels. Hooks: #1 bait hooks.

Live Bait:

How: Locate albacore, look for birds, bait, or use electronics. Set up the boat so you are drifting with the wind or current and toss live bait behind boat. Keep reel in freespool or low gear, when you get a bite set the drag. Baits: anchovies, sardines, or mackerel. Fish larger chunks of bait on hook.
Gear: Rods: 15-30 lb class conventional, medium heavy spinning rods. Reels: 20 Wide conventional reel, 6000-8000 spinning reels. Hooks: #1 bait hooks.

Jigging/Casting

How: Jigs can be cast or vertically jigged in the water column to mimic the movement of a baitfish. Use faster retrieves.
Gear: Rods: M-MH spinning or conventional. Reels: Spinning or conventional with line capacity 300-500 yds of 30-50 lb test. Leaders: 20-40lb florobarbon. Lures: Butterfly Jigs, diamond Jigs, epoxy Jigs, Jig heads with soft plastics, Metal jigs, Topwater.

Fly Fishing

How: Locate albacore in typical locations. Cast a variety of flys into bait, or suspected area with fish. Use fast retrieves.
Gear: Rods: 9-12 wt fly rod. Reels: Reel to match size fly rod. Line: Floating/Sinking/Intermediate depenging of situations. Floating line for topwater to close to surface. Intermediate line to fish below surface, and sinking line to get the fly down faster.