LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

• Albacore, prized for their high-speed runs and delicious meat, can be found in various bodies of water along the Northwest coast of the United States. Anglers seeking the thrill of catching albacore often target them in the open ocean, particularly in the Pacific Ocean. Here are some popular locations for albacore fishing in the Northwest:

• OREGON: The waters off the Oregon coast, particularly the areas around Newport, Astoria, and Coos Bay, offer excellent opportunities to catch albacore. Albacore fishing charters and commercial vessels frequently operate out of these ports, providing access to productive fishing grounds.

• WASHINGTON: In Washington, anglers often target albacore in the offshore waters of the Pacific Ocean. The ports of Ilwaco, Westport, and Neah Bay serve as popular launch points for albacore fishing expeditions.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

• Albacore are pelagic fish that inhabit the open ocean. They are highly migratory and can be found in the upper layers of the water column, often near the surface. Albacore prefer warm waters and are known to follow oceanic currents, temperature breaks, and baitfish schools. They are often found in areas with concentrations of plankton and other small marine organisms.

PATTERNS

SUMMER

• Summer is the peak season for albacore fishing in the Northwest. During this time, albacore migrate northward along the coast, following warmer waters and abundant food sources. Fishing for albacore is typically best from July to September. Anglers often locate albacore by searching for temperature breaks, offshore upwellings, or areas with concentrations of birds and baitfish.

Bait

• Albacore are highly responsive to artificial lures, particularly those that mimic the small baitfish and squid they feed on. Popular lures for albacore include cedar plugs, feather jigs, skirted trolling lures, and deep-diving plugs. These lures can be trolled at various speeds to attract albacore. Bright colors such as pink, blue, and chartreuse are often effective in enticing strikes.

Techniques

Trolling

• How: Trolling is a common method for targeting Albacore tuna. Use outriggers to spread multiple lines at varying distances from your boat. Troll at speeds of 5-8 knots and adjust your lure depths to cover different areas of the water column. Albacore tuna are often attracted to small to medium-sized trolling lures, such as feather lures, small cedar plugs, and jet-head lures.

• Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy trolling rods with roller guides. Reels: High-capacity conventional reels with a smooth drag system. Line: 30-50lb test monofilament or braided line. Lures: Skirted trolling lures in colors like blue, green, or pink.

Casting

• How: When Albacore tuna are feeding near the surface or actively chasing baitfish, casting can be an effective technique. Locate feeding frenzies or birds diving into the water, and quickly approach the area. Cast small metal jigs, surface poppers, or stickbaits into the feeding zone and retrieve them at a moderate to fast pace.

• Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy spinning rods. Reels: Spinning reels with a smooth drag system. Line: 20-40lb test monofilament or braided line. Lures: Metal jigs, poppers, stickbaits.

Live Bait

• How: Albacore tuna can be targeted using live baitfish such as anchovies, sardines, or mackerel. Rig the live baitfish with a bridle rig or a strong hook through the nose or back. Slow-troll or drift the live bait around productive areas, paying attention to any signs of surface activity or bird activity.

• Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy spinning or conventional rods. Reels: Spinning or conventional reels with a smooth drag system. Line: 20-40lb test monofilament or braided line. Hooks: J-hooks or circle hooks appropriate for the size of the live baitfish.

Vertical Jigging

• How: Vertical jigging is an effective technique for targeting Albacore tuna when they are found deeper in the water column. Drop heavy metal jigs to the desired depth and work them with upward jerks followed by a controlled descent. Albacore tuna often strike jigs during the fall.

• Gear: Rods: Heavy jigging rods with a fast action. Reels: High-capacity conventional reels with a strong drag system. Line: 40-60lb test braided line. Leaders: Fluorocarbon leaders with a high-poundage rating. Jigs: Butterfly jigs, knife jigs, or speed jigs in sizes ranging from 4-8 ounces.