How to catch False Albacore
Euthynnus alletteratus
Also known as albie, little tunny, fat albert.
False albacore are speedy inshore members of the tuna family that draw fly and light-tackle anglers during the fall run with blistering runs.
🏆 World record: The IGFA tracks an all-tackle world record for little tunny, commonly called false albacore, an inshore speedster in the tuna family. IGFA records can change over time, so see igfa.org for the current figure. All records →
Where to find them
Nearshore, inlets, and around bait blitzes
Season
Late summer and fall
Best baits & lures for False Albacore
Match the small bait they feed on and lead the fast-moving schools. Long casts and a fast retrieve are key.
Timing matters as much as tackle. Baitful reads the tide stage, pressure trend, solunar windows and weather at your spot and scores the bite, so you fish False Albacore when conditions line up.
Ways to catch False Albacore
Catch to table: False Albacore
Also called little tunny, this is a popular light-tackle gamefish that most anglers release. The dark, strong-tasting meat is edible but not prized; if kept, it must be bled and iced immediately.
Taste: Dark red, oily, and strongly flavored, softening if not handled well. Best treated like a bold tuna rather than a mild white fish.
Cleaning: Bleed at once, then fillet and cut away the heavy dark bloodline; only the paler loin meat is worth keeping.
How to cook it
- • Sear the loins rare like tuna, sliced thin over rice.
- • Brine and smoke to tame the strong flavor.
- • Grind into fish cakes with plenty of seasoning.
Tip: Bleed and ice instantly; the meat degrades quickly and is only good if handled fast.
Ikejime this fish for firmer, cleaner-tasting fillets and longer shelf life.
Where to catch False Albacore
Book a False Albacore charter
Guides and charter boats that target False Albacore, by destination:
Catching False Albacore: FAQ
What's the best bait for False Albacore?
Proven options include epoxy jigs, small metals, flies imitating bay anchovies. Match the small bait they feed on and lead the fast-moving schools. Long casts and a fast retrieve are key.
When is the best time to catch False Albacore?
Late summer and fall. Day to day, moving water and low-light periods around dawn and dusk usually fish best.
Where do you find False Albacore?
Look for Nearshore, inlets, and around bait blitzes. Anglers target them at spots like Montauk, Block Island, Barnegat Light.
Anglers also target
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