Once the hotter summer weather starts waning in the northeast, anglers will be out in full force checking out the cooler waters for the bait fish and game fish that tend to hug the shores. One of these game fish is the false albacore.
Generally found in the shallow coastline waters, they are there because of their migration south. While their appearance may result in anglers thinking they have spotted a small tuna (or Atlantic Bonito) it is simple to identify the false albacore. The first think that will prevent this relation to tuna and mackerel from being mistaken is the worm like lines down their back. An even better sign that you spotted (or caught) a little tunny is the lack of teeth.
False albacore have been spotted along the coastlines from as far south as Florida and as far North as Massachusetts. Generally you’ll find them traveling in schools and they are often forced to the surface by pods of baitfish. Once they are near the surface, they maintain similar speed to the tuna and they will quickly wipe out a school of baitfish. Sharks and other similar game fish make a meal of the false albacore.
Although smaller than the related tuna, the false albacore are no less aggressive when it comes to fighting. This characteristic is what intrigues inshore fisherman the most. Some fishermen have been amazed to discover just how quickly the false albacore can strip a reel of line. Unprepared anglers are often caught completely unaware of the power of this fish. Once they are hooked, they struggle below the boat similar to the fight put up by tunas. False albacore are not nearly as good eating as their tuna counterparts – but there’s little doubt that this 5-10 pound fish makes for great sport fishing.
Locating false albacore doesn’t take any particular skills, merely knowledge of where they can be found. Typically you can find them in areas where seagulls are feeding on schools of baitfish. Seagulls often prefer the same diet as the false albacore, making them fairly easy to identify. Another advantage of the false albacore is they often return to the same spot for feeding. Areas with fast moving water such as those found around large rock piles, between islands and around artificial reefs tend to be great grounds for finding the tunny. You may find some success using blind casting because often even if you can’t see them, they are likely to be hiding in deeper waters – they typically do not vacate an area unless the baitfish supply has been depleted or have moved on to other areas.
Another interesting phenomenon about false albacore is the fish they tend to school with. Many times especially along beaches and other shorelines you’ll find them with striped bass, bluefish and other predators – making them easy pickings if you are casting. If you’re trying to decide what type tackle is best for these fish, you’ll be better off with a shiny spoon. The reason for this is that the baitfishes they prefer are silversides, peanut bunker and anchovies so the spoon is deceptive in that it mimics them. False albacore are also prone to going after small swimmers, top water plugs and soft plastics.
If you’re out looking for a new spot to fish, keep an eye out for diving seagulls. Remember, they might not be after bluefish, but instead may have just found the next school of false albacore feeding on a batch of baitfish.
When you are out saltwater fishing it is important to make sure you have the right supplies. Some of the most popular brands include Shimano Fishing Reels, Penn Reels, and Daiwa Reels.