Also known as
- Longfin Tuna US
- Albie US
- Tombo Ahi US
- Pacific Albacore US
- Longfin US
- Long-finned Tunny US
- True Albacore US
- Albacore Tuna US
- Albies US
- Albicore US
Identification
A streamlined cool-temperate worldwide tuna with a torpedo-shaped body built for sustained high-speed cruising and exceptional endurance. Males and females reach similar sizes.
- Dark metallic blue back transitioning to silvery-white belly
- Extremely long pectoral fins extending past the second dorsal fin — the basis for its 'longfin' common name
- Yellow first dorsal; second dorsal and anal fins yellow with white trailing edge on the tail
- Small scales and a conical snout
Where it holds
- Offshore
- Oceanic
Behaviour
A worldwide cool-temperate bluewater pelagic that hunts in fast-moving schools along thermal fronts, oceanic eddies, and current edges. Concentrates on temperature breaks where 15-20°C (59-68°F) surface water meets cooler offshore drift. Distinct day-night vertical pattern: 100-200m by day, surface 0-50m at night following bait migrations. Highly migratory across ocean basins. Cooperative pack-feeding on baitfish and squid drives explosive surface bust-ups that mark productive water.
Diet: Anchovies, Sardines, Saury, Small Mackerel, Squid, Krill
How it's caught
Line Fishing
Trolling
The dominant approach worldwide — particularly the US West Coast, Atlantic Canada, Bay of Biscay, and southern Australia. Pull a spread of cedar plugs, tuna feathers, daisy chains, and small skirted lures at 5-8 knots along temperature breaks and color changes. Mexican-flag and zucchini patterns are classics. 15-24kg gear with non-offset circle hooks. Watch for jumpers, bird workups, and warm-water plumes.
Jigging
Highly effective when fish hold deep below surface activity or in strong currents. Drop a 150-250g butterfly or slow-pitch jig to mark and rip with sharp cadence pauses. PE3-5 braid with 4-6m of fluorocarbon topshot. Vary cadence — long sweep with hang, short rapid lift, slow flutter — until fish reveal preference.
Live Lining
A productive Pacific approach when fish go selective on a specific bait class. Free-line a lightly-pinned anchovy, sardine, or small mackerel through a chum slick on 3/0-5/0 non-offset circle hooks. Pacific charter standard — slide the bait off the rail and let it swim down naturally. 15-20kg gear with fluorocarbon leader.
