Albacore < back
The body of the albacore tapers at both ends. The head is long and the mouth fairly large. The color is dark gray to metallic blue on the back becoming white to gray below.
Albacore are easily distinguished from the other tunas occurring off California, by the extreme length of their peoctoral fins. They extend well past the anal fin.
The food of the albacore varies, depending upon where they are feeding in the water column and what items are available. A majority of the food consists of small fishes, but at times squid and crustaceans are also important.
Most fishing for albacore takes place 20-100 miles offshore in central and southern California. They are rarely taken near shore. Albacore have a preferance for deep blue oceanic water and mild temperatures.
Albacore travel in loosely-knit schools which are located by trolling. Once located, they are fished with a hook and line using live anchovies for bait. They may also be caught on a trolled feather jig. (see Yellowfin Tuna for mor info)
Most Albacore will run around 20 lbs. The largest recorded Albacore in was 65lbs.