How to Rig for Albacore

Thunnus alalunga

Albacore are fast, schooling tuna of cool offshore water, running off the US West Coast and British Columbia in summer and autumn and off Australia and New Zealand in season. Crews usually find them by trolling small jigs, then stop and throw live bait to hold the school near the boat. They are one of the best-eating tunas and a common first tuna for West Coast anglers.

Answer at a glance

Best rig

Offshore Lure Trolling Rig

Best bait

Small feathers and cedar plugs trolled at 6-8 knots along temperature breaks

Where

boat

Typical size

20–40 in

Season

Peak season: summer, fall

#1 Best Match

Offshore Lure Trolling Rig

advancedboat

Skirted lures on long, heavy mono leaders are towed behind a moving boat at 6-9 knots in a spread of four to six lines, searching open water for fish that are too scattered to find by drifting. It is the main way marlin, tuna, and wahoo are caught offshore in the US, Australia, and New Zealand.

Main line30-130 lb monofilament or braid with a mono top shot, line class matched to the target
Leader80-400 lb monofilament wind-on leader, crimped; short wire trace for wahoo
Leader length12-20ft wind-on leader, lure crimped to the end
Hooks6/0 - 7/0 hook on a 60 - 80lb leader
WeightNone, the lure head keeps it tracking; an in-line trolling lead (4-16oz) only if you want it deeper
Line to sinkerNot applicable, lures run at or near the surface off outriggers and the transom
BaitSmall feathers and cedar plugs trolled at 6-8 knots along temperature breaks

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Leadhead Jig Rig

A single heavy leadhead rigged with a large soft plastic swimbait, dropped straight to bottom and worked with a swim-pause-drop retrieve right in rocky structure.

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Freeline Rig

No weight at all, just a hook tied straight to the line.

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Source & regulation note

Technique guidance is educational. Seasons, size limits, bag limits, closures, and protected areas can change. Always verify the current rules before fishing or keeping fish.

FishBase species profile ↗NOAA Fisheries / state agencies ↗Fisheries and Oceans Canada ↗State and territory fisheries agencies ↗Fisheries New Zealand ↗Editorial methodology

Fishing regulations vary by location and season. Check current local regulations before fishing.

Last reviewed: 2026-09-26

Common Questions

What is the best rig for Albacore?

The Offshore Lure Trolling Rig is the top recommendation for Albacore. Skirted lures on long, heavy mono leaders are towed behind a moving boat at 6-9 knots in a spread of four to six lines, searching open water for fish that are too scattered to find by drifting. It is the main way marlin, tuna, and wahoo are caught offshore in the US, Australia, and New Zealand.

What bait works for Albacore?

Check the recommended rig cards above for bait notes specific to Albacore.

When is the best time to catch Albacore?

Peak season: summer, fall. Typical size runs 20–40 in. Always check current regulations before keeping fish.

Where do you catch Albacore?

Albacore is caught while boat fishing. Albacore are fast, schooling tuna of cool offshore water, running off the US West Coast and British Columbia in summer and autumn and off Australia and New Zealand in season. Crews usually find them by trolling small jigs, then stop and throw live bait to hold the school near the boat. They are one of the best-eating tunas and a common first tuna for West Coast anglers.