About Tuna
Albacore
Schools of albacore inhabit the west coast seasonally between the middle of June through the end of October. Their normal range during this time is from Cedros Island, Baja California, to Oregon. Albacore have been spotted as far north as the central Alaskan coast and as far south as tropical Mexico. The remainder of the year they spend migrating to Japan and returning to California. Albacore prefer deep blue oceanic water and sea temperatures above 58 degrees F.
Albacore spawn in the central Pacific between January and June prior to their migration to the west coast. Female albacore first spawn when they are between 34-36" long. They release over a million eggs which are less than 1/25th of an inch in diameter. The eggs hatch within a few days. Albacore grow approximately 6-8 pounds per year. A six year old fish will be about 40" long and weigh about 45 pounds. A 70 pound albacore will be from 10-12 years old.
Albacore feed primarily on small fish such as anchovies and sardines but squid and small shrimp also make up important parts of their diet. Albacore will usually feed on what is the easiest food to obtain at the time.
Fishing Methods: During a good year albacore can be found within five to ten miles offshore. During a bad year they can be over 100 miles offshore making for long boat rides. Albacore follow the warm currents along the California coast. Study the sea surface temperature maps for warm/colder water gradients and troll the warm side with feather jigs and plugs. When one of the trolling rigs gets hit, circle around the school and cast live sardines or anchovies. If you are fishing on a party boat it is quite common that by chumming with live bait the school can be induced to surface. Try getting a bait or jig down about 60'. The bigger fish will be on the bottom of the school and you may wind up with an opah or bigeye tuna taking the bait.
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin are a tropical species that don't travel as widely as their cousins the albacore and bluefin tuna. Late summer, when the water is the warmest off the California coast, they can be found as far north as Morro Bay. Yellowfin Tuna are one of the strongest North American Fish and 200 pound fish are quite common. They are the most colorful fish in the tuna family and can be recognized by their long second anal and dorsal fins.
Fishing Methods:
Schools are located by trolling feather jigs. The fishing is similar to albacore fishing but the tackle is much heavier and jigs are more commonly used once the school is located.
Bonito
Bonito are small tuna usually weighing between 3 to 6 pounds which can be found off the coast of southern California and Baja. Pound for pound they are one of the worlds 'fightingest gamefish.' Bonito are not picky eaters but are aggressive feeders. A school of bonito surface feeding can cause quite a disturbance crashing a school of baitfish during a feeding frenzy.
Fishing Methods: Light tackle is the word for fishing bonito. Most commonly anchovies are used for bait although iron is commonly tossed with a split tail scampi being the most popular choice. Fly fishing is gaining in popularity using a 6-8# rod and bonito feathers fly.
