Albacore/Longfin Tuna? - NJFishing.com Your Best Online Source for Fishing Information in New Jersey

Chico · #1 05-25-2011, 02:34 PM

I have read that the longfin show up later in the season, after the yellowfin. If this is true, about when do they usually start showing up?? Last year I had my first yellowfin in the first week or Oct. If I remember right, it was within a week or two, that they started catching the longfin as well. I have a mahi/tuna trip in mid sept, and am looking for another date that might give me a shot at longfin as well.

Sea Bear · #2 05-26-2011, 03:42 AM

Mid October into November you will find the longfin in greater numbers. Once the water temp drops into the lower 60's that usually means more longfin and fewer yellowfin, in general. That same time frame/water temp also coincides with perhaps your best chance at a bluefin or bigeye while chunking.

Ol Pedro · #3 05-26-2011, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chico

I have read that the longfin show up later in the season, after the yellowfin. If this is true, about when do they usually start showing up?? Last year I had my first yellowfin in the first week or Oct. If I remember right, it was within a week or two, that they started catching the longfin as well. I have a mahi/tuna trip in mid sept, and am looking for another date that might give me a shot at longfin as well.

I agree with what Sea Bear said .They seem to like the cooler water better . The end of Sep. first week of Oct. can offer up the best of all worlds when fishing offshore . You can catch them mixed in with the YFT's or by themselves on the colder current breaks .

Chico · #4 05-26-2011, 08:14 PM

Thanks guys, longfin tuna is next on my list! What are the regulations for bluefin caught on charter/partyboat this year? Last year we had that 1 fish slot size.

Ol Pedro · #5 05-27-2011, 10:09 AM

Here's one that I caught a couple of seasons ago mixed with YFT .

Dino · #6 05-31-2011, 11:21 PM

One of the best ways to add an albacore to the box after a night of chunking yellowfin is on the jig at first light. you'll start marking albacore around daybreak and it can save a trip after a night of slow chunking if you can get 3 or 4 guys jigging and really putting effort into it..

Chico · #7 06-01-2011, 09:01 PM

Hey Dino, Thanks for that tip, I love jigging up fish, would love to hook into a tuna that way. I will take your advice and give it a shot.

Pennsy Guy · #8 06-04-2011, 10:06 PM

Chico, Dino's right...jigging at magic hour for longfin

...also can catch 'em up high fly lining on light line(30#) all during the morning...lots of fun..yft's on top as well

Chucky