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There are many other species of tuna that are more popular to fish for than Albacore Tuna. But Albacore can be a ton of fun to catch if you know what lures to use. Albacore Tuna are a target for both commercial and recreational fisherman, so what are the best lures for Albacore Tuna?
Glad you asked! In this article, we’ll go over our top choices for the best lures for Albacore Tuna.
Let’s get started.
Top 8 Best Lures for Albacore Tuna
Dr Fish consistently produces quality lures with loads of innovation. This offshore Bait Teaser six-inch features a water-activated, built-in LED light and a glow in the dark skin to attract predatory fish. It is perfect for targeting Albacore Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, and Wahoo.
These six-inch lures are colorful and are sold in a pack of two. This lure is manufactured from quality vinyl to withstand fierce strikes from powerful and aggressive fish. The Dr Fish Saltwater Trolling Lure sin inch squid teaser features a milky skirt and skin and offers an extremely realistic swimming action.
It is rigged with Braid Steel Wire, a super-strong Ball Barrel Swivel, and an upgraded and strengthened 6/0 hook to ensure premium hook settings. This lure has a 300 hour plus lifespan, weighs in at 2.47 ounces and has a length of 15 cm (six inches).
2. Lobo Lures #200 Tuna Slayer with Daisy Chain
I simply love this brand and their lures. The Lobo Lures #200 is made in the USA, and is ideal for targeting Albacore Tuna, Sailfish, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Dogtooth Tuna, and Black Marlin. It features a unique Pelagic Magic and Skipjack hybrid Daisy Chain.
The Daisy Chain features a double head that won’t crack and features a 12 inch Pelagic Magic, five-inch Glow Bird and 3-9 inch Green UV Mack Skipjack Lures. It is professionally rigged with a 400 pound leader with Chafe Guards at both ends. In-House manufactured Hook Rigs are manufactured by mating a stainless steel cable with thick shrink tube, to a stainless steel southern hook.
This method offers durability and rigidity, limits chafing off the hook-up and keep the hook from fouling the skirts. This lure features “Lobo Scalez” Proprietary holographic design which results in outstanding flash to attract Pelagics. Resin Lures are hand-poured and cured for a period of 48 hours.
The Lobo Lures #200 Tuna and Mahi-Mahi Slayer features UV/RT (UV Refractive Technology) which gives the head a presentable and bright appearance. It comes pre-packed in a premium lure bag, with quick cleaning and quick-drying Mesh. They’re a great option for Skipjack Tuna too.
3. REELDICULOUS Flat Fall Jigs Slow Vertical Lures
This is a great lure for targeting Albacore Tuna and many other types of game fish. They are considered to be heavy-duty and feature premium Owner Rings, Mustad hook, and Military Grade Kevlar Assist Cord. The REELDICULOUS Flat Fall Jigs Slow Vertical Irons Fast Ocean Lure is offered in nine optimal colors with five different weights.
This lure features a seven times Multi-Coat coloring which is specifically designed to enhance the appearance to fish regardless of the conditions. Additionally, they offer 3D geometric patterns which create a multi-angled light reflection that maximizes visibility underwater. My personal favorite is the Blue Silver Mackerel that weighs in at 150 grams. They also work well for bottom-dwelling fish, like Cubera Snapper.
These are tested and proven to be the Strongest Flat Fall Jig in the industry and features a quality stainless steel design. They have been tested with a 256lb test. The REELDICULOUS Flat Fall Jigs Slow Vertical Irons Fast Ocean Lure is hand-made in the United States.
4. MagBay Premier Tuna Feather Lure
The lures from MagBay have been amongst the top offshore fishing lures for quite some time. They are well known for innovation and the attention to detail is off the charts. These lures are ideal for targeting Albacore Tuna, Wahoo, and Mahi Mahi.
They are offered in three vibrant colors with the “Mexican Flag” option receiving loads of success. The MagBay Premier Six Inch Trolling Feather Lure features True Abalone Shell Heads with High Quality Original MagBay feathers and the top three colors for most pelagic fish.
5. Dragon Lures Saltwater Trolling Lure
This is a saltwater fishing lure that has been designed to target Albacore Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi, Sailfish, Marlin and more. It is available in six beautiful colors and is offered as an eight-inch Bullet. These lures are all hand-made, one at a time and feature 4D realistic eyes, reflective decoration and high-quality resin heads.
It is double skirted with premium-grade silicone skirts and is hand-tied. They offer a two-inch head, a weight of 1.7 ounces, and a length of eight inches. The Dragon Lures Saltwater Fishing Lure is professionally rigged with a spring loop protector, rotating fishing bead, heat shrink tubing with aluminum crimps. They also feature quality 8/0 Mustad hooks and 1.5 meters (150lb) leader.
6. Capt Jay Saltwater Trolling Lures
Quality control by strict fishing captains results in quality lures. That’s the name of the game at Capt Jay and the twelve-inch lure designed to target Marlin, Mahi-Mahi, Sailfish and other types of game fish are no different. It features four super-strong 9/0 Big Game hooks and a six-foot ultra-strong 300-pound leader. It offers exceptional Super-High knot strength capabilities and high UV (ultra-violet) resistance.
7. Krazywolf 36 inch Rigged Flexi Spreader Bar
This innovative design by Krazywolf is a must for any Big Game Fish arsenal. This is a Top Water Flash Teaser designed to target Marlin, Yellowtail, Mahi Mahi, Albacore Tuna, and Mackerel. It features eleven gorgeous Squid Lures which are nine inches long. Combined with a 36-inch Stainless Steel Bar and a lightweight stainless steel spring.
This quality Teaser is rigged with a 150-pound line and a 275-pound high-quality Snap Swivel. The bag features a convenient carrying handle and is included at no additional cost.
8. Ancient Mariner Tackle Tuna Bullet
A high-quality Bullet that includes a Daisy Chain which is perfect for targeting Albacore Tuna, Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo. The Daisy Chain offers three double skirted 4.75 inch weighted teasers, on a 150-pound test leader that is nine foot long.
The Ancient Mariner Tackle Tuna Bullet features movable, red eyes that look rearward when moving through the water and a super reflective abalone insert. It comes professionally rigged with in-line beads and black nickel 8/0 Mustad hooks.
What is the Best Bait for Albacore Tuna?
Albacore Tuna can be targeted using Squid, Herring, Topsmelt, Jacksmelt, live Mackerel, and White Croaker. The best bait however is Anchovies. Albacore Tuna feed primarily on cephalopods but have been known to eat over sixty types of fish. Anchovies are commercially available.
How Do You Catch Albacore Tuna?
Albacore Tuna can be targeted using lures and live bait. The most successful method is trolling with your baits and teasers behind. If you get into a fish, try chumming small baitfish to attract other fish towards the boat. Once they get a smell for your chum, you can target them using stick baits, poppers, spoons, and live bait.
Can You Eat Albacore Tuna?
Albacore Tuna is one of the most consumed species in the world. Its meat is considered to be the “whitest” of the Tuna Species. All canned white tuna is Albacore. The meat is tasty whether it’s canned, grilled or fried, and if eaten in moderation offers numerous health benefits. Pregnant women can safely consume Albacore Tuna four times per month.
More on Albacore Tuna
The Albacore Tuna (Thunnus Alalunga) also known as the Longfin Tuna is a species in the Perciformes genus. They can be located in tropical and temperate waters around the world. They can be found in mesopelagic and epipelagic zones. Globally there are six distinct stocks, and they can be located in the Mediterranean Sea as well as the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
The Albacore Tuna has large eyes, a conical snout, a large mouth, and an elongated and streamlined body. The body is white and silver on the ventral and a beautiful blue on the dorsal side and features exceptionally long pectoral fins. These pectoral fins extend from the first dorsal fin, way beyond the anal fin, and can make up 30% of its total length. These fins are blue on top and change to a light yellow on the underside.
Author Note: The Albacore Tuna diet differs from other species of Tuna, and although they feed on numerous species of fish and crustaceans, their diet is mainly made up of cephalopods. Albacore Tuna can reach lengths of up to 4ft 7inches (1.4m).
Economically the Albacore Tuna is an extremely important fish and originally was the basis for the United States tuna-canning industry. It is no less important today and makes up a significant percentage of gross domestic products, not just in the United States but also in numerous Pacific Nations.
The Albacore Tuna is listed as “near threatened” by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources). This is because of overfishing and populations are in significant decline. The overall population trend continues to decline at a rapid rate.
Conclusion
Albacore Tuna are a beautiful species and are great targets for recreational fishermen. They have voracious appetites and can often be seen feeding below the surface. The best method to target this species is by trolling, there are numerous quality imitations and lures available to attract an Albacore Tuna to your line.
When fishing with live bait, Anchovies are the bait of choice. Although Albacore Tuna have been known to eat over sixty different species of fish. Unfortunately, this economically important species is under serious threat and is considered to be “near threatened” by the IUCN.
I fear the commercial sector may not be too concerned about this, so it’s up to the recreational fisherman to step up in order to preserve this magnificent species. We hope you enjoyed this article on the best lures for Albacore Tuna.
Happy Hunting!
