This is the perfect time of year to start thinking about false albacore. Now is the time to do your research! I refer to research in the “official” sense - reading scientific data.
It’s a wonderful way to build fishing knowledge, develop a better game plan for the upcoming albie season, and educate yourself on environmental factors that are key to successful outings.
As a rule, any data collection will also spell out the exact methods used by researchers to catch fish (to be sampled). On the downside, these methods don’t typically get into the techniques used by hook & line surveys.
This is where fishing forums pick up the slack, by exchanging information based on success. In combination with my personal experience and review of scientific research, here are 7 tips to help you catch false albacore.
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Brian, thanks for the great article. I was curious about this line though:
“For those of you who are new to albie fishing, make sure to always release albies by pointing the fish at a downward angle, and abruptly tossing them back into the water – like a dart.”
Could you please explain the reasoning behind this method of release, as opposed to gently reviving the fish like you would a striped bass?
The reasoning behind this is simply that Albie’s are designed to travel at a much faster speed than bass, and will also consumed oxygen at different rates. If you don’t dart them back in, they may be too weak to resume the speed they must maintain. They have no swim bladder, so they have to be in perpetual motion, unlike bass, which are able to nearly stop (with use of their swim bladder). The release process for bass involves not only oxygenation, but helping them regain their orientation.
Very interesting! Thanks for the followup info.
Nice write up Brian, congrats on your pending special day and sorry to be missing it! Have a great time
Great write up. I’m happy to see the Trolling aspect applied here as I think many anglers Dont employ this effective and beneficial strategy. Also variations of lure presentation. Its not Always the Fast retrieve that gets fish, I’ve caught them simply jigging very slowly on the outside edges of Breaking schools with Hogy Epoxy minnows simply presenting a dying / injured baitfish in the direct vicinity.
Thanks Brian, I may give Albies a try this year.
Let’s get it done
Ron, if you get one, there’s no turning back!
I like the other seasons too but Albie Season is a hoot!
Great info and especially like the enphasis on the catch & release and how to do it correctly. Can’t wait for Albie’s to show up
Thank you Brian. September, and October my favorite time to participate in nature.
Great information Brian. I look forward to catching some Albies when on the Vineyard in September for a special event.
I’ve got a great spot for us Dex; 10 days. The bones have been phenomenal this season, which means it should be a fantastic albie season too.