Albacore Tuna
Thunnus alalunga
Also known as: Longfin Tuna; Albie; Tombo
Size & Weight
Average Length
25.0"
Max Length
55.0"
Average Weight
20.0 lbs
Max Weight
80.0 lbs
Lifespan
12 years
Habitat
Depth Range
0 - 1250 ft
Water Temp
60-68°F
Open ocean; blue water; highly migratory; follow warm water masses
Behavior
Spawning Season
Tropical waters; spawn 5-6 years
Migration: Trans-Pacific migration; juveniles from Japan to US West Coast summer
Diet: Fish (anchovies; sardines; saury); squid
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Aug-Oct; 30-100+ miles offshore
Techniques: Trolling (fast); live bait; jigging
Best Bait: Cedar plugs; Rapalas; feathers; live anchovies
Eating Quality
Edibility
Excellent
Mild; rich; firm; only tuna labeled white meat
State Records
Washington
52.0
lbs
California
90.0
lbs
Fun Facts
Can swim 50+ mph; schools 19 miles wide; body warmer than water; US tuna canning started here
How to Identify
Streamlined metallic body; long pectoral fins (longfin); schools 19 miles wide; can swim 50+ mph; body warmer than water
Official Resources
Sources: NOAA; WDFW; ODFW
Change History (Last updated Feb 02, 2026 at 10:33 AM)
| Date | Change | Old Value | New Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Native Or Introduced | — | Native |
| Feb 02, 2026 08:22 AM | Updated Avg Length | — | 25.0 |
| Feb 02, 2026 07:59 AM | Updated Season Months | {} | {"peak": [7, 8, 9], "available": [6, 10]} |
| Feb 02, 2026 07:51 AM | Updated Agency Links | — | WDFW: https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/thunnus-alalunga, ODFW: https://myodfw.com/fishing/species/albacore-tuna, CDFW: https://marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov/albacore-tuna/false/, NOAA: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/pacific-albacore-tuna |
| Feb 02, 2026 07:51 AM | Updated Similar Species | [83, 84, 87] | [83, 87, 84] |
| Feb 02, 2026 07:51 AM | Updated Native Or Introduced | Native (migratory) | — |