HomeFishing False Albacore
Species · Southern New England

False Albacore

Also known as little tunny, albies, fat alberts.

A blistering-fast little tuna (not a true albacore, and poor eating) that arrives inshore in late summer chasing bait. Fly and light-tackle anglers prize the finicky sight-fishing and screaming runs of the fall 'albie' run.

When they run

Mid-August through late October; best late September–October. First fish usually show around the Vineyard, then spread west into RI, CT and NY.

How to catch them

  • Sight-casting to surface schools with light spinning tackle
  • Fly fishing
  • Fast-retrieved metals

Bait & lures

Small epoxy jibs and slim metals (Deadly Dick)Albie Snax / soft jerkbaitsSmall silverside/anchovy flies

Where to find them

Nearshore open water, rips, inlet and harbor mouths, around bait balls marked by diving birds and breaking fish.

Notably strong around the Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands, the RI south shore, and eastern Long Island Sound.

Catch reports from cruisers

No catch reports for False Albacore yet. Landed one in these waters? Add the first — real reports only, moderated before they appear.

Report a catch

Augusto fishing notes are a starting point, not a guarantee — fish move with the water and the season. Nothing here is a substitute for current state regulations or local knowledge.