Albacore
Albacore show up along Brazil's Atlantic coast as part of their South Atlantic migration, concentrating off the northeastern and southeastern coasts during the Southern Hemisphere summer.
Brazilian longliners have targeted them commercially for decades, but recreational anglers — particularly out of ports like Armação dos Búzios — also intercept them offshore.
Their tendency to run closer to the surface and nearer the coast than bigeye tuna makes them reachable on smaller offshore boats.
Scientific Name: Thunnus alalunga
Also known as Albacora, Atum-branco, Longfin tuna
- Deep blue-black back fading to silvery-white on the belly; the most reliable field mark is the exceptionally long pectoral fins that extend well past the second dorsal fin — longer than any other tuna species.
- Small finlets run from the second dorsal and anal fins to the tail; the tail itself is lunate (crescent-shaped) and built for sustained speed.
- Typical fish run 15–40 lbs; the species can reach up to 80 lbs and roughly four feet in length, though fish that size are uncommon inshore.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- A highly migratory oceanic species found in temperate and tropical Atlantic waters; in the South Atlantic it concentrates off Brazil during the Southern Hemisphere summer before shifting eastward toward Angola in winter.
- Most abundant off the northeastern Brazilian coast south of the Equator, within the North Brazil Shelf and East Brazil Shelf large marine ecosystems, and also recorded in South Brazil Shelf waters.
- Prefers cooler, clean blue offshore water — not a reef or inshore fish; typically found well offshore but can push closer to the coast than bigeye tuna, making them accessible from smaller vessels.
Key Locations
- Northeastern Brazilian coast south of the Equator — historically the highest-density area for albacore in Brazilian waters, per FAO and ICCAT data.
- Armação dos Búzios (Rio de Janeiro state) — a documented departure point for recreational offshore trips that intercept albacore along with yellowfin and wahoo.
- The North Brazil Shelf and East Brazil Shelf marine ecosystems — the primary large-scale zones where Brazilian longliners and recreational boats encounter the species.
Specific Spots
- Temperature breaks and color changes — where clean blue offshore water meets greener inshore water — concentrate baitfish and draw albacore to the surface layer.
- Offshore canyons and seamounts along Brazil's continental shelf edge hold fish because upwellings there push forage up into the water column.
- Surface temperature sweet spot is roughly 58–68°F (14–20°C); finding that band of water offshore is the primary locating tool, since albacore follow it rather than fixed structure.
Albacore FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Albacore?
Trolling spreads of skirted lures and cedar plugs (which imitate small baitfish) at 6–9 knots are the workhorse method; running a mix of sizes lets you figure out what the fish want on a given day.
When is the best time to fish for Albacore?
Southern Hemisphere summer (roughly November through March) brings albacore closest to the Brazilian coast as they follow preferred water temperatures westward across the South Atlantic.
How do you catch Albacore?
Most anglers in Brazil target albacore from offshore boats using trolling spreads, running skirted lures and cedar plugs along temperature breaks and color changes well offshore.
What do Albacore eat?
Albacore feed heavily on small schooling fish, sardines, anchovies, and similar baitfish, as well as squid and crustaceans near the surface. Trolled skirted lures or cedar plugs that mimic fleeing baitfish are the standard starting point.
Where do Albacore live?
A highly migratory oceanic species found in temperate and tropical Atlantic waters; in the South Atlantic it concentrates off Brazil during the Southern Hemisphere summer before shifting eastward toward Angola in winter.
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