False Albacore Fishing NJ
The ultimate light tackle challenge. False albacore bring blazing speed and incredible fights to the Jersey Shore every fall.
False albacore (also called albies or little tunny) are the hardest-fighting fish for their size in the Atlantic. Every fall, these miniature tuna migrate south along the Jersey Shore, creating incredible light tackle opportunities. When a 10 lb albie takes your lure, expect screaming runs, emptied reels, and pure adrenaline.
Book a Fall Charter
Target false albacore with experienced captains who know where the fish are running. Fall trips offer multi-species action.
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Why Anglers Love Albies
The Speed
Albies are among the fastest fish in the ocean for their size. That first run when they hit will empty yards of line in seconds. Your drag will scream.
The Challenge
These fish are notoriously picky and leader-shy. Matching the hatch, long casts, and perfect presentations are required. When you crack the code, it is incredibly rewarding.
The Beauty
With their silver bodies, blue-green backs, and distinctive markings, albies are gorgeous fish. Most are released to fight again, preserving the fishery.
Fall Albie Season
September
⭐⭐⭐
Early arrivals. Scouts show up mid-month. Action building but sporadic.
October
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PEAK MONTH. Main push of fish. Best and most consistent action.
November
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Late season fish. Often larger specimens. Weather can be challenging.
Best False Albacore Spots in NJ
Island Beach State Park
Surf FishingThe premier false albacore destination in NJ. Miles of beach with access to breaking fish. Beach buggy access lets you chase pods of feeding albies.
Best: October - November
Access: Beach buggy permit or walk-in
Sandy Hook
Surf & JettyJetties and beach points concentrate bait and attract feeding albies. Federal land means no NJ license required.
Best: September - October
Access: Free (park fees in summer)
Manasquan Inlet
Inlet FishingInlet currents push bait, and albies follow. Fish from the jetties or boats working the inlet mouth.
Best: October - November
Access: Public jetties
Barnegat Inlet
Inlet & SurfThe famous jetty and surrounding beaches see consistent albie action when fish are running.
Best: October - November
Access: State park
False Albacore Tackle
Light tackle is key. Heavy gear will cost you fish. Here is what you need:
Rod & Reel
- • 7-8 ft medium spinning rod
- • Spinning reel (4000-5000 size)
- • 150+ yards 10-15 lb braid
- • Smooth drag essential
Leaders
- • 20-30 lb fluorocarbon leader
- • 3-4 ft length (line shy fish)
- • Small quality swivels
- • No wire - they will refuse
Lures
- • Deadly Dick jigs (1-2 oz)
- • Epoxy jigs (white/silver)
- • Small metals (Hopkins, Kastmaster)
- • Albie Snax soft plastics
Accessories
- • Polarized sunglasses (essential)
- • Long-nose pliers
- • Measuring device
- • Camera (they are beautiful!)
Albie Fishing Tips
Watch the birds
Terns and gulls diving on the surface are the #1 sign of feeding albies. When you see birds working, get there fast - the fish may only be up for minutes.
Cast ahead of the school
Albies move fast. Cast well ahead of the direction they are traveling, let your lure sink, then retrieve across their path. Casting into the middle of the school often spooks them.
Use fluorocarbon leaders
Albies have excellent eyesight and are famously leader-shy. Use 20-30 lb fluorocarbon, at least 3 feet long. Skip wire leaders entirely - they will refuse.
Match the hatch
Albies key on small baitfish - bay anchovies, silversides, and small peanut bunker. Use lures that match the size and profile of what they are eating.
Be ready for the run
Set your drag properly before casting. When an albie hits, it will make a screaming first run. Too tight and you will break off. Too loose and you will never catch up.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for false albacore fishing in NJ?
The false albacore run peaks from late September through November, with October being the prime month. Albies follow bait schools south along the coast during the fall migration, creating exciting opportunities for surf and boat anglers.
Where is the best false albacore fishing in NJ?
Island Beach State Park is legendary for fall albie fishing from the surf. Sandy Hook, the Manasquan and Barnegat inlets, and beaches throughout Monmouth County also produce. Look for birds working and breaking fish.
What tackle do you need for false albacore?
Light to medium spinning gear is ideal - 7-8 ft rods with reels holding 150+ yards of 10-15 lb braid. Albies are line-shy, so use long fluorocarbon leaders. Small metal jigs, Deadly Dicks, and epoxy jigs in 1-2 oz are top lures.
Are false albacore good to eat?
False albacore are not considered good table fare by most anglers due to their dark, strong-flavored flesh. Most are caught and released. Some anglers use them for bait or prepare the belly meat as sashimi.
How fast are false albacore?
Albies are incredibly fast - among the fastest fish in the ocean for their size. They can hit speeds of 40+ mph and make screaming runs that will test your tackle. A 10 lb albie fights like a fish twice its size.
What is the difference between false albacore and bonito?
False albacore (little tunny) have wavy lines above the lateral line and spots below the pectoral fin. Bonito have straighter diagonal stripes and no spots. Both are caught in NJ during fall, but albies are more common.
Book Your Fall Fishing Trip
October is prime albie season. Book a charter to chase these incredible fighters along the Jersey Shore.
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