Chasing Albies: Mastering False Albacore Fishing on the East Coast This Fall

From August through October, the East Coast comes alive with fast-moving bait balls, diving birds, and one of the most exciting game fish you can catch on light tackle—false albacore, also known as albies or little tunny. Pound for pound, these hard-fighting speedsters are unmatched, and for many anglers, fall means one thing: it’s albie season.

Whether you’re fishing from a skiff off Cape Cod or casting into blitzes from the beaches of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, the chase is addictive, and so is the adrenaline.

Why Albies?

False albacore aren’t the biggest fish in the ocean, but they might be the most fun. They can hit 40 mph and often travel in aggressive packs, crushing schools of bay anchovies, peanut bunker, and silversides near the surface. Their fight is fast, chaotic, and drag-screaming. And since they’re not generally considered good eating, this fishery is almost entirely catch-and-release, making it ideal for sportsmen who love the thrill more than the grill.

Where & When to Go

From late August through mid-October, albies follow bait up and down the East Coast, often within casting distance of shore. Hot spots include:

• Cape Cod, MA

• Rhode Island beaches and breachways

• Montauk, NY

• New Jersey surf and jetties

• Cape Lookout & Harkers Island, NC

They show up when the bait is thick, especially on calm mornings with light winds. Keep an eye on water temps (ideal is 65–72°F) and bird activity.

What to Throw

Success in albie fishing comes down to matching the hatch and staying light:

• Epoxy jigs, resin heads, and metal spoons in small profiles (1/2 to 1 oz)

• Natural baitfish colors: silver, olive, white, and anchovy blends

• Spinning setups in the 3000–4000 range with 10–15 lb braid and 20–30 lb fluorocarbon leaders

• Fly anglers can use 8–10 wt rods with small surf candies or clouser minnows

Speed is everything. Albies will reject slow or unnatural presentations. Cast long and burn your lure back with short pauses to trigger a reaction strike.

Shore vs. Boat

You don’t need a boat to get in on the action. Many dedicated albie anglers fish from rocky outcrops, beaches, and jetties, especially in Montauk and Rhode Island. Boats do offer the advantage of chasing pods and covering ground, but they also require etiquette. Don’t motor through a blitz, approach from upwind, and drift into casting range quietly.

Respect the Fishery

False albacore are sensitive and often mishandled. If you’re practicing catch-and-release (and you should), keep fish wet, handle gently, and use barbless hooks when possible. A quick photo at water level and a clean release keep this fishery thriving.

Final Cast

If you’ve never targeted albies, this fall is the time to start. Bring your light gear, your fastest retrieve, and a healthy dose of patience. When the blitz finally erupts in front of you and your line peels off at lightning speed, you’ll be hooked, literally and figuratively.