False Albacore
Euthynnus alletteratus
Also called Albie, Little tunny, Fat Albert.
How to tell it
Wavy, worm-like markings above the lateral line only; spotless silver below; football body.
Often mistaken for
Two fish that get called false albacore, and what gives each one away.
- Atlantic bonito: Stripes are straighter and reach lower; has teeth. Tell them apart
- King mackerel: Slimmer, dipping lateral line. Tell them apart
Rules for
Every state
| State | Size | Bag | Season | Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 16" min (curved fork length) | 5 fish combined with Atlantic bonito | Open year-roundMA DMF 2026 · checked | Open |
Not specifically regulated in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida (Atlantic), Florida (Gulf), Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia: each state’s rule for unlisted species applies there (on its page).
State records
| State | Weight | When, where | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 22 lb 4 oz | 2021 | Outdoor Alabama Saltwater State Records · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Connecticut | 16 lb 13 oz | 2011 · Butterfish Hole | CT DEEP Saltwater State Record Fish (Harvested) · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Delaware | 26 lb 11.2 oz | 2022 | DNREC Delaware Fishing Records · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Florida | 27 lb | 1976 · Key Largo | FWC Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle) · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Georgia | 22 lb 1 oz | 2017 | GA DNR CRD Saltwater Records · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Louisiana | 16.2 lb | 2019 · S Timbalier Blk 49 | LOWA Louisiana State Fish Records (Saltwater, Rod & Reel) · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Maryland | 28.2 lb | 2026 · Near the Jackspot | MD DNR Sport Fish State Records · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Massachusetts | 19 lb 5 oz | 1990 · Edgartown | MA DMF Saltwater Game Fish Records · checked 2026-09-04 |
| Mississippi | 29 lb 8.8 oz | 1994 | MDMR State Saltwater Records (Conventional) · checked 2026-08-23 |
| New Jersey | 24 lb 15 oz | 1977 · Off Sea Bright | NJ DEP Fish & Wildlife State Record Saltwater Fish · checked 2026-09-04 |
| New York | 18 lb 1 oz | 2021 | NYSDEC Marine Recreational Angler Records · checked 2026-09-04 |
| North Carolina | 32 lb | 2015 · Off Morehead City | NCDMF State Saltwater Records · checked 2026-08-22 |
| Rhode Island | 16.2 lb | 2022 · The Gully | RI DEM Saltwater Sportfish Records · checked 2026-08-23 |
| South Carolina | 29 lb 7 oz | 1975 · Charleston | SCDNR Saltwater Game Fish Records · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Texas | 15.44 lb | 2013 · Gulf of America | TPWD State Records (Saltwater, Rod & Reel) · checked 2026-08-23 |
| Virginia | 25 lb 4 oz | 1964 · Off Virginia Capes | VMRC Saltwater Fishing Tournament, 2025 brochure · checked 2026-09-04 |
How anglers catch it
Run down the surface feeds and cast small, fast metal or a fly into the bait.
On the table
Poor — dark, strong-flavored; almost always released.
In the app
Point the camera at a false albacore and the name appears before you take the picture, with these rules for the water you’re standing in. No signal needed, and every catch goes in the log.
Get the appQuestions anglers ask about false albacore
What is the size limit for false albacore?
It depends on the state. Massachusetts: 16" min (curved fork length).
How many false albacore can you keep?
Massachusetts: 5 fish combined with Atlantic bonito.
How do you tell false albacore from Atlantic bonito?
False Albacore: Wavy, worm-like markings above the lateral line only; spotless silver below; football body. Atlantic bonito: stripes are straighter and reach lower; has teeth.
How do you catch false albacore?
Run down the surface feeds and cast small, fast metal or a fly into the bait. Methods: casting, fly, trolling. Lures: metal jig, fly, sinking stickbait.
What is the record false albacore?
32 lb in North Carolina (2015), Off Morehead City. Other states’ records are in the table.