Intro | Fat Alberts | Tackle | Albaclousers | Presenting the Fly | Releasing Albacore

Releasing False Albacore

It may come as a surprise to many anglers, but false albacore should be released in a different way. Most of us who come from a trout- or bass-fishing heritage are used to holding a fish upright and moving it back and forth in the water until it revives. Such a release technique will kill a tuna or mackerel. Tuna and mackerel are designed to move forward all the time. They are always moving.

Two release techniques work well. First, it is best not to take an albacore out of the water unless you absolutely must. When the fish is at the boat, simply grab the slender bony section immediately in front of its tail and stop it for a moment with your bare gloved hand while using your fingers or a pair of pliers to remove the fly, which should have the barb mashed down. Give the fish a quick forward shove to release it. Ninety percent of the time it will be off and running.

Most of us occasionally like to take pictures of fish out of the water. After grabbing the fish just in front of the tail, lift it and take your pictures quickly. Unhook the fish, and then toss or lob it into the water head first at a 45-degree angle. When these fish hit the water going away, they tend to revive quickly and take off.

I have released many false albacore using these methods in water less than four feet deep. In shallow water, it is easy to observe whether the fish swims away quickly or sinks to the bottom. A forcible forward thrust into the water works.

Since word has spread in recent years about the quality and predictability of the Outer Banks false albacore fishing, there is more competition among wading anglers and those with boats. I've learned that it is not necessary to chase schools to catch fish.

Albacore tend to congregate in small schools or pods in the fall. There are often so many pods working the same area that anglers in boats or those wading beaches or flats discover that fish come to them. Look for tide lines, drop-offs, and indentations along the beach that may hold bait. Drift, anchor, or wade in such areas. The fish will come. The time of day does not make a great difference. I have experienced great fishing in October and November at dawn, high noon, and dusk.

False albacore are no longer just high-speed trash fish. Today they are the hottest fish in the East Coast fly-fishing theater. They have the attributes of the largest gamefish, but they are available to wading anglers and small-boat anglers alike. Their raucous surface-feeding habits make them prominent targets for well-presented flies. Few fish possess the speed and stamina of a false albacore. Perhaps best of all, there should be plenty of them for the foreseeable future, because not even a famed chef such as a Julia Childs or Paul Prudhomme can make them fit to eat.

Tom Earnhardt lives in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is the author of Fly Fishing the Tidewaters and Boats for Fishermen.

Previous

On-Line Catalogs
A.A. Outfitters Full service, fully stocked flyshop located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Allen Brothers Quality Fishing Flies Quality is more than just a word. We use Daichii hooks and all our beadheads are tied with tungsten. Check out unique variations on a lot of the classics, plus our original patterns! Angler's Pro Shop The finest products the fly fishing industry has to offer. Bighorn Fly and Tackle Shop Montana's premium fly shops, lodging and guide service. We're dedicated to helping you experience the best Montana has to offer. Bob Henley's TIE-A-FLY 19 traditional patterns. TIE-A-FLY kits have all materials needed to tie them, instructions/illustrations, a pre-tied fly to use as a model. Gary LaFontaine's "The Book Mailer" Every angling book & media in print—10% off 3 or more. LaFontaine fly patterns & materials. FREE anti-catalog. Crystal Fly Shop Online Store Quality products at reasonable prices from Winston, Elkhorn, St. Croix, Galvan, Solitude, Idylwilde, Chota, etc. Many items 15-35% off. Custom Fly Rod Crafters Fly rod building components, tools & supplies. Dan Bailey's Online Fly Shop Outfitting fly fishermen since 1938. Equipment & information to make your next fly fishing trip be a memorable one.		Fly Fishing Flies & Gear Shop RiverBum.com for premium FLIES and GEAR from Simms, Sage, Fishpond & more ... Free Shipping on orders over $25! FlyShack.com High quality, hand-tied flies. Assortments from $.60/fly. Great selection and excellent service. Free Shipping. FlyShopCloseouts.com Now—new and expanded—with much more brand name fly fishing tackle and gear at huge savings. Save 30-50% on quality brands you will recognize in an instant. Galloup's Slide Inn Online Fly Shop Full online store offering cutting-edge flies, equipment, and the best streamer selection found anywhere in the U.S. Hills Discount Flies Fly shop quality flies at wholesale prices. Over 1,000 patterns. Check out bargains in "Hot Deals" section. Hooked On Flies 65¢-69¢ a fly. That's 3 flies for less than the retail price of one fly. 450+ Trout Fly Patterns! Madison River Fishing Co. Spring is coming! We have TONS of new gear this year. Cloudveil, Simms, Sage, Under Armour, Vosseler Reels and lots more. Click or call 800-227-7127 for catalog. **Reelflies** - Fly Fishing Flies Offering incredible prices on top-quality Trout Flies: $0.49 - $0.79. Our flies have great fly illustrations . . . what you see is what you get! www.ShopUltimateAngler.com Your steelhead and smallmouth specialists featuring Simms, Sage, Patagonia, Orvis, guide services, local fishing reports and more!