Usual size
60–90 cm
Maximum
140 cm
Where
Open sea (by boat)
When
Indicative abundance from the shore in northern Spain
The albacore season runs from July to October in the Bay of Biscay, offshore several miles out, following the warmer water.
Natural baits
- Live bait (anchovy, sardine)
Lures
- Trolled feathers and squid skirts
- Trolling minnows
How to recognise it
Tuna with a dark blue back, silver belly and very long pectoral fins reaching past the second dorsal fin.
Tip
Troll at 6–8 knots looking for birds and surface activity; when one bites, more usually follow.
Minimum size and rules by area
Galicia
Species under special protection: the boat needs an authorisation from the Spanish fisheries authority and catches are declared in PescaREC. In Cantabria and the Basque Country, maximum 5 fish per licence per day (20 per boat).
Asturias
Species under special protection: the boat needs an authorisation from the Spanish fisheries authority and catches are declared in PescaREC. In Cantabria and the Basque Country, maximum 5 fish per licence per day (20 per boat).
Cantabria
Species under special protection: the boat needs an authorisation from the Spanish fisheries authority and catches are declared in PescaREC. In Cantabria and the Basque Country, maximum 5 fish per licence per day (20 per boat).
Basque Country
Species under special protection: the boat needs an authorisation from the Spanish fisheries authority and catches are declared in PescaREC. In Cantabria and the Basque Country, maximum 5 fish per licence per day (20 per boat).
Fish are measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail; squid and cuttlefish by the mantle. If it is undersized, release it alive.
Official sources →