Albies: The False Albacore
Albies, short for false albacore, are a type of fish belonging to the mackerel family. They are known for their streamlined bodies and remarkable swimming speed, resembling tuna fish but more closely related to mackerel. Albies are often misidentified for bonito and are also called "little tunny." They primarily feed on small baitfish like silversides, peanut bunker, and bay anchovies, and are considered to be the hardest fighting inshore fish by many anglers. They typically weigh between 4 to 12 pounds, with some growing well over 20 pounds, and the world record albie weighed 36 pounds.
Albies are commonly found in the northeast inshore saltwater and are best fished for in late summer and early fall when they are most abundant. They tend to move in big circles as they switch from one bait ball to the next, and anglers need to match the hatch to effectively target them. Albies lack a swim bladder, which means they must be in constant motion, explaining their phenomenal swimming power. They are fast-growing but short-lived, reaching sexual maturity at one year of age and 15 inches but rarely living more than five years. Spawning occurs in deep, offshore waters from April through November.
Despite their popularity among anglers, the flesh of the false albacore is dark and coarse in texture, so few people in the U.S. consume it, although it is eaten in other parts of its range.
In a different context, "Albie Awards" refer to an event organized by George and Amal Clooneys foundation to honor courageous defenders of justice across the globe.
