Albacore
Albacore
Thunnus alalunga
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Culinary Details
Food Rating : 8
While smaller in size than ahi, the albacore tuna we catch in Hawaii are still larger in comparison to those caught off the west coast. The flesh is usually light in color and mild in flavor. Depending on the time of year and where the fleet if fishing, Hawaiian Seafoofd offers Tombo in two grades: Pink tombo, which is higher in fat and oil and white Tombo, which is lighter. We can assure you that our Tombo will make an excellent sashimi offering and is fully up for whatever preparations you may have in mind. Tombo ahi has flesh that varies from whitish-pink in smaller fish to deep pink in larger fish. Larger tombo ahi have a greater fat content than smaller fish, and this is a desirable attribute for raw fish products, as well as for broiling. As raw fish, tombo is softer than other ahi or aku and, hence, more difficult to slice into sashimi. Restaurants usually grill tombo ahi, but other cooking methods will work as well. Tombo has a tendency to dry out quickly when cooked, so it is important to avoid overcooking.Seasonality, Forms, Yields, Shelf Life & Quality Control
Availability & Seasonality
Commercial landings of tombo ahi have increased in Hawaii. Tombo ahi is seasonally available in significant quantities, but is scarce in the off-season. The peak in landings usually occurs from May through September. There are also wide fluctuations in the annual catch of tombo ahi. Availability is greatly influenced by oceanographic conditions. Tombo ahi is believed to migrate along ocean temperature “edges” rich in food, hence, disruption of ocean-wide current systems, such as brought about by “El Nino” weather, may affect catch rates in Hawaii.
Product Forms & Yields
The preferred market size of tombo ahi for use in fresh or processed products is greater than 50 pounds in the round. The larger fishes have several advantages: (1) greater yield of finished product — 60-65%; (2) pinker flesh coloration; and, (3) greater fat content than smaller tombo. Fresh albacore is also marketed as loins, loin sections, or steaks at fish markets or supermarkets with fish counter service or self-service counters. Tombo is one of the preferred species for gourmet smoked fish products.
Shelf Life & Quality Control
Some longline boats which catch tombo ahi are at sea for up to 10-12 days, but with proper care, the fish will retain a high quality for three weeks after capture (see Table 3). Although not as old when landed, the quality of handline-caught tombo is more variable because of differences in handling by the small-boat tuna fleet. Tombo (Albacore Tuna)
Average Weight/Length
Other "Popular" Names for this Fish
Location Habitat
Biology & Physical Description
Life Cycle & Mating Behavior
Geographic Species Map (Fishbase.org Map)
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Summary of Distribution: Cosmopolitan in tropical and temperate waters of all oceans including the Mediterranean Sea but not at the surface between 10°N and 10°S. Western Pacific: range extend in a broad band between 40°N and 40°S. Often confused with juvenile Thunnus obesus which also have very long pectorals but with rounded tips. Highly migratory species, |
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Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org) |
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Sport Fishing Techniques
TrollingA trolling boat has multiple outriggers, poles and lines attached that use lures dragged across the ocean surface at speeds of 4 – 10 knots. Large beefy hooks are used with special durable lures allowing the fisherman to easily unhook the gamefish that has been caught and quickly get their lines back into the water. The larger the lures, the larger the potential fish, the larger the hooks. A tuna boat will usually make slow wide circles when trolling. A billfish boat will usually work ledges, fathom lines, zig zag area coordinates or make trolling circles if bait or a porpoise school is located and/or if they are fishing a FAD.. |
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DriftingDrift fishing allows you to fish over a variety of habitats as your boat drifts with the currents or wind movement. You can drift fish on the bottom or change the depth with a bobber or float. Natural baits work best. But jigs, lures and artificial flies will produce good results, too. You can drift fish on the ocean, as well as ponds, lakes, rivers and streams any time of the day and year.. |
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Commercial Fishing Techniques
Pelagic LonglineThis fishery uses a longline to catch a variety of pelagic fish on the high seas such as tuna and swordfish. A deep-set longline is used to primarily target tuna and a shallow-set longline is used to target swordfish or mixed species including bigeye, Albacore and yellowfin tuna. Baited hooks are attached to a line that floats in the ocean using buoys and flagpoles. |
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Tackle & Baits
Game Rating
Game Rating : 8/10
Game Description :
An outstanding battler, even among the hard-fighting Tuna clan.
Food Rating
Game Rating : 8/10
Game Description :
While smaller in size than ahi, the albacore tuna we catch in Hawaii are still larger in comparison to those caught off the west coast. The flesh is usually light in color and mild in flavor. Depending on the time of year and where the fleet if fishing, Hawaiian Seafoofd offers Tombo in two grades: Pink tombo, which is higher in fat and oil and white Tombo, which is lighter. We can assure you that our Tombo will make an excellent sashimi offering and is fully up for whatever preparations you may have in mind. Tombo ahi has flesh that varies from whitish-pink in smaller fish to deep pink in larger fish. Larger tombo ahi have a greater fat content than smaller fish, and this is a desirable attribute for raw fish products, as well as for broiling. As raw fish, tombo is softer than other ahi or aku and, hence, more difficult to slice into sashimi. Restaurants usually grill tombo ahi, but other cooking methods will work as well. Tombo has a tendency to dry out quickly when cooked, so it is important to avoid overcooking.
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