Fly-fishing for False Albacore from a kayak

False Albacore, also known as Little Tunny (Bonito, as they are called here in Alabama), are members of the Mackerel family. They are usually moving at a high rate of speed, a constantly moving mass of muscle. In fact, if they are not moving so that water passes through and over their gills by swimming, they’ll die. Chasing these speed demons can be a real challenge to catch on a fly rod, and even more of a challenge fly-fishing from a kayak.  However, finding a school that is concentrated on their prey in one area is rewarding, because they are a lot less likely to be spooked by a kayak than a power boat.

One of the best opportunities to catch them is when you find them on the surface in either huge schools that cover acres or in small, scattered pods feeding on Bay Anchovies, tiny herrings, sardines or embryonic fishes.

If False Albacore are chasing their bait, it is hard to catch up with them because they are constantly moving, and may vanish before you can get in position to cast to them: wait until they’ve got their prey balled up and contained in one spot.  The best way to locate them is to look for terns or gulls hovering over the feeding fish, looking for an easy meal.  You can also chum for them or find them either behind shrimp boats or around structure.

It is best to try to approach a school of feeding fish at a distance that will allow you to cast to the fish on the edge of the school, for they can be spooked easily. If you cast your fly line in the middle of the feeding fish the whole school will literally disappear.  One moment there is a noisy feeding frenzy: the next there is complete silence, with no fish in sight.

The best tackle for False Albacore is a rod size large enough that will allow you to put enough pressure on the fish to catch and release them in a reasonably short period of time. I’ve caught them using ultra light rods (so it can be done), but the likeliness of survival of the fish after you release them is diminished.

I normally use an eight weight rod and a reel with a good drag, plus sufficient line capacity to store enough backing to accommodate their long sizzling runs.

When False Albacore are feeding on the surface floating lines work fine, but brightly colored lines will often spook them. I prefer a clear colored, intermediate fly line.

I also try to use flies that resemble their food. I tie most of the flies that I use but a small bait fish imitation, such as a Clouser or other bait fish imitations, will work. I like sparsely tied flies, because at times the pray that they are feeding on are almost transparent.  Their incredible eyesight makes them very discerning about what they eat so fly size, tippet size and color can make a big difference.

It is important to have your kayak set up for fly-fishing. Your kayak should have what I call a clean deck. It should not have unnecessary clutter or attached items that can (and will!) catch your fly line.  This is important both when you cast and when you are stripping in line.

A clean deck is really important when you have hooked a fish and he is making that first run. When a False Albacore eats your fly and all goes well, it can have you looking at your backing on your reel in seconds.  It is critical at that point to clear the fly line and get the fish on the reel without catching the fly line on some obstruction.

False Albacore will at times eat almost anything that you throw at them, and at other times be very selective and frustrating. On the days when they are being difficult, you don’t want to finally hook up only to have your fly line get caught on something and break you off.

The retrieve is very important. You need to retrieve the fly as fast as you can in long uninterrupted strips.

If you plan to do much fly fishing from your kayak, a clean deck will allow you to remove your accessories easily, and then replace them for other activities.

Some people complain that they have trouble casting sitting in a low kayak. If you start your cast with your rod tip close to the surface of the water and stop your back cast in a high position behind, you will keep your fly line from hitting the water behind you. If you can stand up in your kayak, not only will it be easier to cast, but your improved visibility will allow you to see fish more easily and cast with more accuracy.

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Jimbo's Cast Archive

November 2006 - The Importance of a Kayak Fishing Guide

Sept/Oct 2006-  Jubilee

August 2006- Outfitting Your Kayak for Fishing

July 2006- Choosing a Fishing Kayak

June 2006 -   "Why I Started Fishing from a Kayak"

May 2006 -    "Jimbo Meador, Angler Philosopher"