Our Albacore Tuna Fishing Methods
Our hook and line Albacore tuna fishery is now certified as eco-friendly by the Marine Stewardship Council (www.msc.org) via the American Albacore Fishing Association (www.americanalbacore.com). It stands as a model of sustainable, high-quality seafood production — one where the method of harvest, the timing of the catch, and the dedication of the fishermen all come together to deliver a premium product.
Caught at the Right Moment
Oregon fishermen target albacore when the schools migrate close to shore during their summer run — a moment that aligns perfectly with peak eating quality. At this stage in their life cycle, albacore have been feeding heavily on oil-rich anchovies and sardines concentrated by coastal upwelling. That diet translates directly to the plate: firmer texture, cleaner flavor, and higher levels of naturally occurring oils that carry both richness and nutritional value.
Combined with careful handling and rapid chilling at sea, Oregon-caught albacore is a premium, versatile protein that meets the demands of high-volume foodservice while still offering the integrity and flavor expected in top-tier culinary settings.
Tuna Trollers: Hook and Line Fishing
Oregon albacore are caught by trolling — towing lures or baited hooks through the water behind a moving vessel. Albacore trollers, commonly called jig boats, fish at speeds of four to eight knots using 10 to 20 lines of varying lengths run from outriggers and the stern. Each line carries an artificial lure (jig) designed to mimic squid, with a metal head, plastic skirt or feathers, and a large barbless hook.
When a fish strikes, a tag line brings the fishing line within reach, then a mechanical reel brings the fish in. Each albacore is landed by hand, unhooked, bled, and immediately prepared for icing or freezing. On a good day, a single vessel might bring in 300 fish, with individual fish commonly weighing between 10 and 30 pounds.
Vessels range from 38 to 100 feet and typically carry a crew of two to three. Larger boats can range hundreds of miles offshore on trips lasting a month or more, with the catch flash-frozen at sea to preserve freshness.
Young Fish, Superior Quality
The albacore harvested off Oregon are young fish — typically three to five years old and between 10 and 30 pounds. Compared to the large, older albacore caught by foreign longline fleets in the central Pacific, these younger fish are higher in omega-3 oils and lower in accumulated mercury. The result is fish that tastes better and offers greater nutritional value.
Local custom-canning operations take full advantage of this quality: fresh albacore are placed raw into the can and cooked in their own juices, preserving the healthful oils and full flavor. Industrial canneries precook the fish before canning — a process that sacrifices both taste and nutritional content.
A Clean, Low-Bycatch Fishery
Albacore are extremely sensitive to water temperature, preferring a narrow range of 58 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Almost no other fish species inhabit these temperatures off the Oregon coast, which means bycatch is exceptionally low. No nets are used — this is a dolphin-safe fishery that targets only surface-feeding fish from abundant, well-managed stocks.
Environmental seafood guides from the Audubon Society and the Monterey Bay Aquarium have long recognized the Pacific albacore troll fishery as a benchmark for clean, low-impact fishing.
Fishermen Who Take It Personally
Members of the Oregon albacore fishing community feel personally accountable for the wholesomeness of the fish, the long-term sustainability of the fishery, and the health of our oceans. In the same way that local farmers and ranchers strive to deliver the best fresh vegetables and meats, Oregon fishermen deliver the very best albacore — whether fresh off the boat, frozen at sea, or micro-canned in small batches.
When you choose Oregon’s Choice albacore, you’re not just buying a product. You’re supporting a fishery that has earned its reputation — one careful, accountable catch at a time.