False albacore — locally called 'bonito' or 'fat alberts' — are nearshore tuna-family pelagics that blitz bait schools off the 904 beaches. Most action is within 5 miles of shore around bait pods. Spring and fall they're consistent off the Mayport ledge and the inlet outside corners.
Football-shaped body, dark-blue back with worm-like markings on the upper sides, silvery belly. Average 5-15 lb in NE FL; occasional 20+ lb fish. Not a true bonito but the local name has stuck. Not great table fare (red, bloody meat) but pound-for-pound one of the strongest light-tackle fights in the 904.
Spring (March-April) and fall (September-October) blitzes are the highlight reel — birds working, bait crashing, false albacore tearing through the surface. Summer they push offshore. Winter they're south. The fall blitz is light-tackle nirvana when it's on.
Cast a 1-3 oz metal jig (Hopkins, Kastmaster, or similar) into busting fish and rip it back fast — they like a high-speed retrieve. Use 30 lb fluorocarbon leader. When you hook one, the first run will dump 100+ yards of line off a 4000-class reel. Don't muscle them; let them run. They die quickly out of the water — release fast if you don't plan to keep one.
Florida fishing regulations change. Always confirm slot, bag limits, and seasons on the official source before you keep anything. See our Licenses & Regulations page or go straight to MyFWC.com.