Trolling For Albacore The down time between jig strikes when trolling for albacore can seem endless. There are many variables that can make or break a successful troll for albacore. In addition to lure selection and speed also having the lure at the right depth is also very important. There are different factors in choosing the lure best suited for certain situations. Style, color and size should all be considered. Albacore anglers should also remember the effect that ocean conditions and speed can have on how a lure tracks in the water. Crankbait type plugs such as large Rapalas and mirOlures are terrific as are the cedar plugs for tuna. However good they are when the seas are smooth they are very difficult to keep in the water in sloppy conditions. Best trolling speed is usually found between 6 and 7 ½ knots. Larger lures will draw bites from bluefin, yellowfin and bigeye tuna but while keeping the skipjack away the albacore may not hit the larger sizes. Try to as a rule use darker color lures when trolling for albacore in the gray of dawn and as it gets brighter the liter colors seem to be better choices. Also as it gets brighter try to keep the lure deeper. When the wind blows and it gets sloppy tuna feathers tend to spend to much time skipping across the surface and this may be a time try considering a jet head or a heavier tuna clone type jig.