Albacore from Noyo Harbor: when the fish are here
Albacore fishing out of Fort Bragg runs from July into the fall. Boats leave Noyo Harbor and head straight offshore toward Noyo Canyon. This section covers the season window, the bearing, a range to plan fuel around and the boats to watch. For the wider picture beyond this port, see the wider West Coast run (see also the wider Pacific Northwest guide).
What the charters list
Each operator posts its own window, so they are listed separately. Anchor Charter Boats tuna trips start in mid to late July. Noyo Fishing Charters lists July through October. When boats start listing the trip, the fish are within reach of the port.
When the fish leave
Anchor says the fish stay until they leave, usually in October or November, so the end of the season follows the fish rather than a calendar date.
| Operator | Season window |
|---|---|
| Anchor Charter Boats | Mid to late July until the fish leave, usually October or November |
| Noyo Fishing Charters | July through October |
The run from Noyo Harbor
The run is straight offshore toward Noyo Canyon, and reported distances range from 10 to 55 miles.
Heading straight offshore
Leave Noyo Harbor, clear Noyo Jetty at the entrance and hold a line straight out toward Noyo Canyon.
Planning for 10 to 55 miles
The distance varies because the fish move. Plan fuel and range for the far end, 55 miles out, plus the run home.
- Near end: 10 miles out
- Far end: 55 miles out
- Fuel plan: the outbound run to 55 miles plus the full return
Reading NDBC 46014
The nearest buoy is the NOAA NDBC station 46014 page: NDBC station 46014, PT ARENA, listed by NOAA as 19 NM north of Point Arena (39.225N, 123.980W). Use it for wind, wave height and period. It reports conditions at one point and is not a forecast for the grounds.
Grounds and structure near Fort Bragg
Three named places frame a Fort Bragg albacore trip: Noyo Jetty, Noyo Canyon and Punta Gorda reef.
Noyo Jetty
Noyo Jetty sits at the harbor entrance, and every trip leaves and returns past it.
Noyo Canyon
Noyo Canyon is straight out from Noyo Harbor and is the target of the offshore run.
Punta Gorda reef
Punta Gorda reef is north of Fort Bragg on the Lost Coast. It is named structure on the same stretch of coast.
How albacore are fished here
The local fleet fishes albacore with trolling and jigs. For gear and lure detail, see the species guide.
- Trolling: a local method for covering water.
- Jigs: a local method used by the fleet.
Who fishes albacore out of Fort Bragg
Five charters list albacore out of Fort Bragg.
| Operator | Boat | Captain |
|---|---|---|
| Anchor Charter Boats | Kraken | Not listed |
| Telstar Charters | Telstar | Sean Thornton |
| Noyo Fishing Charters | Viking | Kevin |
| All Aboard Adventures | Sea Hawk and Royal Sea Hawk | Tim |
| North Bay Fishing Charters | Bigeye | Ryan |
Anchor Charter Boats
Boat: Kraken.
Telstar Charters
Boat: Telstar, a 50 by 16 foot boat built in 1969. Captain: Sean Thornton.
Noyo Fishing Charters
Boat: Viking. Captain: Kevin.
All Aboard Adventures
Boats: Sea Hawk and Royal Sea Hawk. Captain: Tim.
North Bay Fishing Charters
A seasonal Fort Bragg operation. See North Bay’s Fort Bragg operation. Boat: Bigeye. Captain: Ryan.
FAQ: albacore out of Fort Bragg
When do albacore show up off Fort Bragg?
Anchor Charter Boats lists mid to late July until the fish leave, usually October or November. Noyo Fishing Charters lists July through October. The end follows the fish, not a date.
How far do boats run for albacore?
Reported runs are 10 to 55 miles offshore. Plan fuel for the far end plus the run home, and check NDBC 46014 for wind, wave height and period.
Where do boats head?
Straight offshore from Noyo Harbor, past Noyo Jetty at the entrance, toward Noyo Canyon.
How are albacore caught here?
The local fleet fishes albacore with trolling and jigs.
Which charters run albacore out of Fort Bragg?
Anchor Charter Boats (Kraken), Telstar Charters (Telstar), Noyo Fishing Charters (Viking), All Aboard Adventures (Sea Hawk and Royal Sea Hawk) and North Bay Fishing Charters (Bigeye).
Where can I read about tuna at other ports?
Our tuna fishing guides cover other ports and species.
