The Fishing Report
Fishing seasons & conditions by region
Aku (Skipjack Tuna) Katsuwonus pelamis
Aku (Skipjack Tuna) Size, Range & Diet
| Typical size | 18–30 in, 5–20 lb |
|---|---|
| Maximum | up to nearly 4 ft and about 70 lb |
| Lifespan | 8–12 years |
| Range | Tropical and warm-temperate seas worldwide; thick around all the Hawaiian Islands and common off both US coasts. |
| Habitat | Tight, fast-moving surface schools over open water — bird piles, FADs and current lines — dropping to about 850 ft by day. |
| Diet | Small baitfish, squid and crustaceans taken in fast surface blitzes. |
Sizes are typical rod-and-reel and documented maximum figures, not size limits — see the regulations links below for the rules where you fish.
How to Identify a Aku (Skipjack Tuna)
- 4-6 bold straight horizontal dark stripes on the LOWER sides/belly
- Dark blue-purple back; silvery belly
- Back plain and unmarked above the lateral line
- Streamlined tuna body, short pectoral fins, finlets
- Scaleless except for the corselet and lateral line
Tell it apart: Straight horizontal stripes running along the belly and a plain unmarked back separate Aku from Kawakawa, whose markings are wavy, confined to the upper back, with spots low on the chest.
Easily confused with: Kawakawa
Side by side: Aku (Skipjack Tuna) vs Kawakawa
How to Catch Aku (Skipjack Tuna)
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- Peaks May-August; troll small skirted lures and feathers at 6-9 knots near current lines and bird piles, or cast metal jigs into breaking schools.GearFeather trolling luresMetal casting jigsTrolling rod combo
When & Where Aku (Skipjack Tuna) Are in Season
Peak Good Fair Slow
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian Islands Nearshore | ||||||||||||
| Hawaiian Islands Offshore |
Aku (Skipjack Tuna) Regulations
Always check local regulations — seasons, size, and bag limits vary by state and species, and change year to year. When in doubt, release.