Yellowtail tend to be relatively sedentary, although seasonal movements have been documented.
In U.S. waters, commercially important concentrations occur on Georges Bank, off Cape Cod, and in the Southern New England-Middle Atlantic region. Growth rates also differ by geographical area, with fish from Georges Bank generally growing more rapidly than those from other areas. Spawning occurs during spring and summer, with peak activity in May. Ages to 17 years have been documented, although individuals more than 7 years old are uncommon. Scales are removed from the eyed side of the fish along the lateral line immediately anterior to the caudal peduncle for dry storage. About 5 or 6 scales from each fish are impressed on a laminated plastic slide using a roller press and viewed on a microprojector at a magnification of 52x with transmitted light.