Wahoo fishing might not always get the same attention as other big game pursuits, like yellowfin tuna, but these fish are certainly not to be underestimated. Known for their razor-sharp teeth and blistering speed, Wahoo can grow as long as 8 feet and are infamous for their rapid runs, often stripping off hundreds of yards of line in a matter of seconds. Their incredible speed and strength have earned them a well-deserved reputation among anglers, making Wahoo a thrilling catch in their own right.
One of the best things about Wahoo is how widespread they are. Thriving in warm, temperate waters, they can be found in regions across the globe, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Wahoo is a type of fish you find in the Gulf of Mexico, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Caribbean, making Wahoo fishing a possibility year-round, regardless of where you are in the world.
Not only are Wahoo exciting to catch, but they’re also delicious. Their flesh is often compared to Mackerel, with a delicate, smoky flavor that is highly sought after. In fact, in Hawaii, Wahoo are called “Ono,” which translates to “good to eat.” The combination of a thrilling fight on the water and excellent table fare makes Wahoo fishing a highly appealing experience. Now, let’s explore more about these powerful fish, especially answering the key questions: Where can you find them, and how do you catch one?
Top Wahoo Fishing Locations
As mentioned earlier, Wahoo are widely distributed and can be found in a variety of locations across the globe. From the shores of Florida to the islands in the Caribbean, these fish inhabit the upper layer of tropical and subtropical waters, known as the epipelagic zone, which extends up to 650 feet deep.
Here are a few of the top spots right here in the US where you’re likely to encounter Wahoo. While these are not the only places you can find them, fishing in these regions will give you a solid shot at landing one of these elusive, fast-moving predators:
Wahoo Fishing in the USA
With its extensive coastlines along the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf of Mexico, the United States offers a wealth of opportunities to target Wahoo. These waters are ideal for Wahoo fishing, and certain locations stand out for their consistent action and prime conditions. Below are some of the best spots to chase these speedsters across the country:
Key West, Florida
For sheer numbers, Key West is hard to beat when it comes to Wahoo fishing. Located at the southernmost point of the U.S., this area benefits from its proximity to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. These deep waters are home to Wahoo year-round, but from November to February, the fishing is especially productive as they move closer to the reefs. During these months, anglers have a higher chance of encountering schools of Wahoo, making for thrilling fishing trips.
Miami, Florida
Wahoo are plentiful along Florida’s Atlantic Coast, particularly in the southern part of the state, and Miami offers some of the best opportunities. Just 3 miles offshore, the Gulf Stream runs close by, providing a deep, warm-water environment that Wahoo love. This close proximity makes it possible to hook Wahoo without having to venture too far out. While they can be caught all year long, the prime time for Wahoo in Miami generally stretches from early spring through late summer, when the warm waters of the Gulf Stream are teeming with life.
Venice, Louisiana
Venice, Louisiana is a well-known Wahoo hotspot, thanks to its deep offshore waters and the many oil rigs scattered in the Gulf of Mexico. These rigs create structure in the open sea, attracting all sorts of marine life, including Wahoo. The fish are present throughout the year, hanging around structures anywhere from 10 to 30 miles offshore. However, the best time to target them is from January through March, when Wahoo are more concentrated and the action is at its peak.
Oahu, Hawaii
Hawaii’s third-largest island, Oahu, is a Wahoo paradise. Known locally as “Ono,” these fish can be found in abundance around the island’s waters. While they are present all year long, the fishing really picks up from March to September. During this period, the waters around Oahu are particularly rich with Ono, making it a prime destination for anglers looking to test their skills against this fast-moving fish.
How to Fish for Wahoo
Wahoo are known for being solitary or traveling in very small groups of two to three fish, which makes the process of finding them one of the most thrilling aspects of Wahoo fishing. Once you’ve managed to locate these elusive speedsters, there are a variety of techniques you can use to hook and reel them in.
One thing is certain—you’ll need a boat to access the waters where Wahoo are found. Fortunately, most popular Wahoo fishing destinations offer a wide range of fishing charters to choose from that can help you get started. Now, let’s dive into some of the most effective fishing techniques for catching Wahoo.
Trolling: The Go-To Technique
When it comes to Wahoo fishing, trolling is by far the most popular and effective method. This technique capitalizes on the Wahoo’s legendary speed, giving anglers the chance to pit their skills against these fast-moving fish. One of the reasons trolling is so widely used is its versatility—you can use it in virtually any Wahoo fishing location.
Bait and Lures
To get Wahoo to bite, you have a range of live bait and artificial lures to choose from. Live baits like mackerel, ballyhoo, and mullet—whether cut, stripped, or chunked—are highly effective in attracting Wahoo. If you prefer using lures, opt for those that can be trolled at high speeds and have bright, eye-catching colors. Plugs and specialized high-speed Wahoo trolling lures are popular choices.
Set-Up Matters
The key to successful trolling lies in the proper set-up. A six-lure spread is recommended, which allows you to deploy your lures at different distances from the boat, maximizing your coverage of the water. A common local practice is to position the lures between 150 and 350 feet from the port side, and 350 to 450 feet from the starboard side, with varying distances in between. This setup ensures you’re covering more ground and increasing your chances of enticing a Wahoo to strike.
For tackle, a 100lb braided line is typically sufficient to handle the strength and speed of Wahoo. Since these fish are known for their incredibly fast runs, trolling speeds should match their pace. Start by cruising at 10 knots, with 15 knots being the ideal speed to keep up with their swift movements.
Depth Control
Wahoo often swim just below the water’s surface, so speed isn’t the only factor you’ll need to consider. It’s important to stagger the depths of your lures to increase your chances of a strike. Use downriggers to drop a couple of your lines to depths of 20–30 feet. For the rest, keep them around 5–15 feet below the surface, using heavy jet heads or weights to get them down to the right depth.
Jigging for Wahoo
While trolling tends to dominate the Wahoo fishing scene, jigging offers a different, equally effective approach for targeting these fast predators, especially if you’re fishing in deeper waters or areas with plenty of underwater structure. Vertical jigging has been gaining popularity among deep-sea anglers, not only as a fuel-efficient alternative to trolling but also as an exciting and physically challenging method. Locations like the oil rigs off Louisiana are prime spots for this technique, where Wahoo are known to gather around man-made and natural underwater structures.
The Challenge of Vertical Jigging
Jigging for Wahoo isn’t for the faint of heart—it can be a physically demanding experience, testing your strength and endurance. Anglers often come home with sore arms after a day of jigging, but the effort is well worth it once you land a large Wahoo. The workout just adds to the thrill of reeling in these powerful fish, making the success of hooking one even more satisfying.
Choosing the Right Spot
For a productive jigging session, location is key. Wahoo are typically found in deeper waters, so you’ll want to focus on areas that are at least 200 feet deep, especially those with plenty of structure. Offshore oil rigs, underwater shelves, and deep drop-offs along the Gulf of Mexico’s continental shelf are excellent spots to try jigging for Wahoo. These structures attract smaller baitfish, which in turn draw the predatory Wahoo to the area.
The Gear and Technique
When jigging for Wahoo, gear selection plays a major role in your success. You’ll need a high-speed fishing reel capable of retrieving at least 40 inches of line per crank, paired with a stiff action 7–8-foot jigging rod. For your lure, a metal jig is a go-to choice, as its weight allows it to sink quickly into the deep waters where Wahoo typically lurk.
The technique is fairly simple but requires some finesse. The basic motion involves a “rod up, handle down” rhythm—lifting the rod tip and simultaneously reeling in the slack as the lure falls back down. This creates an enticing movement that mimics wounded baitfish, which can attract Wahoo to strike. Once you feel the hit, get ready for a tough fight!
Wahoo Fishing: An Unforgettable, Fast-Paced Battle!
Wahoo fishing is an exhilarating experience, full of heart-pounding action. These fish are so thrilling to catch that many big-game anglers joke their name comes from the shout of excitement when one is hooked—”Wahoo!” And it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re trolling or jigging, going head-to-head with a Wahoo guarantees an unforgettable, fast-paced adventure that will leave you wanting more. So, grab your gear and head out on the water to experience the adrenaline of Wahoo fishing for yourself!
