How To Catch Wahoo

Have you always wanted to catch wahoo? Do you want to learn how to catch wahoo? Wahoo is one of the fastest gamefish in the world. It puts up a hard fight when hooked and can slip away in a second. Its jaws have the ability to up and down and side to side. This allows the fish to work the hook loose and get away in a few seconds. Wahoo is found in tropical and subtropical waters like the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Wahoo is known for moving at fast speeds like 60 mph.

How To Catch Wahoo

1. Trolling

Trolling is the most popular fishing method used to fish for wahoo. Anglers implement both high-speed and slow-speed trolling. When trolling, speed is very important. When fishing for wahoo, anglers usually move the boat at a speed from 12 to 18 knots. The speed used depends on the lures used. Always vary the trolling speed until you get a bite. With high-speed trolling, you attach the bait and move the boat, waiting for a strike. High-speed trolling speeds range from 14 to 20 knots.

Slow trolling with speed from 8 to 10 knots can also be used to catch wahoo. Live baits like ballyhoo or flying fish can be used to fish for wahoo. When using live bait, you need to go at a slow speed to keep the bait alive for as long as possible. Additionally, the slow speed allows the scent of the bait to permeate the waters and attract the fish.

With slow trolling, you will have a planer of two in the water with down baits and rigger baits. Check these baits regularly to make sure they haven’t been eaten by wahoo or other fishes. Slow trolling speeds range from 6 to 10 knots.

2. Casting

The casting fishing method can be effective when targeting wahoo, especially when they are feeding closer to the surface or around structures like reefs or wrecks. Anglers typically use high-speed spinning or baitcasting reels paired with heavy-duty rods to cast lures or baitfish rigs.

When casting for wahoo, it’s essential to use heavy-duty gear capable of handling the speed and power of these fast-swimming predators. Anglers may employ various lures such as high-speed trolling lures, plugs, or jigs designed to mimic the movements of baitfish, which can entice wahoo to strike.

Casting allows anglers to cover a large area of water and target specific structures where wahoo are known to frequent, providing an exciting and adrenaline-pumping fishing experience.

3. Jigging

The jigging fishing method is a popular technique employed by anglers when targeting wahoo, especially when the fish are holding deeper in the water column or near bottom structures. Anglers use specialized heavy jigs designed to sink quickly and mimic the movement of injured baitfish, enticing wahoo to strike.

To jig effectively for wahoo, anglers typically employ stout jigging rods paired with high-speed reels loaded with heavy braided lines to handle the fast and powerful runs of these predators. The key to successful jigging for wahoo lies in imparting erratic and lifelike movements to the jig, mimicking wounded prey, and triggering aggressive strikes.

Anglers often vary their jigging techniques, including vertical jigging, yo-yo jigging, or butterfly jigging, to entice wahoo in different conditions and depths. Jigging for wahoo can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience, requiring skillful presentation and precise timing to hook into these high-speed predators.

Wahoo Tackle

You can use standard offshore tackle for trolling wahoo. Use a 100lb braided line when trolling for wahoo. They have very sharp teeth and many anglers use wire leaders to prevent the breaking of the line. A titanium leader can also be used. A single hook of size 6/0 or 7/0 will work.

How To Catch Wahoo In Florida

Wahoo is caught in open waters and you will need to use a fish finder to locate them. You can use ballyhoo, sardines, mullet, or mackerel as bait. Lures such as plugs can be used when fishing for wahoo. Trolling and jigging are fishing methods used to catch wahoo.

They are very fast and trolling is one fishing method that will keep up with them. Early morning is the best time to go fishing for wahoo.

How To Catch Wahoo In The Keys

Wahoo is found out in the open waters and is built to be very fast. When fishing for wahoo in the keys, you want to look for structures. Wahoos will often be found around the structure. Look for reefs, wrecks, and other structures that may be hiding. Trolling, jigging, and drift fishing are fishing methods often used when fishing for wahoo.

In the Florida Keys, the best time to go fishing for wahoo is from dawn to early morning. Mullet, ballyhoo, sardines, and mackerel are some of the baits that can be used when fishing for wahoo. Lures are also used when fishing for wahoo.

How To Catch Wahoo In The Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico is one of the best places to go fishing for wahoo. It can be found anywhere in the Gulf. Look for structures that it may be used to hide as it waits in ambush. Artificial and natural coral reefs and shipwrecks are some of the structures that you may fish wahoo around. Use your fish finder or sonar device to locate structures for wahoo.

Ballyhoo, mullet, mackerel, and sardines are some of the fish that you can use as bait when fishing for wahoo. Additionally, since wahoo is often found in open waters, trolling, jigging, and drift fishing are some of the fishing methods used when fishing for wahoo.

How To Catch Wahoo In North Carolina

Wahoo is found in open waters and feeds on squid, mackerel, flying fish, crustaceans, and other fish. They can be found around the bottom, weed lines, and structures. Trolling is the most popular fishing method used by anglers for wahoo in North Carolina. However, bottom fishing, drift fishing, and vertical jigging can also be used when fishing for wahoo.

How To Catch Wahoo In South Florida

Wahoo can be found in most parts of Florida including South Florida. They are usually found in open waters and around structures like reefs, and shipwrecks. High-speed trolling is the favorite fishing method of most anglers. It works well as wahoo moves at a very fast speed and high-speed trolling helps you keep up with it.

Mackerel, sardines, mullet, and ballyhoo are some of the baits that can be used when fishing for wahoo. Lures can also be used to catch them. Slow-speed trolling, kite fishing, and vertical jigging can also be used when fishing for wahoo.

Best Bait For Wahoo

1. Squid

Squid is a highly effective bait for fishing wahoo due to its natural appeal and scent, which can attract these voracious predators. Anglers often use whole or chunked squid as bait when targeting wahoo, either rigged on trolling lures or deployed as a natural bait on hooks.

Squid emits a strong odor and has a lifelike appearance in the water, making it irresistible to wahoo hunting in the depths. Additionally, squid can withstand high-speed trolling without tearing apart, making it ideal for offshore fishing where wahoo are commonly found. Whether trolled behind a boat or dropped down on deep rigs, squid remains a go-to bait choice for anglers seeking the powerful strikes of wahoo in offshore waters.

2. Mackerel

Mackerel is a popular bait choice for fishing wahoo due to its oily flesh and strong scent, which make it highly attractive to these fast-swimming predators. Anglers often use whole or chunked mackerel as bait when targeting wahoo, either rigged on trolling lures or deployed as natural bait on hooks.

The natural swimming action of mackerel in the water mimics that of a wounded fish, enticing wahoo to strike aggressively. Its durability allows it to withstand high-speed trolling without tearing apart, making it suitable for offshore fishing where wahoo are commonly found.

Whether trolled behind a boat or dropped down on deep rigs, mackerel remains a reliable bait choice for anglers seeking the powerful strikes of wahoo in open waters.

3. Herring

Herring is a popular bait choice for fishing wahoo, prized for its strong scent and natural swimming action in the water. Anglers often use whole or chunked herring as bait when targeting wahoo, either rigged on trolling lures or deployed as natural bait on hooks.

The oily flesh of herring releases scent trails that can attract wahoo from a distance, making it an effective choice for enticing these fast-swimming predators. When trolled behind a boat or dropped down on deep rigs, herring can provoke aggressive strikes from wahoo, providing anglers with thrilling battles in offshore waters. Its versatility and effectiveness make herring a valuable addition to any wahoo angler’s bait arsenal.

4. Butterfish

Butterfish is a popular bait choice for fishing wahoo due to its oily and flavorful nature, which can attract these swift predators from a distance. Anglers often rig whole or chunked butterfish on trolling lures or use them as natural bait on hooks when targeting wahoo in offshore waters.

The rich scent and natural swimming action of butterfish can entice wahoo to strike aggressively, making it an effective option for enticing these powerful fish. Whether trolled behind a boat or deployed on deep rigs, butterfish can provoke explosive bites from wahoo, offering anglers thrilling battles and rewarding catches. Its oily texture and strong scent make butterfish a valuable bait for wahoo fishing excursions.

5. Scad

Scad, also known as horse mackerel, is a favored bait for fishing wahoo due to its robust and oily profile, which emits a scent that attracts these fast and aggressive predators. Anglers often use scad as both live bait and cut bait, rigging them on hooks or trolling them behind boats to target wahoo in offshore waters.

The shiny scales and vigorous swimming action of scad make them irresistible to wahoo, enticing them to strike with ferocity. Whether slow-trolled or drifted near offshore structures, scad can provoke explosive bites from wahoo, providing anglers with thrilling battles and rewarding catches. Its versatility and effectiveness make scad a valuable bait option for anglers seeking to hook into these prized game fish.

6. Tuna

Tuna is an excellent bait choice for targeting wahoo, renowned for its strong scent, oily flesh, and robust texture, which can attract these powerful predators from considerable distances. Whether using whole tuna, chunks, or strips, anglers deploy them as bait by either slow-trolling, drifting, or high-speed trolling techniques to entice wahoo.

The natural oils released by tuna in the water act as a powerful attractant, drawing wahoo with their keen sense of smell. Additionally, tuna’s firm flesh can withstand the rigors of trolling at high speeds, making it an ideal bait for tempting wahoo to strike aggressively. Anglers often prefer fresh tuna for bait, as its vibrant color and freshness enhance its appeal to wahoo, increasing the chances of a successful hookup.

7. Flying Fish

Flying fish are a prized bait choice for anglers targeting wahoo due to their natural allure and ability to mimic fleeing prey. These baitfish have evolved to glide above the water’s surface, making them irresistible to predatory fish like wahoo.

Anglers often deploy flying fish as bait by rigging them with hooks and trolling them behind boats at various speeds to simulate the erratic movements of panicked prey. The sight of a flying fish skipping across the water’s surface can trigger an instinctive predatory response in wahoo, prompting them to strike with remarkable speed and ferocity.

Additionally, the silvery sheen and lifelike movements of flying fish make them highly effective at attracting wahoo in offshore waters. Anglers prize flying fish as bait for their versatility and effectiveness in enticing wahoo to strike, making them a popular choice among seasoned anglers targeting these high-speed predators.

8. Mullet

Mullet is a versatile and effective bait choice for anglers targeting wahoo. These baitfish are widely distributed and readily available in coastal and offshore waters, making them a popular option for anglers seeking to entice wahoo. Mullet’s oily flesh and strong scent make it highly attractive to predatory fish like wahoo, who are drawn to the scent of wounded or distressed prey.

Anglers often rig mullet with hooks and deploy them as trolling baits behind boats, allowing them to swim naturally through the water column. The lifelike swimming action and natural appearance of mullet can trigger predatory instincts in wahoo, prompting them to strike aggressively.

Additionally, mullet’s robust nature allows it to withstand the rigors of trolling at high speeds, making it a reliable and durable bait choice for anglers targeting these fast and powerful predators. Overall, mullet is prized by anglers for its effectiveness in enticing wahoo and its availability in a wide range of fishing environments.

Best Lures For Wahoo

1. Diving Plugs

Diving plugs are a popular and effective lure choice for anglers targeting wahoo. These lures typically feature a streamlined body with a diving lip or bib that allows them to dive deep into the water column when retrieved. The diving action of these plugs mimics the movements of injured or fleeing baitfish, which can trigger aggressive strikes from wahoo.

Anglers often troll diving plugs at varying depths behind boats, allowing them to cover a large area of water and present the lure at different depths where wahoo may be feeding. Diving plugs come in a variety of sizes, colors, and diving depths, allowing anglers to tailor their lure selection to match the specific conditions and preferences of the fish.

The flashy and lifelike appearance of diving plugs, combined with their erratic swimming action, makes them a highly effective lure choice for enticing wahoo and other pelagic predators.

2. Ballyhoo Lures

Ballyhoo lures are a popular and effective choice for targeting wahoo, prized for their lifelike appearance and enticing swimming action. These lures typically consist of a ballyhoo fish rigged with a hook and often adorned with colorful skirts or flash material to mimic the appearance of baitfish. The natural swimming motion of the ballyhoo, combined with the added attraction of the skirts or flash, creates a realistic presentation that wahoo find irresistible.

Anglers commonly troll ballyhoo lures at various speeds and depths, allowing them to cover a wide area of water and present the lure at different depths where wahoo may be feeding. Ballyhoo lures are particularly effective when targeting larger wahoo, as their large profile and enticing action can elicit aggressive strikes from these powerful predators.

Additionally, the versatility of ballyhoo lures allows anglers to customize their rigs with different hook sizes, colors, and configurations to match the specific conditions and preferences of the fish. Overall, ballyhoo lures are a proven and versatile option for anglers seeking to hook into trophy wahoo.

3. Swimming Plugs

Swimming plugs are highly effective lures for targeting wahoo, offering anglers versatility and reliability in various fishing conditions. These lures typically feature a sleek, streamlined design with a built-in swimming action that mimics the natural movement of baitfish, making them irresistible to wahoo and other predatory species.

Swimming plugs are available in a wide range of sizes, colors, and diving depths, allowing anglers to match the lure to the specific conditions and preferences of the fish. Anglers commonly troll swimming plugs at high speeds to cover large areas of water and entice aggressive strikes from wahoo. The erratic darting action of swimming plugs, combined with their lifelike appearance, can trigger predatory instincts in wahoo, prompting them to strike with ferocious speed and power.

Whether targeting wahoo offshore or nearshore, swimming plugs are a go-to option for anglers looking to hook into these prized game fish and experience the thrill of battling one of the ocean’s fastest and most powerful predators.

4. Wahoo Lures

Wahoo lures are specifically designed to entice strikes from these fast and aggressive pelagic predators. Typically featuring a slender profile and vibrant, flashy colors, wahoo lures are engineered to mimic the appearance of the baitfish that wahoo prey upon. These lures often incorporate features such as holographic finishes, reflective inserts, and weighted heads to enhance their visual appeal and swimming action.

Some wahoo lures are designed to dive to specific depths, allowing anglers to target wahoo at different parts of the water column. Others are designed for high-speed trolling, making them ideal for covering large areas of water quickly to locate active fish.

Wahoo lures come in a variety of styles, including skirted trolling lures, diving plugs, and metal jigs, providing anglers with options to match the fishing conditions and the preferences of the fish. Whether casting, trolling, or jigging, wahoo lures are a staple in the arsenal of anglers targeting these powerful and elusive game fish.

Wahoo Fishing Tips

1. Anglers use speed trolling to fish for wahoo.

2. Trolling speeds from 14 to 18 knots are used to troll for wahoo.

3. Slow trolling is also used to fish for wahoo.

4. Wahoo spawns all year and has multiple spawning sessions during the year.

5. Wahoo has very sharp teeth, therefore; use a wire leader. Fluorocarbon or monofilament lines don’t stand a chance with their sharp teeth.

6. High-speed and slow-speed trolling is used to fish for wahoo.

7. When high-speed trolling, the speed is usually in the range of 12 to 18 knots depending on the lures that you use.

8. Always vary the trolling speed until you get a strike.

9. Casting can also be used to catch wahoo.

10. Large wahoo are attracted to bait schools in the up-currents of steep islands and offshore banks.

11. Wahoos often are found in packs. Hence, always have a “jig stick” when trolling for wahoo. When you get a bite, cast the jig quickly as you may catch other wahoos that are moving with the one that bit your line.

12. Jigging and chumming can be used to fish for wahoo.

13. Wahoo can be found around structures like wrecks, artificial reefs, floating debris, oil rigs, ledges, salt domes, and rocks.

14. Wahoo likes deep and warm waters.

15. Go fishing for wahoo on days before and after a full moon or time your wahoo fishing when there is a tide change.

16. You can drop a jig up to 60 feet deep around structures to catch wahoo.

17. The bait used depends on the fishing method and speed you implement.

18. Wahoo lives in the water column from 48 feet deep up to the surface.

19. The best months to fish for wahoo are February and March.

20. Wahoo can’t regulate their body temperature. That is why you will often find wahoo in the warm waters.

21. Always keep a tight line when a wahoo is hooked. If not, it will work the line with its jaws up and down, and side to side until it gets the hook loose and get away.

22. The best time of the day to catch wahoo is from dawn to early morning and from late afternoon to sunset, especially on an outgoing tide.

The Bottom Line

Wahoo is known for its fast speed and is capable of moving up to 60 mph. It is a favorite of anglers because of its size, speed, and tasty fish. It is a hard fighter when hooked and can easily slip away during the fight. Fishing for wahoo is intense and exciting because of its capabilities.

It can be challenging to catch because it works its jaws to set the hook loose and escape. In this article, we discussed the fishing methods, fishing tips, and the behaviors of wahoo to improve your chances of catching this speedster.

If you are interested in catching other fish like amberjack, Mahi Mahi, and marlin, then read the articles on how to catch amberjack, how to catch Mahi Mahi, and how to catch marlin.