Wahoo

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Wahoo, known for their speed and powerful runs, can be found in various bodies of water along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the South/Gulf region. These pelagic fish are highly prized by anglers for their aggressive strikes and delicious flesh. The following bodies of water are popular for targeting wahoo:
Texas: Gulf of Mexico, offshore waters near Port Aransas, South Padre Island.
Louisiana: Gulf of Mexico, offshore waters near Venice, Grand Isle.
Alabama: Gulf of Mexico, offshore waters near Orange Beach, Gulf Shores.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Wahoo are primarily open-ocean fish that inhabit offshore waters. They are often found near steep drop-offs, underwater structures, and current edges. Wahoo are known to be solitary or travel in small groups. They are commonly encountered near weed lines, floating debris, and areas with temperature breaks or upwellings.
Look for wahoo in areas with deep water and productive currents. They are often found in the vicinity of underwater seamounts, ridges, or areas where baitfish gather. Pay attention to changes in water temperature, color, and presence of birds or other indicators of fish activity.

PATTERNS

SPRING

During the spring months, wahoo are commonly found in offshore waters. They can be encountered along weed lines, current edges, and near underwater structures. Trolling high-speed lures or rigged baits can be effective in enticing strikes from wahoo. Pay attention to water temperature and use fish finders to locate potential wahoo hotspots.

SUMMER

In the summer, wahoo are still present in offshore waters, but they may move farther offshore in search of cooler water temperatures. Trolling with high-speed lures, such as diving plugs or skirted baits, can be productive in targeting wahoo. Deploying baits or lures along current edges or near productive structures can increase your chances of success.

FALL

As fall arrives, wahoo remain active and continue to provide exciting fishing opportunities. They may start to migrate closer to shore as water temperatures change. Trolling with high-speed lures or using deep-diving plugs can be effective in targeting fall wahoo. Pay attention to temperature breaks and areas with strong currents, as these can attract wahoo and their prey.

WINTER

During the winter months, wahoo may move to deeper offshore waters or remain in areas with favorable water temperatures. They can still be caught, but targeting them during this season may require venturing farther offshore. Trolling with deep-diving lures, deploying bait rigs, or using vertical jigging techniques can be effective when targeting wahoo during the winter. Pay attention to favorable weather conditions and consult local fishing reports to maximize your chances of success.

Wahoo are aggressive predators and will strike a variety of baits and lures. Common bait options for wahoo fishing include high-speed trolling lures, such as skirted baits, diving plugs, or jet-head lures. These lures mimic the appearance and movement of baitfish and can be trolled at high speeds to entice strikes.
When it comes to rigged baits, wahoo are known to strike at large, whole fish baits such as bonito, mullet, or ballyhoo. Rigging baits with wire leaders is recommended to prevent bite-offs from the sharp teeth of wahoo.

High-Speed Trolling

How: Wahoo are known to be attracted to fast-moving lures. Troll at speeds of 8-14 knots, using lures designed for high-speed trolling. Keep the lures positioned just below the surface to mimic the natural movement of baitfish.
Gear: Rods: Heavy trolling rods, preferably with roller guides. Reels: Large, high-capacity conventional reels with a high gear ratio. Line: 50-80lb test monofilament or braided line. Lures: Jet-head lures, bullet head lures, and skirted trolling lures in vibrant colors like blue, purple, and silver.

Live Bait

How: When targeting wahoo with live bait, use large and lively baits such as bonito, mullet, or blue runners. Rig the bait with a wire leader to prevent bite-offs from the wahoo's sharp teeth. Slow-troll the live bait around reefs, drop-offs, or areas with known wahoo activity.
Gear: Rods: Heavy spinning or conventional rods. Reels: Powerful spinning or conventional reels with a smooth drag system. Line: 30-50lb test monofilament or braided line. Hooks: J-hooks or circle hooks in sizes appropriate for the baitfish used.

Vertical Jigging

How: Wahoo can often be found around underwater structures and drop-offs. Vertical jigging involves dropping heavy metal jigs down to the desired depth and then jerking the rod upward in a rhythmic motion to attract the attention of the wahoo.
Gear: Rods: Heavy jigging rods with a fast action. Reels: High-capacity conventional reels with a strong drag system. Line: 50-80lb test braided line. Leaders: Wire leaders with a high-poundage rating to prevent bite-offs. Jigs: Butterfly jigs, knife jigs, or speed jigs in sizes ranging from 4-8 ounces.

Chunking

How: Chunking involves using chunks of baitfish or strips of fish as bait to attract wahoo. Anchor your boat near reefs or areas with known wahoo presence and create a scent trail by periodically tossing chunks of baitfish into the water. Fish the chunks on sturdy hooks near the scent trail.
Gear: Rods: Heavy spinning or conventional rods. Reels: Powerful spinning or conventional reels with a smooth drag system. Line: 30-50lb test monofilament or braided line. Hooks: J-hooks or circle hooks in sizes appropriate for the bait chunks.