Wahoo

A saltwater fish with a long body and a powerful tail, the wahoo is the biggest non-tuna member of the mackerel family.
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Where and When?

Wahoo can be found in the tropical zones of every ocean in the world. Consequently, you can target a wahoo wherever there’s saltwater, offshore and deep sea fishing. Wahoo spawns abundantly and grows fast, so you can count on large numbers of big fish at any point within their range. When to fish for wahoo is a different story – this is a nomadic fish, which can come and leave the shores at its pleasure. In Florida, for example, the best time for wahoo fishing is November to February, although you can catch one at almost any time of the year.

About Wahoo

The best way to describe wahoo is “a tuna-sized mackerel”. It is dark brown or greenish on top, with a silvery, almost white bottom, and thin vertical stripes on the sides, which fade away after the fish is taken out of the water and dies. The long head comes with a big mouth, full of sharp teeth. With a highly elongated body, and a long powerful tail, wahoo resembles an arrow, and in fact can reach amazing speed. Wahoo is known as one of the most delicious saltwater fish species. The world angling record for wahoo is 184 lb (83.5 kg) for a fish caught in Mexico. Click to learn more about the wahoo.

How to Catch?

The most popular way of taking wahoo is trolling. Many fishing charter captains believe in fast trolling, going as fast as 12 to 18 mph. This method usually requires the use of artificial lures. More conservative slow trolling, allowing the use of live and dead bait, can also be highly successful. As with most fishes, wahoo can be caught by a variety of methods, including kite fishing, surf fishing, and jigging. Wahoo are strong fighters, and with their movable, wide-opening jaws, can get rid of the hook easier than many other fish species, so remember to keep your line tight.