Florida’s Treasure Coast, particularly the waters surrounding Stuart, offers a fantastic opportunity to target one of the fastest and most sought-after game fish: the wahoo. These torpedo-shaped predators are prized not only for their speed and power but also for their delectable flavor. This blog post shares expert tips and techniques for catching wahoo in Florida with Hate 2 Lose Fishing Charters in Stuart.
Sharp vision, blinding speed, and slicing teeth make the wahoo one of the sea’s most formidable predators. It’s easily recognizable by its intimidating jawline and razor-sharp teeth; the wahoo also has a stunning blue color on its back and stripes along its sides.
Without argument, anglers worldwide agree that the wahoo is the fastest fish in the ocean, reaching speeds of up to 60 MPH. How amazing is that?
Understand the Wahoo Season
Wahoos are found year-round in Florida’s waters, but the best times to target them are fall and winter. Cooler water temperatures, particularly between October and March, create optimal conditions for wahoo to migrate closer to the coast.
Where to Catch Wahoo?
Wahoos are found all over the world in tropical waters. Particularly in the fishing charters in Stuart, Florida, the wahoo is one of the most common and sought-after fishes. An off-shore species, the wahoo is also thought to be highly migratory. They often swim alone, though they can be seen swimming in groups of 2-5 fish.
Wahoo can be found near wrecks, reefs, and pinnacles – but are also found off-shore with other pelagic fish. With their speed and teeth, they can eat just about anything they want. Though they rarely jump, once they are hooked, they are famous for their screaming runs that can burn out your reel.
Best Techniques to Catch Wahoo
Wahoo have tough mouths, so keep the boat moving at the same trolling speed when one strikes to help drive in the hook and invite additional hookups. Avoiding slack is important to keep the hooks lodged, so once a fish is hooked, the captain should help the angler keep it tight by bumping the boat in and out of gear. Once a wahoo’s head surfaces, step up the cranking to keep it on top, where the lack of water flowing past the gills exhausts the fish quickly. A two-speed reel in high gear is ideal for the task.
Don’t slow the boat or alter its direction; just keep the wahoo coming. Even if the fish is beneath the surface, it will swim in rhythm with the moving boat and cranking pressure. Wind the wahoo steadily into range of the gaff. Once it is stuck, back off the drag, allow the gaffer to lift the fish over the gunwales, and deposit it right into the fish box. When landing multiple wahoo in succession, stack each headfirst in a far corner of the boat — away from legs and feet. After the last one is boated, transfer them all into the box.
Stuart, FL wahoo fishing experts will know what to do when it comes to catching this notorious wahoo.
Choose the Right Tackle and Bait
Wahoos have razor-sharp teeth, so using wire leaders is essential to avoid bite-offs. A heavy trolling or conventional setup with a 50-80 lb test line and a high-speed reel is recommended for these powerful fish. Artificial lures, such as high-speed trolling lures, diving plugs, and skirted lures, are effective in provoking strikes from wahoos. Rigged ballyhoo and bonito strips can also work well as bait.
How Far Out do you Have to Go to Catch Wahoo?
Wahoos are primarily structure-oriented fish that favor aggressive bottom formations, pronounced ledges, wrecks, rips, and color changes between 90 and 350 feet of water. Nevertheless, they also stack up underneath floating debris and weed lines — often in waters well beyond 1,000 feet deep — rich with bait, and even beneath schoolie dolphins, which they prey upon.
What are the regulations for fishing Wahoo in Florida?
When it comes to recreational fishing, you can expect Florida to have one of the strictest rules. These rules are governed and implemented by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. They aim to protect and manage fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people. You can read the guidelines here.
Our captain at Hate 2 Lose Sport Fishing Charters has over 30 years of experience fishing the Atlantic coast, the Florida Keys, and the Bahamas. He has extensive knowledge in catching Mahi Mahi. You just have to enjoy the Stuart, Florida Charter Boat Excursion and cherish the experience.
Hate 2 Lose Sport Fishing Charters is located at Pirates Cove Resort and Marina Fishing Experience Charter.
Call us now at 561-818-6856 or 231-670-9873 to book your Charter Boat Trips on Hate 2 Lose Fishing Charters today! Or book here for only $500!
Up to 6 guests per trip only
1/2 day
$1,350
Yellow Fin
$3,000
