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 have stunning blue color on their backs and stripes along their sides.
Without argument, anglers around the world agree the wahoo is the fastest fish in the ocean reaching speeds up to 60 MPH. How amazing is that?
Understand the Wahoo Season
Wahoo are found year-round in Florida’s waters, but the best times to target them are during the fall and winter months. Cooler water temperatures, particularly between October and March, create optimal conditions for wahoo to migrate closer to the coast.
Where to Catch Wahoo?
Wahoo 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, wahoo are thought to be highly migratory as well. 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 keeping the hooks lodged, so once a fish is hooked, the captain should help the angler keep 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 and 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
How Far Out do you Have to Go to Catch Wahoo?
Wahoo 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 dolphin, 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 more than 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
