Fishing is a popular pastime for many people, whether it’s a relaxing hobby or an adrenaline-pumping sport. While anglers pursue various fish species, the wahoo is one of the most sought-after and challenging to catch. Their lightning-fast speed and aggressive nature make them a thrilling catch for experienced fishermen.

But if you’re new to fishing for wahoo or looking to improve your techniques, this blog post will provide you with valuable tips on how to fish for wahoo.

From understanding their behavior to choosing the right bait and gear, we’ll cover everything you need to know to increase your chances of reeling in a wahoo on your next fishing trip. So grab your rods, and let’s dive into the world of wahoo fishing!

What Will You Need?

Before we delve into how to fish for wahoo, let’s start with the essential gear you’ll need. Wahoo requires specialized equipment to handle their speed and strength as a notoriously fast and powerful fish.

• Rod: You’ll need a sturdy rod with a strong backbone and good sensitivity to feel when the fish strikes.
• Reel: A high-quality reel with a smooth drag system is crucial for keeping up with the wahoo’s speed.
• Line: A braided or monofilament line with a minimum of 50-pound test is recommended to withstand the wahoo’s sharp teeth and aggressive runs.
• Lures: Wahoos are known to go after fast-moving, flashy lures. Popular choices include bullet-head baits, diving plugs, and skirted trolling lures.
• Leader: A wire or fluorocarbon leader is necessary to prevent the wahoo from biting through your line.
• Gloves: Wearing gloves can protect your hands from getting cut by the wahoo’s sharp teeth and gill covers.

Once you have the right gear, it’s time to head out onto the water and start fishing for wahoo.

9 Easy Steps on How to Fish for Wahoo

Step 1. Find the Right Location:

Wahoos usually inhabit deeper waters, typically around offshore structures like wrecks, reefs, or oil rigs. They are also found near the edge of continental shelves where the water suddenly becomes deep. Use your GPS or fish finder to locate suitable spots.

Step 2. Identify the Best Time:

While wahoo can be caught year-round, they are most active and abundant in warmer months. Many experienced anglers recommend fishing for wahoo early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as these are when wahoo typically feeds. Keeping an eye on the moon phases can also be beneficial, as wahoo are known to be more active around the full moon.

Step 3. Choose the Right Bait and Lures:

Selecting the correct bait and lures plays a significant role in attracting wahoo. Live bait like mackerel or bonito can be effective, especially when combined with chum, to create an enticing scent trail. However, wahoo are primarily visual feeders drawn to fast-moving, brightly colored lures. High-speed trolling with artificial lures like bullet-head lures, diving plugs, and skirted trolling lures can generate enough flash and vibration to catch their attention. Remember to switch up your lures and bait if you’re not having any luck, as conditions can vary and wahoo can be selective.

Step 4. Set Up Your Trolling Speed and Distance:

Wahoo are fast swimmers and are attracted to quickly moving lures. Aim for a trolling speed of around 10-15 knots. However, be prepared to adjust your rate based on the sea conditions and the reaction of the wahoo. As for the distance, you should let out around 200-250 feet of line from the stern and stagger other lines at differing lengths and depths to cover more water and increase your chances of attracting a wahoo.

Step 5. Watch for Signs of Wahoo:

To increase your chances of success, looking out for signs of wahoo in the area is essential. Wahoo often feed near the surface, so watch for birds diving into the water or fish jumping out of the water, as these can indicate wahoo activity. Additionally, you can look for floating debris or weed lines, as these structures attract baitfish, which attract wahoo. Remember to use your fish finder to locate schools of baitfish or individual large fish, which could be wahoo.

Step 6. Set the Hook:

Once you have a wahoo strike, setting the hook properly is crucial to ensure a successful catch. Wahoo have hard mouths, so a solid hook set is necessary. As soon as you feel the bite, drop back the lure or bait for a few seconds to ensure the wahoo has it fully in its mouth. Then, quickly reel in the slack and give a solid upward jerk on the rod to set the hook. Be prepared for an intense fight, as wahoo are known for their fast and furious runs.

Step 7. Fight the Wahoo:

Fighting a wahoo is an exhilarating experience due to its speed and strength. It’s important to maintain tension on the line at all times, as wahoo are known for their sudden, aggressive runs and jumps, which can easily result in a slack line and a lost fish. Use your rod’s backbone, applying steady pressure to tire the fish out.

Avoid high-sticking (lifting the rod too high), as this can break your rod or give the wahoo a chance to throw the hook. Patience is vital when fighting a wahoo, so take your time and let the drag do its work. Remember to adjust the pain if needed to prevent the line from breaking.

Step 8. Land the Wahoo:

Successfully landing a wahoo is a two-person job. One person should keep the line tension steady while the other uses a gaff or a net to secure the fish. Aim to gaff the wahoo in its head or shoulder area to minimize damage to the meat.

Be extremely careful while handling wahoo as they have sharp teeth and can thrash violently on the deck. Once aboard, immediately bleed the wahoo by cutting its gill rakers. This not only ensures a humane kill but also improves the quality of the meat by removing blood and impurities. After the wahoo is secure and bled, place it on ice immediately to maintain the freshness of the meat.

Step 9. Clean and Store Your Catch:

After a successful fishing trip, it’s crucial to properly clean and store your wahoo to preserve the quality of the meat. Begin by washing the fish thoroughly with seawater. Then, using a sharp fillet knife, make an incision behind the gill plate and cut along the backbone towards the tail. Repeat on the other side. Remove the skin and dark meat, rinse the fillets in a saltwater and ice brine, and pat dry.

Finally, wrap the fillets tightly in plastic wrap or vacuum-seal them and store in a cool place or a refrigerator. Fresh wahoo can be stored for up to 2 days in the fridge, but for longer storage, freezing is recommended. Always label the packages with the date of capture for future reference.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to catching wahoo like a pro. Remember always to practice responsible fishing practices and abide by local laws and regulations.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

1. Use High-Quality Gear: When fishing for robust, fast-moving species like wahoo, it’s crucial to use high-quality, sturdy gear to withstand the force. Invest in a good fishing rod, strong line, and reliable lures to increase your chances of a successful catch.
2. Consider Using Wire Leaders: Wahoo has razor-sharp teeth that can easily cut through monofilament or fluorocarbon lines. Using a wire leader can help avoid losing your lure during a bite.
3. Take Advantage of Peak Times: Although wahoo can be caught throughout the day, peak times are typically early morning and late afternoon. Plan your fishing trip accordingly to increase your chances of catching wahoo.
4. Stay Alert: Wahoos are known for their aggressive strikes and fast runs. Stay alert and be prepared for a fight once you’ve hooked a wahoo.
5. Practice Catch and Release: Unless you plan on eating the wahoo, practice catch and release to help maintain the species’ population. Remember to handle the fish carefully to minimize stress and ensure its survival upon release.

With these additional tips and tricks, you’ll be well-equipped to catch wahoo and have a successful fishing trip.

Conclusion

In conclusion, how to fish for wahoo is an exhilarating and rewarding experience that requires the right knowledge and skills. From selecting the appropriate gear to understanding their behavior, we have covered all the essential steps to guarantee a successful catch.

Remember to follow these tips and get ready to reel in some big game fish. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a bite immediately – patience is critical when fishing. It is essential to enjoy the process and embrace the challenges that come with it. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting, there’s always something new to learn and discover in the fishing world.

So next time you head out on your boat, remember these techniques and see if you can land yourself a big wahoo! And with enough practice and perseverance, you might become a pro at catching this elusive yet exciting fish. Happy fishing!