Wahoo fishing
Wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri), also known as Ono (meaning “delicious” in Hawaiian), are found in many subtropical and tropical waters. They’re identifiable by their blue-green upper body which shifts into silver towards their belly. They also have blue vertical striping along their sides. These predators are torpedo-shaped and have razor sharp teeth.
The wahoo fish can be caught trolling or jigging, mainly inshore. Anglers love this fish because they're super strong, because they're great fighters and also because they're very good eating.
Wahoo fish are one of the fastest fish of the ocean. They can reach a speed of 48 mph / 77 kph. Only blue marlin and saifish do better!
Top Wahoo Fishing destinations
Where are wahoo fish found? Wahoo are found in the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans. They are a rarity in colder climates, but some northeastern United States Atlantic fishermen have been known to occasionally catch wahoo fish that far north. However, the best places to fish for wahoo are tropical or subtropical, such as off the coast of Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico, the Bahamas, Hawaii, Australia, and more. The best times to catch them in these tropical locations are in their respective summers.
If you're interested in fishing in Cancun, you'll find excellent opportunities to catch wahoo. Additionally, fishing charters in Cabo San Lucas offer superb wahoo fishing experiences, allowing anglers to explore these vibrant waters under the guidance of experienced captains. Enjoy the unique experience of fishing in these warm and inviting waters, whether in Cancun or Cabo San Lucas, for a memorable fishing adventure."
How to fish for Wahoo
Wahoo are mainly caught trolling artificials such as diving Rapala, Halco, skirted baits... They are fast fish and like fast trolled lures (6 to 10 knots). Wahoo fishing can be done inshore, close to drop-offs.
If you have the luxury of GPS or bottom-mapping software on your boat, you should look for areas on the bottom of the ocean where you’re fishing surface is irregular and jagged, with a lot of rock formations, etc.
Since wahoo has sharp teeth, you want to be prepared for that as well. For this, outfit your line with a wire or cable leader to be safe, around 400 or 500-pound weight. They are generally attracted to anything that’s shiny, so you can catch them on something as simple as a diving Rapala or similar lures.
Good to eat Wahoo
Wahoo, as you might guess from their Hawaiian name 'Ono' meaning “delicious,” are extremely good to eat. They have a sweetness to them and cook to perfect flakiness. As far as eating fish goes, there’s not much better than wahoo. Similar to tuna, they might contain high mercury levels however, so don’t eat too much too soon.
Wahoo can be grilled, fried or baked in many ways. The best wahoo recipes can be found on the web. Our top 3 wahoo recipes are:
- wahoo with lime, ginger, coriander onions and honey; wahoo
- wahoo with mexican rice (cumin, coriander, black beans, avocados, chipotle peppers, red onion)
- Grilled wahoo with Cilantro Chutney in Banana Leaves (ginger, cilantro, coconut, mint...)
Regulations for catching Wahoo
Wahoo are fairly plentiful and for that reason, there aren’t a lot of restrictions on catching them. Many American waters have no bag limit and no minimum size limit, and some fishermen will leave with up to 20 wahoos on a good day. However, you should still be sure to check regulations of where you’re fishing.
Regulations vary by location, so make sure to stay up to date with the regulations in your area of fishing if you plan on fishing without a charter. Also, remember to keep in mind that fishing for the future is always a good idea and using correct catch and release methods are vital for this.
Other Fish Species similar to Wahoo
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The Albacore (Thunnus alalunga) has large eyes and long pectoral fins. This is why this species is also known as longfin tuna. The largest Albacore can reach up to 140 cm (4.6ft) and weigh up to 40 kg (90lb).
MORE INFO >Albacore
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The great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), often referred to as barracuda, is a long predator that can be found in tropical and subtropical waters where they like to patroll mangroves, reefs and drop-offs. Record barracuda can grow to 1,5m and weigh over 45kg (100lb+).
MORE INFO >Barracuda
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Black marlin (Istiompax indica) grows to be as big or bigger than blue marlin, with males reaching lengths of 4.65 meters and weighing up to 750 kilograms (1500lb), females larger. They are part of a group of fish called billfish, which includes varieties of marlin, swordfish, and spearfish.
MORE INFO >Black Marlin
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The Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans) is probably the most wanted fish in the sport fishing world. The magnificent fighter usually feeds during day time on fish, octopuses and squids. Blue Marlin is mainly caught trolling with artificial lures or with dead bait (bonito, mackerel...).
MORE INFO >Blue Marlin
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The Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is a pelagic fish that can grow up to 500kg (1000lb). The biggest Bluefin Tuna ever caught was 780kg (1496lb). These great fighters can be caught trolling, jigging, casting or drifting; mainly off-shore.
MORE INFO >Bluefin Tuna
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Mahi Mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) are also commonly referred to as dorado, dolphin or dolphinfish. They are recognizable by their bluntly shaped heads, long dorsal fin and their bright colouring, dark blue and green on their dorsal side and yellow on their sides and underside.
MORE INFO >Dorado
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The skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) have a strong body with black stripes on the side. The largest skipjack tuna can reach up to 100 cm (40 inch) and weigh up to 10 kg (22 lb). Skipjack are mainly caught trolling lures.
MORE INFO >Skipjack Tuna
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Striped marlin (Kajikia audax) can be told apart from blue marlin due to their “stripes” of blue that run vertically down their bodies. Striped marlin is lighter than blue marlin, but their body shape and even colouring remains the same aside from the stripes. These marlin can weigh up to 180kg (400lb) and have a maximum length of 4 m (12 ft).
MORE INFO >Striped Marlin
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The White Marlin (Kajikia albida) is a very nice predator which can be caught off shore in warmer waters. This powerful fighter usually feeds during day time on fish, octopuses and squids. They can be caught trolling with artificial lures or with dead bait (bonito, mackerel...).
MORE INFO >White Marlin
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Yellowfin tuna grow fast, up to 400 pounds (180kg) in about a 7-year lifespan, and they range in length from 59 inches to 88 inches long. They’re known for their torpedo shape, with a pointed nose and a sickle-shaped tail, and have dark blue backs with yellow sides (thus their name) with a silver underside.
MORE INFO >Yellowfin Tuna
Best Wahoo Fishing Charters
Fish 'n Chips
Los Gigantes, Tenerife (ES)
Aura Marina
Puerto Calero, Lanzarote (ES)
Tequila at Marina El Cid
Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya (MX)
SeaRay 40 Ft Express Cruiser
Cap Cana Marina, Punta Cana ()
Gofio Tuna Fishing
Puerto Las Galletas, Tenerife (ES)
Gatufas
Tazacorte, Canary Islands (ES)
Albakora Cat II
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands (ES)
Maynieves Lanzarote
Puerto Calero, Lanzarote (ES)