Wahoo Fishing

Wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri) are one of the fastest and most prized offshore game fish. Their elongated, torpedo-shaped body and distinctive blue vertical bars make them easy to identify. Wahoo are solitary or travel in small groups, unlike many other pelagic species, which makes each encounter feel special. They are found worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters.

What sets wahoo apart is their incredible strike speed. A wahoo attacking a trolled bait or lure can exceed 60 mph, producing a screaming initial run that strips line at an alarming rate. The strike itself is often the most dramatic part of the fight -- many anglers describe the sound of a wahoo strike on a high-speed trolling rig as one of the most exciting sounds in fishing. After the initial run, wahoo fight with speed rather than brute strength.

High-speed trolling with skirted lures at 12-20 knots is the primary technique for targeting wahoo. The Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Gulf Stream off the U.S. East Coast are prime wahoo grounds. In the U.S., the best wahoo fishing is found off the Atlantic coast of Florida, the Outer Banks, and around the Gulf oil platforms. Wahoo flesh is white, firm, and mild -- it is considered one of the finest eating fish in the ocean and is outstanding as sashimi, grilled, or seared.