Wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri) got its name from the sounds that were made by early anglers when first hooked up with this great gamefish. At least that is my story and I am sticking to it. This is one fish that does not nibble. The angler will sometimes mistake the strike of other fish for a Wahoo, but he will never mistake the strike of a Wahoo for another fish.
This vertically striped, blue and silver rocket will often slash a live bait with a wave splitting surface explosion that can’t be mistaken, followed by a powerful run that can only be matched by a large billfish. The latter part of the fight will usually be a bulldogging down under the boat battle that will go on for some time. This is typical of a light tackle fight that we most recommend for this great gamester. The Wahoo is a typical species during the winter and spring, however is not uncommon throughout the remainder of the year.
High speed trolling for Wahoo is a popular technique for catching this fast moving species. While running at high speeds you can troll for Wahoo using various Wahoo lures and heavier tackle. Set your lure to trail behind the boat while you are moving and wait until you hear the sound of the line ripping out from a hookup. You will be surprised at how hard this species will hit your line when trolling.
Wahoo in Key West
The coloration of a Wahoo is unmistakable and a true work of art. The vertical lines along with the silver, gold, blue and black colors make this one of the most beautiful fish in the ocean. The reason you see so many Wahoo mounts in restaurants is due to the awesome colors it displays.
Wahoo are considered by some to be the best eating fish in the ocean. Their meat is tender, and if prepared well, absolutely delicious. They are excellent steaked on the grill, fried on a pan or baked in the oven. Be sure to try our pasta recipe as well. Recipes for cooking Wahoo as well as other types of fish can be found on our Weekly Recipes page.
Wahoo Photo Gallery
Wahoo Fishing Locations
Dry Tortugas
The Dry Tortugas is the last, great vestige of sportfishing in the northern hemisphere. This remote group of islands are surrounded by more than ten thousand square miles of fishing resources that have remained relatively untapped due to the time that it would take to cover this vast and remote area.
Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico, for our purposes, begins at the North side of the flats, along the lower Florida Keys and includes a portion of the Florida Bay, continuing to the West and North of the Dry Tortugas, encompassing more than 5000 square miles of fishable water within range of our hi-tech, offshore boats.
Key West
Key West offers the sportfishing enthusiast the largest variety of gamefish in the world. Other locations will argue that they are the sportfishing capital of the world, or the best for this species or that particular fish. There are more “I.G.F.A. World Records” from the waters of Key West than the next closest, several locations combined.
Marquesas
Marquesas is a magical word that conjures thoughts of tropical breezes, emerald green water surrounding a tropical island paradise. A ring of islands surrounded by acres and acres of pristine water and shallow flats where giant Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Mutton Snappers, great Barracudas and monster Sharks of all kinds prowl the flats.
