Wahoo
Acanthocybium solandri
A long, striped, blistering-fast offshore mackerel taken on high-speed trolled lures over summer and fall temperature breaks.
Typically present
advancedBoat recommendedOffshore ocean
- Habitat
- Offshore waters
- Methods
- Offshore
- Difficulty
- advanced
- Eating
- good
Identification
Look for
- Long, slender body with pale blue vertical bars on a blue-green back; a long, beak-like snout full of razor teeth
- A long, low first dorsal fin and a lateral line that dips sharply under it
Local waters
- Blue water, often near temperature breaks and structure
- High-speed trolling zones offshore
Primarily a boat fishery here — typically fished by offshore boat.
When to fish
Summer into fall, offshore.
Water temperature
The water, not the calendar, sets the season here — a warm October or a cold snap moves these bands.
Water temperature and the seasonsHow to catch it
Primarily a boat fishery here — typically fished by offshore boat. Technique notes for this species have not been written yet; the baits and rigs below are the documented starting points.
Bait & lures
- High-speed trolled lures, skirted or hard-diving
- Wire leader recommended — sharp teeth and blistering runs
Terms usedPresentation
On the table
Firm, white, and mild with a steak-like texture — grill or sear, and do not overcook. Confirm current limits.
- Managed under the same Dolphin/Wahoo Fishery Management Plan as mahi-mahi — see that entry's note on federal permits.
Recipes written for it
Where to try
