Select a state to find fishing and boating information:
Get A Fishing License
Get started fishing today, purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more.
Register A Boat
Register your boat today. Learn how to register your vessel, boating laws and more.
Home > Learn to Fish & Boat > Fish Species > Wahoo
The wahoo is reputed to be one of the fastest fish in the sea, attaining speeds of 50 mph (80 km) and more.
The upper jaw is movable and the teeth are large, strong, and laterally compressed. The well defined lateral line dips noticeably near the middle of the first dorsal fin, further forward than on the similar looking tanguigue (Scomberomorus commerson), and is wavy back at the tail. The back is a brilliant, deep blue sometimes described as metallic or electric blue. Bright blue vertical bands, or tiger stripes, flow down the sides into silver and sometimes join into parts of the belly. Those stripes are not always prominent in large specimens and, occasionally, may be missing entirely.
Wahoo are found worldwide in tropical and temperate seas. Pelagic and seasonally migratory, it tends to live a solitary life or travel in small groups of 2 to 6 fish. There are indications of seasonal concentrations off both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. They are found around wrecks and reefs that hold smaller fish that it feeds upon, but they may be found far out at sea. The following list includes additional details on where to catch this fish:
The first scorching run may peel off several hundred yards of line in seconds. Occasionally this fish jumps on the strike and often shakes its head violently when hooked in an effort to free itself. Fishing methods include trolling with whole, rigged baits as well as with strip baits or artificial lures. Live bait fishing is productive, but the wahoo is a relatively scarce species and is usually taken incidentally while fishing for other oceanic species. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish:
The following are lures, tackle or bait that can be used to catch this fish:
National Catfish Day Is Coming - Get Ready for Good Eats!
Read More
Public Ramp Boat-Launching Tips for Beginners
Tips for Fishing Boat Rentals
Do you like this content? Subscribe to our Newsletter and get all the information you need to learn, plan, and equip for your next fishing and boating adventure.
NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
Sign-up to receive our monthly newsletter with interesting blogs about fishing and boating. Get fishing tips and tricks and read personal stories from anglers who live and breathe fishing and boating. Learn new fishing skills, boating resources, fishing etiquette, conservation and more.
Please complete the following fields to subscribe to our newsletter.
SUBSCRIBERS PREFERENCES
What information would you like?