Wahoo Fishing in Palm Beach

Wahoo hit like a freight train. They are long, sleek, toothy and fast, and Palm Beach is one of the best places on the East Coast to chase them.

• Season Strongest from fall through winter; some fish year-round
• Where Offshore, along ledges, drop-offs and the edge of the Gulf Stream
• How High-speed trolling with lures and rigged baits
• Good eating Yes: mild, white, flaky meat
• Good for Anglers who want a screaming first run

What makes wahoo special

Wahoo are built like torpedoes. They are often quoted as one of the fastest fish in the ocean, and a hooked wahoo can strip line off a reel in seconds. They are a solitary or loosely grouped fish, so each strike is often a one-fish event, and you have to be ready.

They have razor-sharp teeth, which is why we fish them with heavy leader and use rigs built to survive a bite. Do not touch a wahoo head: let the crew handle the fish.

When wahoo run off Palm Beach

The best wahoo fishing usually starts in the fall as the water cools and the Gulf Stream pushes bait close to shore, and lasts through the winter. Some fish are caught in other seasons, but fall and winter are when we target them on purpose. See the full picture in the season by month guide and our fall fishing guide.

Where we find them

Wahoo like structure and sharp changes in depth: ledges, drop-offs, weedlines and current edges. Because the continental shelf is narrow here, those places are close to the inlet, which means more time fishing and less time running. Learn more in the Gulf Stream guide.

How we fish for them

• High-speed trolling: lures and rigged baits pulled much faster than for most other fish, to trigger a reaction strike.
• Planers and lead: to get baits down where wahoo are holding on a drop-off.
• Live bait: sometimes a slow-trolled live bait outperforms the lures, especially in winter.

What it feels like

A wahoo bite is sudden. The drag screams, the rod bends and you have a long, hard, fast fight. Most fish are brought to the boat in 10 to 20 minutes. Listen to the mate, keep the rod up and do not horse the fish. Wahoo often make a last-second run at the boat, so stay ready.

Eating wahoo

Wahoo is mild, lean and white, and excellent grilled, seared or served as steaks. Because it is lean, it dries out if overcooked. Cook it quickly over high heat. Read more in cooking your catch.

Ready to put this to work? Request a trip with Good Mojo and tell us what you want to catch, or send us a question first.