Fall Wahoo Fishing Tactics and Techniques

A Fall Guide to Wahoo Fishing

Discover prime fall wahoo fishing locations across five states
Learn expert tactics for different atmospheric conditions
Explore the most effective baits and lure colors for wahoo
Get insights on equipment selection and safety considerations
Understand regional differences in wahoo fishing techniques

The Thrill of Fall Wahoo Fishing

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the ocean waters begin to cool, anglers along the coastal United States gear up for one of the most exhilarating fishing experiences: fall wahoo fishing. Known for their incredible speed, powerful strikes, and delectable meat, wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri) are highly prized game fish that offer an unforgettable challenge to even the most seasoned offshore anglers.

Wahoo, with their sleek, torpedo-shaped bodies and razor-sharp teeth, are built for speed and power. These pelagic predators can reach speeds of up to 60 mph, making them one of the fastest fish in the ocean. Their lightning-fast runs and acrobatic leaps make for an adrenaline-pumping fight that keeps anglers coming back for more.

Fall is widely regarded as the prime season for wahoo fishing in many regions. As water temperatures begin to drop, wahoo start to migrate and feed more aggressively, preparing for the colder months ahead. This increased activity, combined with seasonal baitfish movements, creates the perfect conditions for anglers to target these elusive speedsters.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore fall wahoo fishing tactics and techniques across five diverse regions: North Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, California, and Hawaii. Each area offers unique challenges and opportunities, from the historic Outer Banks to the tropical waters of the Hawaiian Islands. We'll delve into the most effective tactics, baits, and lure colors for various atmospheric conditions, ensuring you're well-equipped for your next wahoo fishing adventure.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the world of offshore fishing, this article will provide valuable insights to help you improve your wahoo fishing game. So, grab your gear, and let's dive into the exciting world of fall wahoo fishing!

seth horne with a wahoo caught fishing with colio sportfishing in costa rica

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Regional Focus: Tactics and Hotspots

North Carolina: Cape Fear Wahoo Bonanza

North Carolina, with its rich maritime history and bountiful waters, has long been a mecca for wahoo enthusiasts. As fall approaches, the warm waters of the Gulf Stream collide with cooler coastal currents, creating the perfect habitat for wahoo and their prey.

In North Carolina waters, slow trolling is the preferred method for targeting wahoo. This technique allows for a more natural presentation of baits and can be particularly effective when fishing around structure or in areas with high baitfish concentration. 300’-400’ seems to be the cap for productive wahoo ground. Local expert Capt Mike Dupree of X-Rayted Fishing says, "I personally like to stay between 30 and 40 fathoms, sliding a little deeper or shallow depending on how the water is laying."

Live baiting is another productive technique, especially when fishing around structure. Popular baits for North Carolina wahoo fishing include:

Blue Runners: These small baitfish are a favorite prey of wahoo and can be effectively trolled live.
Bonito: Live bonito are a hardy bait that can withstand the rigors of trolling.
Ballyhoo: A classic bait that can be rigged in various ways for wahoo fishing.

Prime Locations out of Wilmington/Wrightsville:

The Steeples
Black Jack Hole

Remember to keep an eye on the weather and sea conditions, as fall in the Carolinas can bring unpredictable storms and rough seas.

big wahoo aka ono fish looking at the camera

Florida: The Sunshine State's Wahoo Wonderland

Florida's extensive coastline and proximity to the Gulf Stream make it a year-round wahoo fishing destination, but fall brings an extra level of excitement. From the Florida Keys to the Panhandle, anglers have numerous options for targeting these speedy predators.

In South Florida, particularly around Miami and Fort Lauderdale, a combination of trolling techniques is employed. Kite fishing is also popular, allowing anglers to present live baits on the surface, creating commotion that often triggers explosive strikes from nearby wahoo.

Top baits for Florida wahoo fishing include:

Ballyhoo: A classic live bait for wahoo, ballyhoo can be rigged to swim enticingly behind the boat.
Blue Runners: Similar to North Carolina, blue runners are a common live bait choice in Florida waters.
Goggle-Eyes: These large-eyed baitfish are another favorite of wahoo in the Florida Keys and Miami areas.

Top Florida Wahoo Hotspots:

The Islamorada Hump in the Florida Keys
The Marathon Hump
Jupiter Inlet
The deepwater ledges off St. Augustine and Jacksonville (winter time)
The Steps off Destin in the Panhandle

Louisiana: Gulf Coast Wahoo Action

While Louisiana might be better known for its inshore fishing, the offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico offer excellent wahoo fishing opportunities, especially during the fall months. The numerous oil rigs and underwater structures scattered throughout the Gulf provide ideal habitat for wahoo and their prey.

Tactics in Louisiana waters often involve a mix of trolling and deep dropping. Some effective techniques include:

Trolling with wire line and heavy weights to get lures deep
Vertical jigging around structure
Slow-trolling live bait

Popular baits for Louisiana wahoo fishing include:

Cigar Minnows: These small, slender baitfish are a top pick for live bait wahoo fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.
Hardtail: Also known as blue runners, hardtail are a hardy live bait that can withstand the rigors of trolling.

Louisiana Wahoo Hotspots:

The Midnight Lump
The Ewing Bank
Oil Rigs

Safety is paramount when fishing the Gulf, especially during hurricane season. Always check the weather forecast and ensure your boat is equipped with proper safety gear.

California: Pacific Coast Wahoo Pursuit

While wahoo aren't typically associated with California waters, recent years have seen an increase in wahoo catches off the Southern California coast, particularly during warm water years. Fall can be an excellent time to target these fish, as they follow warm currents northward.

Successful tactics for California wahoo include:

High-speed trolling
Slow-trolling live bait
Casting stick baits and poppers when wahoo are spotted on the surface

Top baits for California wahoo fishing include:

Mackerel: Live mackerel are a go-to bait for wahoo anglers fishing off the California coast.
Bonito: Bonito are also effective live baits for wahoo in California waters.

California Wahoo Hotspots:

The 9-Mile Bank off San Diego
The Butterfly Bank
The area around San Clemente Island
The Channel Islands
Catalina Island

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slow trolling with live bait produces a nice wahoo in Kona Hawaii

Hawaii: Tropical Wahoo Paradise

In Hawaii, wahoo (known locally as 'ono') are a prized catch year-round, but fall can be particularly productive. The volcanic underwater topography and nutrient-rich waters create an ideal environment for wahoo and other pelagic species. Captain Shawn Rotella, of Fishing Kona Style, almost exclusively fishes wahoo slow trolling. He says that he gets about the same number of bites as high speed, but burns way less gas and the fishing is far more interactive for anglers. You really get to see the bite and a solid indication of the speed with which wahoo attack baits.

Hawaiian fishing techniques often blend traditional methods with modern tactics. Popular wahoo fishing methods in Hawaii include:

Live baiting
High-speed trolling with artificial lures
Vertical jigging in deep water

Top baits for Hawaiian wahoo fishing include:

Ballyhoo: Widely used in Hawaiian waters, both live and rigged.
Goggle-eyes: Known for their resilience and ability to swim actively, which can make them appealing to wahoo.
Aku: The Hawaiian name for skipjack tuna, aku make excellent live baits for targeting wahoo.
Opelu: The Hawaiian name for mackerel scad, opelu are a top choice due to their abundance and appeal to wahoo.

Hawaiian Wahoo Hotspots:

The Penguin Banks off Oahu
The Kona Coast of the Big Island
The offshore waters of Maui

When fishing in Hawaii, it's important to respect local customs and conservation practices. Many Hawaiian anglers practice catch-and-release or only keep what they need for personal consumption.

Learn Wahoo Tactics Top Fishermen

Mike Dupree reels in a wahoo while slow trolling

Wahoo Fishing – Slow Trolling with Mike Dupree

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Shawn Rotella holding a wahoo caught slow trolling live bait in Hawaii

Wahoo Fishing – Slow Trolling with Shawn Rotella part 1

wahoo caught slow trolling with Capt. Shawn Rotella in Kona

Slow Trolling Live Bait for Wahoo - Shawn Rotella part 2

Rigging Bullet Lures for Wahoo Fish

captain shawn rotella with his custom wahoo bullets

Wahoo Fishing Lures and Rigging Concepts - Shawn Rotella

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Wahoo - High Speed Trolling Spread

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Wahoo - Driving the Edge High Speed Trolling

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Wahoo - Rig and Terminal Tackle for High Speed Trolling

Lure Colors for Various Conditions

The choice of lure colors can significantly impact success when fishing for wahoo, especially depending on lighting and water conditions. Here's a guide to selecting the most effective lure colors:

shawn rotella holding a collection of his custom bullet lures for wahoo

Bright Sunlight Conditions

In clear water under bright sunlight, opt for lure colors that stand out against the ocean's blue background:

Bright pink
Electric blue
Vibrant orange
Metallic and reflective finishes

These colors are highly visible and can attract wahoo from a distance.

Overcast or Cloudy Conditions

When the sky is overcast, choose colors that provide good contrast:

Fluorescent chartreuse
UV pink
Dark purple
Black/red combinations

These colors remain visible in lower light and can entice wahoo in murky water.

Low Light Conditions (Dawn/Dusk)

During twilight hours, select colors that are easy for wahoo to spot:

Glow-in-the-dark finishes
Pearl white
Bright yellow
Iridescent patterns

These options can help your lure stand out in dim conditions.

Murky or Green Water

In less clear water, use colors that create contrast or match the environment:

Moss green (to match water color)
Bright orange
Chartreuse
Black (for silhouette)

These choices can help wahoo locate your lure in challenging visibility.

Remember, having a variety of lure colors on hand allows you to adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. Don't hesitate to switch colors if you're not getting bites – sometimes a small change can make a big difference in wahoo fishing success.

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wahoo bullets rigged and ready for trolling

General Tips and Techniques

Regardless of location, certain principles apply to wahoo fishing across all regions:

Use appropriate gear: Heavy-duty rods, high-capacity reels, and strong leaders are essential for handling the power and speed of wahoo.
Pay attention to water temperature: Wahoo prefer water temperatures between 64°F and 82°F. Use sea surface temperature charts to locate productive areas.
Focus on structure: Underwater ledges, dropoffs, and floating debris often attract wahoo and their prey.
Vary your speeds: Alternating between high-speed runs and slower trolling can trigger strikes from hesitant fish.
Be prepared for the strike: Wahoo hits are often explosive. Ensure your drag is set correctly and be ready to react quickly.

Research indicates that wahoo spend about 90% of their time within this temperature range. For optimal fishing conditions, focusing on the upper mixed layer of water, particularly around 70°F to 78°F, is recommended, as these temperatures are ideal for attracting wahoo and enhancing catch rates.

Learn more in our article: Wahoo Fishing - Ultimate Guide

Safety Considerations

Offshore fishing for wahoo requires careful preparation and attention to safety:

Always check weather forecasts and sea conditions before heading out.
Ensure your boat is equipped with proper safety gear, including life jackets, flares, and a working VHF radio.
File a float plan with someone on shore before departing.
Carry plenty of water and sunscreen to prevent dehydration and sunburn.
Be cautious when handling wahoo, as their teeth are extremely sharp.
Wear solid shoes or fishing boots, not flip flops.

Conquer The Ultimate Offshore Challenge

Fall wahoo fishing offers an exhilarating experience for anglers seeking the ultimate offshore challenge. From the historic waters of North Carolina to the tropical paradise of Hawaii, each region presents unique opportunities to test your skills against one of the ocean's fastest predators.

By understanding regional tactics, selecting the right baits and lures, and adapting to local conditions, you can increase your chances of success in the pursuit of wahoo. Remember, patience and persistence are key – wahoo can be elusive, but the reward of landing one of these magnificent fish is well worth the effort.

Whether you're planning a dedicated wahoo fishing trip or incorporating it into your fall fishing plans, the tactics and techniques outlined in this guide will help you make the most of your time on the water. So gear up, head offshore, and experience the heart-pounding excitement of fall wahoo fishing for yourself!

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