Wahoo

Wahoo are pelagic fish found offshore and along deep drop-offs from around 80 metres. Built for speed, they are recognisable by their striking electric-blue vertical stripes.

Their extremely sharp teeth mean they must always be handled carefully, even when dead. Carelessness can cause serious injuries, as a friend discovered when bringing one aboard.

Wahoo are tackle destroyers: cut leaders, sliced trolling lures, damaged jigs and stolen live baits make them expensive visitors! Their precise attacks have earned them nicknames such as “the surgeon” and “the samurai”.

When fishing live or dead bait, we sometimes find only a small triangle of flesh around the hook after a wahoo has quietly taken the rest.

The clean, sword-like bite marks they leave in other hooked fish are unmistakable.

Wary but aggressive, wahoo can be caught by trolling, live bait fishing or jigging. Their violent strikes are followed by a long, rapid first run.

They fight hard and, if they do not cut the leader, can race back towards the boat, making you think the fish has come off. They may also dart beneath the hull just when you think the fight is over. Stay alert to the end!

Catches from guided trips

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