Saltwater Species Guide

Wahoo

Acanthocybium solandri

A high-speed pelagic predator called ono in Hawaii and famous for explosive trolling strikes.

Also Known As:Ono

Wahoo identification illustration — NOAA Fisheries / Jack Hornady · U.S. government educational illustration · Image Source

Species Quick Facts

Common Angling Water

72–82°F

Approximate productive range, not a biological limit.

Typical Catch

Many landed fish are roughly 20–60 pounds

Maximum Reported Size

Up to 8 feet and 158 pounds

Best Baits & Lures

Best Baits

Ballyhoo
Flying fish
Mackerel

Best Lures

High-speed trolling lures
Diving plugs
Heavy spoons

Habitat

Warm blue water along reef drop-offs, current edges, seamounts, and offshore banks.

How To Catch Wahoo

Troll quickly along clean-water edges and steep contour changes. Use wire or heavy abrasion-resistant leader because wahoo have sharp teeth.

Technique Is Not A Regulation

Confirm the open season, area, harvest status, size and possession limits, required gear, permits, reporting rules, and emergency closures for the exact jurisdiction and trip date. Some listed baits or methods may be restricted locally.

TideAhead Destinations

Harbor Guides For Wahoo

Honolulu & Oahu

A tropical pelagic fishery where ahi, mahi-mahi, and ono may be found close to steep island drop-offs.

Open Harbor Guide FL

Miami & Biscayne Bay

Inshore tarpon and snook water sits minutes from reef fishing and the Gulf Stream's pelagic edge.

Open Harbor Guide HI

Hilo & East Hawaii

A windward Hawaii port near steep pelagic water and productive coastal ledges.

Open Harbor Guide HI

Kahului & Maui

Maui access to shoreline structure, fast island channels, and pelagic water.

Open Harbor Guide HI

Nawiliwili & Kauai

Kauai's main harbor offers quick access to deep Pacific pelagic habitat.

Open Harbor Guide AS

Pago Pago & Tutuila

A deep South Pacific harbor surrounded by tuna and other pelagic habitat.

Open Harbor Guide GU

Apra Harbor & Guam

Guam's principal harbor opens onto reef edges and deep western Pacific water.

Open Harbor Guide FL

Key West & Lower Keys

Flats, channels, reefs, wrecks, and Gulf Stream fishing from the Lower Keys.

Open Harbor Guide FL

Cape Canaveral & Space Coast

A deep Atlantic port serving beaches, reefs, wrecks, and Gulf Stream pelagics.

Open Harbor Guide

Species Sources

TideAhead summarizes stable identification, biology, habitat, and angling concepts. Use the primary sources below for deeper species context and live management information.

NOAA Fisheries species profile