Wahoo

Acanthocybium solandri

Also called: ono

A sleek, very fast offshore predator with vertical blue bars, known for explosive strikes and long, fast runs.

Illustration of a long, slim silver-blue fish in side view with a pointed snout and a forked tail — AI-generated illustration for general reference. Fish vary in color and markings with age, location, and water, so check the identification tips below rather than relying on one picture.

Type: Offshore & Pelagic
Typical size: 15 to 40 lb; fish over 60 lb are large
Range: Warm waters of the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific
Coasts: Southeast Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Pacific
Where: Open water
Best seasons: Fall through winter are strong in many areas

Note: Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth, so use wire leaders and handle with care. Size limits, bag limits, and seasons for this species change often, so check current state and federal rules before you keep one.

How to identify it

A long, slim, torpedo-shaped body.
Faint vertical blue bars on the sides.
A long, pointed snout.
A long dorsal fin that fits into a groove.

Often confused with

King Mackerel: a smaller mackerel with a sharply dipping lateral line and no bars.

Baits and lures

Fast-trolled lures and ballyhoo
Planers and diving plugs
Live baits

Techniques

Troll at higher speed along ledges, drop-offs, and weed lines.
Use wire leaders to prevent bite-offs.
Set drags carefully, since wahoo run fast.
Use sharp hooks and stout tackle.

Field notes

Wahoo are among the fastest fish in the sea. A strike often comes in an instant and with a screaming run.

Related guides

Saltwater size limits, bag limits, seasons, gear rules, and license requirements change often and differ by state and in federal waters. Some species are catch-and-release only or closed in certain areas. Check your state's current fishing regulations before you keep a fish; our state resources directory links to each state's official wildlife and fisheries agency.

← All saltwater fish