High-Speed Trolling for Wahoo

Here is a quick guide on how to High-Speed Troll for Wahoo.  This guide will give a high level over view of the basic strategy. For more in depth insight check out our Full Leng Seminar on our “How To” page in the Explore Tab.

Wahoo are known for their aggressive strikes and high-speed runs, making them one of the most exciting game fish. They are excellent table fare and can be enjoyed both raw in sushi or cooked to your liking. High-speed trolling is one of the most effective ways to target them, as their

speed and agility demand a fast-moving lure.  An effective spread would consist of two-four lines staggered from 150 feet behind the boat for your shortest to 450 feet for the long trolling streamlined lures at speeds up to 20 knots.

Choose the Right Tackle

1. Rods and Reels:
   • Rods: Use a heavy-duty trolling rod rated for 50-80 pounds. The rod should have a stiff backbone for a strong hookset at high speeds.  Our Lighthouse Rods Planer/Highspeed rod works great.
   • Reel: Conventional reels with high line capacity and a fast retrieve are essential. Electric reels can be used as well and can be of great assistance when clearing lines or multiple hook ups. Tiagra 50’s and Tiagra 80’s reels are excellent choices because they can handle the speed, drag pressure, and line capacity required for high-speed trolling.
   • Line: Use a braided line (80-100 lb test) or wire line as your main line, which reduces drag in the water.
2. Lead
   • Trolling Lead:  Cigar shaped trolling leads rigged on cable ranging from 16 oz to 80 oz
   • Shock Cords: A 300 lb mono shock cord with a heavy duty snap swivel 30-50 ft long
3. Lures:
   • • High-Speed Trolling Lures: Bullet-style lures and weighted skirts like our rigged Ilander or Bahama Lures are ideal. Their streamlined designs can handle high speeds.
     • Colors: When fishing four rods you can fish a variety of colors. A mix of dark and bright colors as either can be more effective on any given day.

    

Techniques

1. Spread and Placement:
   • Run 2-4 lines set at specific distances behind the boat.  Accuracy is critical here in order to avoid tangles.
   • With a 4 line spread your short should be 150’ behind the boat. Each additional line should be spaced 100 feet apart. Not only to avoid tangles but having lures placed in different positions behind the boat will increase bite chances.
2. Choosing your Lead:
   • Have a large variety of trolling leads on hand. Use heavier leads for the short lines and lighter ones long. For example:
     1. 150’ 64 oz
     2. 250’ 48 oz
     3. 350’ 32 oz
     4. 450’ 24 oz
3. Trolling Speed:
   • • Troll at 12-18 knots. Wahoo respond well to these speeds because it mimics the speed of their natural prey. Faster speeds will help target wahoo specifically, reducing bycatch.
     • Varying your speed slightly while trolling can help trigger strikes, especially from fish following your lure.
     • Take note of how fast you were trolling when you got a bite

    

4. Trolling Strategy
   • When operating the boat driving in a zig zag pattern covering a wide range of depths and structure. Zig zagging From 150’ to 550’.
   • Making turns is important to not only cover different depths of water but it brings lures in and out of the prop wash.
   • Turns also allow the leads and lures to drop into different columns of water and the speed adjustments associated with turns can trigge bites.

5. Fish On

• Wahoo are a schooling Fish. Once a strike occurs avoid slowing down immediately. Continue at trolling speed to better your chances for multiple hook ups.
• Once retrieving the fish slowing the boat down to 5 to 6 mph will help bring the fish in while keeping the remaining lines tight. Your other lines may need to be reeled in for clearance to avoid tangles depending on the size and behavior of the fish hooked up.
• Once reaching the lead on a hooked fish there is about 30-50 feet of leader to bring in. The leader man will wire the fish up to gaff range keeping the leader tight and controlled even as the fish gets gaffed and makes it way to the box. Try to keep a consistent upward angle and tension on the leader to avoid a last minute head shake that can throw the hook.

Helpful Tips

• Choose the Right Location and Time: Wahoo are often found near reefs, drop-offs, and underwater structures, where they ambush baitfish. Early morning or late afternoon when light levels are low can be prime times. Outgoing tides traditionally prove to be most conducive to hot wahoo bites. Fishing on the front side of full moons as well as the backside of the moon will increase odds as well.
• Mark your spot of a bite:  After you get a bite mark the location in your chart plotter. After landing a fish circle back and troll through the area again.
• Be Ready for Multiple Hook-Ups: Wahoo are schooling fish. After hooking one, keep the boat moving at a steady pace, as others may strike your remaining lines.
• Regularly Check Your Gear: High-speed trolling puts a lot of strain on tackle, so inspect your lines, leaders, and hooks frequently for damage, especially after a strike. Replace any frayed lines or dull hooks to avoid losing fish.
• Stay Alert for Surface Signs: Watch for birds, surface bait schools, and current breaks. These indicators often point to the presence of predatory fish, including wahoo. If bullet bonitas or small tunas are noticed near the surface stay in that area, they are prime prey for wahoo.
• Safety First: Properly secure rods and keep an eye on lines to avoid tangles or accidents at high speeds. Keep clear when a gaffed fish makes its way to the fishbox.

With the right tackle, techniques, and tips in mind, high-speed trolling for wahoo can be one of the most exhilarating experiences on the water.