Florida · Southeast
WAHOO FISHING
IN FORT LAUDERDALE
Fort Lauderdale is a solid destination for wahoo fishing, with good fishing in January, February, March, November. Book a charter and target wahoo with local experts.
About Wahoo Fishing in Fort Lauderdale
One of the fastest fish in the ocean. Prized for firm, white flesh and blistering runs.
Wahoo are one of the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of bursts over 60 mph. These torpedo-shaped predators have a sleek, elongated body with vivid blue-black vertical bars on a bright silver-blue background. The bars become more vivid when the fish is excited or feeding. Their narrow, beak-like snout is filled with razor-sharp triangular teeth that can slice through bait (and fingers) instantly. When hooked, the initial run is blistering — often stripping 200+ yards of line in seconds before the fish slows.
Scientific name: Acanthocybium solandri
Wahoo Seasonal Calendar — Fort Lauderdale
Month-by-month availability for wahoo in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
How to Catch Wahoo in Fort Lauderdale
Techniques & Bait
High-speed trolling (12-18 knots) with skirted lures, Rapala Magnums, and wahoo bombs behind a planer is the most effective technique. Slow-trolling live blue runners or bonito on wire leaders near temperature breaks and current edges produces trophy fish. Deep-dropping live bait on a downrigger to 100-200 feet under the boat when wahoo are marked on the sonar accounts for many large fish. The key is wire leader — wahoo teeth cut anything else instantly.
Recommended Tackle
Heavy trolling rod, 50 lb class reel, 60-80 lb monofilament or braid, #7-#10 single-strand wire leader or heavy cable (wahoo teeth require wire). For live bait: medium-heavy spinning with wire leader.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Fort Lauderdale
Top spots where local captains target wahoo and other deep sea fishing species.
Gulf Stream (Fort Lauderdale)
The Gulf Stream flows just 2-3 miles off Fort Lauderdale, closer than almost anywhere else in the United States. Sailfish are the star attraction from November through March, with Fort Lauderdale consistently producing the highest sailfish catch rates in the nation. Mahi-mahi, wahoo, and tuna are bonus catches while kite fishing for sails.
Swordfish Grounds (Deep Drop)
The deep waters east of the Gulf Stream in 1,000-1,800 feet provide world-class daytime swordfish deep-dropping. Fort Lauderdale pioneered the modern daytime swordfishing technique, and the area remains one of the most productive swordfish grounds in the Atlantic. Catches of 200-plus-pound swords are not uncommon on full-day trips.
Pushbutton Hill
Pushbutton Hill is a deepwater bottom formation roughly 20 miles offshore where the seafloor rises from over 1,000 feet to around 300 feet. This seamount concentrates swordfish, blackfin tuna, and mahi-mahi and is a legendary waypoint for Fort Lauderdale offshore captains. The upwelling currents around the structure create a natural feeding zone.
Fort Lauderdale Wrecks (Deep)
Multiple deep wrecks lie in 200-400 feet of water east of Fort Lauderdale, including the Mercedes I and the Jim Atria. These wrecks hold amberjack, almaco jack, barracuda, and large grouper on the structure, while pelagics cruise overhead in the Gulf Stream current. Deep wreck fishing is a signature Fort Lauderdale offshore technique.
Other Species in Fort Lauderdale
More fish you can target while visiting Fort Lauderdale.
Wahoo Fishing in Fort Lauderdale — FAQ
Wahoo fishing in Fort Lauderdale is productive during January, February, March, November, December.
Wahoo fishing charters in Fort Lauderdale are typically deep sea fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
High-speed trolling (12-18 knots) with skirted lures, Rapala Magnums, and wahoo bombs behind a planer is the most effective technique. Slow-trolling live blue runners or bonito on wire leaders near temperature breaks and current edges produces trophy fish. Deep-dropping live bait on a downrigger to 100-200 feet under the boat when wahoo are marked on the sonar accounts for many large fish. The key is wire leader — wahoo teeth cut anything else instantly.
No — when you book a charter in Fort Lauderdale, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Wahoo regulations in Florida include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Wahoo in Fort Lauderdale, you may also catch Sailfish, Snook, Mahi Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, Mangrove Snapper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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