Florida · Keys
WAHOO FISHING
IN MARATHON
Marathon is a solid destination for wahoo fishing, with good fishing in January, February, March, April. Book a charter and target wahoo with local experts.
About Wahoo Fishing in Marathon
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 — Marathon
Month-by-month availability for wahoo in Marathon, FL.
How to Catch Wahoo in Marathon
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 Marathon
Top spots where local captains target wahoo and other deep sea fishing species.
Marathon Hump (Middle Hump)
The Marathon Hump is a prominent deepwater seamount south of Marathon where the ocean floor rises dramatically from 1,100 feet to around 480 feet. This structure concentrates blackfin tuna, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi, and is one of the most productive deep-dropping spots for swordfish in the Middle Keys. The Hump is a bucket-list destination for serious offshore anglers.
Gulf Stream (Marathon)
The Gulf Stream flows approximately 10-15 miles south of Marathon's reef line, bringing warm bluewater current and pelagic species within range. Sailfish, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and blackfin tuna patrol the Stream edges, especially along weed lines and color changes. Marathon's central Keys location provides access to productive Gulf Stream fishing grounds.
West Hump (from Marathon)
The West Hump is another deepwater seamount accessible from Marathon, lying roughly 20 miles southwest. The bottom rises from deep water to create a fish-concentrating feature that holds swordfish, tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. Marathon boats can fish both the Marathon Hump and West Hump on a single offshore trip when conditions allow.
Marathon Deep Wrecks
Several deep wrecks lie in 200-plus feet of water south of Marathon along the outer edge of the reef system. These sunken vessels hold large amberjack, almaco jack, barracuda, and grouper on the structure, while pelagics cruise overhead in the current. Deep wreck fishing is a productive alternative to humps when targeting bottom species offshore.
Other Species in Marathon
More fish you can target while visiting Marathon.
Wahoo Fishing in Marathon — FAQ
Wahoo fishing in Marathon is productive during January, February, March, April, November, December.
Wahoo fishing charters in Marathon 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 Marathon, 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 Marathon, you may also catch Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Tarpon, Mangrove Snapper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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