iOutdoors Blog, Amelia Island Fishing, Cape Canaveral Fishing, Cocoa Beach Fishing, Daytona Beach Fishing, Fishing Destinations, Florida Fishing, Fort Pierce Fishing, Ft Lauderdale Fishing, Islamorada Fishing, Jacksonville Fishing, Marathon Fishing, Miami Beach Fishing, New Smyrna Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Pompano Beach Fishing, St Augustine Fishing, Wahoo fishing
Wahoo can be caught year-round along Florida’s Atlantic coast from Amelia Island to Key West. However, July and August full moons are the best times to target Wahoo in Florida, at least on the east coast of Florida. Like most other fish species, the structure, water movement, and season are important to consider when targeting Wahoo. When all three of these conditions align, it will happen favorably, and you will be sure to load your fish box.
Many anglers are successful in July and August, around the full moon, which is 100% due to water movement. During July and August, the moon is the closest to South Florida. Due to this, the full moon will produce the two most prominent tide swings along the east coast of Florida during the entire year. Large tide swings have very favorable currents, enabling wahoos to feed.
Wahoo Fishing Charters
Wahoos are lovely fish that can sometimes be very elusive. They possess excellent eyesight, great camouflage significant talents but are often finicky. Wahoos average around 20-50 lbs on the east coast except for small fish; they usually find underwater debris. They are caught in Kite fishing, trolling, and vertical jigging, among other methods. The varied techniques depend on time and place and the weight and form of the fish.
If you are interested in a specific fishing charter, we highly suggest you plan to book a more extended charter, like an 8 hour, because of the amount of trolling and areas that need to be covered.
Top Wahoo Fishing Locations
Wahoo is an impressive pelagic fish found in a variety of waters. They swim from the coastlines of the Islands in the Caribbean and all around Florida. You can hook these streamlined speedsters in plenty of destinations. They inhabit tropical and subtropical waters, which reach 600 feet from the ocean’s surface.
Below, we’ve listed 5 of the top prolific spots around Florida. Of course, the fish swims in so many others, but here are places we have had great success catching Wahoo. Visiting one of these destinations increases your odds of having a pretty good Wahoo encounter!
1) Wahoo Fishing in Key West
Anglers fish for wahoo in the Florida Keys because the meat has an exquisite taste; at least to most, it seems different. This fish reaches speeds up to 80 mph and is the fastest fish in the ocean, especially when attacking baitfish. Wahoos in the Keys can reach weights pushing 100lbs. But the average caught fish has just over 30 lbs. It spends much of its life within the deeper dark blue waters of the Gulf Stream Ocean.
Wahoo fishing season in Key West
The Wahoo may be caught in the Summer Time at sea in the cooler water of the open ocean. From November until February, the water temperature becomes perfect for this available sea predator in the winter months. It appears to be the most enjoyable on both sides of the full moon during the December months. Wahoo and many other fish species can be caught at Key West anytime throughout the year, but in December, only one week in either direction is the best time to encounter the Wahoo in the Florida Keys. The Winter is the best action for Wahoo because the water is warmer, and fish migrate south.
2) Fishing in Miami for Wahoo
Florida’s Atlantic Coast is at times saturated with Wahoo up and down the coast. The migration travels South to North, and when in Miami, they are plentiful. Miami’s city port provides direct access to the Gulf Stream, a deep water channel less than 3 miles offshore. These warm waters are home to many pelagic fish who call these waters home! Although the species is found all year, the best angling action usually occurs from early spring into late summer.
3) Wahoo Fishing in Biloxi
Not always known for its abundance of deepsea fishing, these deep drops offshore of the coast is home to big Wahoo and have become a hotspot. It provides the structure, current, and oasis these fish love to flock to! Even better, they live here all year, sticking close to deepwater rigs and structures anywhere from 10–30 miles from shore. However, the hottest times to cast your line are January through March.
4) Wahoo Fishing in Stuart
Fishing out of the St. Lucie Inlet in Stuart, Florida, is like all ports; it can sometimes be hit or miss. In Stuart, the season is less consistent but available all year round.
The best time of the year can be argumentative; most people would say the summer months of July, August, and September to target Wahoo. But at times, the Winter, October through February, can be impressive. Most Wahoos during the Winter are a bi-catch of fishing for sailfish. If you desire to catch Wahoo during the Winter months, be sure to specify when booking the charter so the crew and make the proper adjustments to target just Wahoo.
During the summer months, high-speed trolling baits and lures are the most effective targeting the Wahoo because they love to ambush its prey, look for them to be hiding around and structure, are down on ledges so they and quickly surprise its next victim. The average weight of a Wahoo caught in Stuart this time of the year is around 25lbs, but it’s not uncommon to catch a 45lb plus.
5) Catch Wahoo in St Augustine
Northeast Florida is known for its deepwater ledges off Jacksonville and St. Augustine coast, approxally 70 miles out, and prime hangout for large Wahoo. This migration of big Wahoo seems to show up between February and March and is fishable for Wahoo from January and April.
Generally, the time of the year when high-speed trolling for Wahoo works. Keep trolling once the fish are located, and the first hookup happens. It’s essential to use 50 series reels or larger ones to hold plenty of fishing lines.
The most success comes from rigging your trolling lines with a sinker. You want to try and keep your lines about 25 to 30 feet below the surface. It has proven that Wahoo like bright colors, and for that reason, a combination of purple and silver and red and black work most all year. This area has one of the largest averages of Wahoo, almost all coming from the ledges. The average size is 40 pounds, and it’s common to encounter fish in the 90-pound range during the season regularly.
Although you have an occasional by-catch of dolphin, blackfin tuna, you will know when the Wahoo hits without any dought.
Wahoo in the United States
In general, the Wahoo population is plentiful in the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico. All these waters provide ample Wahoo fishing opportunities throughout the USA, and the about are some of highlighted best destinations.
How do I Target Wahoo in Florida?
We have discussed lures to this point, but you can also slow troll with live bait, live blue runners, goggle-eye, mullet, and juvenile bonito. Live baits should be set up using a double hook rig, also known as a stinger hook.
If considering this method, be sure to load up on Spanish sardines, pilchards, ballyhoo, threadfins, and head offshore looking for a ledge, weed-line, rip current, anything to create a color change in the water. Generally, start fishing in about 180 to 400 feet of water; when doing this, it also helps to chum the waters. You can chum with dead bait or live baits, consistently placing a hooked similar-sized bait as an additional weapon behind the boat.
When Wahoo sense the chum smell, they will instinctively swim right under the boat to be caught by sight casting to them. When fishing in the mornings, you should expect a line on the water up to 35 minutes before sunrise. The morning bite usually lasts for about 2 hours during the sun rising.
What is the Florida Wahoo Spread?
Start by trolling for Wahoo, using small and medium-sized lures, especially in South Florida. Try using six-lure spread out equally. Try placing the Wahoo lures out 150, 250, and 350 feet on the port side and 200, 300, and 450 feet on starboard. In winds and waves, the farther the lures are fed-out, the slows it sinks, and then it speeds up again after cresting the wave. By using six lures, they cover different parts of the ledge at different speeds and depths.
High Speed Trolling Wahoo Lures
Each lure uses the highest quality materials available. The industry has extensively selected and supplied the best accessories and wood, including shellings and screws. Most Wahoo fishing products intend it to last fishing for the rugged, sharp toothfish species. Unlike some other lures on the market, most Wahoo lure companies use high-quality industrial-grade urethane. As a result, the lures will hold up to species and not turn black or crack in use.
Closing
Free to contact us for additional information or leave a comment below.
iOutdoors Blog, Cape Canaveral Fishing, Florida Fishing, Mosquito Lagoon Fishing, New Smyrna Fishing, Redfish Fishing, St Augustine Fishing
How To Catch Redfish In Florida
Redfish, also called Channel Bass or Red Drum, is one of Florida’s top sought-after saltwater sport fish. They have a wide distribution on both the East Coast and Gulf Coast. In the Atlantic Ocean, they range from Massachusetts to Florida, and in the Gulf, they range from Florida to Northern Mexico.
Flats fishing in the shallow waters of the sunshine state for bull redfish is an experience like no other. Anglers worldwide travel to Florida every year to catch redfish. Their beautiful color and freight train-like runs make for an incredible fishing experience.
Characteristics
The first step to targeting and catching redfish is being able to identify one. Redfish are usually bronze or reddish in color with a white underside. One of the most distinctive features of redfish is the dark eyespot near its tail. On average, redfish measure from 11 to 24 inches depending on age and weigh up to 22 pounds. The largest fish are known as bull redfish or bull red. Generally, they are likely to exceed forty pounds during the summer during the spawning season. However, during the winter, they are more likely to be in the three to the twelve-pound range.
Red Drum is a fast-growing fish, with the juvenile redfish reaching about one pound and 11 inches in its first year. It’s considered a bull redfish when it gets over 26 inches. The name red drum comes from the male’s habit of making a knocking or drumming sound during spawning by vibrating their swim bladders. Redfish can look similar to black drums from a distance, and the colors can sometimes be easy to mix up, especially in adult redfish. However, the redfish has no chin barbels, and the black drum never has the spot near its tail.
Where To Catch Redfish In Florida
Anglers can enjoy red drum fishing almost anywhere in Florida since they are found on both Florida coasts. They live nearly everywhere on the Gulf Coast and are predominately along the upper half of the East, near Central Florida and north. East Central Florida has earned its name as the Redfish Capital of the World because of its fantastic year-round fishing in the shallow grass flats. Specifically, the Indian River, Mosquito Lagoon, and Banana River are most known for their redfish fishing and big bull redfish fishing in New Smyrna. 
Almost all the coastal water on West Central Florida makes for good flats fishing for redfish. Specifically, Clearwater, Tampa Bay, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, St. Petersburg, Sarasota Bay, and Spring Hill are filled with decent-sized redfish schools. Generally, the adult redfish move offshore to spawn and can be found offshore in large schools. They will roam into coastal rivers throughout the year sporadically or in small groups but swarm into these areas in the winter when seeking warmer water.
Where To Look
Anglers can fish for redfish in the grass flats, near mangroves, on oyster bars, off a dock, off beaches, or from a pier. The best redfish fishing is often done in shallow flats near the mangrove shorelines or grass flats. Redfish prefer shallow waters between one and four feet deep along the edges of bays with submerged vegetation. When fishing for redfish, it’s generally best to focus your attention on the areas with good structure. Redfish go to the surf zone near passes and into bays in the Fall, especially during stormy weather. Redfish live in freshwater areas, too, often being spotted in tidal creeks and rivers.
Generally, the slot size fish inhabit coastal waterways around the state. However, in the Indian River, Mosquito Lagoon, and other areas of East Central Florida, the bull reds are known to be close to shore too. For this reason, these are the best areas to catch big redfish in Florida consistently.
Redfish Capital Of The World
The Indian River Lagoon system on the East Coast of Florida, which includes the Mosquito Lagoon, is the only place redfish live their entire lives inshore. The Banana River is another top spot for redfish in the area. Most of the redfish caught in Central Florida are caught while fishing shallow water, known as flats fishing. The fish is in the coastal lagoon year-round, making this area the redfish capital of the world and a unique place to fish.
Unlike other areas where most redfish leave the flats for deeper areas as they reach maturity, most of the redfish in Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River areas never leave the flats. East Central Florida is the only area anglers can stalk and sight fish a bull red in the 30 to 50-inch range on crystal clear fats. Among the big fish in this area are tons of slot size reds, creating excellent action even if you don’t get a bull.
Best Time Of Year For Bull Redfish
The odds of catching redfish are good in certain areas throughout the year, especially in Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River areas. However, the best time to catch a big bull red is in the late summer and early Fall.
Late summer and early Fall provide the highest probability of experiencing big redfish catches. The big fish living in deeper water offshore usually show up close to the shoreline near jetties and bridges during these months.
Best Time of Day
Redfish are known to eat throughout the day at varying times and tides. During the hot summer, the best time for redfish is early in the morning and late in the evening. They are almost always looking for food, but where they look may depend on certain temperatures and tides. For example, during mid-day or hot summer days, they will likely be up under the mangroves where the shade keeps the water temps cooler.
During cold winter fronts, the best time is usually once the sun is high and the grass flats have had a chance to warm up. However, anglers will often have luck early in the morning on warmer winter days in slightly deeper water. A general rule of thumb before fishing is to consider the temperature. If it’s too hot for you outside, it’s likely too hot for the redfish too. So fishing during this time, look for fish in shaded areas under docks or mangroves. Whenever it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for the redfish as well. In case you’re fishing during this time, consider fishing later in the day when the temperatures warm up. Otherwise, your best bet will be in the deeper areas where the water is warmer if fishing on a frigid day. Then, as the temperature warms up throughout the day, work your way to the flats.
Top Baits and Lures For Catching Redfish
One of sport fishermen’s favorite things about fishing for redfish is that redfish eat a wide variety of baits, both natural and artificial. Dead natural bait, as well as live, will work. Live baits are the most effective method to consistently catching redfish, especially the big bull red. The best live baits are live shrimp, mullet, marine worms, mud minnows, Atlantic croaker, pinfish, ladyfish, and small blue crabs. When fishing for redfish in deeper drop-offs, pinfish and small mullet are usually the best live bait options. However, live minnows and shrimp are often the most effective when fishing in shallow mudflats. 
The best artificial baits are shrimp and crab-like plastic worms and jigs. Shallow running spoons and baitfish-shaped plugs are also effective. Anglers using poppers can expect explosive strikes from redfish cruising near the surface. Seasons may also impact the decision on which bait to use. Generally, in summer and Fall, redfish feed on crabs, shrimp, and mullet.
However, they primarily feed on pinfish, mullet, pinfish, sea robin, lizardfish, Atlantic croaker, and marine worms in winter and spring. Redfish are always looking for food; regardless of the environment or water depth, they adapt themselves to any situation. As a rule of thumb, if using live bait, use what’s in the water. If using artificial lures, try to imitate the baitfish or other prey that’s around.
Techniques
Bull reds on the beaches usually target mullets, so a popping cork with soft plastic is effective on the beach. Redfish will also cruise in the surf, right along with the breaks. The translucent blue tail always gives them away. Surf fishing is prevalent along the east coast. Surf fishing can involve wading in the water or fishing from the shoreline. If offshore fishing, Reds will roam in depths up to 30 feet deep. While trolling, watch for birds and blowups at the surface.
Tides
Tides play a significant role in the daily movements of redfish, especially in shallow water. Anglers can catch redfish in many different depths, but where they are and what they are doing will determine how you catch them.
In general, high tides, also known as the flood tide, will push redfish into the shallow flats. The low tide will pull them out of the shallows into the drop-offs with deeper water. This varies based on location and how much the high tide and low tide change. An effective artificial lure to use on the high tide or flood tide is one that imitates fiddler crabs. Red drum fishing during the flood tide may involve more blind casting rather than sight fishing.
Sight Fishing
Sight fishing for redfish has become the norm for fishing redfish in many areas in Florida, with poling platforms on your boat and a strong trolling motor. The hunt is on when you know the tides and when the fish move onto a particular flat to start feeding. Sight fishing for redfish is the ultimate sportfishing experience. In many Florida mudflats, the best time to sight fish a redfish is on the incoming tide. During this time, the tide is still low enough to see the fish but high enough to hold the fish and is pushing bait towards the shoreline, creating a feeding frenzy.
Seasons may also impact where to spot reds. In the winter and spring, the Florida water is generally lower, cooler, and clearer. On sunny days the redfish will move onto the flats, where the water will warm up quicker in the sun making for ideal conditions for sight fishing for redfish. Florida waters are generally less clear in the warmer months, but spotting fish is still possible on grass flats near the edges of deep areas.
Tailing Redfish Fishing
One of the most amazing sights while fishing for redfish is spotting a tailing fish. This means they are face down in the mud looking for crabs and shrimp with their tails sticking through the surface of the water. It’s a beautiful sight and an exciting moment while fishing. The best time to catch a tailing fish is usually on the incoming tide while the water is still low enough for redfish tails to break through the surface. Anglers will usually have to cast closer to the fish to get noticed.
Red Drum Regulations
The slot limit is no less than 18 inches throughout Florida, no more than 27 inches in length. The daily bag limit is one redfish per person per day. The exception is the Northeast area in Flagler through Nassau counties, where the daily bag limit is two fish per person per day. Also, all Florida state waters from Hernando county through Collier County are catch and release only through May 31st.
Record
The all-tackle world record for the heaviest redfish caught was 94 pounds, 2 ounces. The Florida record is 52 pounds, 5 ounces.
iOutdoors Blog, Bass Fishing, Inshore Fishing, Offshore Fishing, St Augustine Fishing
St Augustine Fishing Report
Are you visiting St Augustine, FL in the near future?? Will you be looking for the ultimate outdoor experience? Let this St Augustine Fishing Report guide you on the way to the best fishing experience. Get outdoors while saltwater or freshwater fishing near St Augustine for an adventure of a lifetime. You never know what you will hook into with our local experts.
Local experts are keys to success and enjoyment on the water. Their knowledge and experience will allow you to spend your time effectively. They will get you on the fish you are after. Captain Chris Davy is our local expert that brings and fills you in on this St Augustine Fishing Report.
St Augustine Inshore Fishing is a great way to spend time in the outdoors. If you are a saltwater fisherman, inshore fishing will get you around a variety of species. Whether you are on a pier or fishing from the surf, you have a lot of options. Getting on a fishing vessel with Captain Chris Davy is the better option allowing you to make changes, move around, and get you on the fish 
faster.
Colder weather has the bite strong and lighter on some days. The best inshore fishing is around inlets, backwater canals, and jetties. If you are looking for some land-based fun, fish of Flagler Pier or along the beaches. Surf fishing can be tough with winds and rough surf.
The top inshore species to catch right now are Black Drum and Sea Trout. As temperatures get cooler, the drum bite gets even stronger. Now is not the time to come catch a gator trout but a great time to come catch slots. We always advise catch and release on gator trout to let the species continue to thrive. You can also have fun catching Redfish, Pompano, Bluefish, and Sheepshead.
Inshore fishing can be a great opportunity to go out saltwater fishing with no seasickness. It is also the perfect chance to get a kid or family member addicted to fishing, but there is an even better activity to make this happen near St Augustine, FL.
St Augustine Bass Fishing is another excellent outdoor activity that is on FIRE this time of year. Are you looking for a TROPHY largemouth bass? Well, the Rodman Reservoir with a local 
expert and Captain Chris Davy or Captain Ken Walker can make your dreams come true. This fishing charter and activity are family friendly and perfect for the beginner angler.
Rodman Reservoir is a big bass factory and is one of the most breath-taking destinations to catch Florida largemouth bass. It is a short drive from St Augustine but is worth every minute. Enjoy a day on the water catching the biggest bass of your life. If you are a speck or crappie fisherman, all around St Augustine and North Florida, are great opportunities to catch a limit. 
St Augustine Offshore Fishing is another great option for exploring this beautiful destination. The only consistent issue this time of year with offshore fishing is the weather. Winds pick up during our cooler months making it difficult to get offshore. If you can get offshore, you are in-store for some of the BEST fishing all year.
Offshore fishing is dominated with two styles of fishing: trolling or bottom fishing. Trolling is a great way to catch pelagic species including the thunderbolt or Wahoo! Now is also a great time to catch billfish including the might acrobatic Sailfish. Bottom fishing is another great method to catch tasty species including Snapper, Triggerfish, Sea Bass, and even Cobia on local wrecks and reefs.
All in All, our local experts have the knowledge and experience to catch you that fish you are after. Maybe, you aren’t after any particular species, they will show you what St Augustine is all about. Enjoy a nice cruise or action packed fishing adventure. Bring your families along to create memories worth a lifetime. We look forward to showing you around and seeing you on the water next time!
Your Adventure Starts Today while Visiting Florida.
If you enjoyed this post about Florida Fishing, you might also enjoy our Fishing Blogs.
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.
[fusion_builder_row_inner][fusion_builder_column_inner type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ last=”no” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all”][fusion_button link=”https://ioutdoor.com/fishing/florida/st-augustine/” text_transform=”uppercase” title=”VIEW AVAILABILITY” target=”_self” link_attributes=”BOOKING” alignment=”center” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”blue” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”green” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”3px” size=”small” stretch=”yes” shape=”pill” icon=”fa-ticket-alt fas” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”flash” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”top-mid-of-view”]VIEW AVAILABILITY[/fusion_button]
