If you are an angler looking for a challenge out on the water, you should try catching wahoo. Wahoo are considered to be the fourth fastest fish in the world and have the ability to swim up to 48 miles per hour! That is pretty insane, right?
Since these fish are fast, strong, and agile, they can be quite a challenge to catch. However, catching them is not impossible and can be done, especially if you have the right lures.
In this article, we will discuss some of the 10 must-have lures to help you catch wahoo!
Nomad Design Madmacs – Wahooligan
The Nomad Design Madmacs – Wahooligan is an excellent choice when it comes to wahoo fishing and a lure that many anglers have in their tacklebox. This lure is top notch and features a patented autotune system that allows it to troll at both high and low speeds. In fact, you can troll as low as 5 knots and up to as high as 20 knots. The autotune system is designed to ensure that the Wahooligan always trolls straight and delivers a side to side vibrating action, whether you are going fast or slow.
Since you can troll with this lure at low speeds, it is a must have. When running at lower speeds, the Wahooligan will reach depths of around 8 to 10 feet and while trolling at faster speeds, it will reach depths of about 3 to 4 feet.
The lure itself is expertly crafted with a stamped stainless steel plate coupled with a full foam body core. The construction is durable and will hold up to any wahoo fishing expedition. The lure comes with heavy-duty split rings and BKK hooks.
The Wahooligan is a staple in your tacklebox and costs an estimated $40.00 to $60.00.
Wahoo Rattlers
If you don’t have wahoo rattlers in your tacklebox, are you even a wahoo angler? These lures are a great addition to your collection of lures and are sure to bring in wahoo. Eat My Tackle is the manufacturer of wahoo rattlers, and these lures are perfect for both low and high-speed wahoo fishing. In fact, the rattlers have been used in tournament wins in the past.
These lures can be used from 0 to 25 knots without sacrificing quality. Additionally, you do not have to worry about adding weight to the lure either, which is nice for anglers who want to get right to wahoo business.
Wahoo rattlers come in either 10 inches or 12 inches and each are equipped with a 400-pound 6-foot stainless cable.
These lures range in cost from roughly $85 to $200.
Wahoo Cowbells
Wahoo Cowbells are high-speed wahoo lures that are used by anglers everywhere. These lures have several advantages that make them a must have. These lures are able to be trolled at speeds up to 20 knots without having to add weight to them making them simple and efficient. Additionally, they run smoothly at high speeds due to the unique open-faced head design.
For those who like to keep it simple, you will enjoy the cowbells as they do not need any knot or wire tying to use.
Wahoo Cowbells range in price but you can expect to pay anywhere between $50 to $80.
High Speed Wahoo Lures
Looking for high speed wahoo lures? If so, the Magbay Lures Tournament Plomerito Set is the perfect choice for you. This is truly an amazing and efficient wahoo chasing set that is guaranteed to lead to incredible catches.
One of the notable features of this set is that they are brightly colored. The bright colors help to attract the wahoo by grabbing their attention in the water.
The Plomerito set comes with a total of 4 wahoo lures made from anodized aluminum, two 20-foot 250 pound wahoo shock leaders, and two 24 ounce trolling weights, along with a carrying bag.
These high speed wahoo lures cost around $250 for the set.
Planers and High Speed Leads
When trying to catch wahoo, you need to have a thought out approach. These fish are strong, adept, and a challenge to hook and reel in.
When you want to guarantee yourself a catch, one strategy that works is setting your bait down deeper into the water. There are two different ways that you can accomplish that – planers and high speed leads.
A fishing planer will help you attract more wahoo by placing your bait further into the water. One of the nice things about planers is that they can be tied to a cleat, used with a hand line, or even on a rod set up.
Planers are made from both brass and stainless steel making them corrosion resistant, so you can expect them to hold up use after use.
One of the most effective ways to catch wahoo is to slow troll a planner. Planers can range in price but are usually not too expensive. You can expect to spend about $10 to $20.
The second method you can utilize is a high speed lead.
Dead Bait These are ideal for high speed trolling and will help you get your bait low into the water which will result in more wahoo. The leads come rigged on 920-pound cable and also include a 400-pound 7/0 ball bearing swivel and chafe/shrink tube connections. The lead is made from stainless steel, so you can expect it to hold up over time.
A high speed fishing lead will cost an average of $30.
Dead Bait Options
Fishing for wahoo can be highly unpredictable and every choice that you make from the type of lure you use to the location you attempt to fish will influence your success. With that said, dead bait is an option for catching wahoo and you may find that you have success with it should you choose the right type of bait.
Dead bait options such as Ballyhoo and Mullet are a good choice for the following reasons:
- Affordable
- Easy to obtain
- Long lasting
- Mimics the movement of live bait
- Can be used multiple times
Live Bait Options
Live bait is another choice for wahoo anglers, and you will find that some anglers prefer live bait and others dead bait – both have their advantages.
Choosing live bait will give you an advantage as, let’s face it, nothing mimics a live fish better than a live fish.
Good live bait options to catch wahoo include Goggle Eye, Pilchards, and Bonito.
Some of the advantages of choosing live bait for wahoo fishing include:
- Great for hotter months
- Many different options available
- Provides a natural attraction
- Mimics natural prey
Which Lure Will You Choose?
All of the above lures are excellent for catching wahoo. The biggest differences are going to be your personal preferences. You may need to try out a few different lures first to see which one you have the most success with.
