Wahoo, scientifically known as Acanthocybium solandri, are sleek and powerful pelagic fish found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Known for their incredible speed and agility, wahoo are highly sought after by anglers for their thrilling fights and delicious meat. In this section, we’ll delve into what makes wahoo fishing so enticing and provide an overview of what this blog will cover.
What are Wahoo?
Wahoo are elongated and streamlined fish with iridescent blue-green backs and silver sides and bellies. They possess distinctive vertical blue stripes along their bodies and razor-sharp teeth, perfectly adapted for capturing fast-moving prey. Typically found in offshore waters, wahoo are often solitary hunters but can also form loose schools, particularly around underwater structures such as seamounts, reefs, and offshore banks.
Here are some key characteristics of these large and fast predatory fish-wahoo:
- Appearance:
- Wahoo have a streamlined, elongated body with a pointed snout.
- They are characterized by iridescent blue-green backs and silver sides, often with vertical blue stripes.
- Their mouths are large and equipped with sharp teeth suitable for catching prey.
- Size:
- Wahoo can grow to impressive sizes, with adults typically ranging from 3 to 5 feet in length.
- They can weigh anywhere from 30 to over 100 pounds, with larger specimens occasionally recorded.
- Habitat:
- Wahoo are pelagic fish, meaning they inhabit the open ocean rather than coastal areas.
- They prefer warm waters and are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
- Wahoo are often associated with offshore reefs, drop-offs, and underwater structures where they prey on smaller fish.
- Behavior:
- Wahoo are known for their incredible speed and agility, capable of swimming at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.
- They are voracious predators, feeding primarily on smaller fish such as mackerel, tuna, and squid.
- Wahoo are solitary hunters but may also form small schools, especially around areas of abundant prey.
- Fishing:
- Wahoo are highly prized by sport fishermen for their speed, strength, and challenging fight when hooked.
- Anglers target wahoo using trolling techniques with high-speed lures and rigged baits, often employing specialized gear such as outriggers and downriggers.
- Wahoo fishing is popular in offshore waters, particularly in regions with warm ocean currents where these fish are abundant.
Overall, wahoo are renowned among anglers for their thrilling fishing experience and delicious flesh, making them a prized catch for sport fishing enthusiasts around the globe.
Importance and Popularity of Wahoo Fishing
Wahoo fishing holds significant importance for both recreational and commercial anglers. Their reputation as one of the fastest fish in the ocean, coupled with their delicious and versatile flesh, has made them a prized target among sport fishermen worldwide. Additionally, wahoo are highly valued in commercial fisheries for their premium meat, which is prized for its firm texture and mild flavor.
Overview of What Will Be Covered in the Blog
Throughout this blog, we’ll explore various aspects of wahoo fishing, including gear and equipment, bait and lure selection, fishing techniques, as well as tips for catching, handling, and cooking wahoo. Additionally, we’ll discuss conservation efforts aimed at protecting wahoo populations and ensuring the sustainability of wahoo fisheries. Whether you’re a seasoned angler looking to improve your wahoo fishing skills or a novice eager to learn more about this exhilarating pursuit, this blog will provide valuable insights and practical advice to enhance your wahoo fishing experience.
Wahoo, renowned for their speed and agility, exhibit fascinating behavior patterns influenced by their environment and predatory instincts. In this section, we’ll delve into the behavior and habitat preferences of wahoo, shedding light on their habits, preferred environments, and the factors that influence their movements.
Overview of Wahoo Behavior and Habits
Wahoo are highly migratory predators known for their solitary nature, although they may occasionally form loose schools, particularly during feeding frenzies. As apex predators, they possess exceptional speed, capable of reaching bursts of up to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour). This agility, combined with their keen hunting instincts, allows them to chase down swift prey with remarkable precision.
Wahoo are voracious carnivores, primarily feeding on smaller fish such as mackerel, flying fish, squid, and other pelagic species. They are known for their ambush hunting strategy, often lurking near underwater structures or drop-offs, ready to strike at passing prey.
Identifying Prime Wahoo Habitats in Different Oceanic Regions
Wahoo are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, inhabiting both offshore and nearshore environments. Prime wahoo habitats typically include offshore reefs, seamounts, underwater ridges, and current lines where prey abundance is high. In coastal areas, they may frequent deep drop-offs, underwater canyons, and oceanic islands.
In the Atlantic Ocean, wahoo are commonly found along the Gulf Stream, as well as around offshore banks, reefs, and oil rigs. In the Pacific Ocean, they inhabit waters around tropical islands, seamounts, and deep offshore structures. Understanding the specific characteristics of these habitats can significantly increase your chances of encountering wahoo during fishing expeditions.
Factors Influencing Wahoo Feeding Habits and Movements
Several factors influence wahoo feeding habits and movements, including water temperature, currents, prey availability, and lunar cycles. Wahoo are known to be highly migratory, following warm water currents and seasonal patterns. They often exhibit diurnal feeding behavior, actively hunting during dawn and dusk when light levels are low and prey visibility is high.
Furthermore, wahoo are sensitive to changes in barometric pressure and oceanographic conditions, which can affect their feeding activity and movement patterns. Anglers often monitor sea surface temperature charts, oceanographic maps, and fish finder technology to identify productive fishing grounds and optimize their chances of success.
Understanding these behavioral traits and habitat preferences is essential for effectively targeting wahoo and maximizing your fishing opportunities in different oceanic regions.
Wahoo fishing demands specialized gear tailored to handle the speed and power of these pelagic predators. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the essential equipment you’ll need for a successful wahoo fishing expedition:
- Rods, Reels, and Lines: Opt for heavy-duty rods and reels designed to withstand the brute force of wahoo. Choose rods with fast action and heavy power ratings, typically in the 6 to 7-foot range, capable of handling heavy lines and lures. Reels should feature high gear ratios for quick retrieves and smooth drag systems to battle wahoo efficiently. Spool your reels with braided lines in the 50 to 100-pound test range, offering both strength and sensitivity for detecting strikes.
- Baits, Lures, and Terminal Tackle: For bait fishing, stock up on large, sturdy hooks suitable for rigging whole baits such as bonito, mackerel, and squid. Utilize heavy-duty wire leaders to prevent cutoffs from the razor-sharp teeth of wahoo. When it comes to lures, choose high-speed trolling lures with vibrant colors and reflective finishes to attract wahoo from a distance. Rig lures with heavy monofilament or wire leaders to withstand the abrasion and strength of wahoo strikes.
- Other Necessary Equipment: Equip your boat with outriggers to spread your trolling spread and cover a wider area. Downriggers can be invaluable for targeting wahoo at varying depths, especially when fishing in offshore environments with steep drop-offs. Additionally, carry a sturdy gaff for safely landing wahoo once hooked, minimizing the risk of losing your prized catch during the retrieval process.
Section 4：Bait and Lure Selection for Wahoo
Selecting the right bait and lures is crucial for enticing wahoo to strike. Here’s a detailed overview of the best bait and lure options, along with effective presentation techniques:
- Best Bait Options: Wahoo are opportunistic predators known to prey on a variety of fish species. For bait fishing, opt for large, oily baits such as bonito, skipjack tuna, and Spanish mackerel. Rig baits with strong, corrosion-resistant hooks using wire leaders to prevent bite-offs. Rigged baits with skirts or flash strips can enhance their visual appeal and increase strikes from wahoo.
- Effective Lure Choices: High-speed trolling lures are the go-to choice for targeting wahoo. These lures are designed to withstand the blistering speeds at which wahoo attack, featuring streamlined shapes and durable construction. Select lures with vibrant colors like purple, blue, and chrome, as well as reflective finishes to catch the attention of wahoo in offshore environments. Skirted lures with heavy-duty hooks and wire leaders are ideal for withstanding the sharp teeth of wahoo and increasing hookup ratios.
- Presentation Techniques: When trolling for wahoo, deploy a spread of lures at varying distances and depths behind your boat. Use planers or downriggers to target wahoo at different water depths, adjusting your trolling speed to mimic the natural swimming motion of fleeing prey. Incorporate sudden speed changes, erratic turns, and figure-eight maneuvers to trigger aggressive strikes from wahoo. Experiment with lure colors, sizes, and configurations to determine the most effective presentation for the prevailing conditions.
Section 5：Rigging and Presentation Techniques
Mastering the art of rigging and presentation is essential for enticing wahoo to strike. Here’s a detailed guide to rigging options and presentation techniques tailored for wahoo fishing:
- Rigging Options: Depending on the type of bait or lure you’re using, there are various rigging options to consider. For whole baits like bonito or mackerel, employ a stinger rig to ensure solid hookups when wahoo strike. This involves rigging a single or double hook at the rear of the bait, connected to a wire leader to prevent bite-offs. When using artificial lures, attach them to your main line using a heavy-duty snap or swivel, connected to a wire leader to withstand wahoo’s sharp teeth.
- Trolling Techniques: Trolling is one of the most effective methods for targeting wahoo. Deploy a spread of lures behind your boat at varying distances and depths to cover a wide swath of water. Optimal trolling speeds for wahoo typically range between 8 to 12 knots, depending on sea conditions and lure choice. Use planers or diving devices to reach different depths and adjust trolling speed and direction to trigger aggressive strikes.
- High-Speed Trolling: Wahoo are renowned for their blistering speed, making high-speed trolling a favored tactic among anglers. Equip your boat with high-speed trolling lures designed to withstand the rapid pace at which wahoo attack. Troll at speeds exceeding 15 knots, mimicking the frantic motion of fleeing prey to provoke instinctual strikes from wahoo. Maintain a sharp lookout for surface disturbances or birds diving, indicating the presence of wahoo actively feeding near the surface.
- Drifting Techniques: Drifting can be effective when targeting wahoo over specific structures or bottom contours. Drift with live baits or rigged dead baits presented at different depths to intercept wahoo patrolling the area. Use drift socks or sea anchors to control your drift speed and direction, keeping your baits in the strike zone for extended periods. Monitor your drift closely and adjust your presentation based on subtle changes in current or wind direction.
Section 6：Fishing Strategies for Wahoo
Developing effective fishing strategies is key to unlocking success when pursuing wahoo. Here are some proven tactics to maximize your chances of landing these prized gamefish:
- Seasonal Tactics: Wahoo fishing can be productive year-round in many regions, but peak seasons often coincide with warmer months when water temperatures rise. In tropical and subtropical regions, target wahoo during the spring and fall months when they migrate closer to shore in search of prey. In colder climates, focus your efforts during summer months when water temperatures are at their highest and wahoo are more active.
- Weather Considerations: Pay close attention to weather patterns and oceanic conditions when planning your wahoo fishing trips. Wahoo are known to be more active during periods of stable weather with moderate winds and clear skies. Look for temperature breaks, color changes, and current edges where wahoo congregate to ambush passing prey. Monitor weather forecasts and sea surface temperature charts to identify optimal fishing windows and plan your outings accordingly.
- Targeting Prime Habitat: Wahoo are pelagic predators that inhabit a wide range of oceanic environments, from offshore reefs and seamounts to weed lines and underwater structures. Target areas with steep drop-offs, underwater pinnacles, and submerged wrecks where wahoo are likely to congregate in search of prey. Concentrate your efforts around temperature breaks, current rips, and offshore features that concentrate baitfish and attract wahoo.
- Locating Wahoo Hotspots: Successful wahoo fishing often hinges on your ability to locate productive fishing grounds. Keep an eye out for bird activity, floating debris, and other signs of baitfish concentrations that may attract wahoo. Use fish finders, depth sounders, and satellite imagery to identify promising underwater structures and bottom contours where wahoo are likely to be holding. Network with local anglers, charter captains, and fishing guides to gather firsthand intel on recent wahoo sightings and hotspots in your target area.
Section 7：Catching and Handling Wahoo
Ensuring the proper handling of wahoo is crucial for both their survival and the angler’s safety. Here’s a detailed guide on catching and handling wahoo:
- Proper Hooking and Landing Techniques: When targeting wahoo, it’s essential to use sturdy tackle and sharp hooks to secure solid hookups. Once hooked, wahoo are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps, so maintain steady pressure on the fish while avoiding sudden jerks that could result in hook pulls. When the fish is near the boat, use a gaff or a landing net to safely bring it aboard, taking care to avoid thrashing movements that could cause injury to both the angler and the fish.
- Handling Wahoo Safely: Wahoo possess razor-sharp teeth and powerful jaws, making proper handling essential to prevent injury. Use a pair of heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands when handling wahoo, and exercise caution when removing hooks to avoid accidental bites. Keep the fish supported and avoid bending its body unnaturally to minimize stress and potential injury. If intending to release the fish, minimize handling time and release it promptly to maximize its chances of survival.
- Catch-and-Release Practices and Regulations: While wahoo are prized for their delicious flesh, practicing catch-and-release can help conserve fish stocks and ensure sustainable fisheries. Familiarize yourself with local regulations regarding catch limits, minimum size requirements, and closed seasons for wahoo fishing. When releasing wahoo, handle them with care to minimize stress and use proper techniques to revive the fish before releasing it back into the water. Follow best practices for catch-and-release to contribute to the long-term health of wahoo populations.
Section 8：Cleaning, Filleting, and Cooking Wahoo
Once you’ve landed a wahoo, proper cleaning, filleting, and cooking techniques are essential to maximize its culinary potential. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Cleaning Wahoo: Begin by rinsing the wahoo thoroughly with freshwater to remove any slime, blood, or debris. Use a sharp fillet knife to make an incision behind the fish’s pectoral fin and cut along the belly towards the anus. Remove the entrails and internal organs, being careful not to puncture the intestines, which can release foul-tasting bile. Rinse the cavity again to ensure it is clean before proceeding.
- Filleting Wahoo: Lay the wahoo on a clean cutting board with its belly facing upwards. Starting from the head, run the fillet knife along the spine towards the tail, applying firm but gentle pressure to separate the fillet from the body. Repeat the process on the other side of the fish to obtain two boneless fillets. Remove the skin from the fillets by sliding the knife between the flesh and the skin, using a back-and-forth motion.
- Cooking Wahoo: Wahoo’s firm, white flesh lends itself well to a variety of cooking methods, including grilling, broiling, baking, and pan-searing. Season the fillets with your choice of herbs, spices, and marinades to enhance their flavor. Wahoo fillets cook quickly and are best served medium-rare to avoid drying out. Monitor the fillets closely during cooking to prevent overcooking, and remove them from the heat when the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
- Proper Storage Techniques: To maintain freshness, store wahoo fillets in the refrigerator or on ice immediately after cleaning and filleting. Vacuum-sealing or wrapping the fillets tightly in plastic wrap can help prevent freezer burn and extend their shelf life when freezing. Consume frozen wahoo within three to six months for optimal flavor and quality.
Section 9: Wahoo Fishing Destinations
Wahoo, known for their speed and ferocity, inhabit tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, making them a highly sought-after game fish for anglers. Here’s a detailed guide to some of the best locations for wahoo fishing, along with tips for planning a successful trip:
- Best Locations for Wahoo Fishing Around the World:
- Hawaii: The waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands, particularly around the Big Island, Oahu, and Kona, are renowned for their prolific wahoo populations. Anglers can target wahoo year-round in these deep offshore waters.
- Florida: The Florida Keys, including areas like Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West, offer excellent wahoo fishing opportunities, especially during the winter months when wahoo migrate closer to shore.
- Bahamas: The Bahamas boast abundant wahoo populations throughout the archipelago, with prime fishing grounds around the Exumas, Bimini, and Grand Bahama. Wahoo can be targeted from both offshore and nearshore locations.
- Mexico: Mexico’s Pacific coast, particularly around Baja California and the Sea of Cortez, is known for its exceptional wahoo fishing. Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, and San Carlos are popular destinations for targeting wahoo.
- South Africa: Along the eastern coast of South Africa, from Cape Town to Durban, anglers can encounter large wahoo populations, especially during the summer months when warm currents bring these pelagic predators closer to shore.
- Local Regulations, Permits, and Access Points:
- Before embarking on a wahoo fishing trip, familiarize yourself with local fishing regulations, including size and bag limits, closed seasons, and permitted fishing methods. Obtain any required fishing permits or licenses from the relevant authorities to ensure compliance with local laws.
- Research access points and marinas in your chosen fishing destination where you can launch your boat or charter a fishing vessel. Consider factors such as proximity to productive fishing grounds, facilities, and amenities available at the access points.
- Tips for Planning a Successful Wahoo Fishing Trip:
- Timing: Plan your wahoo fishing trip during peak seasons when wahoo are most abundant in your chosen location. Wahoo fishing tends to be best during the cooler months in many regions, but local conditions may vary.
- Weather: Monitor weather forecasts closely and choose days with favorable weather conditions for offshore fishing. Wahoo prefer warmer water temperatures and are often more active during periods of stable weather.
- Equipment and Tackle: Ensure your fishing gear is well-maintained and suitable for targeting wahoo, including heavy-duty rods, reels with high-speed retrieve rates, and wire leaders to withstand their sharp teeth. Stock up on a variety of trolling lures, including diving plugs, skirted baits, and high-speed lures, to maximize your chances of success.
- Safety Precautions: Prioritize safety during your wahoo fishing trip by equipping your boat with essential safety gear, including life jackets, communication devices, and emergency supplies. Familiarize yourself with basic seamanship principles and offshore navigation techniques to handle unexpected situations effectively.
By choosing the right destination, understanding local regulations, and planning your trip meticulously, you can increase your chances of having a successful and memorable wahoo fishing adventure.
Section 10：Conclusion
In conclusion, wahoo fishing offers anglers an exhilarating and rewarding experience, with the opportunity to target one of the ocean’s fastest and most aggressive predators. Throughout this blog, we’ve covered essential aspects of wahoo fishing, from understanding their behavior and habitat to selecting the right gear, techniques, and destinations for a successful trip.
Key Points Recap:
- Understanding Wahoo: We’ve delved into the behavior, habitat, and feeding habits of wahoo, providing insights into their preferences and movements in different oceanic regions.
- Essential Gear and Techniques: From rods, reels, and lines to bait and lure selection, rigging, and presentation techniques, we’ve discussed the gear and strategies necessary to target wahoo effectively.
- Catching and Handling Wahoo: Proper hooking, fighting, and handling techniques are crucial for ensuring the survival of wahoo and maintaining a sustainable fishery. We’ve highlighted best practices for catching and releasing wahoo responsibly.
- Cleaning, Filleting, and Cooking: For anglers looking to enjoy their catch, we’ve provided a step-by-step guide to cleaning, filleting, and cooking wahoo, along with delicious recipes to savor the flavors of this prized game fish.
- Fishing Destinations: We’ve explored some of the best wahoo fishing destinations worldwide, along with tips for planning a successful fishing trip, including local regulations, permits, and access points.
As you venture into the exhilarating world of wahoo fishing, we encourage you to apply the knowledge and techniques shared in this blog to enhance your angling experience. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice looking for adventure, wahoo fishing offers thrills, challenges, and the opportunity to connect with nature in some of the world’s most stunning offshore environments.
So, gather your gear, chart your course, and set sail for an unforgettable wahoo fishing expedition. Embrace the excitement, enjoy the adrenaline rush of hooking into these high-speed predators, and cherish the memories of your encounters with the majestic wahoo.
Happy fishing, and may your wahoo adventures be filled with tight lines and unforgettable moments on the open seas!
Q & A
- Q: What is a wahoo, and where is it commonly found? A: Wahoo is a large, predatory fish found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world.
- Q: What makes wahoo fishing popular among anglers? A: Wahoo are known for their incredible speed, powerful strikes, and delicious meat, making them a prized catch for sport fishermen.
- Q: What is the average size of a wahoo? A: Wahoo typically range in size from 20 to 100 pounds, although they can grow larger in some areas.
- Q: What is the best time of year for wahoo fishing? A: Wahoo fishing is typically best during the warmer months of the year, with peak seasons varying by location.
- Q: What are some key features of wahoo that help anglers identify them? A: Wahoo are characterized by their elongated body, distinctive blue-green coloration, and razor-sharp teeth.
- Q: What types of gear are commonly used for wahoo fishing? A: Anglers often use heavy-duty trolling rods, high-speed reels, and wire leaders to target wahoo.
- Q: What are some effective bait and lure options for wahoo fishing? A: Popular bait options include rigged ballyhoo, squid, and strip baits, while effective lures include high-speed trolling lures and diving plugs.
- Q: What are some common techniques for catching wahoo? A: Trolling at high speeds, deep dropping, and live bait fishing are popular techniques for targeting wahoo.
- Q: What are some prime wahoo fishing destinations around the world? A: Key wahoo fishing areas include the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, Pacific coast of Mexico, and offshore reefs and seamounts in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
- Q: How deep do wahoo typically swim? A: Wahoo are known to inhabit depths ranging from near the surface down to several hundred feet.
- Q: What are some factors that can influence wahoo feeding behavior? A: Water temperature, currents, lunar phases, and the presence of baitfish can all influence wahoo feeding activity.
- Q: What are some safety precautions anglers should take when targeting wahoo? A: Anglers should always use heavy-duty gear, wear gloves when handling fish, and be cautious of wahoo’s sharp teeth and powerful strikes.
- Q: Are there any regulations or size limits for catching wahoo? A: Regulations regarding wahoo fishing vary by location, so anglers should familiarize themselves with local regulations and size limits before fishing.
- Q: What is the average lifespan of a wahoo? A: Wahoo typically have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years, although some individuals may live longer.
- Q: How do wahoo behave when hooked? A: Wahoo are known for their fast and powerful runs when hooked, often making high-speed runs and sharp turns to try to escape.
- Q: What are some common predators of wahoo? A: Sharks, large predatory fish, and marine mammals such as dolphins are known to prey on wahoo.
- Q: What are some key differences between wahoo and other similar species such as king mackerel? A: Wahoo can be distinguished by their longer body, vertical stripes, and distinctive coloration, whereas king mackerel have a shorter, more streamlined body and lack the vertical stripes.
- Q: What are some signs that indicate the presence of wahoo in an area? A: Birds diving, surface disturbances, and floating debris can all indicate the presence of wahoo feeding below the surface.
- Q: What are some common bycatch species encountered while wahoo fishing? A: While targeting wahoo, anglers may also encounter species such as dolphin fish (mahi-mahi), tuna, and billfish.
- Q: What is the best time of day to fish for wahoo? A: Wahoo fishing can be productive at any time of day, although many anglers prefer to fish during early morning or late afternoon when wahoo are more active.
- Q: How do water temperature and thermoclines affect wahoo behavior? A: Wahoo are often found near temperature breaks and thermoclines, where they can ambush prey and take advantage of changes in water temperature to conserve energy.
- Q: What are some common trolling speeds used for wahoo fishing? A: Trolling speeds for wahoo typically range from 8 to 15 knots, depending on the type of lure or bait being used.
- Q: Are there any specific moon phases that are better for wahoo fishing? A: Some anglers believe that wahoo are more active during certain moon phases, such as the new moon or full moon, although this can vary depending on location and other factors.
- Q: What are some tips for effectively fighting and landing wahoo? A: Anglers should keep constant pressure on the fish, avoid sudden movements that could cause the hook to pull, and use heavy tackle to prevent the fish from escaping.
- Q: What are some common wahoo fishing techniques used from shore or nearshore areas? A: While wahoo are typically targeted offshore, anglers fishing from piers, jetties, or rocky shorelines may use casting lures or live bait to target wahoo that venture closer to shore.
- Q: Are there any specific wahoo fishing tournaments held annually? A: Yes, there are numerous wahoo fishing tournaments held around the world, including events in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific Ocean.
- Q: How do water clarity and visibility impact wahoo fishing success? A: Wahoo are often attracted to areas with clear water and good visibility, as they rely on their keen eyesight to locate prey.
- Q: What are some common wahoo fishing techniques used by kayak anglers? A: Kayak anglers targeting wahoo may use trolling techniques with high-speed lures or live bait, as well as jigging or bottom fishing in deeper water.
- Q: What are some ways to prevent wahoo from biting through fishing line? A: Anglers can use wire leaders or heavy monofilament or fluorocarbon leaders to prevent wahoo from cutting through the line with their sharp teeth.
- Q: Are there any wahoo fishing seasons or closures in specific regions? A: Some regions may have specific wahoo fishing seasons or temporary closures to protect spawning populations or limit fishing pressure during peak times. Anglers should check local regulations before fishing for wahoo.