Best Water Temperatures for Wahoo Fishing (Full Guide)
Wahoo fishing is one of the most exhilarating experiences a fisherman can have. To maximize your chances of success, you need to know the right water temperature for wahoo fishing.
The best water temperature for wahoo is between 75-85°F (24-29°C). However, if you’re fishing in deeper waters, you may have success in water temperatures up to 90°F (32°C).
In general, the warmer the water, the higher the activity level of wahoo. So if you’re fishing in warm water, focus on areas where there is a large amount of baitfish and current.
On the other hand, if you’re fishing in cooler waters, you should focus on areas where there is less current and where the water depth is deeper.
Best Water Temperature for Wahoo
| Water Temperature °F | Fishing Recommendation |
| Below 50°F | Wahoo fishing is not recommended at temperatures below 50°F. |
| 50-59°F | Use trolling, jigging, or casting techniques. |
| 60-69°F | Use trolling, live baiting, or casting techniques. |
| 70-79°F | Use trolling, live baiting, or casting techniques with sped-up retrieves. |
| 80-89°F | Use trolling, live baiting, or surface-popping techniques. |
| 90+°F | Use trolling, live baiting, or surface popping techniques with faster retrieves. |
Seasonal Water Temperature Guide for Wahoo
Winter
Generally, early mornings and late afternoons are the best time to fish in the winter because the sun isn’t as strong in the winter and the water temperature is warmer due to the longer amount of time the sun is out. This will help keep the fish more active and make them easier to catch.
Also, look for winter-specific spots. In the winter, fish tend to congregate around structures like docks, bridge pylons, and artificial reefs. Areas with a lot of vegetation are also excellent areas to fish in the winter since they provide shelter and protection from the cold. Additionally, fish may congregate in deeper water near the bottom due to the colder surface temperature.
Spring
Spring is one of the best times to catch fish! The water temperature should be between 50-75°F for the best results. Fishing in the early morning or late evening is the best time of day to take advantage of the cooler temperatures during the spring season.
Warmer water temperatures can prompt wahoo to become more aggressive, resulting in more difficult catches, while cooler temperatures can encourage docile behaviors and more docile catches. To help ensure you have the best results, try to find the sweet spot in the water temperature range mentioned earlier.
Summer
Summer is an excellent time to go wahoo fishing. As the water temperatures rise, so do the chances of coming across these impressive and powerful fish. Here are a few tips to help maximize your Wahoo fishing success this summer.
1. Know your target. Wahoo inhabit tropical and subtropical waters. They’re found in the open ocean and along the continental shelf, where depths range from 75 to 3,300 feet.
2. Pick the right bait. Live bait such as ballyhoo, cigar minnows, and pilchards work best for Wahoo. You can also try trolling or drifting with small lures or jigs for added success.
3. Use a leader. Wahoo have extremely sharp teeth, so be sure to use a heavy-duty leader or wire leader at least 30-50 lb. test.
4. Look for structure. Wahoo tend to hang out around rocky structure, coral heads, and wrecks. Fish these areas with heavy current, fast trolling speeds, and high-action bait.
5. Use heavier tackle. Wahoo are powerful and fast fish, so use the heaviest tackle you can handle. A rod with light- to medium-action and 20-40 lb. test line is a good place to start.
Fall
Fall is prime time for wahoo Fishing. Fishing for Wahoo can be a challenge, but with the right technique and equipment, you can catch some of the bigger fish out there.
Is Water Temperature a Big Factor in Wahoo Fishing?
Yes, water temperature is a big factor to consider when fishing for wahoo. Warmer waters provide more suitable conditions for Wahoo to feed, while cooler waters may result in them avoiding the area.
Additionally, wahoo tend to feed more when the water temperature is higher than 75°F, so targeting areas with these conditions can help increase your chances of success.
Similarly, when the water temperature is too high (e.g. over 85°F), wahoo tend to move to colder depths in search of more suitable conditions. Therefore, familiarizing yourself with the water temperature of a location before fishing for Wahoo can help you be more successful in your outings.
Wahoo Fishing by Water Temperature
61-68 degrees
Wahoo typically become more active in these temperatures, and although they do not usually bite, anglers may see some surface activity. Recommended tactics for fishing this temperature range include a slow, steady retrieve rate with shad or jigging spoons, as well as slow trolling with crankbaits or bottom bouncing, depending on the species of fish you are targeting.
As always, focus on structure, as fish will typically school up near weeds, boulders, or other structures. Experiment with different lure sizes, colors, and styles to find success in this temperature range.
69-73 degrees
At temperatures between 69-73 degrees, wahoo are in their most active state. Anglers should look for wahoo in depths from 25 to 300 feet and use fast-trolling tactics to effectively target them. Recommended baits include skirted lures, feathers, strip baits, and ballyhoo.
Anglers should also use planer boards and outriggers to spread the line and get the lures further away from the boat.
To ensure a successful catch, anglers should pay close attention to the speed of the boat and the size of the bait. This temperature range can provide productive fishing, so anglers should take advantage of the opportunity and use the right tactics to increase their chances of success.
above 74 degrees
When temperatures are above 74 degrees, wahoo tend to become more active and start to school together. They tend to favor high-speed trolling with blue and white lures, and when targeting them in deeper waters, high-speed jigging can be effective.
Live bait, such as ballyhoo and squid, are also good bait choices when targeting wahoo in this temperature range. When trolling, use a hootchie or a skirted trolling lure in order to entice them to bite. When jigging, use a fast, vertical jigging technique over reefs and deep ledges.
It is important to vary your retrieves and depth to help you target wahoo in this temperature range. If you have any questions or need more advice, contact your local fishing guide or charter.
Does Air Temperature Impact Wahoo Fishing?
Air temperature can have a significant impact on wahoo fishing. Water temperature affects the metabolism and activity of wahoo and other fish, while air temperature affects the environment in which they exist, such as the current and weather conditions. Air temperature can impact wahoo fishing by affecting the water temperature, oxygen levels, and food availability.
Warmer air temperatures can cause warmer surface water temperatures, which can cause fish to become more active and more accessible to anglers. Colder air temperatures, on the other hand, can cause water temperatures to drop, reducing the amount of available oxygen, and thereby reducing the metabolic rates and activity of many fish species.
In addition, different air temperatures can affect weather patterns, causing changes in the current direction and speed, which can make it easier or harder to locate and catch wahoo.
Best Air Temperature for Wahoo?
The best air temperature for catching wahoo is between 80-85°F. Wahoo prefer water temperatures around 73-80°F and feed actively in the warmer water. When the air temperature is at the higher end of the scale, the wahoo will feed aggressively and remain in the shallower water.
How Cold is Too Cold for Wahoo Fishing?
Wahoo fishing is best enjoyed when the water temperature is above 70°F. Below this temperature, the chances of catching wahoo significantly decreases. Although some anglers do catch wahoo in waters below 70°F, it’s not ideal.
Below 60°F, wahoo fishing is usually very slow and there is a greater risk of stress on the fish. If the water temperature drops below 50°F, it’s definitely too cold for wahoo fishing and anglers should consider switching to another species.
How Hot is Too Hot for Wahoo Fishing?
When it comes to wahoo fishing, it’s important to know what temperature is too hot for successful catches. Generally, the ideal water temperature for wahoo is between 75 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything above this range can slow down their metabolism and make them less likely to respond to baits.
On the other hand, water temperatures below 75 degrees Fahrenheit can cause wahoo to become inactive and disinterested in feeding. To get the best catches, aim for water temperatures between 75 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
Storms & Weather Changes
Storms and weather changes can have a significant impact on water temperature and wahoo fishing. During a storm, water temperatures can drop significantly due to a decrease in air temperature and strong winds, making it difficult for wahoo to find food.
When water temperatures decrease, wahoo typically move to deeper, warmer waters, which could be miles away from where they were before the storm.
Additionally, strong winds and choppy waters can make it difficult to troll for wahoo, so anglers should look for calmer, sheltered areas to try their luck. To increase your chances of catching wahoo, checking the local weather forecast before heading out can give you an idea of what conditions you can expect.
For a complete breakdown of the best water temperature for fishing, check out this article. For a complete breakdown of the best water temperature for tuna fishing, check out this article. Click here for a breakdown of the best times to catch marlin in Florida.
