Home > Species Guide > WahooAcanthocybium Solandri
Wahoo
The strongest of all billfish. Black marlin are among the largest bony fish on Earth, distinguished by their rigid pectoral fins and raw brute power. Less common than blues or stripers in Cabo, a black marlin hookup is a rare and unforgettable event.
184 lbs
IGFA WORLD RECORD
~8 ft (2.5 m)
MAX LENGTH
~60 mph
TOP SPEED
Sep-Nov
PEAK SEASON
SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
Taxonomy & Biology
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Scombriformes
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Scombridae
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Acanthocybium
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A. solandri (Cuvier, 1832)
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Wahoo, ono (Hawaiian), peto (Spanish), kingfish
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Approximately 5–6 years
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Squid, pelagic fish, flying fish, mackerel
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Tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Solitary or in small groups, usually near drop-offs, seamounts, and current edges. Rarely found in large schools.
Wahoo are elongated, torpedo-shaped fish built for pure speed. Their body is designed for minimal drag — they have a narrow, pointed head, a streamlined body, and a lunate (crescent-shaped) tail optimized for fast swimming.
Unlike tuna, wahoo are solitary or found in very small groups. They are ambush predators that use short, explosive bursts of speed to overtake prey. Their teeth are razor-sharp and triangular — they bite through heavy monofilament and fluorocarbon with ease, making wire leader essential.
Cabo holds a special place in wahoo fishing history: the IGFA all-tackle world record of 184 pounds was caught here in 2005 by 15-year-old Sara Hayward. The waters around the tip of Baja produce exceptional wahoo during the fall months.
WHEN TO FISH
Seasonal Patterns in Cabo San Lucas
JAN
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FEB
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MAR
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APR
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MAY
★
JUN
★★
JUL
★★
AGO
★★
SEP
★★★
OCT
★★★
NOV
★★★
DEC
★
HOW TO CATCH THEM
Fishing Techniques & Tackle
PRIMARY METHOD
HIGH SPEED TROLLING
Wahoo are typically targeted by trolling lures at high speed — 12 to 18 knots, much faster than marlin trolling. Wahoo-specific lures with bullet-shaped heads and wire leaders are essential. Tackle: 30–50 lb class with wire leader (wahoo bite through mono/fluoro).
ADVANCED
SWITCH BAIT / TEASER
Teasers are deployed to raise a black marlin, then a pitch bait or fly is presented when the fish approaches the boat. Requires coordination between captain, crew, and angler.
TARGETED
LIVE BAIT AT STRUCTURE
Live bait drifted or slow-trolled near underwater structure — seamounts, drop-offs, and temperature breaks. Wahoo often patrol structure edges. Tackle: 30–50 lb class with 6 feet of wire leader.
WORLD RECORDS
IGFA Records & Notable Catches
IGFA ALL-TACKLE WORLD RECORD
184 lb
Caught by Sara Hayward on July 29, 2005 off Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Hayward was just 15 years old when she set the record, fighting the fish for 35 minutes while trolling skirted lures.
TYPICAL GOOD CATCH
30-80 lb
Wahoo in Cabo typically run 30 to 80 pounds, with exceptional fish exceeding 100 pounds. The world record of 184 pounds was caught off Cabo in 2005.
TOP SPEED
~60 mph
Estimated maximum burst speed. Wahoo are among the fastest fish in the ocean.
MAXIMUM RECORDED LENGTH
~8 ft (2.5 m)
Approximate maximum total length. Cabo wahoo typically measure smaller.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Conservation & Regulations
Responsible Fishing in Cabo
Wahoo are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. They are not heavily targeted by commercial fisheries. Mexican bag limits allow 5 wahoo per license per day. Their firm white flesh is excellent for grilling, searing, and sashimi.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Wahoo FAQ
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Yes. Wahoo are excellent eating and the Mexican bag limit allows 5 per license per day. The firm white flesh is outstanding for grilling, searing, and sashimi. Fish cleaning is available at the dock for an additional fee. The IGFA world record of 184 pounds was caught right here in Cabo San Lucas.
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Peak wahoo season in Cabo runs from September through November. Wahoo prefer water temperatures between 75°F and 83°F and are most commonly caught near underwater structure and current edges. The fall months coincide with Bisbee's tournament season, making it possible to target marlin and wahoo on the same trip.
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The IGFA all-tackle wahoo world record of 184 pounds was caught off Cabo San Lucas in 2005 by 15-year-old Sara Hayward. Cabo's position at the confluence of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez creates nutrient-rich waters with abundant baitfish, which supports exceptionally large wahoo — particularly during the fall months.
EXPLORE MORE
Other Species in Cabo
Thunnus Albacara
Yellowfin Tuna
Makaira Nigricans
Blue Marlin
Istiophorus Platypterus
Striped Marlin
Coryphanea Hippurus
Dorado
Which Boat Should You Book for Wahoo?
Wahoo require offshore boats with speed for high-speed trolling. A 32' Blackfin ($1,019 half-day) or 35' Bertram ($1,139) are popular choices. The 38' Bertram ($1,200) offers extended range to distant wahoo grounds. View all boats →
Target Wahoo in Cabo
Our captains know exactly where and when to find wahoo. Call or email directly — no booking fees, no middlemen.
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