Wahoo illustration
Species

Wahoo

Acanthocybium solandri
Tier 3Eating9/10heavy tackleNSWQLDWANT
19 waypoints100–170 cm (max 250 cm) typical

Overview: about wahoo

Blue-water speedster of tropical northern Australia and out wide off NSW in summer. Targeted by high-speed trolling skirted lures and bibbed minnows along current lines and shelf edges. Razor teeth demand wire trace; one of the fastest fish in the ocean.

Biology: Wahoo size, diet & habitat

Habitat
Offshore, Pelagic, Reef
Typical size
100–170 cm (max 250 cm)
Weight
8–25 kg (max 80 kg)
Depth range
0–200 m
Diet
squid, small tuna, flying fish
Most active
diurnal
Global range
Pantropical and subtropical pelagic (Acanthocybium solandri)

How to target: Wahoo angling strategies

Generally fished with heavy tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.

  • high-speed trolling bullet-head lures and Halco Laser Pros at 12-15 knots
  • deep-diving plugs trolled along shelf drop-offs and seamounts
  • live yakkas or scad pitched at sighted fish near current lines

Best season: when to catch wahoo in Australia

NSW
Feb-May (north coast)
QLD
year-round (peak Sep-Dec offshore)
WA
Dec-May (Exmouth)

Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions, so check recent reports before a trip.

Safety & handling

Ciguatera risk: lowAvoid eating large specimens from tropical reefs. Risk varies by region and individual fish — when in doubt, release.

Razor teeth and lightning strike — wire trace mandatory.

Recent community catches: anglers who caught wahoo

No wahoo catches logged yet. Log one and you'll be recognised here.

Where to catch: wahoo fishing spots in Australia

Queensland15
Western Australia2
New South Wales1
Northern Territory1

More information: wahoo references & sources

Log catch