Wahoo fishing out of Apalachicola: when the fish are here
Wahoo fishing out of Apalachicola runs from late summer to early winter, according to FishingBooker’s Apalachicola fishing guide. Boats run 75 to 100 miles out to water of 500-plus feet, so this is a full-day trip. Plan around a depth of about 500 ft.
This guide covers where boats run, the named structure off Franklin County, the local trolling method, which charters list wahoo, and where to check conditions. Ramps and port logistics are on the Apalachicola port page. Species biology is in our wahoo fishing guide.
Where boats run from Apalachicola
Apalachicola Fishing Company’s deep drop runs 75 to 100 miles out in 500-plus feet. Bigfish SGI lists wahoo on its offshore trips. A run that long puts you well into federal waters, so count 75 to 100 miles as the distance each way and plan around about 500 ft.
For the regional picture beyond this port, see wahoo fishing across the Gulf (see also the Gulf of Mexico offshore fishing guide).
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Run out | 75 to 100 miles |
| Planning depth | About 500 ft |
| Operator’s trip depth | 500-plus feet |
Named grounds and structure off Franklin County
The named structure off Franklin County sits nearshore, while wahoo water from this port is about 500 ft. The listed depths of 60, 78 and 85 ft are shallow by comparison with that target.
| Name | ID | Depth (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Buddy Ward Memorial Reef | A4N; also A6S | |
| S Tower | FR0005 | |
| K Tower | FR0007 | 60 |
| City of Apalachicola East | FR0015 | 78 |
| Yamaha Reef Addition | FR0030 | 85 |
The towers: K Tower and S Tower
K Tower is FR0007, at 60 ft. S Tower is FR0005 and is listed in the AARA Franklin reef area.
Buddy Ward Memorial Reef
Buddy Ward Memorial Reef carries the codes A4N and A6S. Enter the ID codes into a chart or GPS.
City of Apalachicola East and Yamaha Reef Addition
City of Apalachicola East is FR0015, at 78 ft. Yamaha Reef Addition is FR0030, at 85 ft.
Load the reef ID codes into Breakpoint and use Chart Contours to check the depth contours on the run toward 500 ft. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How wahoo are fished locally
Locally, wahoo are trolled with rigged ballyhoo or diving plugs, according to FishingBooker. A spread can be built around either:
- Rigged ballyhoo
- Diving plugs
Other offshore species a trolling spread may draw are covered in our offshore gamefish guides.
Who fishes for wahoo out of this port
Three local charters list wahoo. The table below summarizes them, and each is described by operator.
Apalachicola Fishing Company
Capt. Ryan Kelley runs a 36-foot Contender with triple 350 Yamaha engines. The deep drop runs 75 to 100 miles out in 500-plus feet. See Apalachicola Fishing Company’s site.
Bigfish SGI
Capt. Clint Taylor is owner and operator. Bigfish SGI lists wahoo on its offshore trips. See Bigfish SGI’s site.
Boss Charters
Capts. Dennis and Deedee Crosby are docked at the Apalachicola River Inn and Marina. The Apalachicola Bay charter directory lists them.
| Operator | Captain | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Apalachicola Fishing Company | Ryan Kelley | 36-foot Contender, triple 350 Yamaha |
| Bigfish SGI | Clint Taylor | Wahoo listed on offshore trips |
| Boss Charters | Dennis and Deedee Crosby | Docked at Apalachicola River Inn and Marina |
FAQ: wahoo fishing out of Apalachicola
When are wahoo around Apalachicola?
Late summer to early winter, according to FishingBooker.
How far do boats run for wahoo?
Apalachicola Fishing Company’s deep drop runs 75 to 100 miles out.
What depth should I plan around?
About 500 ft. K Tower, at 60 ft, is nearshore by comparison.
What do locals troll for wahoo?
Rigged ballyhoo or diving plugs.
Where do I check conditions before the run?
NOAA station APCF1 (station 8728690) at 29.724 N, 84.980 W, Apalachicola, plus the official forecast.
Which charters here list wahoo?
Apalachicola Fishing Company, Bigfish SGI and Boss Charters.
