Wahoo fishing out of Islamorada is strongest in fall and early winter. Boats work the outer reef edge and the deep wrecks at about 120 ft, then the Gulf Stream edge at Alligator and Molasses Reefs, and later in the season they run out to the Islamorada Hump. This page covers where boats run, how wahoo are fished here, and who runs the charters.
When wahoo are around Islamorada
Fall and early winter are the strongest months for wahoo off Islamorada. Go Time Sportfishing Charters says the bite is especially good in the cooler months. Later in the season, boats shift offshore to the Hump.
The wahoo species guide covers the fish itself. For how the Gulf Stream pattern runs up the coast, see wahoo fishing in the Atlantic Southeast (see also the Atlantic Southeast offshore fishing guide).
| Window | What it means for your trip |
|---|---|
| Fall | Strongest. Work the reef edge and the Stream edge. |
| Early winter | Strongest. Cooler months, and boats run to the Hump later in the season. |
Where boats run for wahoo
Boats work the outer reef edge first, then the Gulf Stream edge, then the Hump. On Chart Contours the 120 ft line marks the edge. Chart layers are not for navigation. The table below lays out the grounds from the reef outward.
| Ground | Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Outer reef edge | About 120 ft | Planer trolling along the edge |
| Alligator and Molasses Reefs | Where the Gulf Stream swings near the reef | |
| Bibb, Duane and Eagle wrecks | Deep wrecks, goggle-eyes and jigging | |
| Islamorada Hump | 200 ft | About 15 miles out, later in the season |
| San Pedro Preserve | 18 ft | Spanish galleon, inshore, not wahoo water |
| Alligator Lighthouse, Cheeca Rocks | 6 ft | Shallow reefs, not wahoo water |
Outer reef edge at 120 ft
About 120 ft is the working depth on the outer reef edge. Boats troll planers along the edge and fish the deep wrecks in the same depth band.
Alligator and Molasses Reefs on the Stream edge
Alligator Reef and Molasses Reef are where the Gulf Stream swings near the reef. Boats work the deep edge water off the reef.
Bibb, Duane and Eagle wrecks
The Bibb, Duane and Eagle are the deep wrecks boats work for wahoo, using live goggle-eyes and vertical jigging.
Islamorada Hump at 200 ft, 15 miles out
The Islamorada Hump is a seamount at 200 ft, about 15 miles offshore. Boats run to it later in the season.
Shallow water inshore of the grounds
San Pedro sits at 18 ft, and Alligator Lighthouse and Cheeca Rocks sit at 6 ft. They are useful for orientation, but they lie inshore of the wahoo water.
How wahoo are fished out of Islamorada
Boats rely on three methods: planers on the edge, live goggle-eyes on the wrecks, and jigs on the wrecks.
Planers at 7 to 11 knots
Planer trolling runs at about 7 to 11 knots with lures, ballyhoo and strip baits. It suits the 120 ft edge and the Stream edge.
Live goggle-eyes on downriggers
Live goggle-eyes are drifted on downriggers, a method that suits the wrecks.
Vertical jigging the wrecks
Vertical jigging is used on the Bibb, Duane and Eagle.
Lines out half an hour before dawn
Have lines out about half an hour before dawn, as Saltwater Sportsman’s wahoo how-to advises.
The methods at a glance:
- Planers: about 7 to 11 knots, lures, ballyhoo and strip baits
- Live goggle-eyes: drifted on downriggers
- Vertical jigging: on the wrecks
- Timing: lines out about half an hour before dawn
Who fishes wahoo out of Islamorada
Go Time Sportfishing Charters lists wahoo among its targets. It suits anglers who would rather not run their own boat to the edge:
- Go Time Sportfishing Charters
- Capt. Galon
- A 26 ft World Cat 266 SF
- Private charters out of Robbie’s Marina
FAQ: wahoo fishing out of Islamorada
When is wahoo fishing out of Islamorada best?
Fall and early winter, especially in the cooler months.
How far out do boats run for wahoo?
Boats run to the outer reef edge, then to the Hump at about 15 miles offshore, which they fish later in the season.
What depth do wahoo hold in off Islamorada?
About 120 ft on the outer edge and the deep wrecks, and 200 ft on the Hump.
How fast do you troll planers for wahoo?
About 7 to 11 knots, with lures, ballyhoo or strip baits.
Can I book a wahoo charter instead of running my own boat?
Yes. Go Time runs private charters on a 26 ft World Cat out of Robbie’s Marina.
What else is offshore from Islamorada?
Our coastal and offshore gamefish guides cover the other species on these grounds.
