When wahoo are around Port O’Connor
Local captains publish a trolling calendar for wahoo out of Port O’Connor that runs April to December. For biology and general tactics, see the wahoo species guide.
Local operators give two timing cues:
- Months: April to December on trolling trips.
- Water: cooler temperatures, which concentrate the fish.
Season on local trips
Capt. Bill Cannan lists wahoo on his trolling trips from April to December, so plan around that window. No single month is named as the best.
Water temperature
POC Offshore Adventures says cooler water temperatures concentrate the fish. That makes cooler water a useful cue for where wahoo may stack up, though it doesn’t guarantee a bite.
Getting out and where boats run
Boats leave through the jetties, cross the flat to Bird Island, and run to deeper blue water. The Port O’Connor port guide covers the harbor and the approach in detail.
The jetties and the flat to Bird Island
The north and south Port O’Connor jetties and the flat out to Bird Island form the Gulf entrance for POC boats. Every run offshore passes through them.
Deeper blue water, drop-offs and ledges
POC Offshore Adventures works deeper blue water, fishing deep drop-offs and ledges. Once you clear the entrance, that is the structure type to look for. For the wider picture of Gulf blue water, see the Gulf wahoo guide (see also the Gulf of Mexico offshore fishing guide).
Grounds and structure near Port O’Connor
Two named reefs give depth references on the way out.
| Ground | Type | Depth (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping it Wild Reef | nearshore reef site | 66-70 |
| MI 712 (Matagorda Island 712) | reef | 130 |
| Jetties and flat to Bird Island | Gulf entrance for POC boats | none listed |
Published depths and chart layers are for planning, not navigation. Run with the official chart and the official forecast. The NOAA Coast Pilot 5 chapter covers this stretch of coast.
Keeping it Wild Reef
Keeping it Wild Reef is a nearshore reef site off Port O’Connor in 66-70 ft. It works as named structure and a depth reference on the way out.
MI 712 reef
Matagorda Island 712 (MI 712) is a reef in 130 ft. It is the deeper of the two named grounds and a useful marker for the run out.
How wahoo are fished here
Two methods show up locally: drifting big baits and trolling lures. Tackle, leaders and rigging are in the offshore gamefish guides.
Drifting large menhaden or blue runners
Local anglers drift large menhaden or blue runners, letting the bait and the drift cover the ground.
Trolling lures
Trolling lures match the trolling trips Cannan lists from April to December. Trolling covers the water between the structure you plan to fish.
Who fishes for wahoo out of Port O’Connor
Two local charters list wahoo, and one tournament gives them a category.
- POC Offshore Adventures: 31′ Twin Vee catamaran
- Capt. Bill Cannan: 36′ Yellowfin "BIDNEZ," triple Yamaha F250s
POC Offshore Adventures
POC Offshore Adventures charter boat lists wahoo and runs a 31′ Twin Vee catamaran. Its boats work deeper blue water on drop-offs and ledges.
Capt. Bill Cannan
Capt. Bill Cannan’s offshore trips run on a 36′ Yellowfin "BIDNEZ" with triple Yamaha F250s. He lists wahoo on trolling trips from April to December.
Lone Star Shootout
Wahoo have a place in the Lone Star Shootout, usually held in July. See the Lone Star Shootout general information page for the event.
FAQ: wahoo fishing out of Port O’Connor
When is wahoo fishing out of Port O’Connor in season?
Capt. Bill Cannan lists wahoo on trolling trips from April to December. POC Offshore Adventures says cooler water temperatures concentrate the fish.
Where do boats run for wahoo from Port O’Connor?
Out through the north and south jetties and across the flat to Bird Island, then to deeper blue water on drop-offs and ledges, per POC Offshore Adventures.
How deep is the MI 712 reef?
Matagorda Island 712 (MI 712) sits in 130 ft. Keeping it Wild Reef, a nearshore site, is 66-70 ft. Depths are for planning, not navigation.
How do locals fish for wahoo off Port O’Connor?
They drift large menhaden or blue runners, and they troll lures.
Is there a wahoo tournament in Port O’Connor?
Yes. The Lone Star Shootout is usually held in July.
Which Port O’Connor charters list wahoo?
POC Offshore Adventures (31′ Twin Vee catamaran) and Capt. Bill Cannan (36′ Yellowfin "BIDNEZ," triple Yamaha F250s).
