Wahoo fishing out of Falmouth / Woods Hole runs June through November
Wahoo fishing out of Falmouth / Woods Hole is a canyon fishery, and local daytrips for it run June through November. Boats reach wahoo on trips to canyon waters 70 to 100 miles south of Nantucket and offshore Cape Cod. The sounds near port are not wahoo water. The wahoo species guide covers the biology and general tackle.
Where boats run for wahoo
Boats from this port run to two areas: the canyons south of Nantucket and offshore Cape Cod. Run length is the main planning decision. The Northeast wahoo guide (see also the Atlantic Northeast region guide) covers the wider canyon picture.
Canyon waters south of Nantucket
The canyon water sits 70 to 100 miles south of Nantucket. That distance is measured from the island, so the run from your slip is longer than the figure suggests.
A trip this long drives your fuel, crew and weather planning. Check the official NWS marine forecast for wind, wave height and period before you commit.
Offshore Cape Cod
Offshore Cape Cod is the second area boats from this port run to for wahoo, alongside the canyon runs south of Nantucket.
The route out: named grounds near port
These grounds are landmarks along the route out, not wahoo water. They sit in Vineyard Sound and the waters off Woods Hole, and you pass them on the way out of Falmouth and Woods Hole.
| Ground | Depth | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Port Hunter wreck | 25 ft | West end of Hedge Fence Shoal |
| Hedge Fence Shoal | 20 ft | Between Martha’s Vineyard and Falmouth |
| Nobska Light rips and boulder field | ||
| Stone Pier, Woods Hole | ||
| Lucas Shoal and Middle Ground |
Chart layers are not for navigation. Run the route on your official charts.
How wahoo are fished here
Wahoo share a canyon trip with the other offshore targets covered in the offshore gamefish guides. Two methods apply locally.
Trolling
Trolling is the standard method on canyon runs.
Night chunking on canyon trips
Chunking at night belongs to the overnight canyon trip rather than the day run, so plan it as part of the longer trip.
Who fishes for wahoo from this port
Three local charters list wahoo. A trip with one of them is a way to learn the fishery before you take your own boat out.
Castafari Sportfishing
Castafari Sportfishing runs a 45 ft custom Jim Smith express under Capt. Damon Sacco and lists wahoo.
Machaca Charters
Machaca Charters runs The Machaca with Capt. Willy Hatch and first mate Ryan. Its daytrips run June through November, and it lists wahoo.
Tunacious Charters
Tunacious Charters lists wahoo under Capt. Bill Manthorne.
FAQ
When is wahoo fishing out of Falmouth / Woods Hole?
June through November. Local daytrips for wahoo run in those months.
How far do boats run for wahoo from Woods Hole?
Boats run to canyon waters 70 to 100 miles south of Nantucket, and offshore Cape Cod. The 70 to 100 miles is measured from Nantucket.
Do wahoo hold on Hedge Fence Shoal or the Port Hunter wreck?
These grounds are 20 ft and 25 ft structure along the route out. Wahoo are a canyon fish here.
How are wahoo fished locally?
By trolling, and by chunking at night on overnight canyon trips.
Which charters list wahoo from this port?
Castafari Sportfishing, Machaca Charters and Tunacious Charters.
