Wahoo off Steinhatchee are an occasional catch offshore, according to Sea Hag, and not a fishery worth planning a trip around. This page lists the named grounds with depths in feet and coordinates, the run to Buckeye Reef, and the slow-troll approach that turns up the odd fish. For ramps and marinas, see the Steinhatchee port page.
When wahoo show up off Steinhatchee
There is no reliable season here. Sea Hag describes wahoo as an occasional offshore catch, so treat one as a bonus on an offshore day rather than the reason for the trip.
For general wahoo seasonality and behavior, read the wahoo species guide. For the regional picture beyond this shelf, see the Gulf of Mexico wahoo guide (see also the Gulf of Mexico region guide).
Where boats run and the grounds that hold fish
Boats run offshore from Steinhatchee. The longest named run on this page is Buckeye Reef, about 24 nautical miles due west, in 47 ft, the deepest depth listed here. The rest of the named structure sits closer in, from the Steinhatchee River mouth out across permitted artificial reef areas, ledges and springs.
Grounds at a glance
| Name | Type | Depth (ft) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birdrack Reef | Concrete culverts around bird rack platform | 4 | 29 40.78N 83 34.25W |
| Nine Mile Bank | Bank | 29 41.10N 83 34.60W | |
| Steinhatchee Reef | Permitted public reef, four bottom areas plus cube field | 20 | |
| Steinhatchee Fisheries Management Area (SFMA) | Permitted artificial reef area | 35 | Centered off the mouth of the Steinhatchee River |
| Buckeye Reef | Reef | 47 | About 24 nautical miles due west of Steinhatchee |
| Super Ledge | Ledge | 29 22.817N 83 45.675W | |
| The Crack | Bottom structure | 29 23.819N 83 42.722W | |
| Lamb Spring | Spring | 29 26.628N 83 50.627W |
Load these coordinates as waypoints and check them against Chart Contours. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Nearshore: Birdrack Reef and Nine Mile Bank
Birdrack Reef is concrete culverts around the bird rack platform, in 4 ft. Nine Mile Bank sits close by, at the coordinates in the table. Both are named structure you pass on the way out and are not wahoo spots.
SFMA and Steinhatchee Reef
The SFMA is a permitted artificial reef area in 35 ft, centered off the mouth of the Steinhatchee River. Steinhatchee Reef is a permitted public reef in 20 ft, with four bottom areas plus a cube field.
Super Ledge, The Crack and Lamb Spring
Super Ledge sits at 29 22.817N 83 45.675W, The Crack at 29 23.819N 83 42.722W, and Lamb Spring at 29 26.628N 83 50.627W.
Buckeye Reef
Buckeye Reef is about 24 nautical miles due west, in 47 ft. Before a run that long, check wind speed, wave height and period on the NOAA marine forecast.
How wahoo fishing out of Steinhatchee works
Sea Hag recommends slow trolling large lures for grouper and kings rather than making high-speed runs. That is the local spread, and it targets grouper and king mackerel. A wahoo that eats it is an incidental fish, since there is no wahoo-specific technique here.
For more on the species you are likely to find on that spread, see the coastal and offshore gamefish guides.
Who fishes for wahoo here
Owner-operators run offshore from Steinhatchee and troll for grouper and kings. Wahoo turn up occasionally on those trips. Sea Hag is the local source on the season and the method.
FAQ: wahoo off Steinhatchee
Are wahoo common off Steinhatchee?
No. Wahoo are an occasional offshore catch, per Sea Hag. Treat one as a bonus on a grouper or king trip.
How far is Buckeye Reef from Steinhatchee?
About 24 nautical miles due west, in 47 ft.
What depth is the SFMA?
35 ft. It is a permitted artificial reef area centered off the mouth of the Steinhatchee River.
How do locals troll offshore from Steinhatchee?
Sea Hag recommends slow trolling large lures for grouper and kings rather than making high-speed runs. Any wahoo come incidentally on that spread.
Where do I check conditions before running?
Use the NOAA marine forecast. Check wind speed, wave height and period.
Where are the rules for wahoo?
Use the Florida regulations page and the federal dolphin and wahoo page, both linked above. Check both before fishing.
