Wahoo fishing out of Wildwood is a July and August fishery, and most fish come on the yellowfin troll in offshore and canyon water. This guide covers the season, the grounds that hold fish, how the troll works, and who fishes for them from this port. Inlets and access are on the Wildwood port page.
When wahoo are off Wildwood
Wahoo show up off Wildwood in July and August. They are offshore fish here, and the window falls in the summer months off southern New Jersey. For the wider regional picture, see our Atlantic Northeast wahoo guide (see also the Atlantic Northeast region guide).
Where boats run and what holds them
Wildwood boats find wahoo in offshore waters, and captains often hook them while trolling for yellowfin. A mixed troll also brings other species, which our offshore gamefish guides cover. The grounds below run from the inlet outward.
Wildwood Reef and its barges
Wildwood Reef sits in 42 ft and is the nearshore landmark on the way out. The Pair of Kings tanker barge lies on the northern end of the reef, and the Michael DePalma, a 70 ft barge, sits on the reef itself.
Five Fathom Bank
Five Fathom Bank is a named ground near Wildwood.
The canyons
Wilmington Canyon is 600 ft deep and about 70 nautical miles off southern New Jersey. Bodacious lists wahoo with its canyon trips. Spencer Canyon, Lindenkohl Canyon and Carteret Canyon are the other named canyons in the picture.
The Chart Contours layer shows the canyon edges. Chart layers are not for navigation.
| Ground | Depth | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Wildwood Reef | 42 ft | |
| Pair of Kings tanker barge | Northern end of Wildwood Reef | |
| Michael DePalma barge | 70 ft barge on Wildwood Reef | |
| Wilmington Canyon | 600 ft | About 70 nautical miles off southern New Jersey |
Five Fathom Bank, Spencer Canyon, Lindenkohl Canyon and Carteret Canyon are the other named grounds.
How wahoo fishing out of Wildwood works on the troll
Trolling for yellowfin picks up wahoo off Wildwood, and high-speed trolling is the usual method for wahoo in general. Speeds, spreads and leaders are in our wahoo fishing guide.
On a yellowfin day, wahoo are an add-on. Treat them as a possible bonus on the tuna troll rather than something to expect.
Who fishes for them and where to read conditions
Bodacious Sportfishing is the Wildwood charter that lists wahoo with its canyon trips.
Bodacious Sportfishing
Bodacious Sportfishing lists wahoo with its canyon trips. The boat is the 55 ft Custom Carolina Bodacious, with twin diesels.
Running from Avalon
Over Under reaches Lindenkohl and Carteret canyons from Avalon.
NOAA CMAN4 at Cape May
The nearest NOAA buoy is CMAN4, station 8536110, at Cape May, NJ, at 38.968 N 74.960 W. It reports coastal conditions at Cape May and cannot see conditions at a canyon about 70 nautical miles out.
Read its wind, wave height and period numbers alongside the official National Weather Service forecast.
FAQ: wahoo fishing out of Wildwood
When is wahoo season off Wildwood?
July and August. Wahoo are offshore fish here.
How far out is Wilmington Canyon?
About 70 nautical miles off southern New Jersey, in 600 ft.
Do Wildwood boats target wahoo or catch them on tuna trips?
Captains often hook wahoo while trolling for yellowfin. High-speed trolling is the general wahoo method. A fish is never guaranteed.
Which local charter lists wahoo?
Bodacious Sportfishing lists wahoo with its canyon trips. It runs the 55 ft Custom Carolina Bodacious with twin diesels.
Which buoy covers Wildwood?
NOAA CMAN4, station 8536110, at Cape May, 38.968 N 74.960 W. It reports coastal conditions, not canyon conditions. Read it with the official forecast.
