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Large representative of the mackerel family. The fish has an elongated body with a brindle coloration. Despite some similarities with other mackerel species, it is distinguished by a number of structural features. For example, the Wahoo has a movable upper jaw, which distinguishes it from most other fish. The fish can be confused with king and Spanish mackerel, distinguished by a skin fold on the lower jaw. The teeth of the fish are very sharp, but smaller compared to, for example, barracuda. The dorsal fin is comb-shaped, but smaller than that of sailfish. Wahoo has several names: spiny bonito, peto, oahu, Pacific king fish. Wahoo leads a solitary lifestyle. It is an active predator. It is often possible to observe how fish pursue schools of smaller fish periodically attacking the prey. Not all attacks bring good luck, so the hunt is periodically repeated. The dimensions of the predator can reach a length of more than 2 m and a weight of 80 kg or more, but mostly individuals come across, about 10-20 kg. The fish keeps to the upper layers of the water, rarely falling below 20 m. At the same time, wahoo is considered one of the fastest fish. Can reach cruising speed up to 80 km/h. Constant movement at high speeds requires reimbursement of energy costs, so the fish feed quite actively. In addition, the wahoo has an unusual gill structure, which is also associated with lifestyle. An important feature of the fish is that the fish prefers to hunt at high speeds. Wahoos are rarely found near the coastline, for the most part, fish prefer large spaces. At the same time, the habitat is tied to flocks of small fish. Therefore, you can often see wahoo hunting near coral reefs or near the shelf zone.
Ways to catch wahoo
Wahoo is caught with both artificial and natural baits. Given the size and habits of the fish, traditional marine types of fishing are used: trolling, spinning. Sometimes fish are caught for fish cutting or “dead fish”. As already mentioned, fish rarely live at depth, so all types of fishing are associated with the movement of the bait close to the surface of the water. Spinning tackle is used for casting. Wahoos are aggressive predators, they sharply attack the bait, and therefore such fishing is characterized by a large number of emotions and stubborn resistance of the fish. It is worth getting ready for long fights and fights, in which it is difficult to predict the result.
Catching wahoo trolling
Wahoos, due to their size and temperament, are considered a worthy adversary. To catch them, you will need the most serious fishing tackle. The most suitable method for finding fish is trolling. Sea trolling is a method of fishing with the help of a moving motor vehicle, such as a boat or boat. For fishing in the ocean and sea open spaces, specialized vessels equipped with numerous devices are used. The main ones are rod holders, in addition, boats are equipped with chairs for playing fish, a table for making baits, powerful echo sounders and more. Rods are also used specialized, made of fiberglass and other polymers with special fittings. Coils are used multiplier, maximum capacity. The device of trolling reels is subject to the main idea of such gear – strength. A mono-line, up to 4 mm thick or more, is measured, with such fishing, in kilometers. There are quite a lot of auxiliary devices that are used depending on the fishing conditions: for deepening the equipment, for placing baits in the fishing area, for attaching bait, and so on, including numerous items of equipment. Trolling, especially when hunting for sea giants, is a group type of fishing. As a rule, several rods are used. In the case of a bite, for a successful capture, the coherence of the team is important. Before the trip, it is advisable to find out the rules of fishing in the region. In most cases, fishing is carried out by professional guides who are fully responsible for the event. It is worth noting that the search for a trophy at sea or in the ocean may be associated with many hours of waiting for a bite, sometimes unsuccessful.
Catching wahoo on spinning
Fishing, also, most often, occurs from boats of various classes. For catching wahoo, many anglers use spinning gear for fishing “cast”. For tackle, in spinning fishing for sea fish, as in the case of trolling, the main requirement is reliability. Reels should be with an impressive supply of fishing line or cord. In addition to a trouble-free braking system, the coil must be protected from salt water. Spinning fishing from a vessel may differ in the principles of bait supply. In many types of sea fishing equipment, very fast wiring is required, which means a high gear ratio of the winding mechanism. According to the principle of operation, coils can be both multiplier and inertial-free. Accordingly, the rods are selected depending on the reel system. When fishing with spinning marine fish, fishing technique is very important. To select the correct wiring, you should consult experienced local anglers or guides.
Baits
For wahoo fishing, traditional marine baits are used, corresponding to the type of fishing. Trolling, most often, is caught on various spinners, wobblers and silicone imitations. Natural nozzles are also used. To do this, experienced guides make baits using special equipment. When fishing for spinning, various marine wobblers, spinners and other artificial imitations of aquatic life are often used.
Places of fishing and habitat
Wahoos are heat-loving fish. The main habitat is the zone of tropical waters of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. As a rule, they stay close to the surface.
Spawning
The spawning season is difficult to determine, according to some sources, the wahoo spawn all year round. Most likely, the timing of spawning depends on the region and population. Spawning takes place in the pelargic zone. After fertilization, eggs float freely in the upper water column and are devoured by other fish, so the number of surviving individuals from the litter is relatively small.