Wahoo
The Cabo San Lucas Guide
Everything about Acanthocybium solandri, the IGFA world record fishery, and the legendary Wahoo Banks off San Jose del Cabo. Compiled from NOAA Fisheries, IGFA archives, peer-reviewed marine biology research, and decades of local sportfishing experience.
Cabo San Lucas is the only place in the world that holds both the current and previous IGFA all tackle world records for wahoo. Both fish came from Baja California waters within a 10 year window. The current 184 pound record, set in 2005 just five miles south of the Cabo arch, has stood for almost two decades. Welcome to the only encyclopedic guide written specifically for the fishery that defines the species.
The IGFA World Record That Defines Cabo
On July 29, 2005, fifteen year old Sara Hayward of Nacogdoches, Texas was on the third Cabo San Lucas vacation of her young life. Walking the marina with her family, they came across a small booth where a man named Gerry Martinez was renting a boat called the Pez Espada. After a short conversation, the Hayward family decided to go fishing the next day.
Around noon, trolling skirted lures roughly five miles south of the iconic Cabo arch, Sara's reel started screaming. She picked up a Shakespeare rod rigged with a Mean Joe Green vinyl skirted lure. After a fight that lasted approximately 45 minutes, the crew gaffed an enormous wahoo into the boat.
184 Pounds, Caught Five Miles South of the Cabo Arch
The catch was weighed on a city scale at 192 pounds and later certified at 184 pounds on Minerva Saenz's IGFA certified scale at Minerva's Baja Tackle, Cabo San Lucas. The fish broke three IGFA world records simultaneously: All Tackle, Women's 37 kilogram (80 pound) Line Class, and Female Junior. It has stood for nearly 20 years.
Timeline of Wahoo Records in Baja California
Previous Record Set in Loreto
Keith Winter lands a 158 pound 8 ounce wahoo on 50 pound line class in Loreto, Baja California Sur. The fish measures 70.5 inches and is caught on a live mackerel. This record stood for almost a decade.
Sara Hayward's Cabo Catch
15 year old Sara Hayward lands a 184 pound wahoo five miles south of the Cabo arch aboard the Pez Espada with Captain Gerry Martinez. The fish smashes the previous record by over 25 pounds.
IGFA Certification
Minerva Saenz, IGFA Representative for Cabo San Lucas since 1976 and operator of the longest standing IGFA Weigh Station in Mexico, certifies the catch. The IGFA approves the new All Tackle, Women's 80 pound Line Class, and Female Junior World Records.
Record Still Standing
Nearly 20 years later, no angler anywhere in the world has beaten Sara Hayward's 184 pound wahoo. Both the current and previous IGFA world records remain Baja California catches.
Acanthocybium solandri: The Lone Wolf of the Pelagic Family
The wahoo is the sole member of the genus Acanthocybium, a unique branch within the Scombridae family that also includes tunas and mackerels. First described by Georges Cuvier in 1832, the species is a circumtropical pelagic predator found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
Documented at up to 2.77 meters, with most adults measuring 3 to 5 feet.
Maximum recorded weight in scientific literature. IGFA record stands at 184 pounds.
One of the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of brief sprints near 100 km per hour.
Short lived but fast growing, reaching maturity within their first or second year.
Names across cultures
The species is known by different names depending on the language and region:
- English (worldwide): Wahoo, hoo
- Hawaiian: Ono, meaning "delicious"
- Spanish (Mexico): Peto, sierra wahoo
- Brazilian Portuguese: Guarapucu
- French (Caribbean): Thazard batard
- Japanese: Kamasusawara
Taxonomic classification
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Actinopterygii (ray finned fishes) |
| Order | Scombriformes |
| Family | Scombridae (tunas, mackerels, bonitos) |
| Genus | Acanthocybium (monotypic, single species) |
| Species | A. solandri |
| Authority | Cuvier, 1832 |
The Speedster's Body
Everything about the wahoo's body is engineered for raw, explosive speed. From its torpedo shaped form to its absent swim bladder, the species is a masterclass in hydrodynamic predator design.
External features
- Body: Elongated, torpedo shaped, slightly compressed laterally
- Coloration: Iridescent blue green back, silver sides, white belly
- Distinctive markings: 24 to 30 cobalt blue vertical bars along the flanks that fade rapidly after death
- Snout: Long and pointed, more elongated than other scombrids
- Mouth: Large with rows of razor sharp triangular teeth on both jaws
- Fins: Long dorsal fin extending most of the body length, finlets on rear half
Internal adaptations for speed
Several internal features make the wahoo one of the fastest creatures in the sea:
- No swim bladder. Unlike most fish, wahoo lack the gas filled organ that helps fish stay neutrally buoyant. The trade off favors a predator that needs to accelerate instantly in any direction and rise from depth to the surface without barotrauma.
- Rigid gill structure. Like tunas, wahoo have specialized rigid gills that allow rapid uptake of oxygen during high speed swimming.
- High aerobic capacity. Dense red muscle tissue supports the metabolism required for sustained speed.
- Streamlined body. The fork tailed, scaleless surface and tapering body create minimal hydrodynamic drag.
Speed: the science
Early scientific studies in the 1960s used modified fishing gear to measure wahoo swimming speed. A 113 centimeter wahoo (approximately 50 pounds) was clocked at 77 kilometers per hour, or over 21 meters per second. With a growth potential exceeding 2.1 meters and 83 kilograms, scientists estimate that large wahoo can reach or exceed 100 kilometers per hour in short bursts, a benchmark surpassed only by billfish.
Where the Fish Actually Lives
Most generalist sources describe wahoo as "pelagic, found in warm waters." A peer reviewed archival tagging study conducted off Baja California Sur from 2005 to 2008 gives us far more precise data on exactly where these fish spend their time.
The Baja California Sur tagging study
Scientists deployed 108 archival data loggers on wahoo measuring 105 to 165 centimeters fork length at three locations off Baja: Alijos Rocks, Magdalena Bay Ridge, and Hurricane Bank. Twenty five tagged individuals (23 percent) were recaptured within 20 kilometers of their release sites, suggesting meaningful site fidelity. The data covered 499 days of continuous depth and temperature recording.
| Parameter | Daytime | Nighttime |
|---|---|---|
| Average depth | 18 meters (60 ft) | 17 meters (56 ft) |
| Time above thermocline | 99.2 percent | 97.9 percent |
| Mean dive duration | 2.3 minutes | 3.8 minutes |
| Vertical movement rate | 3.0 m/min | 3.8 m/min |
| Maximum recorded depth | 253 meters (830 ft) | |
Temperature preferences
Recorded ambient temperatures from the same study ranged from 11.1 to 27.9 C, with an average of 25 C. Tagging studies off California confirm that wahoo spend approximately 98 percent of their time in waters warmer than 22 C (72 F). The optimal range is 23 to 28 C (73 to 82 F). This is why cooler winter water in Cabo concentrates wahoo on offshore structure where temperature breaks meet bait stacks.
The takeaway for anglers
- Wahoo are primarily a surface fish, spending 99 percent of daylight in the upper 60 feet of water
- Trolling baits in the upper 30 meters covers the bulk of their habitat
- They do dive deep occasionally but briefly, with the deepest recorded dive at 253 meters
- Temperature breaks where cooler water meets warmer water are productive zones
- Cabo wahoo show site fidelity to the Gordo Banks region, returning year after year
Why Cabo Is the World Capital of Wahoo
The convergence of multiple oceanographic factors makes the waters off Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo unique in the world for wahoo fishing. Few destinations on Earth combine all of these conditions in such close proximity to shore.
Submarine geography
Gordo Banks is a seamount system that rises from depths of over 3,000 feet to within 150 feet of the surface, located 8 to 10 miles off Puerto Los Cabos Marina in San Jose del Cabo. The dramatic underwater relief creates upwelling that concentrates baitfish year round. Locally the structure is known as The Wahoo Banks because of how consistently it holds the species.
Two ocean convergence
Cabo sits at the meeting point of the cooler Pacific Ocean and the warmer Sea of Cortez. The temperature breaks created where these water masses meet are exactly the conditions that wahoo prefer. The fishery operates year round because there is almost always productive temperature water somewhere within reach of the marina.
Proximity to deep water
Within five miles of the Cabo arch, ocean depths exceed 1,000 feet. The 1,000 fathom curve sits closer to shore here than at virtually any other major sportfishing destination. Less travel time, more fishing time, and the productive water starts almost as soon as you leave the marina.
Baitfish abundance
The Gordo Banks structure attracts massive schools of skipjack tuna, sardines, mackerel, and ballyhoo. These baitfish are exactly the prey that wahoo target. When you find the bait at Cabo, you usually find the wahoo nearby.
Documented site fidelity
The 2005 to 2008 tagging study off Baja California Sur showed 23 percent of tagged wahoo were recaptured within 20 kilometers of their release sites. This is unusual for a species considered highly migratory and suggests that some populations are essentially resident to the Baja region, returning year after year to the same structure.
Wahoo Season in Cabo San Lucas
While wahoo are caught year round in Cabo waters, the bite intensifies dramatically when surface temperatures drop in late fall. Cooler water concentrates wahoo on offshore structure where they hunt bait stacks aggressively. The peak window is October through February with the strongest action in November, December, and January.
Month by month
| Month | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| October | Building | First cooler water arrives, bite picks up around Gordo Banks |
| November | Peak | Consistent action, Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot tournament window |
| December | Peak | Heaviest concentrations at the banks, best month for numbers |
| January | Peak | Cooler water continues, larger trophy fish more common |
| February | Peak ending | Last reliable month of dedicated wahoo trips |
| March | Tapering | Action slows as surface temps begin warming |
| Apr to Sep | Mixed bag | Wahoo present but not stacked, often caught alongside marlin and tuna |
Conditions that trigger the best bite
- Surface water temperatures between 72 and 78 F at Gordo Banks
- Strong current edges with clean blue water adjacent to greener inshore water
- Bait concentrations of skipjack, sardines, or porpoise pods on the surface
- Calm to moderate wind, the morning bite window before afternoon breeze builds
- New moon and full moon tides produce the most consistent action
High Speed Trolling: The Wahoo Way
Wahoo fishing is a specialized game distinct from the slower trolling used for marlin or the chunking used for tuna. Speed is the defining variable. Where marlin trolling happens at 7 to 9 knots, wahoo trolling runs at 12 to 15 knots, sometimes faster.
The standard wahoo spread
- Long lines: Jet head lures or Marauders 80 to 120 feet behind the boat
- Short lines: Cedar plugs or smaller jets 30 to 60 feet back
- Down deep: Planers or trolling weights pulling baits 30 to 60 feet under the surface
- Teasers: Daisy chains or bird teasers to attract attention to the spread
Productive lure colors
- Blue and white for clear water and bright days
- Red and black for low light or stained water
- Purple and black as a confidence color for trophy fish
- Pink and white for matching baitfish
- Chrome and silver for high sun visibility
Wire leaders are mandatory
The wahoo's razor sharp teeth will slice through fluorocarbon and monofilament on the first contact. Every rig must be terminated with wire:
- Single strand wire 80 to 150 pound test is the standard
- Multi strand braided cable for the toughest fish
- Wire leader length of 4 to 6 feet to keep the leader away from the bait
- Haywire twist or albright knot to connect wire to monofilament shock leader
Tackle requirements
- 50 to 80 pound class conventional reels with strong drag systems
- High speed retrieve ratios to recover line quickly after the run
- Heavy stand up rods rated for trolling at 15 knots
- Braided main line 80 to 130 pound test for capacity and durability
- Mono shock leader 100 to 150 pound test between braid and wire
What to expect on the hookup
When a wahoo hits a trolled bait, the first run is unlike any other fish in the ocean. A 50 pound wahoo can strip 200 yards of line off a reel in seconds. The strike is so sudden and the run so fast that the rod often bends double before the angler can react. The fight is shorter than marlin but more violent in the opening seconds. Most wahoo land within 5 to 15 minutes once the initial run is controlled.
Ono Means Delicious
Hawaiian anglers call wahoo "ono" because the word literally means delicious. The species is widely considered among the finest table fish in the ocean. The flesh is firm, white, and mild flavored, with a clean taste closer to halibut than to other mackerel family members.
Nutritional profile (per 100g raw)
| Nutrient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~110 kcal | Lean fish, lower than tuna |
| Protein | ~24 g | Complete amino acid profile |
| Fat | ~1 g | Very low fat, can dry out if overcooked |
| Omega 3 | Moderate | Beneficial fatty acid content |
| Mercury | ~0.4 ppm | FDA "Good Choices" category |
Recommended preparations
- Grilled steaks: The most popular preparation. Brush with olive oil, salt and pepper, grill quickly over high heat. Do not overcook, the lean flesh dries out fast.
- Sashimi: Excellent quality when sushi grade. Slice thin against the grain, serve with soy and wasabi. Fish must be frozen at minus 20 C for at least 7 days to eliminate any parasite risk.
- Ceviche: Classic Mexican preparation. Cut into small cubes, marinate in lime juice 15 to 30 minutes, add red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and tomato.
- Poke: Hawaiian style. Cubed raw wahoo with shoyu, sesame oil, scallions, and seaweed.
- Tacos: Pan seared chunks in warm tortillas with cabbage slaw, lime, and salsa verde.
- Smoked: Cold or hot smoked wahoo is a delicacy, particularly when paired with crackers and cream cheese.
Mercury and food safety
Wahoo is classified by the FDA and EPA in the "Good Choices" category, recommended at one serving per week for most adults. Sensitive populations including pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and young children should consult the FDA "Best Choices" list for lower mercury alternatives. For the general adult population, wahoo in moderation is a healthy and excellent protein source.
How Cabo Compares to Other Wahoo Destinations
Wahoo are circumtropical and several destinations around the world have reputations for the species. Here is how Cabo San Lucas measures against the major alternatives.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Holds both current (184 lb, 2005) and previous (158 lb, 1996) IGFA all tackle world records. Peak season October to February. Gordo Banks 8 to 10 miles offshore. Year round potential.
Bahamas
Massive wahoo migrations November through March. Fast action on multiple fish per trip. Average size smaller than Cabo trophy fish. Limit days common.
Hurricane Bank, Mexico
Remote bank approximately 700 miles south of San Diego. Accessed by long range sportfishers from California. Excellent fishing but multi day commitment.
Hawaii
The species is culturally significant as "ono." Year round action with March through September peak. Excellent table fare focus, ono appears on every serious seafood menu.
Roatan, Honduras
1,000 foot depths within 5 miles of shore. Wahoo present year round but in smaller numbers than Cabo. Excellent for travelers combining other Caribbean species.
Cancun, Mexico
Located where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean. Peak action March through June, opposite of Cabo's winter peak. Smaller average fish.
Glossary of Wahoo Fishing Terms
- Acanthocybium solandri
- The scientific name for wahoo, the sole member of its genus within the Scombridae family.
- Bird teaser
- A teaser made to resemble a bird splashing on the surface, used to attract pelagic predators to the spread.
- Burst speed
- The maximum speed a fish can achieve in a short sprint, distinct from sustained cruising speed. Wahoo burst speeds approach 60 mph.
- Cabo arch
- The iconic rock arch at Land's End, Cabo San Lucas, often used as a reference point for the location of fish catches.
- Cedar plug
- A simple wooden trolling lure shaped like a small fish, effective for wahoo at high trolling speeds.
- Epipelagic zone
- The upper layer of the ocean from the surface to approximately 200 meters deep, where wahoo spend the vast majority of their time.
- Fork length
- The standard biological measurement for a fish, taken from the tip of the snout to the fork of the tail.
- Gordo Banks
- The seamount system 8 to 10 miles off San Jose del Cabo, locally called The Wahoo Banks for the species it consistently holds.
- Haywire twist
- A specific knot used to terminate single strand wire leader, essential for wahoo rigs.
- IGFA
- The International Game Fish Association, the governing body that certifies sportfishing world records.
- Jet head lure
- A trolling lure with a hollow head that releases bubbles when pulled through the water, creating a fish attracting commotion. Standard wahoo lure.
- Marauder
- A brand of wahoo specific deep diving trolling lure, designed to run at high speed at depth.
- Ono
- The Hawaiian name for wahoo, literally meaning "delicious."
- Pelagic
- Living in the open ocean rather than on the sea floor. Wahoo are highly pelagic.
- Planer
- A weighted trolling device used to pull a bait at depth below the boat, commonly used for wahoo to reach optimal striking zones.
- Scombridae
- The biological family that includes wahoo, tunas, mackerels, and bonitos.
- Seamount
- An underwater mountain rising from the ocean floor. Gordo Banks is a seamount system.
- Thermocline
- The boundary layer where ocean temperature drops sharply with increasing depth. Wahoo spend 99 percent of the day above the thermocline.
- The Wahoo Banks
- Local nickname for Gordo Banks, reflecting the structure's reputation as one of the most consistent wahoo grounds in the world.
- Wire leader
- A length of single strand or multi strand wire between the bait and the main line, mandatory for wahoo fishing due to the species' razor sharp teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Cabo San Lucas the world capital of wahoo fishing?
What is the scientific name of the wahoo?
How fast is a wahoo?
How deep do wahoo swim?
What water temperature do wahoo prefer?
How long do wahoo live?
Is wahoo good to eat?
When is wahoo season in Cabo San Lucas?
What is The Wahoo Banks?
Who certified the world record wahoo in Cabo?
References
- NOAA Fisheries. Atlantic Wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. fisheries.noaa.gov/species/atlantic-wahoo
- International Game Fish Association. All Tackle World Record Wahoo. IGFA World Records Database. Sara Hayward, 184 lb 0 oz, Cabo San Lucas, July 29, 2005. igfa.org
- IGFA. 20 Enduring IGFA World Records. May 20, 2025. Documentation of Sara Hayward's 184 pound wahoo triple record.
- Sepulveda, C. A., Aalbers, S. A., et al. Depth distribution and temperature preferences of wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri) off Baja California Sur, Mexico. Marine Biology, Springer Nature, 2011. Archival tagging study, 108 fish, 2005 to 2008.
- Pacific Islands Fisheries Research (PIER). Wahoo Movement Study, Eastern Pacific. Vertical distribution and temperature preferences research.
- Zischke, M. T., et al. Rapid growth of wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri) in the Coral Sea, based on length at age estimates using annual and daily increments on sagittal otoliths. ICES Journal of Marine Science.
- Bray, D. J. and Schultz, S. Acanthocybium solandri in Fishes of Australia. 2022.
- Mexico Fishing News. Cabo San Lucas wahoo weighed at 184 pounds. August 1, 2005. Original IGFA submission report from Minerva Saenz.
- Tacklevillage. World Record Wahoo: Female Angler Sets IGFA Mark. Documentation of the Pez Espada catch.
- Outdoor Life. World Record Marlin and Pelagic Records. Reference for previous Loreto record (Keith Winter, 158 lb 8 oz, 1996).
- FDA / EPA. Advice About Eating Fish: Good Choices. Mercury classification for wahoo.
- Daliken Sportfishing. Local fish reports and operational data, San Jose del Cabo, 2025 to 2026.
Fish the World Record Fishery
The fishery that produced the IGFA all tackle world record wahoo is twenty minutes from Puerto Los Cabos Marina. Daliken Sportfishing runs private high speed trolling charters during peak season, October through February.