Upper Keys Wahoo Tips

[Permanent Waves]

I will be heading out of the key largo area tomorrow to try to shoot my first wahoo, any advice? I know to be in 130-180 feet, looking for weedlines and structure. We have buzzbomb flashers and floatlines. What bait should we use for chunking, and should we head north or south? Any tips are appreciated, thanks!

[Impaler Spearguns]

anything will work for chunking- I like barracudas the best.
try to find a wreck or dive the main rolloff - where the reef drops from 70 to 100'
I would concentrate on wrecks if possible.
don't chase them- if they are swimming away - or won't let you get close- try to wave at them- grunt- etc.
Also try not to look at them as they approach . I usually look away as I swim towards them- they seem to be able to tell if you are looking at them too much.
The thing that scares them the most is over anxious divers coming from all angles - or too many divers in the water.
we used to go with 4 people - 1 drives - one chunks bait and two drift along - then just switch off when you get one or whatever. the worst thing is having a bunch of over anxious divers kicking furiously at them from all angles- if you see your buddy is closer- let him have the shot and don't poach each other's fish.
Use a break away system and don't pull too hard on the float line after shooting- WHATEVER you do don't try to hang on and ride them! just let them pull the float and swim after it- they will do one big run and maybe one smaller run after that.
Good luck! lots of them around american shoal area.
Islamorada humps are likely your best and closest bet
they LOVE speedos- if you see them- you are in the right spot
also big hammerheads seems to travel with them- so expect to see some of those around.

[Permanent Waves]

Thanks, that help a lot!

[Jeepchief]

Im heading out Saturday hunting for wahoo I'm looking for some seasoned wahoo divers I finally got a blue water gun and im ready to test it

[TheMackDaddy]

they are always farther away than they appear underwater