OffshoreHookup
Wahoo at speed underwater in blurred electric-blue water

Wahoo SeasonMid-Atlantic

Wahoo season in the Mid-Atlantic peaks Aug–Oct: that's when at least half of the 2 ports we track are at peak. August, September and October are the hottest, with 1 of 2 ports at peak. Fishable somewhere in the Mid-Atlantic May–Nov.

Bars: share of the 2 ports at peak (orange) and fishable (blue) each month. Number = ports at peak.

Wahoo are a secondary target on Mid-Atlantic canyon runs from July through November. Ocean City and Virginia Beach produce the most consistent catches; the fish run the same temperature breaks and weed lines that concentrate mahi and tuna. They are a bonus fish on most trips rather than a primary target, but the angler who rigs specifically for them — high-speed trolling rig with wire or fluorocarbon leader — is the one who catches them while everyone else is watching.

Port by port2 ports

Wahoo bite calendar by port, Mid-Atlantic
PortJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Ocean City, MDPeak —OffOffOffOffOffFishableFishableFishableFishableFishableOffOff
Virginia Beach, VAPeak Aug–OctOffOffOffOffFishableFishableFishablePeakPeakPeakFishableOff

Where to run

Each port's primary offshore run, and its window for wahoo. Tap a port for every run, regulation and source.

Maryland

Ocean City

Fishable Jun–Oct
Primary runabout 30 milesto Jackspot
Virginia

Virginia Beach

Peak Aug–OctFishable May–Jul, Nov
Primary runabout 13 milesto Chesapeake Light Tower

How to fish it

Tackle class:30-50lb conventional, wire leader mandatory. The window gets you on the water; the rig gets the fish to the boat. Full breakdown on the wahoo page.

Kits for this fish

  • The Blue-Water Trolling Starter KitThe reel, rod, braid, leader, and gaff you need to run a real bump-and-wind spread on giant bluefin, yellowfin, and wahoo, bundled so you're not guessing what pairs with what.
  • The Wahoo Wire-Ready KitBraid, fluoro, and the mandatory wire leader most weekend spreads skip: bundled so a bite-off doesn't end your wahoo trip in the first hour.

Frequently asked

When is wahoo season in the Mid-Atlantic?

Wahoo season in the Mid-Atlantic peaks Aug–Oct: that's when at least half of the 2 ports we track are at peak. August, September and October are the hottest, with 1 of 2 ports at peak. Fishable somewhere in the Mid-Atlantic May–Nov.

What is the best month for wahoo in the Mid-Atlantic?

August, September and October. In August, 1 of the 2 ports we track are at peak: Virginia Beach.

Which Mid-Atlantic port has the longest wahoo season?

Virginia Beach, VA: 7 fishable months on our calendar, peaking Aug–Oct.

What rig do you use for wahoo?

30-50lb conventional, wire leader mandatory. Start with High-Speed Wahoo Trolling Spreads.

Where this comes from

Every window here is rolled up from the port calendars on this site, and each port page cites its sources. Peak means the port's sources call it the best stretch; fishable means the fish are around but not at their best. Water temperature and bait move these windows every year. Check state and federal regulations before you leave the dock. Not legal advice.