November wahoo

Today’s trip produced a textbook Fort Lauderdale wahoo bite — including one monster hooked on a live bonita we caught on the wrecks. Conditions lined up: clean blue water, an outgoing tide, and active bait around multiple artificial wrecks on the edge. Below is a full, highly practical account: where we were, how we caught the live bonita, exactly how we presented it, tackle and leader choices, hookup details, and what anglers should expect if they book now.

Where we fished

• Fishing concentrated around the artificial wrecks and nearby edge structure between Fort Lauderdale and Pompano.

• We worked the drop-off from 180–320 feet and also made short drifts right over the wrecks when the birds and bait stacked.

• Wahoo struck both on the edge current seams and in the blue when birds were working flying fish and small bonito.

(Note: keep location descriptions general on public posts to avoid crowding sensitive spots — but include “artificial wrecks,” “edge,” and “drop-off” which are strong local SEO phrases.)

The catch — live bonita hookup story

• We caught small live bonita by chumming and casting light jigs near the wrecks. Once we had a couple of 2–4 lb bonita flaring in the well, we baited a single bonita on a short, circle-hooked livebait rig (hook through the back near the dorsal to keep bait lively).

• The wahoo hit hard and fast — a violent headshake with explosive speed. The initial run peeled line in seconds and the fish surfaced hot with smacking, showing the classic wahoo blue/striped flashes.

• Angler fought the fish with a conventional reel at 30–50 lb drag pressure for the first run, then increased slightly to control headshakes. We maintained steady pressure and used the boat to keep the line angled off the transom and away from the wreck/structure.

• The fish measured in the 30 lb class (estimate), a true trophy for the area this season.

Tackle & rigging (exact specs we used)

• Rod & reel: 6’6”–7’ overhead rod rated 30–50 lb class, paired with a conventional lever drag reel (e.g., 50–80 sized).

• Mainline: 30–50 lb braided line (high-quality PE braid for low stretch).

• Leader: 100–200 lb single-strand wire leader or heavy 130–200 lb monofilament + wire bite leader (wahoo have razor teeth — wire recommended). Use a short (18–30 in) leader to reduce bite-offs while allowing bait action.

• Hook: 6/0–9/0 circle or 6/0–8/0 J-hook depending on preference; circle hooks reduce gut-hooking on live baits when using proper hookup technique.

• Swivels & snaps: Heavy-duty rolling swivels and crimped sleeves—avoid knots at the terminal end where possible; crimped sleeves and a heavy snap reduce failures.

• Teaser: Short teaser (strip of squid or a small skirt) to attract attention if bluewater visibility is low.

• Leader to lure transition: If trolling live bonito, run them behind planers at 30–80 ft, or free-line when drifting near wrecks.

Bait & presentation

• Live bonita caught on the wrecks were the ticket — lively, high-energy baits presented 20–60 feet off the transom when drifting over the wrecks.

• When trolling, we used strip baits and skirted lures to keep the spread active, but the big hookup came when we pitched the live bonita back into the current seam and allowed it to swim naturally.

• Presentation tip: keep the boat speed minimal (drift) when pitching live bait around wrecks — live baits do best when they can dart and flash naturally. For fast-moving wahoo in open blue, quick trolling (12–18 knots) with dyed skirt lures works better.

Bite pattern & environmental notes

• Best times: Early morning and late afternoon produced the most violent strikes today, but the big fish hit mid-day on a tide change as current funneled around the wreck.

• Water temp / color: Clean blue water; temps in the high 70s to low 80s (typical for late November push). Clean water concentrates wahoo on fast-moving prey.

• Bird activity: Watch for frigate birds and terns — when birds are working, fish are active underneath chasing flying fish and bonito.

Safety & boat handling during the fight

• Keep line off the transom — wahoo will try to smash into the boat and bite lines. Bring fish to the side, never into the prop wash.

• Use gloves and gaffs: wahoo are toothy and thrashy. Approach the fish carefully; use a long gaff with a firm, upward hook once the fish is brought alongside.

• Have wire cutters and pliers handy for leader changes and to remove hooks safely.

Other species encountered

• While hunting wahoo we also hooked blackfin tuna, mahi-mahi under birds, and scattered sailfish hookups in the spreads. Great mixed-bag day for customers.

What to expect if you book a wahoo trip now

• Expect livebait action on the wrecks and fast trolling on the edge. Bring motion-sickness meds for early mornings, and a camera — these fish surface with explosive runs.

• Book half-day trolling for speed runs or full/nearshore drift for live-bait wreck approaches — both tactics produced strikes today.