Fishing Key West

Friendly instruction is provided for the novice fisherman and we are guides
to the professional Angler. Family or group trips of all ages are encouraged
to participate in an unforgettable fishing and learning experience.
We are friendly, experienced, local professionals that fish for a living year round.
Licenses, Tackle, Bait and Ice will be provided on all of our excursions.
Our boats is a custom designed 40' Key West charter boat
and our fishing equipment is state of the art.
USCG Licensed and over 20 years fishing the Florida Keys,
Captain Richard Houde
knows the fishing patterns in this area.

Come join us for a guaranteed good time and enjoy fishing Key West.

For reservations and availability contact Captain Rich
at (305) 747-3668 or by e-mail at fish@sportfishingkeywest.com

[sportfishingkeywest.com]   [Fishing Key West Rates]   [Charter Boat Info]    [Flats]    [Florida Fishing Link Support]   [Sportfisherman's Cottage]

The wahoo is distributed worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters.
In the Atlantic Ocean, it is found from the North American coast to approximately 40°W longitude,
and from about 35°N to 38°S latitude and more abundant during the warmer summer months.
It is distributed in the Gulf of Mexico and off the west coast of Central America.

· Distinctive Features
The wahoo is a slender, oceanic fish with a body covered with scales.
Jaws are elongated to form an almost beak-like snout; the teeth are triangular and finely serrated.
Two dorsal fins are present; the first is several times the length of the second.
These fins are followed by 8 or 9 finlets. The anal fin is approximately below the second dorsal fin
and is also succeeded by 9 finlets. The pelvic fins are situated below the pectoral fins.
Small scales cover the body and no anterior corselet is present.
Lateral line runs the length of the body, abruptly curving under the first dorsal fin.

· Coloration
The body is dark blue or green above, with 24 or more wavy cobalt blue bars
running vertically along the sides. The belly and lower sides are silvery.

· Size, Age, and Growth
The maximum reported size for the wahoo is 98 in. (250.0 cm) total length,
with a maximum weight of 182 lb. (83 kg). Typically, individuals attain a size
of 39 to 66 in. (100 to 170 cm). After reaching a length of 38-41 in. (96-105 cm),
individuals grow at a rate of 1.2-1.5 inches (3-4 cm) per month.
Latitude appears to influence size, with average weight increasing with distance from the equator,
apparently correlated to cooler temperatures.

According to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA),
the all-tackle record is 158 lb 8 oz (11.34 kg).
Wahoo reach maturity between 1 and 2 years of age, depending upon location and sex.
It is believed that wahoo live up to or more than 5-6 years of age.

· Food Habits
Although wahoo are attracted to floating debris, their diet suggests they
venture out to forage in open waters. Wahoo feed primarily upon other pelagic fishes, as well as squid.
They have been recorded feeding on tunas, little tunny, porcupinefishes, flyingfishes,
dolphinfish, jacks, herrings, pilchards, scads, and lanternfishes, as well as many other species.
Their fusiform body and great endurance allow them to pursue and overcome prey,
which can be readily captured with their strong jaws.
Wahoo have been recorded swimming at speeds of up to 75 km per hour in short bursts,
allowing quick capture of prey species.

This fish is not listed as endangered or vulnerable with the World Conservation Union (IUCN).
The IUCN is a global union of states, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations
in a partnership that assesses the conservation status of species.



For reservations and availability contact Captain Rich
at (305) 747-3668 or by e-mail at info@southboundsportfishing.com

[sportfishingkeywest.com]   [Key West Fishing Rates]   [Charterboat Info]    [Flats Fishing]    [Florida Charter Fishing Support]   [Sportfisherman's Cottage]

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