Wahoo: Florida size, bag and season

As of / last verified: October 14, 2026 against official sources · Source: FWC: Wahoo

Wahoo limit in Florida: there is no minimum size, the bag is 2 per person, and the season is open year-round. FWC's wahoo page states those three limits and does not split them by Gulf and Atlantic. The profile describes wahoo as offshore fish, generally not in schools, caught by trolling.

Quick answer

Size: None
Bag: 2 per person
Season: Open year-round

Wahoo: side view for identification — Wahoo. Credit: NOAA/NMFS/SEFSC Pascagoula Laboratory; Collection of Brandi Noble, NOAA/NMFS/SEFSC. Public domain

Wahoo limits

Waters	Size	Bag	Season
Florida, as listed on the FWC wahoo page	None	2 per person	Open year-round

How do you identify Wahoo?

A slender body with a dark bluish-green back, silvery sides and a whitish belly, and 24 to 30 wavy dark-blue bars on the sides.
The jaws form a pointed beak with triangular, finely serrated teeth. The first dorsal fin is low and long.
King mackerel have a lateral line that drops sharply. Wahoo have the long continuous first dorsal fin.
FWC lists size up to 98 inches. The state record is 139 lb, caught near Marathon.

Look-alikes

King mackerel. King mackerel have a lateral line that drops sharply under the second dorsal fin, and a 24-inch fork-length minimum.

Where and when to catch Wahoo in Florida?

Wahoo are offshore fish and are generally not in schools. FWC says they are known for long runs and sudden changes of direction, and that they eat fish and squid. They are caught by trolling bait and artificial lures on flatlines. The page does not tie them to piers.

Regions

Frequently asked questions

What is the wahoo size limit?

There is no minimum size.

What is the wahoo bag limit?

2 per person.

Is wahoo open year-round?

Yes. FWC lists the season as open year-round.

How do you tell a wahoo from a king mackerel?

Wahoo have a long, low first dorsal fin and 24 to 30 wavy dark bars. King mackerel have a lateral line that drops sharply below the second dorsal fin.

Official sources

FWC: Wahoo

Last verified: October 14, 2026.

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Disclaimer: This page is a plain-English summary for general information. It is not legal advice. Rules, seasons and boundaries can change at short notice, including by emergency order. Always check the current regulations on MyFWC.com before you fish.