Captains Log / Wahoo tips

KOBO Wahoo Tips

Lessons learned while wahoo fishing

INTRO

At KOBO we live and breath design, engineering, and manufacturing. Michael Pappas, our lead designer and founder, graduated from Texas A&M with a BS in Mechanical At KOBO we're always looking to try new fishing methods. In Texas we make long runs to the shelf during our wahoo season - typically 100+ NM to places like the Flower Gardens, Geyer Bank, and Bright Bank to name a few.

This was our first time to troll and fish 4 KOBO Power Reels. We had done 2 before but 4 was new. Our reels were rigged with a 1000yds of 150 lbs FINS Hollow Core. We started the day by high speed trolling 15+kts. We used 32 - 64 oz inline sinkers with 20' shock leader to the weighted trolling heads.

After a couple of hours without much success we switched over to 4 DTX Nomads. This proved to be difficult but be we did manage a couple of hook ups and lost fish at the boat. The 150HC saved us because we ran into a tangle with multiple hook ups on at once. The 150 was abrasion resistant and easy to handle, resulting in 1 caught fish rather than 0.

We then switched to 2 DTXs on the corner and 2 ballyhoo on the riggers. This made things easier to manage. The rest of the day slowed but we managed a couple of fish and another couple lost.

We lost a few fish at the boat for a couple of reasons but mainly due to lack of pressure on the fish - the boat slowed too much or reeling stopped. This allowed for a headshake and spit hook. This happened at least 2 or 3 times boat side.

The KOBO Power Reel's robust Drag System, Electrical Versatility, and High Performance Motor allow for it to perform well for High Speed Trolling. If the bite does slow, the spool can be swapped in less than 30 seconds to go deep drop or swordfish too!

Quick takeaways:

• 4 DTXs: Can be pulled but need to be set properly and have a good crew.
• Robust Line: A good line helps for handling and abrasion resistance.
• Hot Bite: Keep the troll up after initial bite for multiple hook ups and reset quickly.
• Spit Hooks: Don't lose pressure or headshakes will lose fish

Want to see it in action? Check out our Texas Wahoo Fishing Video and imagine the difference KOBO can make on your next fishing trip.