Here are some tips for wahoo fishing in North Carolina. The following information will help to find the best catch, no matter if you are fishing from an offshore trolling vessel or using high-speed lures. You don't have to catch a wahoo recreationally. As long as you have the right commercial licenses, it's no problem landing a trophy fish.
Offshore trolling
The fall is the best time to trot offshore for wahoo fishing, especially in North Carolina. The waters near Morehead City start to see wahoo in mid- to late August. Fishing is best when there is little or no current. A standard bait for offshore trolling is a ballyhoo in its plain form. There are many other lures available, such as cedar plugs, Green Machines and Wahoo Whackers.
Whajoo aren't afraid of boats. They prefer baits just below the water surface. This technique is very popular in the Bahamas, where boats are pulling artificials at speeds up to twenty knots. Barracuda aren't a problem in the Carolinas. The ocean temperature rises and so does the wahoo. For wahoo fishing, the waters are ideal and there are great conditions.
Wahoo is the main target in spring and autumn. However, the timing of the winter to spring transition determines when other species will make an appearance. Yellowfin tuna has been the top target for spring fish in the past. However, in recent years they have been absent. Although some fish are caught, their numbers are very low. This has made the catch even more rewarding. If you are interested in high-speed trolling techniques, you might want to read about five successful captains.
Ballyhoos
Ballyhoos, the best bait, are ideal for catching wahoo. You can freeze the bait, or you can retrieve it fresh using a trolling-size Jhook. The hook should be placed so the wire pin is in line of the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos make great surface and seafloor fisherman.
Wahoos prefer to be in deeper water columns, but they can also be found in the sand or in the water. To attract wahoo strikes, ballyhoos should have a dark colored body. They are extremely aggressive and can move at lightning speed. Ballyhoos also work well in luring other types fish.
Ballyhoos are the most effective wahoo lures in the waters off North Carolina. Ballyhoos come with a variety colors and textures. A ballyhoo is capable of catching wahoo in the waters it inhabits if fished correctly. Ballyhoos are a great bait for wahoo. If you own a planer, you should consider purchasing a hard bait, such as a Yozuri Bonita or Braid Marauder. They are available in many different colors, such as pink/black and purple/black.
For fishing for wahoo, a single-strand coffee colored stainless steel wire leader works well. The leader should have an attached bridle. There are three to sixteen sizes of planers, so rigging is essential for success. Capt. Weaver also mentions that wahoo can be a common target. If you are planning on targeting wahoo, rigging a planer with a bridle will help you to find the sweet spot.
High-speed lures
A variety of high-speed trolling lures are ideal for targeting wahoo. These high-speed lures may be pulled with an inner trolling weight and put on a downrigger. Particularly effective when targeting large tuna or wahoo, dark colors work well. These lures can also be durable and continue running even after catching many fish. MagBay is another manufacturer of high-speed trolling lures.
A high-speed trolling lure is ideal for these fish because it is fast enough to get to a good fishing spot quickly. Wahoos can reach speeds up to 60 mph while strike lures travel at an average speed of 18 mph. This is the average transiting lure's speed in two to four feet waves. You should therefore use heavy lures that have quality drag. For maximum success, two people are recommended to gaff the fish.
The lip plug is one of the most popular high-speed lures. These lures can be rigged using wire or cable. Unfortunately, this method can break the line when the lure gets bent, so it's best to invest in a multi-strand cable. This wire can also be run straighter as it is less likely that it will bend or kink. To make it easier to change lures, you can use a clip.
Floating debris
This is a great spot to catch this trophy fish. Whajoo love to hunt on the bottom, especially wrecks, ledges and floating debris. These structures provide the perfect habitat for wahoo, who tend to stack up underneath these items. The best place to target this fish is also floating debris. This material often works under these obstacles. Floating debris is also a great way to find these magnificent fish in their schools.
Before locating a school of wahoo, a fisherman must first check the floating debris for dolphins. If there are no baitfish, or dolphins around the area, then he should leave it alone. To get to the wahoo he will need a fast-retrieve reel that has a 6-to-1 gear ratio. A 4- to 6-ounce, four- to six-ounce, diamond-tipped jig with a Mustad 3507 hook and double-strength Mustad 3407 line is recommended. The jigs should be large enough to protect a fluorocarbon leader 60 pounds in weight and a floating if the bait is caught in the debris. They should not be Butterfly-style, as they have help hooks at their top.
Wahoos are more likely to be found in cooler months when the water surface temperature is lower. This species prefers cooler water and areas with current. Satellite imagery can monitor the temperature surface to determine if any slight changes will cause a higher level of Wahoo. The fish population will move to these areas as the temperature drops. This time is when fishing in these areas can be at its best.
Structure
In the Gulf of Mexico, the structure of wahoo fishing in North Carolina may be an anomaly. Wahoo are known to migrate in migratory patterns. They may travel through the Atlantic in a series of regions, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Then they will move on to the Western Atlantic. The structure that these fish inhabit is based on currents and water temperature.
Whalos, which are structure-oriented in their fall, frequent inshore drops and lumps in 120 feet or more of water. These huge fish are famous for their razor-sharp teeth. Hagerich recommends using heavy single-stranded wire and a long-handled rod to catch one. The captain assists anglers fishing wahoo by moving the boat around and helping them stay in the right gear.
Whalos can be aggressive bottom formations. They like to hang out around wrecks, ledges and other weedlines. They often prefer to strike fast-moving baits. In North Carolina, they often linger near weedlines and debris. This means that they are more likely to strike a weedline or an artificial lure. They can be caught at speeds up to ten miles per hour.
The best time to catch wahoo is from July through September. These fish prefer warmer Gulf Stream temperatures, and North Carolina has a lot of options for wahoo fishermen looking to find them. To catch some wahoo, you might try trolling the offshore humps and wrecks.
Peak feeding times
There are several times of year when wahoo fishing is particularly productive, but there are some specific peak times of the month that you should target for best results. The best times to wahoo fish are the days immediately prior and after the Full Moon and the New Moon. These peak times are best when you trolling at a high or normal speed. A boat capable of handling this extra speed will allow you to catch a wahoo.
Summer is the best season for wahoo fishing. The best place to fish for these fish is between Jupiter inlets and Stuart islands. Wahoos average around 25 pounds in weight, with 50-pounders not uncommon. During prime time you will be able catch both a large and a smaller wahoo.
October to March is the best time to target wahoo. These months are cooler than normal, which makes wahoo more inclined to bite. Although May weather can be unpredictable, it is usually the best month for light-tackle fishing. Blue-crystal is the best bait to catch wahoo if you plan a trip during this period. You can still fish for big fish in the late April and early mai, though.
FAQ
How can I tell if my lures are working?
When you cast your lure into the water, watch for movement. If your lure moves, it is functioning properly.
Is fishing safe?
Fishing can be very safe. Fishing can be a great way for you to enjoy the outdoors and relax. Follow safety rules and you'll have no problems.
What happens when I lose a fishing fish?
The game involves losing fish. Sometimes you might catch a fish but then lose it. If this happens, keep trying. You will eventually catch another fish.
What happens when I get caught illegally fishing
You could face fines or jail time as well as losing your fishing permit. Before you start fishing, it is important to be familiar with the rules.
Statistics
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
- Orvis, Simms, and Fishpond have been making some of the best packs and vests for a long time, and it seems like 90% of the anglers around the area use these brands. (troutandsteelhead.net)
- For most freshwater species you are most likely to target when first starting out, a reel size of 20 to 30 should be more than enough! (strikeandcatch.com)
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
External Links
How To
Find the Best Fishing Spot
You must decide what type of fish you want. This will help you find the best fishing spots. Decide whether you want to fish deep or shallow waters. Deep sea fishing requires a boat, which costs money. Shallow water fishing requires no boat and can be done from shore. Deep water fishing would be the best option for trout fishermen. If you want to catch barracuda however, you will need to go deeper.
There are many fishing spots to choose from, depending on which type you prefer. Some places offer only one type of fishing while others have several options. Some places are famous for their fly fishing, while others are better at bass fishing. Other places are known for their shark-fishing and crabbing.
The best way for you to decide where to go is to consider your budget, what you want to do, and how long it will take. Do you enjoy camping? Then you might want to check out a place near a lake. Are you more into city life? Perhaps you prefer the beaches. You might even enjoy taking part in a sport such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, scuba diving, or surfing.
Even if fishing is not something you are familiar with, it's worth asking someone who does. They might be able to tell you all sorts of information, including where to fish.
You could also try searching online for "fishing spots close to me." This will give you lots of ideas. You can narrow down your options by reading customer reviews and rating. Many websites allow you to do so.
Once you've chosen a place, go to it before you leave. Because sometimes getting there can take you longer than you anticipated, make sure to have directions. You should also make sure that you have everything you need. Make sure to pack your bait, tackle box and sunscreen.
It's also a good idea to research the weather conditions at the fishing spot. Look at the forecast to determine when is the best time to fish. You may need to modify your plans if the weather conditions change.
Now that you know where to go, you can start planning your trip. The next step is to decide what kind of fish you will be using.