Here are some tips to make your trip more enjoyable if you want to try 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. Remember that recreational wahoo catch is unlimited. A commercial license is required to catch trophy fish.
Offshore trolling
The best time to go offshore trolling for wahoo fishing in North Carolina is during the fall, especially late August and early September. In mid to late August, wahoo start showing up in the waters near Morehead City. The fishing is most productive when the water is clear and has little or no current. A ballyhoo rigged in plain form is a great standard bait for offshore trolling. Several other lures are also popular, including 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 at the Bahamas, where boats can pull artificials up to twenty knees. Barracuda is not an issue in the Carolinas. Wahoos also respond to ocean temperatures rising. The conditions for fishing and the temperatures in the water are perfect for wahoo.
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. The yellowfin and bluefin tuna have historically been the top targets in spring. But they are now absent. Although some fish are caught, their numbers are very low. This has made it more rewarding to catch them. But if you're interested to learn more about high-speed trolling, you might like to see the tactics of five highly skilled captains.
Ballyhoos
When it comes to catching wahoo, Ballyhoos are the best bait to use. The bait can be frozen or fresh and is best retrieved with a trolling size J-hook. The hook should be placed so the wire pin is in line of the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos can be used for both surface and deep-sea fishing.
Wahoos typically hang out in the deeper water column, but they can be found even on the sand and in the water. To attract wahoos, ballsyhoos need to be dark in color. They can run at incredible speeds and are very aggressive. Ballyhoos also work well in luring other types fish.
Ballyhoos make the best wahoo lures in North Carolina. Ballyhoos are available in many colors and textures. If fished correctly, a Ballyhoo will catch wahoo from its native waters. Ballyhoos also make excellent wahoo bait. If you own a planer, you should consider purchasing a hard bait, such as a Yozuri Bonita or Braid Marauder. They come in many colors, including purple/black and pink/black.
A single-strand stainless steel wire leader in coffee-colored stainless will be a good choice for fishing for wahoo. The leader should have an attached bridle. You can find planers in three to sixteen sizes. Rigging is crucial for success. Capt. Weaver also noted that wahoo are a common target. You can target wahoo by rigging a planer using a bridle.
High-speed lures
A variety of high-speed trolling lures are ideal for targeting wahoo. These high speed lures can also be pulled with an inside trolling weight. For big tuna and wahoo, the dark colors work well. These lures can also be durable and continue running even after catching many fish. Other manufacturers of high-speed trolling lures include MagBay and Nomad.
This lure can be used to catch these fish as it is fast enough that you can get to your favorite fishing spot quickly. Wahoos can reach speeds up to 60 mph while strike lures travel at an average speed of 18 mph. That's the speed of an average transiting bait in two- to four-foot 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 most popular types of high speed lures. These lures usually have wire or cable rigged to them. 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. You can also use a clip to make changing lures more simple.
Floating debris
This is a great area to hunt this trophy fish. Whajoo like to be found in bottom formations that are aggressive, such as wrecks or ledges. These structures provide the perfect habitat for wahoo, who tend to stack up underneath these items. Another great spot to target this fish is floating debris. It often works well beneath these obstacles. Floating debris is also a great way to find these magnificent fish in their schools.
Before fishing for wahoo schools, it is important to inspect any floating debris for dolphins. If there aren't any baitfish or dolphins in the area, he should just 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. Jigs should be long enough to protect a 60-pound fluorocarbon leader and a float if the bait gets entangled in the debris. Butterfly-style jigs should not exist - they have assistance hooks at its top.
Water surface temperatures are cooler in cooler months. This increases the chance of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers water with current and cooler temperatures. Use satellite imagery to monitor surface temperature to determine whether any small changes in the temperature will bring in a higher concentration of Wahoo. As the water temperature decreases, fish populations are more likely to migrate to these areas. This is when the fishing in these areas is at its best.
Structure
The Gulf of Mexico may have an unusual structure for wahoo fisherman in North Carolina. Wahoo travel in migratory routes. They can migrate in the Atlantic through several regions such as the Gulf of Mexico (the Caribbean), the Gulf of Mexico (the Western Atlantic), and then the Eastern Atlantic. The structure that these fish inhabit is based on currents and water temperature.
Whalos are structure-oriented in fall. They like to be inshore and drop in 120 feet of seawater. 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. A captain is helpful when fishing for wahoos by helping anglers stay on the water and bumping the boat.
Whalos are aggressive bottom formations and like to hang around pronounced ledges, wrecks, and other weed lines. They will often strike fast-moving baits. They will often remain near weedlines and trash in North Carolina. This means that they are more likely to strike a weedline or an artificial lure. They can reach speeds of up to ten knots.
The best times to fish for the wahoo are July through September. These fish prefer warmer Gulf Stream waters, and if you are looking for a good place to target them, the structure of wahoo fishing in North Carolina will give you plenty of options. To catch some wahoo, you might try trolling the offshore humps and wrecks.
Peak feeding times
Although there are many times of year that wahoo fishing proves to be productive, there is a specific time of the month when it is at its best. The best times to wahoo fish are the days immediately prior and after the Full Moon and the New Moon. During peak times, trolling should be done at either a medium or high speed. If your boat is capable to handle the additional speed, you will be able catch a wahoo.
Summer is the best period to fish for wahoo. These fish are best caught on the structures and ledges between Jupiter and Stuart Inlets. The average wahoo weights in at 25 to 25 pounds. However, there are often 50-pounders. During this prime time, you'll be able to catch both a large wahoo and a smaller one.
It is best to go after wahoo between October and March. Because the water is cool, wahoo are more likely to bite during these months. Although May weather can be unpredictable, it is usually the best month for light-tackle fishing. Blue-crystal will be the best bait if you go on a fishing trip during this time. However, if you're looking for big fish, you can try fishing during late April and early May.
FAQ
Is it safe?
No matter where you buy your fish, always ask the seller if they have a freshness date on their fish. You can eat fish that has not expired if they have no expiration dates. You shouldn't eat fish that smells or looks old.
Which time is best to fish?
Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to fish. These are the best times to fish because the fish are moving and eating.
What happens if a person is caught fishing illegally
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.
Do I need special licenses to fish?
You cannot unless you plan on taking fish out of the state or beyond county boundaries. Many states allow anglers to fish without any type of license. To find out what license is required, check with your local Fish & Wildlife Agency.
Can I fish during the day or night?
You can, but it is important to make sure that artificial light is used. Fisherman use artificial lights to lure fish. These lights work best after the sun sets because fish are more active at night.
Statistics
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- 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)
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
External Links
How To
How to Cast a Fishing Rod Perfectly
The first thing you must know when casting a fishing rod is to use your wrist to move the rod's handle smoothly towards the water. Keep the rod slightly off the body, so the line is parallel to it. As you move the rod forward, ensure that the rod tip is perpendicular with the water's surface. If the tip hits the water's surface before the line reaches the bottom, the fish won't bite. This technique allows you to increase the distance from the tip of your rod to the water's surface.
Here are some tips to help you cast a rod confidently.
Begin by holding the rod close to your chest. You will be able to easily control the rod’s direction without having your back bent.
Second, when casting a heavy rod, you may want to set up a tripod on the shoreline or on a rock ledge. You can rest the rod securely, while also holding the reel.
Third, consider getting a small reel over a more expensive one. A cheap spinning reel will allow you to cast longer distances and will help you develop good hand-eye coordination.
Fourth, you may also want to consider purchasing a fishing pole holder. These holders are designed to keep the rod upright and hold it securely. These holders are easy-to-store and prevent rod damage.
Fifth, practice your casting technique until you feel comfortable with the motion. Casting a fishing pole takes practice.
Sixth, patience and perseverance are the keys to fishing success. Waiting for the right moment is crucial. Once the strike occurs, you must work hard to reel in the fish.