Trout Fishing

Wahoo Fishing NC, How to Catch the Big Ones

By Trey Gordon 7 April, 2023 7 mins read

If you're looking to try your hand at wahoo fishing in North Carolina, here are some tips to make the most of your trip. You can fish with any of the high-speed lures or an offshore trolling boat to catch the best catch. Remember that recreational wahoo catch is unlimited. A commercial license is required to catch trophy fish.

Offshore trolling

It is best to go offshore fishing for wahoo in North Carolina during the autumn, particularly late August and early September. Wahoo begin to appear in the waters around Morehead City from mid-to late August. Fishing is best when there is little or no current. For offshore trolling, the best bait is a simple ballyhoo. Several other lures are also popular, including cedar plugs, Green Machines, and Wahoo Whackers.

Whajoo have no fear of boats and prefer baits caught just below water's surface. This method is extremely popular in the Bahamas where artificials are pulled at speeds of up to twenty knots. 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.

In spring and fall, wahoo will be the main target. The transition from winter into spring will determine when other species will appear. In the spring, yellowfin tuna used to be the main target, but this has changed in recent years. Although some are caught occasionally, the number of them is very small. This has made the catch more satisfying. You might be interested in learning more about the techniques of five experienced captains if you are looking for a high-speed trolling method.

Ballyhoos

When it comes to catching wahoo, Ballyhoos are the best bait to use. You can either freeze or freshen the bait and retrieve it with a trolling J-hook. The hook should be placed so that the wire pin is directly in line with the fish’s nostrils. Ballyhoos are great for surface and seafloor 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 be aggressive and reach speeds of up to 30 mph in a matter of seconds. Ballyhoos have the ability to lure other species fish.

Ballyhoos, the most effective wahoo baits in North Carolina waters, are best. Ballyhoos come in a variety of colors and textures. If fished correctly, a Ballyhoo will catch wahoo from its native waters. Ballyhoos also make excellent wahoo bait. A planer rod is a good choice for a hard lure. You can invest in either a Yo-zuri Bonita (or a Braid Marauder). They are available in many different colors, such as pink/black and purple/black.

A single-strand stainless steel wire leader in coffee-colored stainless will be a good choice for fishing for wahoo. A bridle should be attached on the leader. Planers come in a variety of sizes and rigging can be crucial to their success. Capt. Weaver also points out that wahoo is 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

You can target wahoo with a variety high-speed trolling baits. These high-speed lures are easily pulled by an inline weight and can be placed on a downrigger, planer, or other support device. Particularly effective when targeting large tuna or wahoo, dark colors work well. They are also durable and keep running straight after catching a lot of fish. MagBay, Nomad and Nomad are other manufacturers of high-speed trolling baits.

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. This is the average transiting luring lure at a speed of two to four feet. Use heavy lures with high-quality drag to achieve this effect. To maximize your chances of success, it is recommended that you gaff the fish two times.

The lip-plug is one of most popular types of high speed lures. These lures are usually rigged with wire and cable. The lure can be bent by this method, which can result in the cable breaking. This wire is also less likely to bend and kink, so it can run straighter. Clips are also useful for changing lures quickly.

Floating debris

This trophy fish can be found in floatable debris. Whajoo love to hunt on the bottom, especially wrecks, ledges and floating debris. These structures are the ideal habitat for wahoo who will often stack up under these items. As it is often able to work under these obstacles, floating debris is another excellent place to target this species of fish. Floating debris can help you locate schools of these majestic fish.

Before looking for schools of wahoo, the fisherman needs to first examine any floating debris in the area. If there is no baitfish or dolphins, the fisherman should let it go. He must also use a fast-retrieve reel with a 6-to-1 gear ratio to reach the wahoo. A 4 to six-ounce diamond jig with a double-strength Mustad 3407 hook is recommended. If the bait becomes entangled in debris, the jig should be long enough for it to protect the fluorocarbon leader of 60 pounds and the float. 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 to live in cooler waters and areas that have current. 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 drops, the fish population tends to move to these locations. During this time, the fishing is the best in these areas.

Structure

It is possible that the structure of North Carolina's Wahoo fishing fleet may be an anomaly in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo are known to migrate in migratory patterns. They might migrate across the Atlantic via a number of areas: the Caribbean Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf of Mexico, the Western Atlantic and the Eastern Atlantic. These fish are dependent on water temperature and currents to determine the structure they inhabit.

Whalos are structure-oriented in fall. They like to be inshore and drop in 120 feet of seawater. These large fish are infamous for their razor-sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends heavy single strand wire and a strong 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 bottom-based aggressive formations that like to hang around wrecks, pronounced ledges, and other types of weeds. They will often strike fast-moving baits. In North Carolina, they often linger near weedlines and debris. This makes them more likely to find a weedline or artificial lure. They can reach speeds of up to ten knots.

Although the wahoo is a year-round species, the best fishing for it occurs from 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. You can trolling around wrecks and offshore humps to catch a few wahoo.

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. For example, the three days immediately before and after the Full Moon, and the New Moon are prime times for wahoo fishing. During peak times, trolling should be done at either a medium or high speed. And as long as you have a boat that can handle the extra speed, you can expect to catch a wahoo.

Summer is the best season for wahoo fishing. The best places to catch these fish are on the ledges and structures between Jupiter's and Stuart inlets. The average wahoo weighs around 25 pounds, but 50-pounders are not uncommon. This prime time is when you can catch both a large and smaller wahoo.

You can target wahoo from October through March. Because the water is cool, wahoo are more likely to bite during these months. While the weather in May can be unpredictable, this is generally the best time for light-tackle fishing. Blue-crystal is the best bait for wahoo fishing if you are planning a trip. You can still fish for big fish in the late April and early mai, though.

FAQ

How deep should I cast my line?

Cast your line as deep as possible. To ensure the line doesn't twist, your arm should be straightened when casting a slender line.

Where can I find quality fishing guides?

Fishing guides offer a wide variety of services. You can get advice about the best areas to fish in, tips for catching certain types of fish and even how to use various types of equipment.

How do I know if my lure works?

Look out for movement as you cast your lure into water. If you observe movement, your lure may be working properly.

What should I wear for fishing?

Protect yourself from the elements by wearing clothes. It's a good idea to have gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Insect repellent is also a good idea.

What happens to a fish that is lost while I'm fishing?

You will lose fish sometimes. Sometimes, you will catch a fishing rod and then lose the fish. When this happens, just keep trying. You will eventually catch another fish.

Is it necessary to wear special clothing for fishing?

You need protection from the elements. While fishing, a waders suits is often worn. Waders are waterproof trousers that cover the legs, feet and ankles. Some wader suits come with boots attached to them. Other waders suits can be worn with no boots.

Statistics

It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.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)
Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.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)