Here are some tips to help you make the most of your wahoo fishing trip to 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. The recreational catch limit of wahoo is not set. It's easy to land a trophy fish if you hold the correct commercial licenses.
Offshore trolling
Offshore fishing for wahoo is best in the fall, especially in late August or early September. The waters near Morehead City start to see wahoo in mid- to late August. Clear and calm waters with minimal current are best for fishing. A standard bait for offshore trolling is a ballyhoo in its plain form. Other lures that are popular include cedar plugs and Green Machines.
Whajoo are not afraid of boats, and they prefer baits fished just below the surface. This method is extremely popular in the Bahamas where artificials are pulled at speeds of up to twenty knots. Barracuda in the Carolinas are not a problem. Wahoo also increases in temperature as the ocean heats up. The temperatures of the water and the conditions for fishing are perfect for wahoo.
In the spring and fall, wahoo are the primary target. But, other species can make an appearance depending on when the winter to spring transition occurs. In the spring, yellowfin tuna used to be the main target, but this has changed in recent years. Although some do get caught, there are not many. The catch has been made even more rewarding by this. If you are interested in high-speed trolling techniques, you might want to read about five successful captains.
Ballyhoos
Ballyhoos is the best bait to catch wahoo. You can freeze the bait, or you can retrieve it fresh using a trolling-size Jhook. The hook itself should be positioned so that the wire pin is in line with the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos make great surface and seafloor fisherman.
Wahoos usually prefer the deeper water column but can be found on the sand as well as in the water. To attract wahoo strikes to your ballyhoo, you should choose a dark-colored ballyhoo. They are extremely aggressive and can move at lightning speed. Ballyhoos also work well in luring other types fish.
Ballyhoos are one of the most effective wahoo luring devices in the waters around North Carolina. Ballyhoos can be found in a wide range of 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 have a planer rod, you will want to invest in a hard lure, such as a Yo-zuri Bonita or a Braid Marauder. They come in many colors, including purple/black and pink/black.
A single-strand, coffee-colored stainless-steel wire leader is ideal for fishing for wahoo. The leader should have an attached bridle. Planers come in a variety of sizes and rigging can be crucial to their success. Capt. Weaver also notes that wahoo are a common target. If you're planning to target wahoo you should rig your planer with a harness.
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. 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. Wahoo can travel at 60 mph, while strike lures travel at 18 mph. This is the average transiting lure's speed in two to four feet waves. This is why you should use quality drag and heavy lures. To ensure maximum success, you should gaff the fish with two people.
The lip plug is one of the most popular high-speed lures. These lures usually have wire or cable rigged to them. This can cause the lure to become bent and break the line. It is best to buy a multi-stranded cable. The wire can also run straighter because it is less likely to bend or kink. A clip can be used to make changing lures simpler.
Floating debris
This trophy fish can be found in floatable debris. Whajoo prefer aggressive bottom formations, such as wrecks, ledges, and floating debris. These structures provide the perfect habitat for wahoo, who tend to stack up underneath these items. This is a great place to target this fish because it works well underneath 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. He should not attempt to fish in areas that aren't home to baitfish or dolphins. He must also use a fast-retrieve reel with a 6-to-1 gear ratio to reach the wahoo. A 4 to 6 ounce, diamond jig is recommended with a Mustad 3407 hook. 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.
The water surface temperature drops in the cooler months, which increases the chances of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers water with current and cooler temperatures. Satellite imagery can monitor the temperature surface to determine if any slight changes will cause a higher level of Wahoo. As the temperature of the water surface decreases, the fish population is more likely to move to these areas. This time is when fishing in these areas can be at its best.
Structure
It is possible that the structure of North Carolina's Wahoo fishing fleet may be an anomaly in the Gulf of Mexico. 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. These fish live in a structure determined by currents and water temperatures.
Whalos, which are structure-oriented in their fall, frequent inshore drops and lumps in 120 feet or more of water. These large fish are infamous for their razor-sharp jaws. Hagerich suggests heavy single-strand wire and heavy-duty rods to capture one. When fishing a wahoo, the captain helps the angler stay tight by bumping the boat in and out of gear.
Whalos are aggressive bottom forms and love to hang around wrecks, ledges, or other weed lines. They are more likely to take 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 reach speeds of up to ten knots.
The best fishing season for the wahoo can be found from July to September. These fish prefer warmer Gulf Stream temperatures, and North Carolina has a lot of options for wahoo fishermen looking to find them. To locate a few, you could trot around wrecks or offshore humps.
Peak times for feeding
Although there are many times throughout the year when wahoo-fishing is most productive, there are a few peak times during the month that are particularly productive. These are the best days to fish for wahoo, such as the days just before and after a Full Moon or the New Moon. These are the best times to trot at normal or high speeds. If your boat is capable to handle the additional speed, you will be able catch a wahoo.
Summer is the best season for wahoo fishing. These fish can be found on the ledges or structures between Jupiter and Stuart inlets. Wahoos average around 25 pounds in weight, with 50-pounders not uncommon. You can catch both large and small wahoos during this time.
The best time to hunt wahoo is between October and March. These months see a cooler water temperature, making wahoo easier to catch. Although the weather in May is often unpredictable, light-tackle fishing is best during this time. If you're planning a trip during this time, the best bait for wahoo is blue-crystal. You can also fish during the latter part of April and May if you want big fish.
FAQ
How long is the best fishing rod?
The type of fish you are trying to catch will determine the length of your fishing rod. A 6'6' rod would work best if you are looking for smallmouth Bass. A 7'5" rod would be better if your goal is largemouth bass.
Is it safe?
No matter where your fish is purchased, make sure you ask the seller whether they have an expiration date. It's safe to eat if the fish doesn't have an expiration date. But if the fish looks old or smells bad, then you shouldn't eat it.
How do you get started with fishing
Before you get out on the water, you will need to be familiar with the basics of fishing. You need to be familiar with the types of fish that are found in your area. You also need to know where they like to hang out to find them. Casting is a skill that you can learn once you know where the fish are most likely to be found. This means learning how to throw a lure into the air and letting it fall back down onto the surface of the water. Practice makes perfect!
How far away should I stand while fishing?
The further you are from the shore the more likely it is that you will catch fish. This increases the likelihood of getting wet.
Are there any special licenses required to fish?
No, not unless you plan to take fish out of state or across county lines. Many states allow anglers the freedom to fish without the need of a license. Check with your local Fish & Wildlife agency to see what is required.
Can I fish in the morning?
Yes, you can fish anytime of the day. Only times that fishing is banned are when you can fish.
What happens if I am caught illegally fishing?
You may face fines, jail time, and even loss of your fishing license. Before you go fishing, it's important that you know the rules.
Statistics
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
- To substantiate this theory, Knight attempted a systematic inquiry by considering the timing of 200 'record' catches, more than 90 percent were made during a new moon (when no moon is visible). (myfwc.com)
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
External Links
How To
Find the Best Fishing Spot
The best places to fish are those where you know what kind you want. You need to decide if you want deep sea fishing, or shallow water fishing. Deep sea fishing will require a boat which is costly. The cost of shallow water fishing is minimal as it's done from shore. If you're interested in catching trout, you'd probably choose shallow water fishing. You'll need to travel to deeper water if you are looking for barracuda.
There are many fishing spots to choose from, depending on which type you prefer. Some locations offer only one type while others offer many options. For example, certain places are famous for their bass fishing, while others have a specialization in fly fishing. Other places are known for their shark-fishing and crabbing.
How long you intend to stay and your interests will all play a role in deciding where you want to go. Do you enjoy camping? A place close to a lake might appeal to you. Are you more interested in city life? You might prefer the beach. 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 could tell you about all kinds of things, including where to go.
You can even search online for fishing spots near you. This will give a lot of options. It would be great if you could narrow down your list of choices by reading reviews and ratings. Many websites offer this feature.
Once you have selected a location to visit, it is important that you actually go there. Because sometimes getting there can take you longer than you anticipated, make sure to have directions. Also, make sure you bring everything you think you'll need. Remember to bring your bait, tackle box, sunscreen, and sunblock!
It's also a good idea to research the weather conditions at the fishing spot. The forecast can help you determine the best time to go. If the weather is changing, it's a good idea to make changes to your plans.
Once you've decided where to go, you can begin planning your trip. Next is to decide what to fish.