Fishing Lures

Wahoo Fishing NC- How to Catch the Big Ones

By Mike Richardson 4 December, 2022 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. This information will help you catch the best fish, whether you fish from an off-shore trolling boat or one of the many high speed lures. And remember, there's no size limit for recreational catch of wahoo. As long as you have the right commercial licenses, it's no problem landing a 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. Wahoos start appearing in the waters surrounding Morehead City between mid and late August. Fishing is best when there is 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 are not afraid of boats, and they prefer baits fished just below the surface. This method is quite popular in the Bahamas, where boats pull artificials at speeds of twenty knots. Barracuda in the Carolinas are not a problem. Wahoos also respond to ocean temperatures rising. For wahoo fishing, the waters are ideal and there are great conditions.

In spring and fall, wahoo will be the main target. Other species may appear depending on the time of the winter-spring transition. Yellowfin tuna has been the top target for spring fish in the past. However, in recent years they have been absent. Although some do get caught, there are not many. This has made it more rewarding to catch them. The tactics of five successful captains may interest you if your interests lie in trolling at high speeds.

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 have a great reputation for seafloor and surface fishing.

Wahoos usually prefer the deeper water column but can be found on the sand as well as in the water. Ballyhoos should be of a dark color to attract strikes from wahoo. They can run at incredible speeds and are very aggressive. Ballyhoos also work well in luring other types fish.

Ballyhoos, the most effective wahoo baits in North Carolina waters, are best. Ballyhoos can be found in a wide range of colors and textures. If fished correctly, a Ballyhoo will catch wahoo from its native waters. Ballyhoos are a great bait for wahoo. 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.

When fishing for wahoo, a single-strand coffee-colored stainless steel wire leader will work well. A bridle should be attached on the leader. The sizes of planers range from three to sixteen, and the importance of rigging for success is paramount. Capt. Weaver also points out that wahoo is a common target. You can target wahoo by rigging a planer using a bridle.

High-speed lures

For chasing wahoo, a variety of high-speed trolling lures is ideal. These high-speed lures may be pulled with an inner trolling weight and put on a downrigger. When targeting big tuna or wahoo, dark colors are especially effective. These lures are strong and durable, so they can keep going even after you catch 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. Wahoo can travel at 60 mph, while strike lures travel at 18 mph. That's the speed of an average transiting bait in two- to four-foot waves. It is important to use heavy lures and high quality drag. Gaffing the fish should be done by two people for maximum success.

The lip plug is a popular type of high-speed lure. These lures can be rigged using wire or cable. This method can lead to the lure breaking if it is bent. Therefore, multi-strand cables are recommended. The wire will also be less likely bend and kink so it can run straighter. Clips are also useful for changing lures quickly.

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 are the ideal habitat for wahoo who will often stack up under these items. Another great spot to target this fish is floating debris. It often works well beneath these obstacles. Floating debris can also help you find the schools of these majestic fish.

Before trying to locate a school of Wahoo, a fisherman has to check for any floating debris that might contain 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, diamond jig is recommended with a Mustad 3407 hook. A jig should have enough length to hold a 60-pound fluorocarbon lead and a float in case the bait becomes caught in the debris. Butterfly-style jigs should not exist - they have assistance hooks at its 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 be used to monitor the temperature of the surface to determine if there are any temperature changes that could lead to a higher Wahoo concentration. 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

The structure of North Carolina's wahoo fishing may be unusual in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo travel in migratory routes. 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 live in a structure determined by currents and water temperatures.

Whalos have a structure-oriented fall. They are attracted to inshore lumps and drops of up to 120 feet. These large fish are infamous for their razor-sharp jaws. 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 forms and love to hang around wrecks, ledges, or other weed lines. They will often strike fast-moving baits. They can often be found near weedlines in North Carolina. This means that they are more likely to strike a weedline or an artificial lure. They can even be caught at speeds exceeding ten knots.

Although the wahoo is a year-round species, the best fishing for it occurs from July through September. They prefer warmer Gulf Stream water, so if you're looking for a great place to fish, North Carolina's wahoo fishing infrastructure will offer you many options. To catch some wahoo, you might try trolling the offshore humps and wrecks.

Feeding peak 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. 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 peak times are best when you trolling at a high or normal 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 time to fish for wahoo. These fish are best caught on the structures and ledges between Jupiter and Stuart Inlets. 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.

It is best to go after wahoo between October and March. The water temperature remains cool during these months, making wahoo more likely to bite. May is a great time to light-tackle fish, even though the weather can change quickly. If you're planning a trip during this time, the best bait for wahoo is blue-crystal. If you are looking for large fish, however, fishing can be done in late April or early May.

FAQ

How long is the best fishing rod?

The size of the fish you want to catch will dictate the length of the fishing rod. If you want to catch smallmouth bass, a rod of 6'6 inches would be the best. A 7'5" rod is better for largemouth bass fishing.

What type of fishing gear do you require?

A rod and reel, line, hooks (bait), tackle box, and snacks. To catch fish you need to be able to cast, set up hooks, and use the bobber. Remember to be patient and wait for the right moment before you strike.

Can I fish throughout the day?

Yes, you can fish any hour of the night. Only times that fishing is banned are when you can fish.

How long does it take to become an expert fisherman?

It takes years of practice to become an expert fisherman. Being a successful fisherman will require you to master new techniques and enhance your skills.

Statistics

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