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. 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. And remember, there's no size limit for recreational catch of wahoo. 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. Wahoos start appearing in the waters surrounding Morehead City between mid and late August. Clear and calm waters with minimal current are best for fishing. A simple ballyhoo rigged in plain shape is an excellent bait for offshore trolling. Many other lures are also very popular, such as cedar sticks, Green Machines, or 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. As the ocean temperature rises, so do the wahoo. The water temperature and conditions for fishing are ideal for wahoo.
The primary targets are wahoo in the spring and fall. The transition from winter into spring will determine when other species will appear. Historically, yellowfin tuna were the top target in the spring, but in recent years, they have been absent. While there are some caught, they are few. This makes the catch more rewarding. 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
Ballyhoos is the best bait to catch wahoo. You can freeze the bait or use it fresh. The best way to retrieve the bait is with a trolling-size J-hook. The hook must be placed in a way that the wire pin touches the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos work well for both seafloor and surface fishing.
Wahoos tend to prefer deeper water, but they are also found in the sand. Ballyhoos should wear dark colors to attract wahoo. They can run at incredible speeds and are very aggressive. Ballyhoos have the ability to lure other species fish.
Ballyhoos make the best wahoo lures in North Carolina. Ballyhoos come in a variety of colors and textures. A ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its own waters if it is fished properly. Ballyhoos are a great bait for wahoo. You will need a hard lure such as a Yozuri Bonita and a Braid Marauder if your planer rod has one. These lures come in many colors such as purple/black or 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. There are three to sixteen sizes of planers, so rigging is essential for success. Capt. Weaver also noted that wahoo are 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
Many high-speed lures for trolling are available to catch wahoo. These high-speed lures can be pulled with an inline trolling weight and placed on a downrigger or planer. When targeting big tuna or wahoo, dark colors are especially effective. They are also durable and keep running straight after catching a lot of fish. MagBay and Nomad are also manufacturers of high speed trolling lures.
High-speed trolling baits are ideal for these fish, as they can move quickly enough to reach a good spot. Wahoo can reach speeds of 60mph and strike lures traveling at 18 mph. This is the average transiting luring lure at a speed of two to four feet. This is why you should use quality drag and heavy lures. 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 are typically rigged with wire or cable. This can cause the lure to become bent and break the line. It is best to buy a multi-stranded cable. This wire is also less likely to bend and kink, so it can run straighter. To make it easier to change lures, you can use a clip.
Floating debris
This trophy fish can be found in floatable debris. Whajoo will only eat wrecks, ledges, or floating debris as their preferred bottom habitat. These structures offer the perfect habitat for wahoos, who often pile up under them. Floating debris is another great location to target this fish, as it often works well under these obstacles. Floating debris can also help you find the 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 are no dolphins or other baitfish in the area, he should leave it alone. He must also use a fast-retrieve reel with a 6-to-1 gear ratio to reach the wahoo. 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. Butterfly-style Jigs are not recommended. They have help hooks at the tip.
The water surface temperature drops in the cooler months, which increases the chances of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers areas with water that is cooler and more 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 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 structure of North Carolina's wahoo fishing may be unusual 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, which are structure-oriented in their fall, frequent inshore drops and lumps in 120 feet or more of water. These large fish are known for their sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends heavy single strand wire and a strong rod to catch one. When fishing a wahoo, the captain helps the angler stay tight by bumping the boat in and out of gear.
Whalos, which are aggressive bottom formations, like to hang around wrecks, pronounced edges, and other weedlines. They prefer to strike fast-moving lures. They often stay near weedlines and other debris in North Carolina. They are more likely than others to be caught near weedlines or artificial lures. They can reach speeds of up to ten knots.
The best time to fish for wahoo is July through September, even though it's a year-round species. 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.
Feeding peak times
There are many times in the year where wahoo fisherman are most successful, but there are specific peak times that you should be focusing on to get the best results. For example, the three days immediately before and after the Full Moon, and the New Moon are prime times for wahoo fishing. These are the best times to trot at normal or high speeds. As long as your boat can handle this extra speed, you should be able to catch a wahoo.
When it comes to wahoo fishing, the most effective time is summer. These fish can be found on the ledges or structures between Jupiter and Stuart inlets. The average wahoo weights in at 25 to 25 pounds. However, there are often 50-pounders. During prime time you will be able catch both a large and a smaller wahoo.
From October to March, wahoo are most at their best. This is because the water temperature stays cool, making it more likely that wahoo will bite. Although May weather can be unpredictable, it is usually the best month 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
What happens if I catch a fish and lose it?
Losing a fish is part of the game. Sometimes you will catch a fish only to lose it later. When this happens, just keep trying. You will eventually catch another one.
When fishing, how far from shore should you stand?
You are more likely to catch fish the further you stand from shore. But, you also have a higher chance of getting wet.
How do I know if my lure works?
Look out for movement as you cast your lure into water. If there is movement, your lure is operating properly.
How big should my tacklebox be?
A large tackle chest is required to keep all your fishing gear. Tackle boxes range in size depending on the number of items stored inside.
Do I require special fishing licenses?
If you intend to take fish outside of your state or cross county lines, no. Many states allow anglers fishing without a license. For more information, contact your local Fish & Wildlife department.
Where can I find good fishing guides?
There are many services that fishing guides can offer. A fishing guide can offer advice on where to catch the most fish, provide tips on how you catch them, and even teach you how they use different types or equipment.
Statistics
- 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)
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- 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 tie a fishing lure like a professional
Here are the steps to make simple fishing lures in different colors and materials.
Step 1: Cut two pieces approximately 3/4" wide of twine.
Step 2: Divide one length of twine in half.
Step 3: Twist both ends together.
Step 4: Wrap one end of the second piece with twine around another so that the knot rests within the loop.
Step 5: Close the loop.
Step 6 Repeat step 4.
Step 7: Secure the knot with a needle or pin.
Step 8 Trim excess twine.