These are some helpful tips for anyone who wants to learn how to wahoo fish 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. The recreational catch limit of wahoo is not set. As long as you have the right commercial licenses, it's no problem landing a 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. In mid to late August, wahoo start showing up in the waters near Morehead City. Clear water with little to no current is the best for fishing. A ballyhoo rigged in plain form is a great standard bait for offshore trolling. You can also use cedar plugs or Green Machines as lures.
Whajoo do not fear boats and prefer baits that are fished below the 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 temperatures of the water and the conditions for fishing are perfect for wahoo.
In spring and summer, wahoo is the primary target. But, other species can make an appearance depending on when the winter to spring transition occurs. 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 has made the catch more satisfying. If you are interested in high-speed trolling techniques, you might want to read about five successful captains.
Ballyhoos
When it comes to catching wahoo, Ballyhoos are the best bait to use. You can freeze the bait, or you can retrieve it fresh using a trolling-size Jhook. The hook should be placed so that the wire pin is directly in line with 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 wear dark colors to attract wahoo. They are extremely aggressive and can move at lightning speed. Ballyhoos are also very effective at luring different types of fish.
Ballyhoos can be used as wahoo-lure in North Carolina. Ballyhoos come with a variety colors and textures. If fished correctly, a Ballyhoo will catch wahoo from its native waters. 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 are available in several colors, including pink/black and purple/black.
For fishing for wahoo, a single-strand coffee colored stainless steel wire leader works well. A bridle should be attached to the leader. Planers come in three to sixteen sizes, and rigging is important for success. Capt. Weaver also points out that wahoo is a common target. A bridle can be used to rig a planer and help you find the sweet spot if you want to target wahoo.
High-speed lures
A variety of high-speed trolling lures are ideal for targeting 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. These lures are durable and can be used for many fish. MagBay is another manufacturer of high-speed trolling lures.
These fish will love trolling lures that are fast and can quickly get to the right spot. Wahoos can reach speeds up to 60 mph while strike lures travel at an average speed of 18 mph. This is the average speed of a transiting lure traveling at two to four feet per second. Because of this, you need to use heavy lures with quality drag. For maximum success, two people are recommended to gaff the fish.
One of the most common types of high-speed lures is the lip plug. These lures usually have wire or cable rigged to them. 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 is a great spot to catch this trophy fish. Whajoo prefer aggressive bottom formations, such as wrecks, ledges, and floating debris. These structures create the perfect habitat environment for wahoos who like to stack up beneath these items. Another great spot to target this fish is floating debris. It often works well beneath these obstacles. Floating debris may also be a good way to spot these majestic fish schools.
Before trying to locate a school of Wahoo, a fisherman has to check for any floating debris that might contain dolphins. If there aren't any baitfish or dolphins in the area, he should just leave it alone. To reach the wahoo, he must use a fast-retrieve rod with a 6-to-1 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 do not work - the hooks on the top are for assistance.
Water surface temperatures are cooler in cooler months. This increases the chance of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers areas with water that is cooler and more current. Satellite imagery is used to monitor temperature and determine if small temperature fluctuations will result in an increase in Wahoo. As the water temperature decreases, fish populations are more likely to migrate to these areas. This time is when fishing in these areas can be at its best.
Structure
In the Gulf of Mexico, the structure of wahoo fishing in North Carolina may be an anomaly. Wahoo are known to migrate in migratory patterns. In the Atlantic, they may migrate through a sequence of regions: the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Western Atlantic, followed by the eastern Atlantic. These fish live in structures that are determined by currents, water temperature, and other factors.
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 suggests heavy single-strand wire and heavy-duty rods to capture one. A captain is helpful when fishing for wahoos by helping anglers stay on the water and bumping the boat.
Whalos can be aggressive bottom formations. They like to hang out around wrecks, ledges and other weedlines. They will often strike fast-moving baits. They often stay near weedlines and other debris in North Carolina. This makes them more likely to find a weedline or artificial lure. They can even be caught at speeds exceeding ten knots.
The best times to fish for the wahoo are July through September. These fish prefer warmer Gulf Stream conditions, so if your goal is to find them, North Carolina's wahoo-fishing structure will be an excellent choice. To locate a few, you could trot around wrecks or offshore humps.
Peak times for feeding
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. The best times to wahoo fish are the days immediately prior and after the Full Moon and the New Moon. You should be trolling at a normal or high speed during these peak times. 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 place to fish for these fish is between Jupiter inlets and Stuart islands. A wahoo is about 25 pounds on average, but there are 50-pounders available. 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. These months are cooler than normal, which makes wahoo more inclined to bite. Even though May's weather is unpredictable, it's generally the best month to light-tackle fish. Blue-crystal is the best bait for wahoo fishing if you are planning a trip. You can also fish during the latter part of April and May if you want big fish.
FAQ
Are there different types or lures?
Yes, there is a wide range of lures. Some lures have been specifically designed for certain fish species. Others mimic insects and frogs. There are many types of lures. Some lures can even be shaped like real insects.
What happens to me if I'm caught fishing illegally?
Your license could be suspended or revoked. Before you start fishing, it is important to be familiar with the rules.
How do I get started fishing?
You need to learn a few things about fishing before you can go out on the water. You must first learn about the various types of fish found in your region. Knowing where they hang out is a must. You must learn how to cast once you have found the best spots for fish. 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!
Is it safe to consume fish caught by others?
No matter where you buy your fish, always ask the seller if they have a freshness date on their fish. It's safe to eat if the fish doesn't have an expiration date. If the fish smells or looks bad, you should not eat it.
How big should my tackle box be?
You will need ample storage space for all your fishing gear so a large tacklebox is important. The number of items inside a tackle box will determine its size.
Statistics
- 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)
- 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)
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
External Links
How To
How do I properly clean my fishing gear?
There are many cleaning options for fishing equipment. Some are very simple while others require advanced techniques. Most people use soap and water. You should always ensure you rinse the item thoroughly after washing it. If the item isn't washed thoroughly enough, dirt and bacteria could remain, leading to infection. If this happens, it can lead to bad odors and even more serious infections. To prevent this, dry the items completely before storing. Avoid touching the item's surface when cleaning. If you touch something dirty, you risk transferring germs onto the object.
You can do many things to improve the fishing gear's quality, other than using soap and water. You might need to use specific detergents or solvents depending on the type of fishing gear. Some things should not be used, though, as they may cause damage to your goods. Bleach is one example. Bleach can be used to dissolve plastics and metals, so don't ever use bleach to clean your fishing equipment. Instead, you should use warm water and dishwashing liquid. Dishwashing liquids that are specifically designed for cleaning fish should be used only. Dishwashing solutions contain enzymes and chemicals that aid in the breakdown of organic materials such blood, slime, and scales. They also contain surfactants which remove dirt from surfaces. But, if staining is a concern, you might consider using a stain eliminator. Oils and fats on the surface of gear are often responsible for staining. Stain removers can be applied directly to the spot where the oil or fat is present. This will remove the stain without causing damage to the underlying material.
Your local home improvement store will have many options for cleaning your fishing gear. Most stores carry several kinds of cleaners designed for different purposes. Some cleaners are designed to work with very small amounts of grease while others can handle large quantities. You can choose the one that fits your needs the best.