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. There is no limit on recreational catch of wahoo. And as long as you're holding the appropriate commercial licenses, you'll have no problem landing a trophy fish.
Offshore trolling
Offshore trolling for wahoo fishing is best during the fall in North Carolina, particularly late August/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. For offshore trolling, a ballyhoo rigged plainly is a good choice of bait. 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 technique is very popular at the Bahamas, where boats can pull artificials up to twenty knees. Barracuda aren't a problem in the Carolinas. The ocean temperature rises and so does the wahoo. The conditions for fishing and the temperatures in the water are perfect for wahoo.
In the spring and fall, wahoo are the primary target. The timing of the transition from winter to spring determines when other species are likely to make an appearance. Historically, yellowfin tuna were the top target in the spring, but in recent years, they have been absent. Although some do get caught, there are not many. This makes the catch more rewarding. 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 use it fresh. The best way to retrieve the bait is 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 prefer to be in deeper water columns, but they can also be found in the sand or in the water. To attract wahoo strikes, ballyhoos should have a dark colored body. They are aggressive and can reach incredible speeds within seconds. Ballyhoos are also effective in luring other types of 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 properly fished, a ballyhoo may catch wahoo right in its natural waters. Ballyhoos are also excellent bait for wahoo. You will need a hard lure such as a Yozuri Bonita and a Braid Marauder if your planer rod has one. You can find them in many colors including pink/black or purple/black.
For fishing for wahoo, a single-strand coffee colored stainless steel wire leader works well. A bridle should be attached on the leader. There are three to sixteen sizes of planers, so rigging is essential for success. Capt. Weaver also points out that wahoo is a common target. If you plan to target wahoo, you can rig a planer with an aide and a bridle to help you locate the sweet spot.
High-speed lures
For chasing wahoo, a variety of high-speed trolling lures is ideal. These high-speed lures can be pulled with an inline trolling weight and placed on a downrigger or planer. For big tuna and wahoo, the dark colors work well. They are also very durable and will continue to run even after they catch a lot of fish. Other manufacturers of high-speed trolling lures include MagBay and Nomad.
High-speed trolling baits are ideal for these fish, as they can move quickly enough to reach a good spot. 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. Because of this, you need to use heavy lures with quality drag. For maximum success, two people are recommended to gaff the fish.
The lip plug is one of the most popular high-speed lures. These lures are often rigged in wire or 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. Also, try using a clip to make changing lures easier.
Floating debris
This fish is great for targeting from floating debris. Whajoo like to be found in bottom formations that are aggressive, such as wrecks or ledges. These structures make the perfect habitat to wahoo because they tend to pile up beneath them. The best place to target this fish is also floating debris. This material often works under these obstacles. Floating debris is also a great way to find these magnificent fish in their schools.
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. To reach the wahoo, he should use a fast reel with a 6-to-1 speed ratio. It is recommended to use a 4 to 6 ounce diamond jig and a Mustad 3407 double-strength 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 in cooler months is lower, increasing the likelihood 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. The fish population will move to these areas as the temperature drops. These areas offer the best fishing conditions.
Structure
The Gulf of Mexico may have an unusual structure for wahoo fisherman in North Carolina. Wahoo follow 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, 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 recommends heavy singlestrand wire and an extremely heavy-duty fishing rod in order 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 formations and like to hang around pronounced ledges, wrecks, and other weed lines. They will often strike fast-moving baits. In North Carolina, they often linger near weedlines and debris. They are more likely than others to be caught near weedlines or artificial lures. They can be caught at speeds as high as 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 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. For example, the three days immediately before and after the Full Moon, and the New Moon are prime times for wahoo fishing. During these peak times, you should trolling at either a moderate or high speed. If your boat is capable to handle the additional speed, you will be able catch a wahoo.
Summer is the best time to fish for wahoo. The best place to fish for these fish is between Jupiter inlets and Stuart islands. The average wahoo weights in at 25 to 25 pounds. However, there are often 50-pounders. During this prime time, you'll be able to catch both a large wahoo and a smaller one.
The best time to hunt wahoo is between October and March. These months are cooler than normal, which makes wahoo more inclined to bite. May is a great time to light-tackle fish, even though the weather can change quickly. Blue-crystal will be the best bait if you go on a fishing trip during this time. For big fish, however you might want to try fishing in late April and/or early May.
FAQ
How do you clean a fish?
There are many options for cleaning fish. The easiest way to clean a fish is to remove its head and guts. After that, rinse the fish with cold running water. You can also gut the fish yourself. This involves removing the intestines from the fish and cleaning out the cavity. Finally, you may ask someone to clean the fish.
Where can I get good fishing guides?"
Many services are provided by fishing guides. They can advise you on the best areas to fish, give tips on catching particular types of fish, and even teach how to use different types fishing equipment.
What happens if I get caught fishing illegally?
Your license could be suspended or revoked. Before you start fishing, it is important to be familiar with the rules.
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)
- 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)
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.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)
External Links
How To
Why would you need a spinning rod?
A Spinning Rod is used when you want to cast your lure into the water without getting out of the boat. If you don’t want take too much time returning to your boat after each cast, this is the best choice. The spinning rod's purpose is to let you cast from any position and keep control of your line. There are three major components to the rod; handle, butt and reel section. You hold the rod with your fingers and grip the shaft. The rod's tip is attached to the hook at the butt section. The reel seat is where the line is attached to the reel. There are many different types of rods available today. Some rods are made for fishing specific techniques, like trolling or casting. Others can be used for a variety of purposes, such as fly fishing, spin-fishing, and bait fishing.
The type you catch will affect the type rod you choose. For example, if you intend to catch large predatory species like pike or bass, you'll need a heavy-duty fishing rod. For smaller species, like salmon and trout, a lighter-weight rod might be better. You could even purchase multiple rod sizes depending upon how big you plan to catch the fish.
Spinning rods aren't just for freshwater fishing. They are also used frequently for saltwater fishing. Saltwater spinning rods are generally heavier than their freshwater counterparts because they require stronger materials to withstand the rigors of saltwater. Saltwater spinners often have a longer rod but a smaller diameter. This allows them to cast further distances. You should be aware that saltwater fishing can have its drawbacks. Saltwater spinning reels come without reels, which is a big difference from freshwater rods. You will need to purchase one on its own. You will also find them quite expensive. A spinning rod is worth your consideration if you enjoy catching larger fish.
A method of fishing that involves using a spinning rod and a weighted lure to cast into the water is called spin fishing. When the lure moves through the water it turns around its weighted center point. This causes the lure and fish to move around in the water erratically, making it harder for them to identify the lure. Fish may also mistakenly eat the lure for food, and begin to feed on it. The lure will therefore attract more fish. The lure will then attract more fish to the angler's reel. Once the lure is recovered, the fisherman may continue this process until he has caught all the fish he desires.