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. Whether you're fishing from an offshore trolling boat or using one of the many high-speed lures, the following information will help you find the best catch. 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
The best time to go offshore trolling for wahoo fishing in North Carolina is during the fall, especially late August and early September. In mid to late August, wahoo start showing up in the waters near Morehead City. Clear, calm water and little current are the best conditions 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 have no fear of boats and prefer baits caught just below water's 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. Wahoo also increases in temperature as the ocean heats up. The water temperature and conditions for fishing are ideal for wahoo.
Wahoo is the main target in spring and autumn. However, the timing of the winter to spring transition determines when other species will make an appearance. The yellowfin and bluefin tuna have historically been the top targets in spring. But they are now absent. Although some are caught occasionally, the number of them is very small. This has made the catch more satisfying. The tactics of five successful captains may interest you if your interests lie in trolling at high speeds.
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 itself should be positioned so that the wire pin is in line with the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos are great for surface and seafloor fishing.
Wahoos prefer to be in deeper water columns, but they can also be found in the sand or in the water. To attract wahoos, ballsyhoos need to be dark in color. They can be aggressive and reach speeds of up to 30 mph in a matter of seconds. 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. When fished correctly, a ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its native waters. Ballyhoos are a great bait for wahoo. If you own a planer, you should consider purchasing a hard bait, such as a Yozuri Bonita or Braid Marauder. You can find them in many colors including pink/black or purple/black.
When fishing for wahoo, a single-strand coffee-colored stainless steel wire leader will work well. The leader should have an attached bridle. Planers come in three to sixteen sizes, and rigging is important for 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
A variety of high-speed trolling lures are ideal for targeting wahoo. These high speed lures can also be pulled with an inside trolling weight. For big tuna and wahoo, the dark colors work well. These lures are strong and durable, so they can keep going even after you catch many fish. Other manufacturers of high-speed trolling lures include MagBay and Nomad.
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 transiting lure's speed in two to four feet waves. Use heavy lures with high-quality drag to achieve this effect. Two people are required to gaff fish for maximum success.
One of the most common types of high-speed lures is the lip plug. These lures are typically rigged with wire or cable. However, this can cause damage to the lure if the lure is bent. This is why it's a good idea to get a multi-stranded wire. The wire can also run straighter because it is less likely to bend or kink. Also, try using a clip to make changing lures easier.
Floating debris
This is a great area to hunt this trophy fish. Whajoo will only eat wrecks, ledges, or floating debris as their preferred bottom habitat. These structures are the ideal habitat for wahoo who will often stack up under these items. As it is often able to work under these obstacles, floating debris is another excellent place to target this species of fish. 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. He should not attempt to fish in areas that aren't home to baitfish or dolphins. To reach the wahoo, he must use a fast-retrieve rod with a 6-to-1 ratio. A 4 to 6 ounce, diamond jig is recommended with a Mustad 3407 hook. You should make sure that the Jigs are long enough to protect a 60-pound fluorocarbon Leader and a float from getting entangled in 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 for monitoring the temperature at the surface. This will allow you to see if any small changes could result in a higher number of Wahoo. The fish population will move to these areas as the temperature drops. During this time, the fishing is the best in these areas.
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. 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 have a structure-oriented fall. They are attracted to inshore lumps and drops of up to 120 feet. These large fish are known for their sharp jaws. To catch one, Hagerich recommends heavy single-strand wire and a heavy-duty rod. Captains help anglers fish a wahoo by shifting the boat into and out of gear.
Whalos are bottom-based aggressive formations that like to hang around wrecks, pronounced ledges, and other types of weeds. They are more likely to take fast-moving baits. They can often be found near weedlines in North Carolina. This means they are more likely strike a lure or weedline. They can be caught at speeds up to ten miles per hour.
The best fishing season for the wahoo can be found from July to September. The fish prefer warm Gulf Stream waters and North Carolina's wahoo fishing structure will provide plenty of opportunities to catch them. To find a few wahoo, trolling offshore wrecks or humps is a good option.
Peak feeding 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. During these peak times, you should trolling at either a moderate or high speed. You can catch a wahoo as long as your boat is capable of handling the extra speed.
Summer is the best time to fish for wahoo. The best places to catch these fish are on the ledges and structures between Jupiter's and Stuart inlets. The average wahoo weighs about 25 pounds. But, 50-pounders are not uncommon. This is the best time to catch a large or a small wahoo.
It is best to go after wahoo between October and March. Because the water is cool, wahoo are more likely to bite during these months. Although May weather can be unpredictable, it is usually the best month for light-tackle fishing. 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 often should I change my lures?
Change your lures once a day. Lures tend to lose effectiveness after being left out in the sun too long.
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 to fish without any type of license. Find out the requirements by contacting your local Fish & Wildlife authority.
What is the time it takes to catch a fish.
It depends on the size and skill level of your fisherman. Landing a fish can take anywhere from one to an hour. The greater your chance of landing a big fish, the longer you wait.
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)
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
External Links
How To
Finding the Best Fishing Location
It is important to know the type of fish that you are looking for in order to find the best spots for fishing. You should decide whether you want to go deep sea fishing or shallow water fishing. Deep sea fishing is expensive and requires a boat. Shallow water fishing requires no boat and can be done from shore. If you're interested in catching trout, you'd probably choose shallow water fishing. However, if your goal is to catch barracuda you will have to venture out into deeper waters.
You can choose from many different kinds of fishing spots depending on your preferences. Some locations offer only one type while others offer many options. One example is that some areas are known for their bass fishing and others specialize in fly-fishing. Other locations are famous for their shark fishing and crabbing.
It all depends on what you enjoy doing, your budget and how long you plan to stay. Do you enjoy camping? If so, you might be interested in a spot near a lake. Do you prefer city life? Maybe you prefer the ocean. You might enjoy canoeing and sailing, scubadiving, kayaking, and surfing.
Even if fishing is not something you are familiar with, it's worth asking someone who does. They can tell you everything, even where to go.
You could even try searching online for "fishing spots near me." This will give you lots of ideas. You might be able to narrow down your choices by looking at reviews and ratings. You can do this on many websites.
Once you've chosen a place, go to it before you leave. Sometimes it takes longer to get there than anticipated. Also, make sure you bring everything you think you'll need. Remember to bring your bait, tackle box, sunscreen, and sunblock!
Researching the weather conditions is a great idea. The forecast can help you determine the best time to go. You may need to modify your plans if the weather conditions change.
Once you've decided where to go, you can begin planning your trip. Next, decide what fish you want to catch.