Here are some tips to help you make the most of your wahoo fishing trip to North Carolina. You can fish with any of the high-speed lures or an offshore trolling boat to catch 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
Offshore trolling for wahoo fishing is best during the fall in North Carolina, particularly late August/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. For offshore trolling, a ballyhoo rigged plainly is a good choice of bait. 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 is a very common technique in the Bahamas, which has boats pulling artificials at speeds as high as twenty knots. Barracuda aren't a problem in the Carolinas. Wahoos also respond to ocean temperatures rising. The water temperature and conditions for fishing are ideal for wahoo.
In the spring and fall, wahoo are the primary target. However, the timing of the winter to spring transition determines when other species will make an appearance. Yellowfin tuna was the most sought-after species in spring in the past, but they have been absent in recent years. Although some do get caught, there are not many. The catch has been made even more rewarding by this. If you are interested in high-speed trolling techniques, you might want to read about five successful captains.
Ballyhoos
Ballyhoos is the best bait to catch wahoo. The bait can be frozen, fresh or frozen and should be retrieved using 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 make great surface and seafloor fisherman.
Wahoos usually prefer the deeper water column but can be found on the sand as well as in the water. To attract wahoos, ballsyhoos need to be dark in color. They can run at incredible speeds and are very aggressive. Ballyhoos also work well in luring other types fish.
Ballyhoos are one of the most effective wahoo luring devices in the waters around North Carolina. Ballyhoos come in a variety of colors and textures. If properly fished, a ballyhoo may catch wahoo right in its natural waters. Ballyhoos can also be used as wahoo bait. You should invest in a hard lure if you have a planer rod such as a Yozuri 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 to the leader. There are three to sixteen sizes of planers, so rigging is essential for success. Capt. Weaver notes that wahoo have a tendency to be 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
You can target wahoo with a variety high-speed trolling baits. 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. They are also very durable and will continue to run even after they catch a lot of fish. MagBay, Nomad and Nomad are other manufacturers of high-speed trolling baits.
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 hit speeds of 60 mph with strike lures travelling at 18 MPH. This is the average transiting luring lure at a speed of two to four feet. Use heavy lures with high-quality drag to achieve this effect. Gaffing the fish should be done by two people for maximum success.
One of the most common types of high-speed lures is the lip plug. 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. A clip can be used to make changing lures simpler.
Floating debris
This is a great area to hunt this trophy fish. Whajoo love to hunt on the bottom, especially wrecks, ledges and floating debris. These structures make the perfect habitat to wahoo because they tend to pile up beneath them. This is a great place to target this fish because it works well underneath 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 dolphins or other baitfish in the area, he should leave it alone. He should also use a fast retrieve reel with a 6-to-1 gear to reach the wahoo. 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 do not work - the hooks on the top are for assistance.
The water surface temperature drops in the cooler months, which increases the chances of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers to live in cooler waters and areas that have current. Satellite imagery can monitor the temperature surface to determine if any slight changes will cause a higher level of Wahoo. The temperature of the water surface drops, which means that the fish population moves to these areas more often. These areas offer the best fishing conditions.
Structure
In the Gulf of Mexico, the structure of wahoo fishing in North Carolina may be an anomaly. Wahoo travel in migratory routes. They can migrate in the Atlantic through several regions such as the Gulf of Mexico (the Caribbean), the Gulf of Mexico (the Western Atlantic), and then 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 large fish are well-known for their razor sharp jaws. Hagerich suggests heavy single-strand wire and heavy-duty rods to capture one. Captains help anglers fish a wahoo by shifting the boat into and out of gear.
Whalos can be aggressive bottom formations. They like to hang out around wrecks, ledges and other weedlines. They are more likely to take fast-moving baits. They will often remain near weedlines and trash in North Carolina. They are more likely to catch a weedline, or an artificial lure. They can be caught at speeds of up 10 knots.
Although the wahoo is a year-round species, the best fishing for it occurs from 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 find a few wahoo, trolling offshore wrecks or humps is a good option.
Feeding peak times
While there are many times of the year when wahoo fishing can be very productive, there are certain peak times in the month you should focus on for the 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 are the best times to trot at normal or high speeds. You can catch a wahoo as long as your boat is capable of handling the extra speed.
Summer is the best season for wahoo fishing. 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. You can catch both large and small wahoos during this time.
From October to March, wahoo are most at their best. 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. Blue-crystal will be the best bait if you go on a fishing trip during this time. You can also fish during the latter part of April and May if you want big fish.
FAQ
How much does basic fishing gear cost?
Basic fishing equipment costs around $100-$200 dollars for rod/reel combos, bait, tackle box, etc. A larger boat will cost you between $500-$1000.
How far away should I stand while fishing?
The farther you stand from the shore, the more likely you are to catch fish. However, this also increases the chances of getting wet.
How big should my tacklebox be?
Because you will need ample space to store your fishing gear, a large tackle box is essential. The number of items inside a tackle box will determine its size.
How deep should I cast my line?
Cast your line as deep as possible. When casting a line, keep your arm straight so that the line doesn't twist.
What is the best season to fish?
It is best to fish in the morning or at night. These times are when the fish are active and feeding.
How can I bait my hooks
You can bait your hooks by attaching a piece de meat to the end of your hook. Attach the meat to the eye of the hook.
Which rod should you choose?
Graphite fiberglass composite makes the best fly fishing rod. This material is strong, lightweight and has great casting properties. To be able to cast better with graphite, you need to practice.
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)
- 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)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
- 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)
External Links
How To
Finding the Best Fishing Spot
The best places to fish are those where you know what kind you want. It's important to decide if deep sea fishing is for you or shallow water. Deep sea fishing requires a boat, which costs money. Shallow water fishing requires no boat and can be done from shore. Deep water fishing would be the best option for trout fishermen. However, if your goal is to catch barracuda you will have to venture out into deeper waters.
Depending on what you prefer, there are many options for fishing spots. Some places offer only one type of fishing while others have several options. For instance, some locations are known for their bass fish fishing and others for fly fishing. Other places are known for their shark-fishing and crabbing.
How long you intend to stay and your interests will all play a role in deciding where you want to go. Do you enjoy camping? You might consider a location near a lake. Are you more drawn to city life? Maybe you prefer the ocean. You might even enjoy taking part in a sport such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, scuba diving, or surfing.
It doesn't matter if you don’t know anything about fishing. You could always ask someone who does. They might be able to tell you all sorts of information, including where to fish.
You can even search online for fishing spots near you. This will give you many options. You might be able to narrow down your choices by looking at reviews and ratings. Many websites allow you to do so.
Once you've chosen a place, go to it before you leave. It is not always easy to find the right way, so make sure you have directions. Also, make sure you bring everything you think you'll need. Remember to bring your bait, tackle box, sunscreen, and sunblock!
It's a good idea also to check the weather conditions at the spot. Check the forecast and see when the best times are to go. If the weather is changing, it's a good idea to make changes to your plans.
You now have the information you need to plan your trip. The next step is deciding what you're going to use to fish.