These are some helpful tips for anyone who wants to learn how to wahoo fish in North Carolina. 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. 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. Wahoo begin to appear in the waters around Morehead City from mid-to late August. Clear water with little to no current is the best for fishing. For offshore trolling, a ballyhoo rigged plainly is a good choice of bait. There are many other lures available, such as cedar plugs, Green Machines and Wahoo Whackers.
Whajoo do not fear boats and prefer baits that are fished below the 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. Wahoo can fish in perfect conditions due to the ocean temperature and fishing conditions.
In spring and fall, wahoo will be the main target. Other species may appear depending on the time of the winter-spring transition. Yellowfin tuna was the most sought-after species in spring in the past, but they have been absent in recent years. While some are caught, the numbers are low. This has made the catch even more rewarding. The tactics of five successful captains may interest you if your interests lie in trolling at high speeds.
Ballyhoos
Ballyhoos are the best bait for catching wahoo. You can freeze the bait, or you can retrieve it fresh using a trolling-size Jhook. The hook must be placed in a way that the wire pin touches the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos can be used for both surface and deep-sea 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 can be aggressive and reach speeds of up to 30 mph in a matter of seconds. Ballyhoos can also be used to lure other species of fish.
Ballyhoos, the most effective wahoo baits in North Carolina waters, are best. Ballyhoos are available in many colors and textures. When fished correctly, a ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its native waters. Ballyhoos make great wahoo bait. A planer rod is a good choice for a hard lure. You can invest in either a Yo-zuri Bonita (or a Braid Marauder). You can find them in many colors including pink/black or purple/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. The sizes of planers range from three to sixteen, and the importance of rigging for success is paramount. Capt. Weaver also noted that wahoo are 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 may be pulled with an inner trolling weight and put on a downrigger. Dark colors work especially well when targeting wahoo or big tuna. These lures are durable and can be used for many fish. MagBay as well as Nomad manufacture 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 transiting lure's speed in two to four feet waves. You should therefore use heavy lures that have quality drag. To maximize your chances of success, it is recommended that you gaff the fish two times.
The lip plug is a popular type of high-speed lure. 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. This wire is also less likely to bend and kink, so it can run straighter. You can also use a clip to make changing lures more simple.
Floating debris
This trophy fish can be found in floatable debris. Whajoo love to hunt on the bottom, especially wrecks, ledges and floating debris. These structures provide the perfect habitat for wahoo, who tend to stack up underneath these items. Another great spot to target this fish is floating debris. It often works well beneath these obstacles. You can also use floating debris to locate these magnificent 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 are no baitfish, or dolphins around the area, then he should leave it alone. To reach the wahoo, he should use a fast reel with a 6-to-1 speed ratio. A 4 to six-ounce diamond jig with a double-strength Mustad 3407 hook is recommended. A jig should have enough length to hold a 60-pound fluorocarbon lead and a float in case the bait becomes caught in the debris. Jigs should not be Butterfly-style - they have assist hooks at the top.
The water surface temperature in cooler months is lower, increasing the likelihood 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. As the water temperature drops, the fish population tends to move to these locations. This time is when fishing in these areas can be at its best.
Structure
A few exceptions may exist in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo tend to travel in migratory patterns. They might travel in the Atlantic through the following regions: the Caribbean Gulf of Mexico; the Western Atlantic; and then on to the eastern Atlantic. This is determined by the currents and the water temperature.
Whalos have a structure-oriented fall. They are attracted to inshore lumps and drops of up to 120 feet. These large fish are infamous for their razor-sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends using heavy single-stranded wire and a long-handled rod to catch one. Captains help anglers fish a wahoo by shifting the boat into and out of gear.
Whalos are aggressive bottom forms and love to hang around wrecks, ledges, or other weed lines. They prefer to strike fast-moving lures. 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 even be caught at speeds exceeding ten knots.
Although the wahoo is a year-round species, the best fishing for it occurs from July through September. They prefer warmer Gulf Stream water, so if you're looking for a great place to fish, North Carolina's wahoo fishing infrastructure will offer you many options. To find a few wahoo, trolling offshore wrecks or humps is a good option.
Peak feeding 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. The best times to wahoo fish are the days immediately prior and after the Full Moon and the New Moon. These are the best times to trot at normal or high speeds. A boat capable of handling this extra speed will allow you to catch a wahoo.
When it comes to wahoo fishing, the most effective time is summer. These fish are best caught on the structures and ledges between Jupiter and Stuart Inlets. The average wahoo weighs around 25 pounds, but 50-pounders are not uncommon. During prime time you will be able catch both a large and a smaller wahoo.
October to March is the best time to target wahoo. These months see a cooler water temperature, making wahoo easier to catch. Although the weather in May is often unpredictable, light-tackle fishing is best during this time. If you're planning a trip during this time, the best bait for wahoo is blue-crystal. For big fish, however you might want to try fishing in late April and/or early May.
FAQ
Where is the best place for fishing?
The best place to fish is near freshwater bodies such as lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, etc. These areas are full of fish and provide ample food.
How long does it take for a fish to be caught?
It all depends on the fish size and the skill of the fisherman. Landing a fish can take anywhere from one to an hour. You have a better chance of landing a large fish if you wait longer.
What should I wear while fishing?
Protect yourself from the elements by wearing clothes. You can protect yourself from the elements with gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Consider adding insect repellent.
Is it safe and legal to eat fish caught from another source?
It doesn't matter where you buy fish. Always ask the seller if their fish has a freshness expiration date. If there is no expiration date on the fish, it is probably safe to eat. But, don't eat the fish if it smells or looks old.
Where can you buy your fishing supplies?
You can purchase all of these items at most sporting goods stores. Online shopping is a good option if you are searching for something particular. Many websites sell everything, from rods to reels to tackle boxes to lures.
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)
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
External Links
How To
Why would you need a spinning rod?
Spinning Rods can be used to cast your lure directly into the water, without needing to leave the boat. This is a great option if you don’t want to spend too much time returning to the boat after casting. A spinning rod will allow you to cast from any position, while maintaining control over your line. The rod consists of three main components: the handle and the reel seat. The handle is used to hold the rod, and the shaft. The butt section is where you attach the rod's tip to the hook. Finally, the reel seat holds your line onto the reel. There are many rod options available today. Some rods are only suitable for specific types of fishing such as trolling or casting. Others can be used to fly fish, spin fish, baitfish, and so on.
The type of fish that will be caught determines the type and size of the rod. You would need a heavy-duty rod if your goal is to catch large predatory fish like pike and bass. For smaller species such as salmon or trout, a lighter rod might be better. You could even consider buying multiple rod sizes, depending on how large the fish you are trying to catch.
Spinning Rods aren't limited to freshwater fisherman. They are commonly used for saltwater fishing too. Saltwater spinning rods are generally heavier than their freshwater counterparts because they require stronger materials to withstand the rigors of saltwater. In addition, saltwater spinners usually feature a larger diameter rod with a shorter length. This allows them cast farther distances. There are downsides to saltwater spinning rods. First, saltwater spinning rods do not come with reels like freshwater ones. You must buy one individually. They are also quite costly. A spinning rod is an option if you like to catch bigger fish.
Spin fishing is a type of angling that uses a spinning rod to throw a weighted lure into water. When the lure moves through the water it turns around its weighted center point. This causes the lure to move erratically in the water, making it difficult for fish to detect the lure. The lure could also be mistaken for food by fish and they may begin to eat it. This will make the lure more attractive to fish. The lure's line can then be reeled in by a fisherman. After the lure is retrieved, the fisherman can continue the process until he has caught the desired number.