Here are some tips to help you make the most of your wahoo fishing trip to North Carolina. These tips will help you get the best catch whether you fish offshore or with high-speed lures. Remember that recreational wahoo catch is unlimited. You'll be able to land a trophy fish as long as your commercial licenses are valid.
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. Wahoo begin to appear in the waters around Morehead City from mid-to late August. Clear, calm water and little current are the best conditions for fishing. For offshore trolling, the best bait is a simple ballyhoo. Other lures that are popular include cedar plugs and Green Machines.
Whajoo aren't afraid of boats. They prefer baits just below the water surface. This method is extremely popular in the Bahamas where artificials are pulled at speeds of up to twenty knots. Barracuda, however, are not an issue in 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 spring and fall, wahoo will be the main target. The timing of the transition from winter to spring determines when other species are likely to 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 even more rewarding. However, if you're interested in a high-speed trolling technique, you may want to learn more about the tactics of five accomplished captains.
Ballyhoos
Ballyhoos, the best bait, are ideal for catching wahoo. You can either freeze or freshen the bait and retrieve it with a trolling 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 tend to prefer deeper water, but they are also found in the sand. To attract wahoo strikes to your ballyhoo, you should choose a dark-colored ballyhoo. They are fast and aggressive, reaching speeds of up to 125 mph in just seconds. Ballyhoos have the ability to lure other species fish.
Ballyhoos are the most effective wahoo lures in the waters off North Carolina. Ballyhoos come in a variety of colors and textures. A ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its own waters if it is fished properly. Ballyhoos are also excellent bait for wahoo. If you have a planer rod, you will want to invest in a hard lure, such as a Yo-zuri Bonita or a Braid Marauder. They are available in many different colors, such as pink/black and purple/black.
One-strand coffee-colored stainless wire wire leaders will work well when fishing for wahoo. A bridle should be attached to the leader. 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
Many high-speed lures for trolling are available to catch wahoo. These high-speed lures can be pulled with an inline trolling weight and placed on a downrigger or planer. Dark colors work especially well when targeting wahoo or big tuna. They are also very durable and will continue to run even after they catch a lot of fish. MagBay as well as Nomad manufacture high-speed trolling lures.
This lure can be used to catch these fish as it is fast enough that you can get to your favorite fishing spot quickly. Wahoo can travel at 60 mph, while strike lures travel at 18 mph. This is the average speed of a transiting lure traveling at two to four feet per second. This is why you should use quality drag and heavy lures. To maximize your chances of success, it is recommended that you gaff the fish two times.
The lip-plug is one of most popular types of high speed lures. These lures are often rigged in wire or cable. This method can lead to the lure breaking if it is bent. Therefore, multi-strand cables are recommended. The wire can also run straighter because it is less likely to bend or kink. A clip can be used to make changing lures simpler.
Floating debris
Floating debris is a great place to target this trophy fish. Whajoo will only eat wrecks, ledges, or floating debris as their preferred bottom habitat. These structures offer the perfect habitat for wahoos, who often pile up under them. As it is often able to work under these obstacles, floating debris is another excellent place to target this species of fish. Floating debris can also help you find the schools of these majestic fish.
Before searching for a school, a fisherman should first inspect the floating debris for signs of dolphins. If there is no baitfish or dolphins, the fisherman should let it go. To get to the wahoo he will need a fast-retrieve reel that has a 6-to-1 gear ratio. It is recommended to use a 4 to 6 ounce diamond jig and a Mustad 3407 double-strength hook. 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. Butterfly-style jigs do not work - the hooks on the top are for assistance.
The water surface temperature in cooler months is lower, increasing the likelihood of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers cooler water and areas with 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 decreases, fish populations are more likely to migrate to these areas. These areas are the best for fishing during this time.
Structure
In the Gulf of Mexico, the structure of wahoo fishing in North Carolina may be an anomaly. Wahoo tend to travel 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 are dependent on water temperature and currents to determine the structure they inhabit.
Whalos are structure-oriented during the fall. This means they often drop in 120 feet of water and frequent inshore lumps. These large fish are known for their sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends heavy single strand wire and a strong rod to catch one. The captain assists anglers fishing wahoo by moving the boat around and helping them stay in the right gear.
Whalos, which are aggressive bottom formations, like to hang around wrecks, pronounced edges, and other weedlines. They often prefer to strike fast-moving baits. They often stay near weedlines and other debris in North Carolina. 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 time to catch wahoo is 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 catch some wahoo, you might try trolling the offshore humps and wrecks.
Feeding peak times
Although there are many times of year that wahoo fishing proves to be productive, there is a specific time of the month when it is at its best. You should wahoo-fish on the days immediately preceding and following the Full Moon and New Moon. These peak times are best when you trolling at a high or normal speed. As long as your boat can handle this extra speed, you should be able to catch a wahoo.
Summer is the best period to fish for wahoo. The best place to fish for these fish is between Jupiter inlets and Stuart islands. The average wahoo weighs around 25 pounds, but 50-pounders are not uncommon. This prime time is when you can catch both a large and smaller wahoo.
You can target wahoo from October through March. These months see a cooler water temperature, making wahoo easier to catch. While the weather in May can be unpredictable, this is generally the best time for light-tackle fishing. Blue-crystal, which is the best bait when fishing for wahoo, is recommended if you're considering a trip in this season. However, if you're looking for big fish, you can try fishing during late April and early May.
FAQ
How much are basic fishing tools?
Basic fishing equipment starts at $100-$200, including rod/reel and bait combos, as well as tackle boxes and bait. If you want to go out on a bigger boat, then you'll need to spend between $500-$1000 dollars.
Are there different types or lures?
Yes, there is a wide range of lures. Some lures are specifically made for certain fish species. Others mimic insects, grasshoppers and frogs. Lures come in many sizes and shapes. Some lures even look just like real bugs.
What happens to a fish that is lost while I'm fishing?
It is part of the game to lose a fish. Sometimes you will catch a fish only to lose it later. If this happens, keep trying. You will eventually catch another fishing fish.
What's the right fishing rod length?
The kind of fish that you are looking to catch determines the length of your fishing line. A 6'6 inch rod would work well if you're targeting smallmouth bass. A 7'5" rod would be better if your goal is largemouth bass.
How long does it take for a fish to be caught?
It all depends on the fish size and the skill of the fisherman. A fish can be caught in between one and an hour. The more time you wait to catch a big fish the greater your chances of success.
Are there any restrictions on when I can fish?
You can, but it is important to make sure that artificial light is used. Fisherman use artificial lights to lure fish. They work well after the sun sets as fish become more active in the dark.
What distance should I fish from the shore?
The farther you are from the shore, you're more likely to catch fish. This also increases your chances of getting wet.
Statistics
- 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)
- 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)
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
External Links
How To
Why would you want to use a spinning rod instead?
Spinning Rods can be used to cast your lure directly into the water, without needing to leave the boat. It's a great choice if you don't want to lose too much time getting back into the boat after every cast. A spinning rod is designed to allow you to make casts from any position while still maintaining control of your line. The main components of the rod are the handle, reel seat, and butt section. The handle is used to hold the rod, and the shaft. The rod's tips are attached to the hook by the butt portion. The reel seat holds the line to which it is attached. There are many types of rods today. Some rods are made for fishing specific techniques, like trolling or casting. Others are intended to be used for different purposes, such fly fishing or spin fishing, as well as bait fishing.
The type and species of fish that you are trying to catch will dictate the type of rod you use. 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 purchase multiple rod sizes depending upon how big you plan to catch the fish.
Spinning Rods aren't limited to freshwater fisherman. They are also used frequently for saltwater fishing. Saltwater spinning reels are typically heavier than freshwater rods. This is because saltwater requires stronger materials to withstand saltwater. Saltwater spinners often have a longer rod but a smaller diameter. They are able to cast farther distances thanks to this rod. You should be aware that saltwater fishing can have its drawbacks. First, unlike freshwater spinning rods, saltwater ones do not come with reels. You must buy one individually. They are also quite costly. If you love catching bigger fish, then a spinning rod may be something to consider.
Spin fishing is a type of angling that uses a spinning rod to throw a weighted lure into water. When the lure is in the water, it will spin around the weighted central point. This causes the lure's motion to be unpredictable in the water and makes it difficult for fishes to see. Fish may also mistakenly eat the lure for food, and begin to feed on it. As a result, the lure will attract more fish to it. The lure's line can then be reeled in by a fisherman. After the lure has been recovered, the fisherman will be able to reel in the line until he captures the desired amount of fish.