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. This information will help you catch the best fish, whether you fish from an off-shore trolling boat or one of the many high speed lures. And remember, there's no size limit for 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. Wahoo begin to appear in the waters around Morehead City from mid-to 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 are not afraid of boats, and they prefer baits fished just below the surface. This technique is very popular in the Bahamas, where boats are pulling artificials at speeds up to twenty knots. Barracuda aren't a problem in the Carolinas. Wahoo also increases in temperature as the ocean heats up. Wahoo can fish in perfect conditions due to the ocean temperature and fishing conditions.
In spring and summer, wahoo is the primary target. But, other species can make an appearance depending on when the winter to spring transition occurs. Yellowfin tuna has been the top target for spring fish in the past. However, in recent years they have been absent. Although some do get caught, there are not many. This has made it more rewarding to catch them. The tactics of five successful captains may interest you if your interests lie in trolling at high speeds.
Ballyhoos
Ballyhoos, the best bait, are ideal for catching wahoo. The bait can be frozen, fresh or frozen and should be retrieved using 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 tend to prefer deeper water, but they are also found in the sand. Ballyhoos should be of a dark color to attract strikes from wahoo. They are aggressive and can reach incredible speeds within seconds. Ballyhoos have the ability to lure other species fish.
Ballyhoos are one of the most effective wahoo luring devices in the waters around North Carolina. Ballyhoos comes in many different colors and textures. A ballyhoo is capable of catching wahoo in the waters it inhabits if fished correctly. Ballyhoos are a great bait for wahoo. You will need a hard lure such as a Yozuri Bonita and a Braid Marauder if your planer rod has one. These lures are available in several colors, including pink/black and 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. There are three to sixteen sizes of planers, so rigging is essential for success. Capt. Weaver also noted that wahoo are a common target. If you are planning on targeting wahoo, rigging a planer with a bridle will help you to find the sweet spot.
High-speed lures
For chasing wahoo, a variety of high-speed trolling lures is ideal. These high-speed lures may be pulled with an inner trolling weight and put on a downrigger. Particularly effective when targeting large tuna or wahoo, 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 love a high-speed trolling lure because it can be quickly taken to the best fishing spots. Wahoos can reach speeds up to 60 mph while strike lures travel at an average speed of 18 mph. That's the speed of an average transiting bait in two- to four-foot waves. Because of this, you need to use heavy lures with quality drag. Gaffing the fish should be done by two people for maximum success.
The lip plug is a popular type of high-speed lure. These lures usually have wire or cable rigged to them. Unfortunately, this method can break the line when the lure gets bent, so it's best to invest in a multi-strand cable. The wire can also run straighter because it is less likely to bend or kink. To make it easier to change lures, you can use a clip.
Floating debris
This fish is great for targeting from floating debris. Whajoo will only eat wrecks, ledges, or floating debris as their preferred bottom habitat. These structures provide the perfect habitat for wahoo, who tend to stack up underneath these items. This is a great place to target this fish because it works well underneath these obstacles. Floating debris is also a great way to find these magnificent fish in their schools.
Before searching for a school, a fisherman should first inspect the floating debris for signs of dolphins. If there aren't any baitfish or dolphins in the area, he should just leave it alone. To get to the wahoo he will need a fast-retrieve reel that has a 6-to-1 gear ratio. A 4 to 6 ounce, diamond jig is recommended with a Mustad 3407 hook. Jigs should be long enough to protect a 60-pound fluorocarbon leader and a float if the bait gets entangled in the debris. 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 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. As the temperature of the water surface decreases, the fish population is more likely to move to these areas. This is when the fishing in these areas is at its best.
Structure
It is possible that the structure of North Carolina's Wahoo fishing fleet may be an anomaly in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo prefer to move in migratory ways. 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. The structure that these fish inhabit is based on currents and water temperature.
Whalos, which are structure-oriented in their fall, frequent inshore drops and lumps in 120 feet or more of water. These huge fish are famous for their razor-sharp teeth. Hagerich recommends heavy singlestrand wire and an extremely heavy-duty fishing rod in order 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 than others to be caught near weedlines or artificial lures. They can reach speeds of up to ten 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 temperatures, and North Carolina has a lot of options for wahoo fishermen looking to find them. To locate a few, you could trot around wrecks or offshore humps.
Peak times for feeding
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. For example, the three days immediately before and after the Full Moon, and the New Moon are prime times for wahoo fishing. These peak times are best when you trolling at a high or normal speed. If your boat is capable to handle the additional speed, you will be able catch a wahoo.
Summer is the best season for wahoo fishing. These fish can be found on the ledges or structures between Jupiter and Stuart inlets. The average wahoo weighs about 25 pounds. But, 50-pounders are not uncommon. During this prime time, you'll be able to catch both a large wahoo and a smaller one.
October to March is the best time to target wahoo. This is because the water temperature stays cool, making it more likely that wahoo will bite. Although the weather in May is often unpredictable, light-tackle fishing is best during this time. Blue-crystal is the best bait for wahoo fishing if you are planning a trip. You can also fish during the latter part of April and May if you want big fish.
FAQ
How far away from shore should I stand when fishing?
You are more likely to catch fish the further you stand from shore. This also increases your chances of getting wet.
What is your favorite bait for freshwater-fishing?
The best bait for freshwater fishing is live shrimp. Shrimp are affordable, simple to catch, and taste fantastic!
What kind of fishing license do I need?
You will need a fishing permit if your plan is to fish on state waters (i.e. the lakes, rivers and beaches). The state laws require that anglers obtain a valid fishing licence before they can fish. If you plan on fishing in federal waters (e.g., oceans or Great Lakes), you must obtain a valid fishing licence. ), you do not need a fishing license. However, you will need to check with the authorities before you take any fish home.
Do I need special permits to fish?
If you are planning to take fish out-of-state or across county lines, then no. Most states permit anglers to fish with no license. Find out the requirements by contacting your local Fish & Wildlife authority.
What's the right fishing rod length?
The right fishing rod length depends on what kind of fish you want to catch. If you want to catch smallmouth bass, a rod of 6'6 inches would be the best. However, if you're looking for largemouth bass, a 7'5" rod might work better.
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How To
How to cast a fishing rod perfectly
The first thing you must know when casting a fishing rod is to use your wrist to move the rod's handle smoothly towards the water. To ensure that the rod is parallel to ground, it should be held at an angle. The rod should be moved forward with the tip perpendicular towards the water surface. If the tip of the rod touches the water's surface, fish won’t bite. This technique allows you to increase the distance from the tip of your rod to the water's surface.
These tips will help you feel more comfortable casting a fishing rod.
The first thing you should do is to hold the rod at your chest. You will be able to easily control the rod’s direction without having your back bent.
If you are casting a large rod, it is a good idea to put a tripod on the shoreline. You'll be able rest your rod securely and still have control of the reel.
Third, consider getting a small reel over a more expensive one. A low-cost spinning reel will allow for you to cast greater distances. It will also improve your hand eye coordination.
A fishing pole holder might be another option. These holders are designed to hold the rod firmly while keeping it upright. These holders are easy-to-store and prevent rod damage.
Fifth, practice casting until it becomes second nature. Casting a fishing rod takes practice.
Sixth, patience and perseverance are the keys to fishing success. Wait for the right time to strike, then work hard to catch the fish.