Here are some tips to help you make the most of your wahoo fishing trip to North Carolina. The following information will help to find the best catch, no matter if you are fishing from an offshore trolling vessel or using high-speed lures. And remember, there's no size limit for recreational catch of wahoo. It's easy to land a trophy fish if you hold the correct commercial licenses.
Offshore trolling
Offshore trolling for wahoo fishing is best during the fall in North Carolina, particularly late August/early September. The waters near Morehead City start to see wahoo in mid- to late August. Clear and calm waters with minimal current are best for fishing. For offshore trolling, a ballyhoo rigged plainly is a good choice of bait. Several other lures are also popular, including cedar plugs, Green Machines, and Wahoo Whackers.
Whajoo have no fear of boats and prefer baits caught just below water's surface. This technique is very popular in the Bahamas, where boats are pulling artificials at speeds up to twenty knots. However, in the Carolinas, Barracuda are not a problem. The ocean temperature rises and so does the wahoo. The water temperature and conditions for fishing are ideal 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 do get caught, there are not many. This makes the catch 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 freeze the bait, or you can retrieve it fresh using a trolling-size Jhook. 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 typically hang out in the deeper water column, but they can be found even on the sand and in the water. To attract wahoo strikes, ballyhoos should have a dark colored body. 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 with a variety colors and textures. If fished correctly, a Ballyhoo will catch wahoo from its native 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.
For fishing for wahoo, a single-strand coffee colored stainless steel wire leader works well. A bridle should be attached on the leader. Planers come in a variety of sizes and rigging can be crucial to their success. Capt. Weaver notes that wahoo have a tendency to be 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. For big tuna and wahoo, the dark colors work well. These lures can also be durable and continue running even after catching many fish. MagBay is another manufacturer of high-speed trolling lures.
These fish will love trolling lures that are fast and can quickly get to the right spot. Wahoo can reach speeds of 60mph and strike lures traveling at 18 mph. This is the average speed of a transiting lure traveling at two to four feet per second. Use heavy lures with high-quality drag to achieve this effect. For maximum success, two people are recommended to gaff the fish.
The lip-plug is one of most popular types of high speed lures. These lures usually have wire or cable rigged to them. This can cause the lure to become bent and break the line. It is best to buy a multi-stranded 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 is a great area to hunt this trophy fish. Whajoo are attracted to aggressive bottom formations such as wrecks and ledges. These structures make the perfect habitat to wahoo because they tend to pile up beneath them. The best place to target this fish is also floating debris. This material often works under these obstacles. Floating debris is also a great way to find these magnificent fish in their schools.
Before locating a school of wahoo, a fisherman must first check the floating debris for dolphins. He should not attempt to fish in areas that aren't home to baitfish or dolphins. 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. If the bait becomes entangled in debris, the jig should be long enough for it to protect the fluorocarbon leader of 60 pounds and the float. Butterfly-style Jigs are not recommended. They have help hooks at the tip.
Wahoos are more likely to be found in cooler months when the water surface temperature is lower. This species prefers cool water and places with current. Satellite imagery can be used to monitor the temperature of the surface to determine if there are any temperature changes that could lead to a higher Wahoo concentration. As the water temperature drops, the fish population tends to move to these locations. This is when the fishing in these areas is 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. These fish live in a structure determined by currents and water temperatures.
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 infamous for their razor-sharp jaws. To catch one, Hagerich recommends heavy single-strand wire and a heavy-duty rod. The captain assists anglers fishing wahoo by moving the boat around and helping them stay in the right gear.
Whalos are aggressive bottom formations and like to hang around pronounced ledges, wrecks, and other weed lines. They will often strike 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.
The best times to fish for the wahoo are 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 catch some wahoo, you might try trolling the offshore humps and wrecks.
Peak times for feeding
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. The best times to wahoo fish are the days immediately prior and after the Full Moon and the New Moon. During peak times, trolling should be done at either a medium or high speed. And as long as you have a boat that can handle the extra speed, you can expect to catch a wahoo.
Summer is the best season for wahoo fishing. The best time to target these fish is on the ledges and structure between the Jupiter and Stuart inlets. The average wahoo weighs about 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. This is because the water temperature stays cool, making it more likely that wahoo will bite. While the weather in May can be unpredictable, this is generally the best time for light-tackle fishing. If you're planning a trip during this time, the best bait for wahoo is blue-crystal. You can also fish during the latter part of April and May if you want big fish.
FAQ
How can I bait my hooks
You can bait your hooks by attaching a piece de meat to the end of your hook. Tie the meat around the hook's eye.
What is your favorite bait for freshwater-fishing?
The best bait for freshwater fishing is live shrimp. Shrimp are easy to catch and delicious!
How much money can I expect to spend on fishing gear?
Fishing gear does not have to be expensive. There are many low-cost options. For example, you could buy a cheap reel, line, and hook. Or you could invest in a quality rod and reel set.
What happens if I catch a fish and lose it?
It is part of the game to lose a fish. Sometimes, you will catch a fish and then lose it. Keep trying until you catch another fish. You will eventually catch another one.
Is it possible to fish during the day?
You can fish at any time of the day. You can only fish during bans.
How can I get my kids to take up fishing?
Absolutely! Children love fishing. Fishing is something that most children love to do. There are many ways you can encourage your child fishing. To encourage them to fish, you can teach them how knots are made, how to build a fishing line, and what fishing etiquette is. They could be shown pictures of fish and told stories about fishing.
What should I wear to fish?
Protect your skin from the elements with clothes. You can protect yourself from the elements with gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Also, bring along insect repellent.
Statistics
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.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)
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
External Links
How To
How to cast a fishing rod perfectly
You must first know how to cast a fish rod. You should hold the rod at a slight angle to ensure the line is parallel with the ground. As you move the rod forward, ensure that the rod tip is perpendicular with the water's surface. The fish won't eat if the tip touches water's surface sooner than the line reaches bottom. 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.
Hold the rod as close as you can to your chest. By doing this, the rod will move in the right direction and you won't have to bend.
A tripod can be placed on the shoreline, or on a rock ledge, to cast a heavy rod. You can rest the rod securely, while also holding the reel.
You might also consider purchasing a small reel rather than an expensive one. A low-cost spinning reel will allow for you to cast greater distances. It will also improve your hand eye coordination.
A fourth option is to purchase a fishing rod holder. These holders are made to securely hold the rod while maintaining its upright position. They are easy to store after use and protect the rod against damage.
Fifth, practice your casting technique until you feel comfortable with the motion. It takes time to master the art of casting a fishing rod.
Sixth, patience and perseverance are the keys to fishing success. You need to wait until the right moment strikes and then work hard for the fish.