Here are some tips for wahoo fishing in North Carolina. You can fish with any of the high-speed lures or an offshore trolling boat to catch the best catch. You don't have to catch a wahoo recreationally. And as long as you're holding the appropriate commercial licenses, you'll have no problem landing a trophy fish.
Offshore trolling
The fall is the best time to trot offshore for wahoo fishing, especially in North Carolina. Wahoos start appearing in the waters surrounding Morehead City between mid and 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. Many other lures are also very popular, such as cedar sticks, Green Machines, or Wahoo Whackers.
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. As the ocean temperature rises, so do the wahoo. For wahoo fishing, the waters are ideal and there are great conditions.
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. While there are some caught, they are few. This has made the catch more satisfying. If you are interested in high-speed trolling techniques, you might want to read about five successful captains.
Ballyhoos
Ballyhoos, the best bait, are ideal for catching wahoo. The bait can be frozen or fresh and is best retrieved with a trolling size J-hook. The hook must be placed in a way that the wire pin touches the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos work well for both seafloor and surface fishing.
Wahoos tend to prefer deeper water, but they are also found in the sand. Ballyhoos should wear dark colors to attract wahoo. They can be aggressive and reach speeds of up to 30 mph in a matter of seconds. Ballyhoos have the ability to lure other species fish.
Ballyhoos make the best wahoo lures in North Carolina. Ballyhoos comes in many different 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). These lures come in many colors such as purple/black or pink/black.
For fishing for wahoo, a single-strand coffee colored stainless steel wire leader works well. The leader should have an attached bridle. Planers come in three to sixteen sizes, and rigging is important for success. Capt. Weaver notes that wahoo have a tendency to be a common target. If you're planning to target wahoo you should rig your planer with a harness.
High-speed lures
For chasing wahoo, a variety of high-speed trolling lures is ideal. These high speed lures can also be pulled with an inside trolling weight. For big tuna and wahoo, the dark colors work well. They are also very durable and will continue to run even after they catch a lot of fish. Other manufacturers of high-speed trolling lures include MagBay and Nomad.
High-speed trolling baits are ideal for these fish, as they can move quickly enough to reach a good spot. Wahoo can run at speeds of 60 mph and strike lures at 18 miles per hour. That is the speed of an average transiting lure in two to four foot waves. 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 the most popular 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. This wire can also be run straighter as it is less likely that it will bend or kink. Clips are also useful for changing lures quickly.
Floating debris
This fish is great for targeting from floating debris. Whajoo prefer aggressive bottom formations, such as wrecks, ledges, and floating debris. These structures provide the perfect habitat for wahoo, who tend to stack up underneath these items. Floating debris is another great location to target this fish, as it often works well under these obstacles. You can also use floating debris to locate these magnificent fish 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 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. 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. They should not be Butterfly-style, as they have help hooks at their top.
During the cooler months, the water surface temperature is cooler, increasing the odds of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers water with current and cooler temperatures. 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. During this time, the fishing is the best in these areas.
Structure
It is possible that the structure of North Carolina's Wahoo fishing fleet may be an anomaly in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo follow 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. The structure that these fish inhabit is based on currents and 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 suggests heavy single-strand wire and heavy-duty rods to capture one. The captain assists anglers fishing wahoo by moving the boat around and helping them stay in the right gear.
Whalos can be aggressive bottom formations. They like to hang out around wrecks, ledges and other weedlines. They will often strike fast-moving baits. In North Carolina, they often linger near weedlines and debris. This means that they are more likely to strike a weedline or an artificial lure. They can even be caught at speeds exceeding 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. You can trolling around wrecks and offshore humps to catch a few wahoo.
Peak times are for food
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. You should be trolling at a normal or high speed during these peak times. 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. 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. During prime time you will be able catch both a large and a smaller wahoo.
The best time to hunt wahoo is between October and March. The water temperature remains cool during these months, making wahoo more likely to bite. May is a great time to light-tackle fish, even though the weather can change quickly. Blue-crystal is the best bait for wahoo fishing if you are planning a trip. However, if you're looking for big fish, you can try fishing during late April and early May.
FAQ
How can I get my kids to take up fishing?
Absolutely! Fishing is a favorite pastime of children. The majority of children who are raised fishing will never stop. Encourage your child to learn how to fish. One way to encourage your child to learn how fishing is done is to teach them how you tie knots, how build a pole, and the basics of fishing etiquette. Show them pictures of fish, and tell them stories.
What should you wear when fishing?
Wear clothing that will protect you from the weather. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and gloves are all good choices. Insect repellent is also a good idea.
Where can I find my fishing gear?
You can purchase all of these items at most sporting goods stores. You can also shop online if you need something in particular. There are many websites that sell everything, including rods and reels as well as tackle boxes and lures.
Which rod do I choose?
Graphite fiberglass composite makes the best fly fishing rod. This composite is strong and lightweight with excellent casting characteristics. To learn how to cast better, you will need to practice with graphite rods.
How do I know if my lure works?
Watch for movement when you throw your lure in the water. If your lure moves, it is functioning properly.
Where is the best place for fishing?
You can fish near rivers, lakes, streams and other freshwater bodies. These areas offer plenty of food and water for fish.
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)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
External Links
How To
Why would you need a spinning rod?
The spinning rod is useful when you need to throw your lure in the water and not have to get out of the boat. If you don't want your casts to take too long, a spinning rod is a good choice. A spinning rod will allow you to cast from any position, while maintaining control over your line. There are three major components to the rod; handle, butt and reel section. The handle holds the rod and allows you to grip the shaft. Attach the rod's end to the hook in the butt area. Finally, the reel's seat holds the line and the reel. There are many different types of rods available today. Some are specifically designed for certain fishing types, such as casting and trolling. Others can be used in a variety ways, such as fly fishing and spin fishing.
The type you catch will affect the type rod you choose. For example, if you target large predatory species like bass or pike, you would probably want a heavy-duty rod. If you are targeting smaller species, such as trout and salmon, a lighter-weight rod may be more effective. You could even get multiple rod sizes to match the size of the fish that you wish to catch.
Spinning rods aren't just for freshwater fishing. They are used extensively for saltwater fishing. Saltwater spinning is more heavy than its freshwater counterparts. It requires stronger materials that can withstand saltwater. Saltwater spinners have a longer rod length and a bigger diameter. This allows them cast farther distances. However, keep in mind that there are some downsides to using a spinning rod for saltwater fishing. First, saltwater spinning rods do not come with reels like freshwater ones. Instead, one must be purchased separately. You will also find them quite expensive. A spinning rod is worth considering if you enjoy catching bigger fish.
A method of fishing that involves using a spinning rod and a weighted lure to cast into the water is called spin fishing. The weighted center of the lure turns as the lure moves through water. This causes the lure's motion to be unpredictable in the water and makes it difficult for fishes to see. Fish may mistakenly consider the lure food and begin eating it. This will make the lure more attractive to fish. The lure will then attract more fish to the angler's reel. Once the lure is pulled, the fisherman can keep going until he catches the desired number of fish.