Here are some tips to help you make the most of your wahoo fishing trip to North Carolina. 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. You don't have to catch a wahoo recreationally. It's easy to land a trophy fish if you hold the correct commercial licenses.
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. The waters near Morehead City start to see wahoo in mid- to late August. Clear, calm water and little current are the best conditions for fishing. A simple ballyhoo rigged in plain shape is an excellent bait for offshore trolling. 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 technique is very popular at the Bahamas, where boats can pull artificials up to twenty knees. However, in the Carolinas, Barracuda are not a problem. Wahoo also increases in temperature as the ocean heats up. The water temperature and conditions for fishing are ideal for wahoo.
In spring and summer, wahoo is the primary target. The transition from winter into spring will determine when other species will appear. Yellowfin tuna has been the top target for spring fish in the past. However, in recent years they have been absent. While there are some caught, they are few. This makes the catch more rewarding. If you are interested in high-speed trolling techniques, you might want to read about five successful captains.
Ballyhoos
Ballyhoos make the best bait when it comes to catching Wahoo. The bait can be frozen or fresh and is best retrieved with a trolling size J-hook. The hook should be placed so the wire pin is in line of the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos are great for surface and seafloor fishing.
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 are also effective in luring other types of fish.
Ballyhoos are one of the most effective wahoo luring devices in the waters around North Carolina. Ballyhoos are available in many colors and textures. A ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its own waters if it is fished properly. Ballyhoos are a great 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.
A single-strand, coffee-colored stainless-steel wire leader is ideal for fishing for wahoo. A bridle should be attached on the leader. There are three to sixteen sizes of planers, so rigging is essential for success. Capt. Weaver also mentions that wahoo can be 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
High-speed trolling lures can be used to target wahoo. These high speed lures can also be pulled with an inside trolling weight. When targeting big tuna or wahoo, dark colors are especially effective. These lures can also be durable and continue running even after catching many fish. MagBay, Nomad and Nomad are other manufacturers of high-speed trolling baits.
High-speed trolling baits are ideal for these fish, as they can move quickly enough to reach a good spot. Wahoo can reach speeds of 60mph and strike lures traveling at 18 mph. This is the average transiting luring lure at a speed of two to four feet. 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 a popular type of high-speed lure. These lures are usually rigged with wire and cable. The lure can be bent by this method, which can result in the cable breaking. 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 trophy fish can be found in floatable debris. Whajoo like to be found in bottom formations that are aggressive, such as wrecks or ledges. 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 help you locate schools of these majestic fish.
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 6-ounce diamond jig, with a Mustad3407 hook of double strength 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. Jigs should not be Butterfly-style - they have assist hooks at the top.
During the cooler months, the water surface temperature is cooler, increasing the odds of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers areas with water that is cooler and more current. Satellite imagery is used to monitor temperature and determine if small temperature fluctuations will result in an increase in Wahoo. As the temperature of the water surface decreases, the fish population is more likely to move to these areas. This time is when fishing in these areas can be at its best.
Structure
In the Gulf of Mexico, the structure of wahoo fishing in North Carolina may be an anomaly. 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. These fish are dependent on water temperature and currents to determine the structure they inhabit.
Whalos have a structure-oriented fall. They are attracted to inshore lumps and drops of up to 120 feet. 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 formations and like to hang around pronounced ledges, wrecks, and other weed lines. They are more likely to take fast-moving baits. They often stay near weedlines and other debris 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.
The best fishing season for the wahoo can be found from July to 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 locate a few, you could trot around wrecks or offshore humps.
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. For example, the three days immediately before and after the Full Moon, and the New Moon are prime times for wahoo fishing. 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.
Summer is the best time of year to go wahoo fishing. 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.
You can target wahoo from October through March. 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. Blue-crystal, which is the best bait when fishing for wahoo, is recommended if you're considering a trip in this season. If you are looking for large fish, however, fishing can be done in late April or early May.
FAQ
What type of fishing gear do you require?
A rod and reel, line, hooks (bait), tackle box, and snacks. To catch fish you need to be able to cast, set up hooks, and use the bobber. Remember to be patient and wait for the right moment before you strike.
How much time does it take to catch a fish?
It depends on the size of the fish and the skill level of the fisherman. The time it takes to catch a fish is anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. The greater your chance of landing a big fish, the longer you wait.
How big should my tackle bag be?
Because you will need ample space to store your fishing gear, a large tackle box is essential. Tackle boxes come in a variety of sizes depending on how many items they hold.
How often do I need to change my lures
You should change your lures every few days. After too much exposure to the sun, lures will lose their effectiveness.
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)
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.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)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
External Links
How To
Finding the Best Fishing Location
It is important to know the type of fish that you are looking for in order to find the best spots for fishing. It's important to decide if deep sea fishing is for you or shallow water. Deep sea fishing requires a boat, which costs money. Shallow water fishing requires no boat and can be done from shore. Shallow water fishing is the best option if you want to catch trout. You'll need to travel to deeper water if you are looking for barracuda.
Depending on what you prefer, there are many options for fishing spots. Some locations offer only one type while others offer many options. Some places are famous for their fly fishing, while others are better at bass fishing. Some locations are also famous for their shark fishing or crabbing.
It all depends on what you enjoy doing, your budget and how long you plan to stay. Do you enjoy camping? You might consider a location near a lake. Do you prefer city life? Maybe you prefer the ocean. Maybe you enjoy the beach, kayaking, canoeing or sailing.
Even if fishing is not something you are familiar with, it's worth asking someone who does. They might be able to tell you all sorts of information, including where to fish.
You can even search online for fishing spots near you. This will give you many options. It would be great if you could narrow down your list of choices by reading reviews and ratings. Many websites allow you to do so.
Once you have selected a location to visit, it is important that you actually go there. You should always have the directions handy as sometimes it can take longer to get there than you expected. Be sure to have all you will need. You should also bring bait, sunscreen, and a tackle box.
Researching the weather conditions is a great idea. Check the forecast and see when the best times are to go. If the weather is changing, it's a good idea to make changes to your plans.
Now that you know where to go, you can start planning your trip. The next step in planning your trip is to choose what type of fish you are going to use.