These are some helpful tips for anyone who wants to learn how to wahoo fish in 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. You don't have to catch a wahoo recreationally. As long as you have the right commercial licenses, it's 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. In mid to late August, wahoo start showing up in the waters near Morehead City. Clear water with little to no current is the best for fishing. A standard bait for offshore trolling is a ballyhoo in its plain form. You can also use cedar plugs or Green Machines as lures.
Whajoo aren't afraid of boats. They prefer baits just below the water 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. Wahoo also increases in temperature as the ocean heats up. The water temperature and conditions for fishing are ideal for wahoo.
In the spring and fall, wahoo are the primary target. But, other species can make an appearance depending on when the winter to spring transition occurs. 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 has made it more rewarding to catch them. 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 make the best bait when it comes to catching Wahoo. You can freeze the bait or use it fresh. The best way to retrieve the bait is with a trolling-size J-hook. The hook must be placed in a way that the wire pin touches the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos have a great reputation for seafloor and surface 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 wahoos, ballsyhoos need to be dark in color. They are extremely aggressive and can move at lightning speed. Ballyhoos also work well in luring other types fish.
Ballyhoos make the best wahoo lures in North Carolina. Ballyhoos comes in many different colors and textures. If properly fished, a ballyhoo may catch wahoo right in its natural waters. Ballyhoos can also be used as wahoo bait. If you own a planer, you should consider purchasing a hard bait, such as a Yozuri Bonita or Braid Marauder. They come in many colors, including purple/black and pink/black.
For fishing for wahoo, a single-strand coffee colored stainless steel wire leader works well. The leader should be equipped with a bridle. 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
High-speed trolling lures can be used to target wahoo. 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, 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 lure's speed in two to four feet waves. Because of this, you need to use heavy lures with quality drag. To ensure maximum success, you should gaff the fish with two people.
The lip-plug is one of most popular types of high speed lures. These lures are usually rigged with wire and cable. However, this can cause damage to the lure if the lure is bent. This is why it's a good idea to get a multi-stranded wire. The wire can also run straighter because it is less likely to bend or kink. Clips are also useful for changing lures quickly.
Floating debris
This fish is great for targeting from floating 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. This is a great place to target this fish because it works well underneath these obstacles. Floating debris can also help you find the schools of these majestic fish.
Before trying to locate a school of Wahoo, a fisherman has to check for any floating debris that might contain 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. A 4 to 6 ounce, diamond jig is recommended with a Mustad 3407 hook. You should make sure that the Jigs are long enough to protect a 60-pound fluorocarbon Leader and a float from getting entangled in debris. Butterfly-style jigs do not work - the hooks on the top are for assistance.
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 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 decreases, fish populations are more likely to migrate to these areas. This time is when fishing in these areas can be at its best.
Structure
The Gulf of Mexico may have an unusual structure for wahoo fisherman in North Carolina. Wahoo prefer to move in migratory ways. They can migrate in the Atlantic through several regions such as the Gulf of Mexico (the Caribbean), the Gulf of Mexico (the Western Atlantic), and then the Eastern Atlantic. These fish live in structures that are determined by currents, water temperature, and other factors.
Whalos, which are structure-oriented in their fall, frequent inshore drops and lumps in 120 feet or more of water. These large fish are well-known 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 are aggressive bottom forms and love to hang around wrecks, ledges, or other weed lines. They often prefer to strike fast-moving baits. They are often found near weedlines or debris 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 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 hours 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. These are the best days to fish for wahoo, such as the days just before and after a Full Moon or the New Moon. 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 time of year to go 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.
It is best to go after wahoo between October and March. The water temperature remains cool during these months, making wahoo more likely to bite. Although May weather can be unpredictable, it is usually the best month 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. You can still fish for big fish in the late April and early mai, though.
FAQ
What is the best bait available for freshwater fish?
Freshwater fishing requires live shrimp as the best bait. Shrimp are easy to catch and delicious!
How long does a skilled fisherman take?
Expert fishermanship takes practice over many years. Being a successful fisherman will require you to master new techniques and enhance your skills.
How do I bait my hooks
Bait your hooks by tying a piece of meat onto the end of your hook. You can then tie the meat around one eye of your hook.
How deep should my line go?
Cast your line as deep as possible. When casting a line, keep your arm straight so that the line doesn't twist.
Where can I buy my fishing supplies?
You can purchase all of these items at most sporting goods stores. Online shopping is a good option if you are searching for something particular. You can find everything on many websites, from lures and tackle boxes to rods and reels.
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)
- 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)
- 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)
External Links
How To
Why should you use spinning rods?
Spinning Rods are useful for casting your lure into the waters without leaving the boat. This is a great option if you don’t want to spend too much time returning to the boat after casting. A spinning rod is designed to allow you to make casts from any position while still maintaining control of your line. The rod consists of three main components: the handle and the reel seat. The handle is where you hold the rod and grip the shaft. Attach the rod's end to the hook in the butt area. The reel seat holds the line to which it is attached. There are many options for rods. Some are specifically designed for certain fishing types, such as casting and trolling. 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. If you want to target large predatory species, such as bass and pike, then you will need a heavier-duty rod. If you are fishing for smaller species, such a trout or salmon, a lighter weight rod may work better. You could even get multiple rod sizes to match the size of the fish that you wish to catch.
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 are more likely to use a longer length rod and have a wider diameter. This allows them cast farther distances. A spinning rod is not the best choice for saltwater fishing. Saltwater spinning reels come without reels, which is a big difference from freshwater rods. Instead, you will have to buy one separately. The second reason is that they can be quite expensive. A spinning rod is worth considering if you enjoy catching bigger fish.
A spin fishing method is when a fisherman uses his spinning rod to cast a weighted lure in the water. The weighted center of the lure turns as the lure moves through water. This causes the lure move erratically through the water, making fish difficult to spot. Fish may also mistakenly eat the lure for food, and begin to feed on it. It will then attract more fish to the lure. The fisherman can then reel in the line attached to the lure. Once the lure is recovered, the fisherman may continue this process until he has caught all the fish he desires.