Fishing Techniques

Wahoo Fishing NC, How to Catch the Big Ones

By Trey Gordon 7 March, 2023 6 mins read

Here are some tips to make your trip more enjoyable if you want to try wahoo-fishing in North Carolina. These tips will help you get the best catch whether you fish offshore or with high-speed lures. There is no limit on recreational catch of wahoo. A commercial license is required to catch 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. Fishing is best when there is little or no current. A standard bait for offshore trolling is a ballyhoo in its plain form. There are many other lures available, such as cedar plugs, Green Machines and Wahoo Whackers.

Whajoo aren't afraid of boats. They prefer baits just below the water 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. The water temperature and conditions for fishing are ideal for wahoo.

Wahoo is the main target in spring and autumn. The transition from winter into spring will determine when other species will appear. In the spring, yellowfin tuna used to be the main target, but this has changed in recent years. While there are some caught, they are few. 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 are the best bait for catching wahoo. You can either freeze or freshen the bait and retrieve it with a trolling 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 usually prefer the deeper water column but can be found on the sand as well as in the water. To attract wahoo strikes to your ballyhoo, you should choose a dark-colored ballyhoo. They are fast and aggressive, reaching speeds of up to 125 mph in just seconds. Ballyhoos are also very effective at luring different types of 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. A ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its own waters if it is fished properly. Ballyhoos are a great bait for wahoo. If you own a planer, you should consider purchasing a hard bait, such as a Yozuri Bonita or 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. A bridle should be attached to the leader. Planers come in three to sixteen sizes, and rigging is important for success. Capt. Weaver also mentions that wahoo can be a common target. If you're planning to target wahoo you should rig your planer with a harness.

High-speed lures

You can target wahoo with a variety high-speed trolling baits. These lures can be pulled using an inline trolling weight, and then placed on a planer or downrigger. When targeting big tuna or wahoo, dark colors are especially effective. These lures are durable and can be used for many fish. MagBay, Nomad and Nomad are other manufacturers of high-speed trolling baits.

A high-speed trolling lure is ideal for these fish because it is fast enough to get to a good fishing spot quickly. Wahoo can hit speeds of 60 mph with strike lures travelling at 18 MPH. That is the speed of an average transiting lure in two to four foot waves. It is important to use heavy lures and high quality drag. Two people are required to gaff fish for maximum success.

The lip plug is a popular type of high-speed lure. These lures are typically rigged with wire or cable. 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 will also be less likely bend and kink so it can run straighter. Also, try using a clip to make changing lures easier.

Floating debris

This is a great spot to catch this trophy fish. 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. Floating debris can help you locate schools of these majestic fish.

Before locating a school of wahoo, a fisherman must first check the floating debris for dolphins. If there is no baitfish or dolphins, the fisherman should let it go. To reach the wahoo, he must use a fast-retrieve rod with a 6-to-1 ratio. A 4- to 6-ounce, four- to six-ounce, diamond-tipped jig with a Mustad 3507 hook and double-strength Mustad 3407 line is recommended. A jig should have enough length to hold a 60-pound fluorocarbon lead and a float in case the bait becomes caught in the debris. 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 to live in cooler waters and areas that have current. Satellite imagery is used to monitor temperature and determine if small temperature fluctuations will result in an increase in Wahoo. As the water temperature drops, the fish population tends to move to these locations. This time is when fishing in these areas can be at its best.

Structure

A few exceptions may exist in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo follow migratory patterns. They may travel through the Atlantic in a series of regions, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Then they will move on to the Western Atlantic. The structure that these fish inhabit is based on currents and water temperature.

Whalos are structure-oriented in the fall, which means that they frequent inshore lumps and drops in 120 feet of water. These large fish are known for their sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends heavy single strand wire and a strong rod to catch one. Captains help anglers fish a wahoo by shifting the boat into and out of gear.

Whalos can be aggressive bottom formations. They like to hang out around wrecks, ledges and other weedlines. They like to strike fast moving baits. 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 be caught at speeds of up 10 knots.

The best time to fish for wahoo is July through September, even though it's a year-round species. These fish prefer warmer Gulf Stream temperatures, and North Carolina has a lot of options for wahoo fishermen looking to find them. For example, you can try trolling around offshore humps or wrecks to find a few wahoo.

Peak feeding times

There are many times in the year where wahoo fisherman are most successful, but there are specific peak times that you should be focusing on to get 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. During these peak times, you should trolling at either a moderate or high speed. As long as your boat can handle this extra speed, you should be able to catch a wahoo.

When it comes to wahoo fishing, the most effective time is summer. 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 prime time you will be able catch both a large and a smaller wahoo.

From October to March, wahoo are most at their best. Because the water is cool, wahoo are more likely to bite during these months. 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. However, if you're looking for big fish, you can try fishing during late April and early May.

FAQ

How much are basic fishing tools?

Basic fishing equipment costs around $100-$200 dollars for rod/reel combos, bait, tackle box, etc. A larger boat will cost you between $500-$1000.

Is fishing a safe sport?

Fishing can be very safe. Fishing is a wonderful way to relax and take in the beauty of nature. Follow safety rules and you'll have no problems.

Can I fish during daylight?

Yes, you can fish anytime of the day. Only times that fishing is banned are when you can fish.

When is the best time for fishing?

It is best to fish in the morning or at night. These are the best times to fish because the fish are moving and eating.

What are the different types of lures you can use?

There are many types of lures. Some lures are designed specifically for certain species of fish. Others are made to imitate insects, worms, frogs, crayfish, grasshoppers, etc. Lures come in various shapes and sizes. Some lures are even shaped like real bugs.

Statistics

It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.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)
You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)