Here are some tips for wahoo fishing in 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. Remember that recreational wahoo catch is unlimited. And as long as you're holding the appropriate commercial licenses, you'll have no problem landing a trophy fish.
Offshore trolling
It is best to go offshore fishing for wahoo in North Carolina during the autumn, particularly late August and early September. 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, the best bait is a simple ballyhoo. Other lures that are popular include cedar plugs and Green Machines.
Whajoo don't fear boats and prefer to fish just below the surface. This method is extremely popular in the Bahamas where artificials are pulled at speeds of up to twenty knots. However, in the Carolinas, Barracuda are not a problem. The ocean temperature increases, which means that the wahoo will also rise. The conditions for fishing and the temperatures in the water are perfect 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 fish are caught, their numbers are very low. This has made the catch more satisfying. The tactics of five successful captains may interest you if your interests lie in trolling at high speeds.
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 should be placed so the wire pin is in line of the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos can be used for both surface and deep-sea 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 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 can be used as wahoo-lure in North Carolina. Ballyhoos come in a variety of colors and textures. If properly fished, a ballyhoo may catch wahoo right in its natural waters. Ballyhoos are a great bait for wahoo. You should invest in a hard lure if you have a planer rod such as a Yozuri Bonita, or a Braid Marauder. They come in many colors, including purple/black and pink/black.
One-strand coffee-colored stainless wire wire leaders will work well when fishing for wahoo. The leader should be equipped with a 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. You can target wahoo by rigging a planer using a bridle.
High-speed lures
You can target wahoo with a variety high-speed trolling baits. These high speed lures can also be pulled with an inside trolling weight. If you are targeting large tuna or wahoos, dark colors work best. They are also durable and keep running straight after catching a lot of fish. MagBay as well as Nomad manufacture high-speed trolling lures.
This lure can be used to catch these fish as it is fast enough that you can get to your favorite fishing spot quickly. Wahoo can travel at 60 mph, while strike lures travel at 18 mph. This is the average speed of a transiting lure traveling at two to four feet per second. You should therefore use heavy lures that have quality drag. To ensure maximum success, you should gaff the fish with two people.
One of the most common types of high-speed lures is the lip plug. 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. A clip can be used to make changing lures simpler.
Floating debris
Floating debris is a great place to target this trophy fish. Whajoo will only eat wrecks, ledges, or floating debris as their preferred bottom habitat. 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 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 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. 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.
Wahoos are more likely to be found in cooler months when the water surface temperature is lower. This species prefers cooler water and areas with current. Satellite imagery can be used for monitoring the temperature at the surface. This will allow you to see if any small changes could result in a higher number of Wahoo. The temperature of the water surface drops, which means that the fish population moves to these areas more often. This is when the fishing in these areas is at its best.
Structure
The Gulf of Mexico may have an unusual structure for wahoo fisherman in North Carolina. Wahoo tend to travel in 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. This is determined by the currents and the water temperature.
Whalos are structure-oriented in fall. They like to be inshore and drop in 120 feet of seawater. These large fish are known for their sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends using heavy single-stranded wire and a long-handled rod to catch one. A captain is helpful when fishing for wahoos by helping anglers stay on the water and bumping the boat.
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. This means that they are more likely to strike 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. To locate a few, you could trot around wrecks or offshore humps.
Peak times for feeding
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. You should wahoo-fish on the days immediately preceding and following the Full Moon and New Moon. You should be trolling at a normal or high speed during these peak times. A boat capable of handling this extra speed will allow you to catch a wahoo.
Summer is the best period to fish for wahoo. The best place to fish for these fish is between Jupiter inlets and Stuart islands. 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.
It is best to go after wahoo between October and March. This is because the water temperature stays cool, making it more likely that wahoo will bite. Even though May's weather is unpredictable, it's generally the best month to light-tackle fish. 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
Which is the best time of year to fish?
It is best to fish in the morning or at night. During these times, the fish are feeding and moving around.
How much does basic fishing gear cost?
For basic fishing equipment, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 for rod/reel combinations, bait, tackle boxes, and other accessories. For a larger boat, you will need to pay between $500 and $1,000.
How can I get my kids to take up fishing?
Absolutely! Absolutely! Fishing is something that kids love to do. Fishing is something that most children love to do. There are many things you can do to encourage your child to try fishing. You can show your child how to tie knots, make a fishing pole and teach them good fishing etiquette. Show them pictures of fish, and tell them stories.
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)
- 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)
- 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?
A Spinning Rod is used when you want to cast your lure into the water without getting out of the boat. It's a great choice if you don't want to lose too much time getting back into the boat after every cast. A spinning rod is designed to allow you to make casts from any position while still maintaining control of your line. The main components of the rod are the handle, reel seat, and butt section. The handle is used to hold the rod, and the shaft. The rod's tips are attached to the hook by the butt portion. Finally, the reel's seat holds the line and the reel. 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. For example, if you intend to catch large predatory species like pike or bass, you'll need a heavy-duty fishing rod. If you are fishing for smaller species, such a trout or salmon, a lighter weight rod may work better. You can even buy multiple rod sizes depending on the size of the fish you want to catch.
Spinning rods aren't just for freshwater fishing. They are used extensively for saltwater fishing. Saltwater spinning reels are typically heavier than freshwater rods. This is because saltwater requires stronger materials to withstand saltwater. Saltwater spinners often have a longer rod but a smaller diameter. They can cast further distances because of this. You should be aware that saltwater fishing can have its drawbacks. Saltwater spinning rods are not like freshwater ones. Instead, one must be purchased separately. They are also quite costly. A spinning rod is worth your consideration if you enjoy catching larger 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 lure spins around the center point of the weighted lure as it swims through the water. This causes the lure and fish to move around in the water erratically, making it harder for them to identify the lure. Fish may also mistake the lure for food and begin feeding on it. As a result, the lure will attract more fish to it. The line attached to the lure can be reeled in by the fisherman. Once the lure is recovered, the fisherman may continue this process until he has caught all the fish he desires.