These are some helpful tips for anyone who wants to learn how to wahoo fish 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. 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. Wahoos start appearing in the waters surrounding Morehead City between mid and late August. Clear and calm waters with minimal current are best for fishing. For offshore trolling, the best bait is a simple ballyhoo. Several other lures are also popular, including cedar plugs, Green Machines, and Wahoo Whackers.
Whajoo aren't afraid of boats. They prefer baits just below the water surface. This method is extremely popular in the Bahamas where artificials are pulled at speeds of up to twenty knots. Barracuda is not an issue in the Carolinas. The ocean temperature rises and so does the wahoo. The temperatures of the water and the conditions for fishing are perfect for wahoo.
In the spring and fall, wahoo are the primary target. Other species may appear depending on the time of the winter-spring transition. In the spring, yellowfin tuna used to be the main target, but this has changed in recent years. While some are caught, the numbers are low. 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. The bait can be frozen or fresh and is best retrieved with a trolling size J-hook. The hook itself should be in line with 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, ballyhoos should have a dark colored body. They are aggressive and can reach incredible speeds within seconds. Ballyhoos also work well in luring other types fish.
Ballyhoos, the most effective wahoo baits in North Carolina waters, are best. Ballyhoos comes in many different colors and textures. When fished correctly, a ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its native waters. Ballyhoos are also excellent bait for wahoo. A planer rod is a good choice for a hard lure. You can invest in either a Yo-zuri Bonita (or a Braid Marauder). They are available in many different colors, such as pink/black and purple/black.
For fishing for wahoo, a single-strand coffee colored stainless steel wire leader works well. A bridle should be attached to the leader. You can find planers in three to sixteen sizes. Rigging is crucial for success. Capt. Weaver also noted that wahoo are 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 be pulled with an inline trolling weight and placed on a downrigger or planer. If you are targeting large tuna or wahoos, dark colors work best. They are also very durable and will continue to run even after they catch a lot of fish. MagBay is another manufacturer of high-speed trolling lures.
These fish love a high-speed trolling lure because it can be quickly taken to the best fishing spots. Wahoo can travel at 60 mph, while strike lures travel at 18 mph. That is the speed of an average transiting lure in two to four foot waves. Because of this, you need to use heavy lures with quality drag. To maximize your chances of success, it is recommended that you gaff the fish two times.
Lip plugs are one of the most commonly used high-speed lures. These lures are typically rigged with wire or cable. This method can lead to the lure breaking if it is bent. Therefore, multi-strand cables are recommended. 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 are the ideal habitat for wahoo who will often stack up under these items. The best place to target this fish is also floating debris. This material often works under these obstacles. Floating debris can help you locate 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. He should not attempt to fish in areas that aren't home to baitfish or dolphins. To reach the wahoo, he must use a fast-retrieve rod with a 6-to-1 ratio. It is recommended to use a 4 to 6 ounce diamond jig and a Mustad 3407 double-strength hook. 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. Butterfly-style jigs should not exist - they have assistance hooks at its top.
The water surface temperature in cooler months is lower, increasing the likelihood of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers cooler water and areas with current. Satellite imagery is used to monitor temperature and determine if small temperature fluctuations will result in an increase in 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. 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 live in a structure determined by currents and water temperatures.
Whalos are structure-oriented in fall. They like to be inshore and drop in 120 feet of seawater. This large fish is known for their razor-sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends heavy single strand wire and a strong rod to catch one. Fishing a wahoo requires that the captain bumps the boat in and off of gear to help the angler stay steady.
Whalos are aggressive bottom formations and like to hang around pronounced ledges, wrecks, and other weed lines. They often prefer to strike 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 be caught at speeds up to ten miles per hour.
Although the wahoo is a year-round species, the best fishing for it occurs from July through September. These fish prefer warmer Gulf Stream waters, and if you are looking for a good place to target them, the structure of wahoo fishing in North Carolina will give you plenty of options. To find a few wahoo, trolling offshore wrecks or humps is a good option.
Peak feeding times
There are several times of year when wahoo fishing is particularly productive, but there are some specific peak times of the month that you should target for best results. Three days before and after the Full Moon as well as the New Moon are prime times to go wahoo fishing. These peak times are best when you trolling at a high or normal speed. You can catch a wahoo as long as your boat is capable of handling the extra speed.
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 around 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. These months see a cooler water temperature, making wahoo easier to catch. Although the weather in May is often unpredictable, light-tackle fishing is best during this time. 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 often should my lures be changed?
Change your lures once a day. After being exposed to the sun for too long, lures lose their effectiveness.
How do I bait my hooks
Your hooks will be baited by attaching a piece if meat to its end. Next, tie the meat around your hook's eye.
What is the time it takes to catch a fish.
It depends on what size the fish are and how skilled the fisherman is. It takes anywhere from one minute to an hour to land a fish. You have a better chance of landing a large fish if you wait longer.
How can I get my children to fish?
Absolutely! Fishermen are a passion for children. Fishing is something that most children love to do. You can encourage your child to fish by doing many things. For example, you could teach them how to tie knots, build a fishing pole, and learn about fishing etiquette. You could also show them pictures of what fish look like and tell them stories about fishing.
Statistics
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- 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)
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
External Links
How To
How to Tie a Fishing lure Like a Pro
The following steps are used to make simple fishing lures with different materials and colors.
Step 1: Cut two pieces about 3/4 inches wide of twine.
Step 2 - Fold one half of the twine in half.
Step 3: Twist the ends together.
Step 4: Wrap the ends of the twine around the first twine piece so that the knot is inside the loop.
Step 5: Pull the loop tight.
Step 6 - Repeat step 4.
Step 7: Use a needle to secure the knot.
Step 8 Trim excess twine.