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. As long as you have the right commercial licenses, it's no problem landing a trophy fish.
Offshore trolling
The fall is the best time to trot offshore for wahoo fishing, especially in North Carolina. Wahoo begin to appear in the waters around Morehead City from mid-to late August. Clear and calm waters with minimal current are best for fishing. A simple ballyhoo rigged in plain shape is an excellent bait for offshore trolling. Several other lures are also popular, including cedar plugs, Green Machines, and Wahoo Whackers.
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. Wahoo also increases in temperature as the ocean heats up. The conditions for fishing and the temperatures in the water are perfect for wahoo.
In spring and summer, wahoo is the primary target. The timing of the transition from winter to spring determines when other species are likely to make an appearance. 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 the catch even more rewarding. You might be interested in learning more about the techniques of five experienced captains if you are looking for a high-speed trolling method.
Ballyhoos
When it comes to catching wahoo, Ballyhoos are the best bait to use. 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 itself should be in line with fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos have a great reputation for seafloor and surface fishing.
Wahoos tend to prefer deeper water, but they are also found in the sand. Ballyhoos should wear dark colors to attract wahoo. They are fast and aggressive, reaching speeds of up to 125 mph in just seconds. Ballyhoos also work well in luring other types fish.
Ballyhoos can be used as wahoo-lure in North Carolina. Ballyhoos can be found in a wide range of colors and textures. When fished correctly, a ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its native 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. 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. The leader should have a bridle attached to it. The sizes of planers range from three to sixteen, and the importance of rigging for success is paramount. Capt. Weaver also notes that wahoo are a common target. If you are planning on targeting wahoo, rigging a planer with a bridle will help you to find the sweet spot.
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. For big tuna and wahoo, the dark colors work well. These lures are strong and durable, so they can keep going even after you catch many fish. Other manufacturers of high-speed trolling lures include MagBay and Nomad.
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. This is the average transiting luring lure at a speed of two to four feet. You should therefore use heavy lures that have quality drag. 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. This can cause the lure to become bent and break the line. It is best to buy a multi-stranded cable. This wire is also less likely be bent or kinked, so it can run straighter. Clips are also useful for changing lures quickly.
Floating debris
This is a great spot to catch this trophy fish. Whajoo love to hunt on the bottom, especially wrecks, ledges and floating debris. These structures create the perfect habitat environment for wahoos who like to stack up beneath these items. This is a great place to target this fish because it works well underneath these obstacles. Floating debris is also a great way to find these magnificent fish in their schools.
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 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, 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. Butterfly-style jigs should not exist - they have assistance hooks at its top.
The water surface temperature drops in the cooler months, which increases the chances of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers cooler water and areas with current. 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 drops, the fish population tends to move to these locations. This is when the fishing in these areas is at its best.
Structure
It is possible that the structure of North Carolina's Wahoo fishing fleet may be an anomaly in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo tend to travel in migratory patterns. They might travel in the Atlantic through the following regions: the Caribbean Gulf of Mexico; the Western Atlantic; and then on to the eastern Atlantic. The structure that these fish inhabit is based on currents and water temperature.
Whalos have a structure-oriented fall. They are attracted to inshore lumps and drops of up to 120 feet. 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, which are aggressive bottom formations, like to hang around wrecks, pronounced edges, and other weedlines. They often prefer to strike fast-moving baits. They will often remain near weedlines and trash in North Carolina. This means they are more likely strike a lure or weedline. They can even be caught at speeds exceeding ten knots.
The best fishing season for the wahoo can be found from July to September. The fish prefer warm Gulf Stream waters and North Carolina's wahoo fishing structure will provide plenty of opportunities to catch them. For example, you can try trolling around offshore humps or wrecks to find a few wahoo.
Peak times are for food
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. During these peak times, you should trolling at either a moderate or high speed. If your boat is capable to handle the additional speed, you will be able catch a wahoo.
Summer is the best season for wahoo fishing. The best place to fish for these fish is between Jupiter inlets and Stuart islands. Wahoos average around 25 pounds in weight, with 50-pounders not uncommon. You can catch both large and small wahoos during this time.
October to March is the best time to target wahoo. These months are cooler than normal, which makes wahoo more inclined to bite. Even though May's weather is unpredictable, it's generally the best month to light-tackle fish. Blue-crystal, which is the best bait when fishing for wahoo, is recommended if you're considering a trip in this season. For big fish, however you might want to try fishing in late April and/or early May.
FAQ
Which rod should i choose?
Graphite fiberglass composite is the best material for fly fishing. This material is strong, lightweight, and has excellent casting properties. To be able to cast better with graphite, you need to practice.
Which is the best time of year to fish?
Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to fish. These times are when the fish are active and feeding.
What is the correct length fishing rod?
The size of the fish you want to catch will dictate the length of the fishing rod. If you want to catch smallmouth bass, a rod of 6'6 inches would be the best. If you want to catch largemouth bass, however, a 7’5" rod might be more suitable.
Is fishing safe?
Fishing is very safe. Fishing is an excellent way to unwind and enjoy the natural world. You will not have any problems as long as you observe safety rules.
Statistics
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- 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)
- 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)
External Links
How To
Find the Best Fishing Spot
The best places to fish are those where you know what kind you want. You should decide whether you want to go deep sea fishing or shallow water fishing. Deep sea fishing will require a boat which is costly. Shallow water fishing requires no boat and can be done from shore. Deep water fishing would be the best option for trout fishermen. If you want to catch barracuda however, you will need to go deeper.
There are many fishing spots to choose from, depending on which type you prefer. Some locations offer only one type while others offer many options. For example, certain places are famous for their bass fishing, while others have a specialization in fly fishing. Some places are well-known for their shark fishing and crabbing.
How long you intend to stay and your interests will all play a role in deciding where you want to go. Do you enjoy camping? If so, you might be interested in a spot near a lake. Do you prefer city life? Maybe you prefer the beach. Maybe you enjoy the beach, kayaking, canoeing or sailing.
If you don't know much about fishing, you could always ask someone who knows what they're talking about. They can tell you everything, even where to go.
You could also try searching online for "fishing spots close to me." This will give a lot of options. It would be great if you could narrow down your list of choices by reading reviews and ratings. There are plenty of websites that allow you to do this.
After you have chosen a location, you should make it a point to visit it before you go. Because sometimes getting there can take you longer than you anticipated, make sure to have directions. Be sure to have all you will need. Remember to bring your bait, tackle box, sunscreen, and sunblock!
Researching the weather conditions is a great idea. Check the forecast and see when the best times are to go. You might need to adjust your plans if the weather changes.
Once you've decided where to go, you can begin planning your trip. Next is to decide what to fish.