If you're looking to try your hand at wahoo fishing in North Carolina, here are some tips to make the most of your trip. Whether you're fishing from an offshore trolling boat or using one of the many high-speed lures, the following information will help you find the best catch. Remember that recreational wahoo catch is unlimited. A commercial license is required to catch trophy fish.
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. The fishing is most productive when the water is clear and has little or no current. For offshore trolling, a ballyhoo rigged plainly is a good choice of bait. Many other lures are also very popular, such as cedar sticks, Green Machines, or Wahoo Whackers.
Whajoo are not afraid of boats, and they prefer baits fished just below the surface. This technique is very popular at the Bahamas, where boats can pull artificials up to twenty knees. Barracuda in the Carolinas 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.
Wahoo is the main target in spring and autumn. 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 are caught occasionally, the number of them is very small. This has made the catch even more rewarding. But if you're interested to learn more about high-speed trolling, you might like to see the tactics of five highly skilled captains.
Ballyhoos
Ballyhoos are the best bait for catching wahoo. You can freeze the bait, or you can retrieve it fresh using a trolling-size Jhook. The hook itself should be positioned so that the wire pin is in line with the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos have a great reputation for seafloor and surface 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 aggressive and can reach incredible speeds within seconds. Ballyhoos are also effective in luring other types of fish.
Ballyhoos are one of the most effective wahoo luring devices in the waters around North Carolina. Ballyhoos come in a variety of colors and textures. A ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its own waters if it is fished properly. Ballyhoos also make excellent wahoo bait. You will need a hard lure such as a Yozuri Bonita and a Braid Marauder if your planer rod has one. 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 have a bridle attached to it. You can find planers in three to sixteen sizes. Rigging is crucial for success. Capt. Weaver also points out that wahoo is a common target. If you plan to target wahoo, you can rig a planer with an aide and a bridle to help you locate the sweet spot.
High-speed lures
You can target wahoo with a variety high-speed trolling baits. 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 are strong and durable, so they can keep going even after you catch many 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 run at speeds of 60 mph and strike lures at 18 miles per hour. This is the average transiting lure's speed in two to four feet waves. Use heavy lures with high-quality drag to achieve this effect. To maximize your chances of success, it is recommended that you gaff the fish two times.
The lip plug is one of the most popular high-speed lures. These lures are often rigged in wire or 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. Also, try using a clip to make changing lures easier.
Floating debris
This fish is great for targeting from floating debris. Whajoo will only eat wrecks, ledges, or floating debris as their preferred bottom habitat. These structures make the perfect habitat to wahoo because they tend to pile up beneath them. The best place to target this fish is also floating debris. This material often works under these obstacles. You can also use floating debris to locate these magnificent fish schools.
Before trying to locate a school of Wahoo, a fisherman has to check for any floating debris that might contain dolphins. If there are no dolphins or other baitfish in the area, he should leave it alone. He should also use a fast retrieve reel with a 6-to-1 gear to reach the wahoo. A 4 to 6 ounce, diamond jig is recommended with a Mustad 3407 hook. The jigs should be large enough to protect a fluorocarbon leader 60 pounds in weight and a floating if the bait is caught in the debris. Butterfly-style jigs do not work - the hooks on the top are for assistance.
Water surface temperatures are cooler in cooler months. This increases the chance of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers water with current and cooler temperatures. Satellite imagery can monitor the temperature surface to determine if any slight changes will cause a higher level of Wahoo. The fish population will move to these areas as the temperature drops. These areas offer the best fishing conditions.
Structure
The structure of North Carolina's wahoo fishing may be unusual in the Gulf of Mexico. 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 during the fall. This means they often drop in 120 feet of water and frequent inshore lumps. These large fish are known for their sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends using heavy single-stranded wire and a long-handled rod to catch one. Captains help anglers fish a wahoo by shifting the boat into and out of gear.
Whalos are bottom-based aggressive formations that like to hang around wrecks, pronounced ledges, and other types of weeds. They like to strike fast moving baits. They are often found near weedlines or debris in North Carolina. This means they are more likely strike a lure or weedline. They can be caught at speeds of up 10 knots.
The best times to fish for the wahoo are July through September. They prefer warmer Gulf Stream water, so if you're looking for a great place to fish, North Carolina's wahoo fishing infrastructure will offer you many options. To locate a few, you could trot around wrecks or offshore humps.
Peak times are for food
Although there are many times of year that wahoo fishing proves to be productive, there is a specific time of the month when it is at its best. 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. If your boat is capable to handle the additional speed, you will be able catch a wahoo.
Summer is the best time to fish for wahoo. These fish are best caught on the structures and ledges between Jupiter and Stuart Inlets. A wahoo is about 25 pounds on average, but there are 50-pounders available. During this prime time, you'll be able to catch both a large wahoo and a smaller one.
You can target wahoo from October through March. These months see a cooler water temperature, making wahoo easier to catch. May is a great time to light-tackle fish, even though the weather can change quickly. Blue-crystal, which is the best bait when fishing for wahoo, is recommended if you're considering a trip in this season. If you are looking for large fish, however, fishing can be done in late April or early May.
FAQ
Are there different types?
Yes, there are many kinds of lures. Some lures can be tailored to specific fish species. Some lures are designed to mimic insects, frogs and crayfish. Lures come in various shapes and sizes. Some lures look like real bugs.
How can you tell if your lure is working?
You should watch out for movement in your lure when it is thrown into the water. If there is movement, your lure is operating properly.
What is the correct length fishing rod?
The kind of fish that you are looking to catch determines the length of your fishing line. A 6'6" rod is ideal if you are targeting smallmouth bass. If you want to catch largemouth bass, however, a 7’5" rod might be more suitable.
Statistics
- 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)
- 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)
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
External Links
How To
How to tie a fishing lure like a professional
You can make simple fishing lures from different materials or colors by following these steps.
Step 1: Cut two pieces of twine about 3/4 inch wide.
Step 2: Divide one length of twine in half.
Step 3: Twist both ends together.
Step 4: Wrap the end of the second piece of twine around the first piece of twine so that the knot sits inside the loop.
Step 5: Close the loop.
Step 6: Repeat step 4 on the other side.
Step 7 - Secure the knot using a pin or needle.
Step 8: Remove excess twine.