Here are some tips for wahoo fishing in North Carolina. 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
It is best to go offshore fishing for wahoo in North Carolina during the autumn, particularly late August and early September. The waters near Morehead City start to see wahoo in mid- to late August. Clear and calm waters with minimal current are best for fishing. For offshore trolling, the best bait is a simple ballyhoo. You can also use cedar plugs or Green Machines as lures.
Whajoo do not fear boats and prefer baits that are fished below the surface. This method is quite popular in the Bahamas, where boats pull artificials at speeds of 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.
Wahoo is the main target in spring and autumn. But, other species can make an appearance depending on when the winter to spring transition occurs. Yellowfin tuna has been the top target for spring fish in the past. However, in recent years they have been absent. While there are some caught, they are few. This makes the catch more rewarding. 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. The bait can be frozen or fresh and is best retrieved with a trolling size J-hook. The hook must be placed in a way that the wire pin touches the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos make great surface and seafloor fisherman.
Wahoos typically hang out in the deeper water column, but they can be found even on the sand and in the water. To attract wahoos, ballsyhoos need to be dark in color. 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. If properly fished, a ballyhoo may catch wahoo right in its natural waters. Ballyhoos make great wahoo bait. You will need a hard lure such as a Yozuri Bonita and a Braid Marauder if your planer rod has one. You can find them in many colors including pink/black or purple/black.
A single-strand, coffee-colored stainless-steel wire leader is ideal for 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. 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
A variety of high-speed trolling lures are ideal for targeting wahoo. These high-speed lures may be pulled with an inner trolling weight and put on a downrigger. Particularly effective when targeting large tuna or wahoo, dark colors work well. These lures are durable and can be used for many fish. Other manufacturers of high-speed trolling lures include MagBay and Nomad.
These fish will love trolling lures that are fast and can quickly get to the right spot. Wahoo can hit speeds of 60 mph with strike lures travelling at 18 MPH. This is the average transiting lure's speed in two to four feet waves. You should therefore use heavy lures that have quality drag. For maximum success, two people are recommended to gaff the fish.
One of the most common types of high-speed lures is the lip plug. These lures can be rigged using 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 can also run straighter because it is less likely to bend or kink. You can also use a clip to make changing lures more simple.
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 offer the perfect habitat for wahoos, who often pile up under them. Another great spot to target this fish is floating debris. It often works well beneath 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. He must also use a fast-retrieve reel with a 6-to-1 gear ratio to reach the wahoo. A 4 to 6 ounce, diamond jig is recommended with a Mustad 3407 hook. You should make sure that the Jigs are long enough to protect a 60-pound fluorocarbon Leader and a float from getting entangled in debris. Jigs should not be Butterfly-style - they have assist hooks at the top.
The water surface temperature drops in the cooler months, which increases the chances 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. The fish population will move to these areas as the temperature drops. During this time, the fishing is the best in these areas.
Structure
In the Gulf of Mexico, the structure of wahoo fishing in North Carolina may be an anomaly. Wahoo prefer to move in migratory ways. 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 structures that are determined by currents, water temperature, and other factors.
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 infamous for their razor-sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends heavy single strand wire and a strong rod to catch one. The captain assists anglers fishing wahoo by moving the boat around and helping them stay in the right gear.
Whalos can be aggressive bottom formations. They like to hang out around wrecks, ledges and other weedlines. They will often strike fast-moving baits. In North Carolina, they often linger near weedlines and debris. They are more likely to catch a weedline, or an artificial lure. They can even be caught at speeds exceeding ten knots.
The best time to fish for wahoo is July through September, even though it's a year-round species. The fish prefer warm Gulf Stream waters and North Carolina's wahoo fishing structure will provide plenty of opportunities to catch them. To locate a few, you could trot around wrecks or offshore humps.
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. You should wahoo-fish on the days immediately preceding and following the Full Moon and New Moon. These are the best times to trot at normal or high speeds. And as long as you have a boat that can handle the extra speed, you can expect to catch a wahoo.
When it comes to wahoo fishing, the most effective time is summer. The best time to target these fish is on the ledges and structure between the Jupiter and Stuart inlets. The average wahoo weights in at 25 to 25 pounds. However, there are often 50-pounders. This prime time is when you can catch both a large and smaller wahoo.
October to March is the best time to target wahoo. This is because the water temperature stays cool, making it more likely that wahoo will bite. Although the weather in May is often unpredictable, light-tackle fishing is best during this time. Blue-crystal, which is the best bait when fishing for wahoo, is recommended if you're considering a trip in this season. You can also fish during the latter part of April and May if you want big fish.
FAQ
Can I fish during the day?
Fishing is allowed at all times of the day. You can only fish during bans.
Is fishing considered safe?
Fishing can be very safe. Fishing can be an enjoyable way to relax, enjoy nature and have fun. It is possible to fish safely as long you do not break any safety rules.
Are special licenses necessary to fish?
No, not unless you plan to take fish out of state or across county lines. Many states allow anglers fish without the need for a license. For more information, contact your local Fish & Wildlife department.
Statistics
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.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)
- 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)
External Links
How To
Finding the Best Fishing Spot
Knowing what kind of fish is best for you to find the best fishing spots is essential. It's important to decide if deep sea fishing is for you or shallow water. Deep sea fishing requires a boat. This is expensive. Shallow water fishing requires no boat and can be done from shore. You should choose shallow water fishing if you are interested in trout fishing. However, if your goal is to catch barracuda you will have to venture out into deeper waters.
Depending on your preference, there are many types of fishing spots. Some places offer only one type of fishing while others have several options. Some places are famous for their fly fishing, while others are better at bass fishing. Others are known for their shark fishing, crabbing, and other activities.
How much you can afford, how long you are planning to stay, and what your interests are will determine the best way to choose where to go. Do you enjoy camping? If so, you might be interested in a spot near a lake. Do you prefer the city? Perhaps you prefer the beaches. You might also enjoy scuba diving or kayaking.
Even if fishing is not something you are familiar with, it's worth asking someone who does. They could tell you about all kinds of things, including where to go.
You can even search online for fishing spots near you. You will get many ideas. You might be able to narrow down your choices by looking at reviews and ratings. This is possible on a variety of websites.
Once you've chosen a place, go to it before you leave. Sometimes it takes longer to get there than anticipated. Also, make sure you bring everything you think you'll need. Also, don't forget to pack your tackle box, bait, as well as sunscreen.
Researching the weather conditions is a great idea. Look at the forecast to determine when is the best time to fish. You might need to adjust your plans if the weather changes.
Once you have a good idea of where you want to go, it's time to start planning your trip. Next, decide what fish you want to catch.