Fly Fishing

Wahoo Fishing NC, How to Catch the Big Ones

By Bob Thomas 31/07/2022 7 mins read

Here are some tips to make your trip more enjoyable if you want to try wahoo-fishing in North Carolina. You can fish with any of the high-speed lures or an offshore trolling boat to catch the best catch. The recreational catch limit of wahoo is not set. As long as you have the right commercial licenses, it's no problem landing a trophy fish.

Offshore trolling

Offshore trolling for wahoo fishing is best during the fall in North Carolina, particularly late August/early September. The waters near Morehead City start to see wahoo in mid- to late August. Fishing is best when there is little or no current. A simple ballyhoo rigged in plain shape is an excellent bait for offshore trolling. Other lures that are popular include cedar plugs and Green Machines.

Whajoo do not fear boats and prefer baits that are fished below the surface. This method is extremely popular in the Bahamas where artificials are pulled at speeds of up to twenty knots. Barracuda, however, are not an issue in Carolinas. The ocean temperature rises and so does the wahoo. Wahoo can fish in perfect conditions due to the ocean temperature and fishing conditions.

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. Yellowfin tuna was the most sought-after species in spring in the past, but they have been absent in recent years. Although some are caught occasionally, the number of them is very small. 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 are the best bait for catching wahoo. The bait can be frozen, fresh or frozen and should be retrieved using a trolling size J hook. The hook itself should be positioned so that the wire pin is in line with the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos can be used for both surface and deep-sea fishing.

Wahoos usually prefer the deeper water column but can be found on the sand as well as in the water. Ballyhoos should be of a dark color to attract strikes from wahoo. They can be aggressive and reach speeds of up to 30 mph in a matter of seconds. Ballyhoos are also very effective at luring different types of fish.

Ballyhoos can be used as wahoo-lure in North Carolina. Ballyhoos come with a variety colors and textures. If properly fished, a ballyhoo may catch wahoo right in its natural waters. Ballyhoos are a great bait for wahoo. If you have a planer rod, you will want to invest in a hard lure, such as a Yo-zuri Bonita or a Braid Marauder. They are available in many different colors, such as pink/black and purple/black.

A single-strand, coffee-colored stainless-steel wire leader is ideal for fishing for wahoo. The leader should have an attached bridle. Planers come in a variety of sizes and rigging can be crucial to their success. Capt. Weaver also noted 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

For chasing wahoo, a variety of high-speed trolling lures is ideal. These high-speed lures are easily pulled by an inline weight and can be placed on a downrigger, planer, or other support device. When targeting big tuna or wahoo, dark colors are especially effective. These lures are durable and can be used for many fish. MagBay and Nomad are also manufacturers of high speed trolling lures.

High-speed trolling baits are ideal for these fish, as they can move quickly enough to reach a good spot. 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. It is important to use heavy lures and high quality drag. Gaffing the fish should be done by two people for maximum success.

The lip plug is a popular type of high-speed lure. 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. To make it easier to change lures, you can use a clip.

Floating debris

Floating debris is a great place to target this trophy fish. 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. As it is often able to work under these obstacles, floating debris is another excellent place to target this species of fish. Floating debris can help you locate schools of these majestic fish.

Before fishing for wahoo schools, it is important to inspect any floating debris for dolphins. If there are no baitfish, or dolphins around the area, then 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, with a Mustad3407 hook of double strength is recommended. 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. Butterfly-style Jigs are not recommended. They have help hooks at the tip.

The water surface temperature in cooler months is lower, increasing the likelihood of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers cool water and places 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. The fish population will move to these areas as the temperature drops. 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 are known to migrate in migratory patterns. They can migrate in the Atlantic through several regions such as the Gulf of Mexico (the Caribbean), the Gulf of Mexico (the Western Atlantic), and then the Eastern Atlantic. These fish are dependent on water temperature and currents to determine the structure they inhabit.

Whalos are structure-oriented in fall. They like to be inshore and drop in 120 feet of seawater. These large fish are well-known for their razor sharp jaws. Hagerich suggests heavy single-strand wire and heavy-duty rods to capture one. Fishing a wahoo requires that the captain bumps the boat in and off of gear to help the angler stay steady.

Whalos are bottom-based aggressive formations that like to hang around wrecks, pronounced ledges, and other types of weeds. They prefer to strike fast-moving lures. They can often be found near weedlines in North Carolina. This makes them more likely to find a weedline or artificial lure. They can be caught at speeds as high as 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. To catch some wahoo, you might try trolling the offshore humps and wrecks.

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. The best times to wahoo fish are the days immediately prior and after the Full Moon and the New Moon. You should be trolling at a normal or high speed during these peak times. You can catch a wahoo as long as your boat is capable of handling the extra speed.

Summer is the best time to fish for wahoo. The best time to target these fish is on the ledges and structure between the Jupiter and Stuart inlets. A wahoo is about 25 pounds on average, but there are 50-pounders available. 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. Although May weather can be unpredictable, it is usually the best month for light-tackle fishing. If you're planning a trip during this time, the best bait for wahoo is blue-crystal. If you are looking for large fish, however, fishing can be done in late April or early May.

FAQ

What is the cost of basic fishing gear?

For basic fishing equipment, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 for rod/reel combinations, bait, tackle boxes, and other accessories. If you want to go out on a bigger boat, then you'll need to spend between $500-$1000 dollars.

Where can I purchase my fishing supplies?

You can purchase all of these items at most sporting goods stores. You can also shop online if you need something in particular. Many websites sell everything from rods and reels to tackle boxes and lures.

Where can you find the best fishing spots?

There are lots of places to fish all over the world. Fishing is a popular pastime in many places, including public parks, private lakes, rivers, streams, or other bodies of water.

Do I need to wear special clothing while fishing?

Yes, you need to wear clothing that protects against the elements. While fishing, a waders suits is often worn. Waders are waterproof pants which cover the legs as well as the feet. Wader suits can be purchased with boots. Some wader suits come with boots, while others can be worn without them.

How long is the best fishing rod?

The right fishing rod length depends on what kind of fish you want to catch. If you're going for smallmouth bass, a 6'6" rod would be ideal. A 7'5" rod is better for largemouth bass fishing.

Statistics

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)
About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
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)
You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)