Lake Fishing

Wahoo Fishing NC: How to Catch the Big Ones

By Mike Richardson 08/07/2022 7 mins read

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. You can fish with any of the high-speed lures or an offshore trolling boat to catch the best catch. And remember, there's no size limit for recreational catch of wahoo. And as long as you're holding the appropriate commercial licenses, you'll have no problem landing a 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. In mid to late August, wahoo start showing up in the waters near Morehead City. Clear and calm waters with minimal current are best for fishing. For offshore trolling, the best bait is a simple ballyhoo. Many other lures are also very popular, such as cedar sticks, Green Machines, or Wahoo Whackers.

Whajoo have no fear of boats and prefer baits caught just below water's surface. This method is extremely popular in the Bahamas where artificials are pulled at speeds of up to twenty knots. Barracuda aren't a problem in the Carolinas. As the ocean temperature rises, so do the wahoo. The conditions for fishing and the temperatures in the water are perfect for wahoo.

In spring and summer, wahoo is the primary target. But, other species can make an appearance depending on when the winter to spring transition occurs. 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 it more rewarding to catch them. 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 is the best bait to catch wahoo. The bait can be frozen or fresh and is best retrieved with a trolling size J-hook. The hook should be placed so the wire pin is in line of 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 extremely aggressive and can move at lightning speed. Ballyhoos can also be used to lure other species of fish.

Ballyhoos can be used as wahoo-lure in North Carolina. Ballyhoos comes in many different colors and textures. When fished correctly, a ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its native 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 come in many colors, including purple/black and pink/black.

A single-strand stainless steel wire leader in coffee-colored stainless will be a good choice for fishing for wahoo. 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 points out that wahoo is 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 can also be pulled with an inside trolling weight. For big tuna and wahoo, the dark colors work well. They are also very durable and will continue to run even after they catch a lot of fish. MagBay, Nomad and Nomad are other manufacturers of high-speed trolling baits.

This lure can be used to catch these fish as it is fast enough that you can get to your favorite fishing spot quickly. Wahoos can reach speeds up to 60 mph while strike lures travel at an average speed of 18 mph. This is the average speed of a transiting lure traveling at two to four feet per second. It is important to use heavy lures and high quality drag. 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. 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. Clips are also useful for changing lures quickly.

Floating debris

This is a great area to hunt this trophy fish. Whajoo prefer aggressive bottom formations, such as wrecks, ledges, and floating debris. These structures make the perfect habitat to wahoo because they tend to pile up beneath them. Floating debris is another great location to target this fish, as it often works well under these obstacles. Floating debris is also a great way to find these magnificent fish in their schools.

Before trying to locate a school of Wahoo, a fisherman has to check for any floating debris that might contain dolphins. If there is no baitfish or dolphins, the fisherman should let it go. To get to the wahoo he will need a fast-retrieve reel that has a 6-to-1 gear ratio. A 4 to six-ounce diamond jig with a double-strength Mustad 3407 hook 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. They should not be Butterfly-style, as they have help hooks at their top.

The water surface temperature in cooler months is lower, increasing the likelihood of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers to live in cooler waters and areas that have current. Use satellite imagery to monitor surface temperature to determine whether any small changes in the temperature will bring in a higher concentration of Wahoo. The temperature of the water surface drops, which means that the fish population moves to these areas more often. These areas offer the best fishing conditions.

Structure

The Gulf of Mexico may have an unusual structure for wahoo fisherman in North Carolina. Wahoo prefer to move in migratory ways. 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 infamous for their razor-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 will often 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 up to ten miles per hour.

The best time to fish for wahoo is July through September, even though it's a year-round species. These fish prefer warmer Gulf Stream conditions, so if your goal is to find them, North Carolina's wahoo-fishing structure will be an excellent choice. To locate a few, you could trot around wrecks or offshore humps.

Peak hours feeding

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. 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 season for wahoo fishing. 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 this prime time, you'll be able to catch both a large wahoo and a smaller one.

From October to March, wahoo are most at their best. 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 will be the best bait if you go on a fishing trip during this time. You can still fish for big fish in the late April and early mai, though.

FAQ

What's the right fishing rod length?

The type of fish you are trying to catch will determine the length of your fishing rod. A 6'6" rod is ideal if you are targeting smallmouth bass. A 7'5" rod is better for largemouth bass fishing.

How do I clean fish?

There are many options for cleaning fish. One way is to take out the head and guts. Next, wash the fish with cold water. Another option is to gut your fish. This involves removing the intestinal lining and cleaning the interior cavity. You can also ask another person to clean the fish.

How much does basic fishing gear cost?

Basic fishing equipment costs around $100-$200 dollars for rod/reel combos, bait, tackle box, etc. If you want to go out on a bigger boat, then you'll need to spend between $500-$1000 dollars.

What happens if I lose a fish while fishing?

You will lose fish sometimes. Sometimes, you will catch a fish and then lose it. Keep trying until you catch another fish. Eventually, you will catch another fish.

Do I need to wear special clothing while fishing?

Yes, you need to wear clothing that protects against the elements. When fishing, a waders outfit is worn. Waders are waterproof pants which cover the legs as well as the feet. Wader suits may have boots attached. Other waders suit are made without boots.

How long does it take to become an expert fisherman?

You will need years of experience to become an expert fisherman. You will be a better fisherman if you learn new techniques and improve your skills.

Do I require special fishing licenses?

If you intend to take fish outside of your state or cross county lines, no. Many states allow anglers fishing without a license. You can check with your local Fish & Wildlife office to find out what licensing is required.

Statistics

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)
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)
About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)