Artificial Lures

Wahoo Fishing NC- How to Catch the Big Ones

By Mike Richardson 13/07/2022 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. 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

Offshore fishing for wahoo is best in the fall, especially in late August or early September. The first signs of wahoo are seen in the waters close to Morehead City around mid to 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. There are many other lures available, such as cedar plugs, Green Machines and 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 aren't a problem in the Carolinas. As the ocean temperature rises, so do the wahoo. The water temperature and conditions for fishing are ideal for wahoo.

The primary targets are wahoo in the spring and fall. The transition from winter into spring will determine when other species will appear. Yellowfin tuna has been the top target for spring fish in the past. However, in recent years they have been absent. Although some fish are caught, their numbers are very low. This has made it more rewarding to catch them. However, if you're interested in a high-speed trolling technique, you may want to learn more about the tactics of five accomplished 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 in line with fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos work well for both 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 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 are one of the most effective wahoo luring devices in the waters around North Carolina. Ballyhoos come in a variety of colors and textures. When fished correctly, a ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its native waters. Ballyhoos also make excellent wahoo bait. If you own a planer, you should consider purchasing a hard bait, such as a Yozuri Bonita or Braid Marauder. They are available in many different colors, such as pink/black and purple/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 an attached bridle. There are three to sixteen sizes of planers, so rigging is essential for success. Capt. Weaver notes that wahoo have a tendency to be 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 may be pulled with an inner trolling weight and put on a downrigger. Dark colors work especially well when targeting wahoo or big tuna. They are also durable and keep running straight after catching a lot of fish. MagBay and Nomad are also manufacturers of high speed trolling lures.

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 run at speeds of 60 mph and strike lures at 18 miles per hour. That is the speed of an average transiting lure in two to four foot waves. Because of this, you need to use heavy lures with 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. This wire is also less likely be bent or kinked, so it can run straighter. 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 will only eat wrecks, ledges, or floating debris as their preferred bottom habitat. 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 can help you locate schools of these majestic fish.

Before looking for schools of wahoo, the fisherman needs to first examine any floating debris in the area. If there aren't any baitfish or dolphins in the area, he should just 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. Jigs should be long enough to protect a 60-pound fluorocarbon leader and a float if the bait gets entangled in the debris. Butterfly-style jigs do not work - the hooks on the top are for assistance.

Wahoos are more likely to be found in cooler months when the water surface temperature is lower. 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. As the water temperature decreases, fish populations are more likely to migrate to these areas. This is when the fishing in these areas is at its best.

Structure

In the Gulf of Mexico, the structure of wahoo fishing in North Carolina may be an anomaly. 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. This is determined by the currents and the water temperature.

Whalos have a structure-oriented fall. They are attracted to inshore lumps and drops of up to 120 feet. These huge fish are famous for their razor-sharp teeth. Hagerich recommends heavy singlestrand wire and an extremely heavy-duty fishing rod in order to catch one. A captain is helpful when fishing for wahoos by helping anglers stay on the water and bumping the boat.

Whalos are aggressive bottom formations and like to hang around pronounced ledges, wrecks, and other weed lines. They often prefer to strike fast-moving baits. They often stay near weedlines and other debris 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 time to catch wahoo is from July through September. 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 catch some wahoo, you might try trolling the offshore humps and wrecks.

Peak feeding times

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 are the best times to trot at normal or high speeds. As long as your boat can handle this extra speed, you should be able to catch a wahoo.

Summer is the best time to fish for wahoo. The best places to catch these fish are on the ledges and structures between Jupiter's and Stuart inlets. The average wahoo weights in at 25 to 25 pounds. However, there are often 50-pounders. You can catch both large and small wahoos during this time.

It is best to go after wahoo between October and March. The water temperature remains cool during these months, making wahoo more likely to bite. May is a great time to light-tackle fish, even though the weather can change quickly. 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

How long does it take to become an expert fisherman?

To become a skilled fisherman, it takes many years of practice. Being a successful fisherman will require you to master new techniques and enhance your skills.

What length is the perfect fishing rod length?

The size of the fish you want to catch will dictate the length of the fishing rod. A 6'6" rod is ideal if you are targeting smallmouth bass. A 7'5" rod would be better if your goal is largemouth bass.

How big should my tacklebox be?

Because you will need ample space to store your fishing gear, a large tackle box is essential. Tackle boxes range in size depending on the number of items stored inside.

What happens if a person is caught fishing illegally

You may face fines, jail time, and even loss of your fishing license. It is crucial to understand the rules before you fish.

What type of gear are you going to need for fishing?

A rod, reel, line, hooks, bait, tackle box, and some snacks. To catch fish you need to be able to cast, set up hooks, and use the bobber. The most important thing is patience and waiting for the right moment to strike.

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)
It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)