Here are some tips for wahoo fishing in North Carolina. This information will help you catch the best fish, whether you fish from an off-shore trolling boat or one of the many high speed lures. You don't have to catch a wahoo recreationally. As long as you have the right commercial licenses, it's no problem landing a trophy fish.
Offshore trolling
The fall is the best time to trot offshore for wahoo fishing, especially in North Carolina. Wahoo begin to appear in the waters around Morehead City from mid-to late August. Clear water with little to no current is the best for fishing. A ballyhoo rigged in plain form is a great standard bait for offshore trolling. There are many other lures available, such as cedar plugs, Green Machines and Wahoo Whackers.
Whajoo do not fear boats and prefer baits that are fished below the surface. This technique is very popular in the Bahamas, where boats are pulling artificials at speeds up to twenty knots. Barracuda, however, are not an issue in Carolinas. The ocean temperature rises and so does the wahoo. The temperatures of the water and the conditions for fishing are perfect for wahoo.
In the spring and fall, wahoo are the primary target. 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. While some are caught, the numbers are low. 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, the best bait, are ideal for catching wahoo. The bait can be frozen or fresh and is best retrieved with 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 work well for both seafloor and surface fishing.
Wahoos typically hang out in the deeper water column, but they can be found even on the sand and in the water. To attract wahoo strikes, ballyhoos should have a dark colored body. They are aggressive and can reach incredible speeds within seconds. Ballyhoos are also very effective at luring different types of fish.
Ballyhoos, the most effective wahoo baits in North Carolina waters, are best. Ballyhoos can be found in a wide range of 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. These lures are available in several colors, including pink/black and purple/black.
One-strand coffee-colored stainless wire wire leaders will work well when fishing for wahoo. The leader should be equipped with a bridle. You can find planers in three to sixteen sizes. Rigging is crucial for 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
A variety of high-speed trolling lures are ideal for targeting wahoo. These high-speed lures can be pulled with an inline trolling weight and placed on a downrigger or planer. When targeting big tuna or wahoo, dark colors are especially effective. They are also durable and keep running straight after catching a lot of fish. MagBay as well as Nomad manufacture 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 hit speeds of 60 mph with strike lures travelling at 18 MPH. That's the speed of an average transiting bait in two- to four-foot waves. You should therefore use heavy lures that have quality drag. Two people are required to gaff fish for maximum success.
The lip plug is one of the most popular high-speed lures. These lures can be rigged using wire or cable. This method can lead to the lure breaking if it is bent. Therefore, multi-strand cables are recommended. This wire is also less likely be bent or kinked, so it can run straighter. A clip can be used to make changing lures simpler.
Floating debris
Floating debris is a great place to target this trophy fish. Whajoo are attracted to aggressive bottom formations such as wrecks and ledges. These structures provide the perfect habitat for wahoo, who tend to stack up underneath these items. This is a great place to target this fish because it works well underneath these obstacles. Floating debris can help you locate schools of these majestic fish.
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 should also use a fast retrieve reel with a 6-to-1 gear to reach the wahoo. 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. 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 cooler water and areas with 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 follow migratory patterns. 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 have a structure-oriented fall. They are attracted to inshore lumps and drops of up to 120 feet. These large fish are infamous for their razor-sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends heavy single strand wire and a strong rod to catch one. A captain is helpful when fishing for wahoos by helping anglers stay on the water and bumping the boat.
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 that they are more likely to strike a weedline or an artificial lure. They can be caught at speeds as high as ten knots.
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 temperatures, and North Carolina has a lot of options for wahoo fishermen looking to find them. To find a few wahoo, trolling offshore wrecks or humps is a good option.
Feeding peak times
There are many times in the year where wahoo fisherman are most successful, but there are specific peak times that you should be focusing on to get the best results. 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. And as long as you have a boat that can handle the extra speed, you can expect to catch a wahoo.
Summer is the best season for wahoo fishing. 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. This prime time is when you can catch both a large and smaller wahoo.
The best time to hunt wahoo is between October and March. The water temperature remains cool during these months, making wahoo more likely to bite. Although the weather in May is often unpredictable, light-tackle fishing is best during this time. Blue-crystal is the best bait for wahoo fishing if you are planning a trip. You can also fish during the latter part of April and May if you want big fish.
FAQ
What type of gear are you going to need for fishing?
A rod and reel, line, hooks (bait), tackle box, and snacks. Casting, setting up a hook and using a bobber are essential skills for catching fish. You must wait for the right moment and be patient.
Do you need a bobber to fish?
Yes, you do! A bobber keeps the bait safe from being taken by other fisherman when they are fishing. There are two parts of a bobber, the float or the line. You attach the hook and line to the lure. Once the line is out, let go of it. A bobber is not necessary to cast a lure. The lure could sink into the waters, making it difficult for the fish bite.
Where can I find my fishing gear?
These items are available at most sporting good stores. Online shopping is a good option if you are searching for something particular. You can find everything on many websites, from lures and tackle boxes to rods and reels.
What is the best way to get my kids hooked on fishing?
Absolutely! Fishermen are a passion for children. Children who learn to fish are likely to never stop. There are many things that you can do to encourage your child into fishing. For example, you could teach them how to tie knots, build a fishing pole, and learn about fishing etiquette. Show them pictures of fish, and tell them stories.
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)
- 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)
External Links
How To
How do you clean your fishing gear?
There are many types of cleaning techniques that you can use to clean your fishing gear. Some methods are simple while others require more complex techniques. The most common way to wash your clothes is with soap and water. You should always ensure you rinse the item thoroughly after washing it. If you don't rinse it well enough, there's a chance that some dirt remains inside, which could cause bacteria growth. If it is not cleaned properly, it could lead to an unpleasant odor or worse infections. Drying the items thoroughly before placing them in storage is a good way to avoid this. You should also avoid touching the item's surfaces when cleaning. If you touch something dirty, you risk transferring germs onto the object.
There are many other things you can do to improve your fishing gear, besides using soap and drinking water. You might need to use specific detergents or solvents depending on the type of fishing gear. However, there are some things you shouldn't use because they can damage your goods. Bleach is a common example. Bleach can dissolve metal and plastic so don't use it for cleaning your fishing gear. Instead, warm water and dishwashing soap are best. Only use dishwashing products that are made specifically to clean fish. Dishwashing liquids have enzymes and chemical that help to break down organic material such as scales. They also contain surfactants that help loosen dirt and grime from surfaces. But, if staining is a concern, you might consider using a stain eliminator. Most stains are caused by oil and fats that have remained on the gear's surface. Applying stain removal products directly to areas where the oil and fat are located will remove the stain while not damaging the underlying materials.
You'll find many options in your local home improvement shop if you are looking for cleaner solutions for your fishing gear. Many stores stock a variety of cleaners that are suitable for various purposes. Some are made to remove small amounts of grease; others can handle larger quantities. You can pick the one that is most suitable for you.