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. 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. There is no limit on recreational catch of wahoo. As long as you have the right commercial licenses, it's 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. The first signs of wahoo are seen in the waters close to Morehead City around mid to late august. Fishing is best when there is little or no current. A standard bait for offshore trolling is a ballyhoo in its plain form. Many other lures are also very popular, such as cedar sticks, Green Machines, or Wahoo Whackers.
Whajoo are not afraid of boats, and they prefer baits fished just below the surface. This technique is very popular in the Bahamas, where boats are pulling artificials at speeds up to twenty knots. Barracuda is not an issue in the Carolinas. Wahoo also increases in temperature as the ocean heats up. The conditions for fishing and the temperatures in the water are perfect for wahoo.
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. In the spring, yellowfin tuna used to be the main target, but this has changed in recent years. Although some fish are caught, their numbers are very low. This has made the catch more satisfying. If you are interested in high-speed trolling techniques, you might want to read about five successful captains.
Ballyhoos
Ballyhoos make the best bait when it comes to catching Wahoo. You can either freeze or freshen the bait and retrieve it with a trolling J-hook. The hook must be placed in a way that the wire pin touches the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos work well for both seafloor and surface fishing.
Wahoos prefer to be in deeper water columns, but they can also be found in the sand or in the water. To attract wahoo strikes to your ballyhoo, you should choose a dark-colored ballyhoo. They can be aggressive and reach speeds of up to 30 mph in a matter of seconds. Ballyhoos have the ability to lure other species fish.
Ballyhoos are the most effective wahoo lures in the waters off North Carolina. Ballyhoos are available in many colors and textures. When fished correctly, a ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its native 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. They come in many colors, including purple/black and pink/black.
When fishing for wahoo, a single-strand coffee-colored stainless steel wire leader will work well. A bridle should be attached to the leader. You can find planers in three to sixteen sizes. Rigging is crucial for success. Capt. Weaver also mentions that wahoo can be a common target. You can target wahoo by rigging a planer using a bridle.
High-speed lures
High-speed trolling lures can be used to target wahoo. These high speed lures can also be pulled with an inside trolling weight. When targeting big tuna or wahoo, dark colors are especially effective. These lures can also be durable and continue running even after catching many fish. MagBay and Nomad are also manufacturers of high speed trolling lures.
These fish will love trolling lures that are fast and can quickly get to the right spot. Wahoo can reach speeds of 60mph and strike lures traveling at 18 mph. This is the average transiting luring lure at a speed of two to four feet. 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.
One of the most common types of high-speed lures is the lip plug. These lures are typically rigged with 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 will also be less likely bend and kink so it can run straighter. A clip can be used to make changing lures simpler.
Floating debris
This is a great spot to catch this trophy fish. Whajoo love to hunt on the bottom, especially wrecks, ledges and floating debris. These structures create the perfect habitat environment for wahoos who like to stack up beneath these items. The best place to target this fish is also floating debris. This material often works under these obstacles. You can also use floating debris to locate these magnificent fish schools.
Before locating a school of wahoo, a fisherman must first check the floating debris for dolphins. If there aren't any baitfish or dolphins in the area, he should just leave it alone. To get to the wahoo he will need a fast-retrieve reel that has a 6-to-1 gear ratio. 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 should not exist - they have assistance hooks at its top.
Water surface temperatures are cooler in cooler months. This increases the chance of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers water with current and cooler temperatures. Satellite imagery is used to monitor temperature and determine if small temperature fluctuations will result in an increase in Wahoo. As the water temperature drops, the fish population tends to move to these locations. These areas offer the best fishing conditions.
Structure
The Gulf of Mexico may have an unusual structure for wahoo fisherman in North Carolina. 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. These fish are dependent on water temperature and currents to determine the structure they inhabit.
Whalos are structure-oriented during the fall. This means they often drop in 120 feet of water and frequent inshore lumps. These large fish are well-known for their razor sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends heavy single strand wire and a strong rod to catch one. Captains help anglers fish a wahoo by shifting the boat into and out of 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. They will often remain near weedlines and trash in North Carolina. They are more likely than others to be caught near weedlines or artificial lures. They can reach speeds of up to ten knots.
Although the wahoo is a year-round species, the best fishing for it occurs from July through September. The fish prefer warm Gulf Stream waters and North Carolina's wahoo fishing structure will provide plenty of opportunities to catch them. To find a few wahoo, trolling offshore wrecks or humps is a good option.
Peak feeding times
Although there are many times throughout the year when wahoo-fishing is most productive, there are a few peak times during the month that are particularly productive. Three days before and after the Full Moon as well as the New Moon are prime times to go wahoo fishing. During peak times, trolling should be done at either a medium or high speed. You can catch a wahoo as long as your boat is capable of handling the extra speed.
When it comes to wahoo fishing, the most effective time is summer. These fish can be found on the ledges or structures between Jupiter and Stuart inlets. The average wahoo weighs about 25 pounds. But, 50-pounders are not uncommon. During this prime time, you'll be able to catch both a large wahoo and a smaller one.
It is best to go after wahoo between October and March. These months see a cooler water temperature, making wahoo easier to catch. 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 still fish for big fish in the late April and early mai, though.
FAQ
What is the best way to get my kids hooked on fishing?
Absolutely! Fishermen are a passion for children. Many children who grow up fishing never stop. There are many ways you can encourage your child fishing. You can show your child how to tie knots, make a fishing pole and teach them good fishing etiquette. Show them pictures of fish, and tell them stories.
How much does basic fishing gear cost?
Basic fishing equipment starts at $100-$200, including rod/reel and bait combos, as well as tackle boxes and bait. For a larger boat, you will need to pay between $500 and $1,000.
What amount of money can I spend on fishing equipment?
You don't have to spend a lot of money on fishing gear. There are many inexpensive options available. For example, you could buy a cheap reel, line, and hook. You could also invest in a rod and reel set.
Statistics
- 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)
- 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
How to perfectly cast a fishing rod
The first thing you must know when casting a fishing rod is to use your wrist to move the rod's handle smoothly towards the water. You should hold the rod at a slight angle to ensure the line is parallel with the ground. Move the rod forward by keeping the rod's tip perpendicular the water. Fish won't bite if the rod's tip touches the surface of the water before it reaches the bottom. This technique can be used to increase distance between the tip and water surface.
Here are some tips for casting a rod if you're not confident yet.
The first thing you should do is to hold the rod at your chest. By doing this, the rod will move in the right direction and you won't have to bend.
If you are casting a large rod, it is a good idea to put a tripod on the shoreline. By doing this, you'll be able to rest the rod securely while holding the reel.
Third, you may want to consider buying a small reel instead of an expensive one. A cheaper spinning reel will let you cast farther distances and help you improve your hand-eye coordination.
Fourth, you may also want to consider purchasing a fishing pole holder. These holders are designed to keep the rod upright and hold it securely. They are easy to store after use and protect the rod against damage.
Fifth, practice casting until you get used to the motion. Casting a fishing line takes practice.
Sixth, patience and perseverance are the keys to fishing success. You must wait for the right moment to strike and then fight hard to bring the fish in.