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. These tips will help you get the best catch whether you fish offshore or with high-speed lures. There is no limit on 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. The first signs of wahoo are seen in the waters close to Morehead City around mid to late august. Clear and calm waters with minimal current are best for fishing. A ballyhoo rigged in plain form is a great standard bait for offshore trolling. Several other lures are also popular, including cedar plugs, Green Machines, and Wahoo Whackers.
Whajoo are not afraid of boats, and they prefer baits fished just below the surface. This is a very common technique in the Bahamas, which has boats pulling artificials at speeds as high as twenty knots. Barracuda aren't a problem in the Carolinas. As the ocean temperature rises, so do the wahoo. The temperatures of the water and the conditions for fishing are perfect for wahoo.
The primary targets are wahoo in the spring and fall. However, the timing of the winter to spring transition determines when other species will make an appearance. Yellowfin tuna was the most sought-after species in spring in the past, but they have been absent in recent years. While some are caught, the numbers are low. The catch has been made even more rewarding by this. 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. You can freeze the bait, or you can retrieve it fresh using a trolling-size Jhook. The hook must be placed in a way that the wire pin touches the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos can be used for both surface and deep-sea fishing.
Wahoos are most likely to be found in the deeper water column. However, they can also be found on the sand and in water. To attract wahoos, ballsyhoos need to be dark in color. They can run at incredible speeds and are very aggressive. Ballyhoos also work well in luring other types fish.
Ballyhoos are the most effective wahoo lures in the waters off North Carolina. Ballyhoos come with a variety colors and textures. A ballyhoo is capable of catching wahoo in the waters it inhabits if fished correctly. Ballyhoos can also be used as wahoo bait. A planer rod is a good choice for a hard lure. You can invest in either a Yo-zuri Bonita (or a Braid Marauder). These lures come in many colors such as purple/black or 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. Planers come in three to sixteen sizes, and rigging is important for success. Capt. Weaver also notes 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
High-speed trolling lures can be used to target wahoo. These high-speed lures may be pulled with an inner trolling weight and put on a downrigger. 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. Other manufacturers of high-speed trolling lures include MagBay and Nomad.
This lure can be used to catch these fish as it is fast enough that you can get to your favorite fishing spot quickly. Wahoo can travel at 60 mph, while strike lures travel at 18 mph. This is the average transiting lure's speed in two to four feet waves. Because of this, you need to use heavy lures with quality drag. Two people are required to gaff fish 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. Clips are also useful for changing lures quickly.
Floating debris
This fish is great for targeting from floating debris. Whajoo love to hunt on the bottom, especially wrecks, ledges and floating debris. These structures provide the perfect habitat for wahoo, who tend to stack up underneath these items. Another great spot to target this fish is floating debris. It often works well beneath these obstacles. Floating debris is also a great way to find these magnificent fish in their schools.
Before looking for schools of wahoo, the fisherman needs to first examine any floating debris in the area. He should not attempt to fish in areas that aren't home to baitfish or dolphins. He must also use a fast-retrieve reel with a 6-to-1 gear ratio to reach the wahoo. A 4- to 6-ounce diamond jig, with a Mustad3407 hook of double strength is recommended. If the bait becomes entangled in debris, the jig should be long enough for it to protect the fluorocarbon leader of 60 pounds and the float. Butterfly-style jigs do not work - the hooks on the top are for assistance.
During the cooler months, the water surface temperature is cooler, increasing the odds of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers water with current and cooler temperatures. 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 fish population will move to these areas as the temperature drops. During this time, the fishing is the best in these areas.
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 may travel through the Atlantic in a series of regions, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Then they will move on to the Western Atlantic. The structure that these fish inhabit is based on currents and water temperature.
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. When fishing a wahoo, the captain helps the angler stay tight by bumping the boat in and out of gear.
Whalos, which are aggressive bottom formations, like to hang around wrecks, pronounced edges, and other weedlines. They like 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 of up 10 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 conditions, so if your goal is to find them, North Carolina's wahoo-fishing structure will be an excellent choice. For example, you can try trolling around offshore humps or wrecks to find a few wahoo.
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. Three days before and after the Full Moon as well as the New Moon are prime times to go wahoo fishing. 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 season for wahoo fishing. These fish are best caught on the structures and ledges between Jupiter and Stuart Inlets. Wahoos average around 25 pounds in weight, with 50-pounders not uncommon. This is the best time to catch a large or a small wahoo.
October to March is the best time to target wahoo. These months are cooler than normal, which makes wahoo more inclined to bite. While the weather in May can be unpredictable, this is generally the best time for light-tackle fishing. Blue-crystal is the best bait for wahoo fishing if you are planning a trip. For big fish, however you might want to try fishing in late April and/or early May.
FAQ
How do I clean fish?
There are many options for cleaning fish. One way is to remove the head and guts. After that, rinse the fish with cold running water. The fish can also be gutted by you. This involves removing the intestines from the fish and cleaning out the cavity. Finally, ask another person for help.
What kind of fishing license do I need?
If you plan to fish in state waters (i.e., lakes, rivers, and bays), you must purchase a fishing license. Fishing licenses are required by law in every state. If you are planning to fish in federal waters (e.g. oceans, Great Lakes etc.), you will need a fishing license. A fishing license is not necessary. However, you will need to check with the authorities before you take any fish home.
How do I bait my hooks?
Attach a piece of meat to your hook to bait it. Then tie the meat around the eye of your hook.
Statistics
- 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)
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
- 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
Why should you use a spinning rod?
Spinning Rods are useful for casting your lure into the waters without leaving the boat. It's a great choice if you don't want to lose too much time getting back into the boat after every cast. A spinning rod will allow you to cast from any position, while maintaining control over your line. The main components of the rod are the handle, reel seat, and butt section. You hold the rod with your fingers and grip the shaft. Attach the rod's end to the hook in the butt area. The reel seat holds the line to which it is attached. There are many kinds of rods on the market today. Some are specifically designed for certain fishing types, such as casting and trolling. Others can be used for a variety of purposes, such as fly fishing, spin-fishing, and bait fishing.
The type you catch will affect the type rod you choose. For example, if you target large predatory species like bass or pike, you would probably want a heavy-duty rod. If you are fishing for smaller species, such a trout or salmon, a lighter weight rod may work better. You could even get multiple rod sizes to match the size of the fish that you wish to catch.
Spinning Rods can be used for more than just freshwater fishing. They can also be used for saltwater fishing. Saltwater spinning rods are generally heavier than their freshwater counterparts because they require stronger materials to withstand the rigors of saltwater. Saltwater spinners often have a longer rod but a smaller diameter. This allows them cast farther distances. A spinning rod is not the best choice for saltwater fishing. First, saltwater spinning rods do not come with reels like freshwater ones. You will need to purchase one on its own. You will also find them quite expensive. A spinning rod is worth considering if you enjoy catching bigger fish.
Spin fishing refers to angling where a spin fisherman uses a spinning reel to cast a weighted bait into the water. When the lure swims through the water, it spins around the weighted center point. This causes the lure to move erratically in the water, making it difficult for fish to detect the lure. The lure could also be mistaken for food by fish and they may begin to eat it. The lure will draw more fish to itself. The line attached to the lure can be reeled in by the fisherman. Once the lure is recovered, the fisherman may continue this process until he has caught all the fish he desires.