Ocean Fishing

Wahoo Fishing NC - How to Catch the Big Ones

By Mike Richardson 28 January, 2023 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. 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. And remember, there's no size limit for recreational catch of wahoo. You'll be able to land a trophy fish as long as your commercial licenses are valid.

Offshore trolling

The best time to go offshore trolling for wahoo fishing in North Carolina is during the fall, especially 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 standard bait for offshore trolling is a ballyhoo in its plain form. Several other lures are also popular, including cedar plugs, Green Machines, and Wahoo Whackers.

Whajoo aren't afraid of boats. They prefer baits just below the water surface. This technique is very popular at the Bahamas, where boats can pull artificials up to twenty knees. However, in the Carolinas, Barracuda are not a problem. The ocean temperature rises and so does the wahoo. The temperatures of the water and the conditions for fishing are perfect for wahoo.

In spring and fall, wahoo will be the main target. However, the timing of the winter to spring transition determines when other species will make an appearance. 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. You might be interested in learning more about the techniques of five experienced captains if you are looking for a high-speed trolling method.

Ballyhoos

Ballyhoos, the best bait, are ideal for catching wahoo. You can freeze the bait or use it fresh. The best way to retrieve the bait is with a trolling-size J-hook. The hook itself should be in line with fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos are great for surface and seafloor fishing.

Wahoos tend to prefer deeper water, but they are also found in the sand. Ballyhoos should be of a dark color to attract strikes from wahoo. They are extremely aggressive and can move at lightning speed. Ballyhoos are also very effective at luring different types of fish.

Ballyhoos make the best wahoo lures in North Carolina. Ballyhoos are available in many colors and textures. When fished correctly, a ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its native waters. Ballyhoos also make excellent 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.

One-strand coffee-colored stainless wire wire leaders will work well when fishing for wahoo. A bridle should be attached on the leader. Planers come in a variety of sizes and rigging can be crucial to their success. Capt. Weaver also mentions that wahoo can be a common target. A bridle can be used to rig a planer and help you find the sweet spot if you want to target wahoo.

High-speed lures

You can target wahoo with a variety high-speed trolling baits. These high-speed lures may be pulled with an inner trolling weight and put on a downrigger. Particularly effective when targeting large tuna or wahoo, dark colors work well. These lures are durable and can be used for many fish. MagBay is another manufacturer 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. This is why you should use quality drag and heavy lures. Gaffing the fish should be done by two people for maximum success.

The lip plug is one of the most popular high-speed lures. These lures are usually rigged with wire and cable. This method can lead to the lure breaking if it is bent. Therefore, multi-strand cables are recommended. This wire can also be run straighter as it is less likely that it will bend or kink. Also, try using a clip to make changing lures easier.

Floating debris

This is a great area to hunt this trophy fish. Whajoo are attracted to aggressive bottom formations such as wrecks and ledges. These structures create the perfect habitat environment for wahoos who like to stack up beneath these items. Another great spot to target this fish is floating debris. It often works well beneath these obstacles. Floating debris can also help you find the schools of these majestic fish.

Before locating a school of wahoo, a fisherman must first check the floating debris for dolphins. He should not attempt to fish in areas that aren't home to baitfish or dolphins. 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 is recommended with a Mustad 3407 hook. The jigs should be large enough to protect a fluorocarbon leader 60 pounds in weight and a floating if the bait is caught in the debris. Butterfly-style jigs do not work - the hooks on the top are for assistance.

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 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 temperature of the water surface decreases, the fish population is more likely to move to these areas. These areas are the best for fishing during this time.

Structure

The Gulf of Mexico may have an unusual structure for wahoo fisherman in North Carolina. Wahoo prefer to move in migratory ways. 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. The structure that these fish inhabit is based on currents and water temperature.

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 known for their sharp jaws. Hagerich suggests heavy single-strand wire and heavy-duty rods to capture one. Fishing a wahoo requires that the captain bumps the boat in and off of gear to help the angler stay steady.

Whalos, which are aggressive bottom formations, like to hang around wrecks, pronounced edges, and other weedlines. They prefer to strike fast-moving lures. 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 as high as ten knots.

The best times to fish for the wahoo are July through September. They prefer warmer Gulf Stream water, so if you're looking for a great place to fish, North Carolina's wahoo fishing infrastructure will offer you many options. To locate a few, you could trot around wrecks or offshore humps.

Peak feeding 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. The best times to wahoo fish are the days immediately prior and after the Full Moon and the New Moon. During these peak times, you should trolling at either a moderate or high 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. The best place to fish for these fish is between Jupiter inlets and Stuart islands. 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.

October to March is the best time to target wahoo. This is because the water temperature stays cool, making it more likely that wahoo will bite. May is a great time to light-tackle fish, even though the weather can change quickly. Blue-crystal is the best bait for wahoo fishing if you are planning a trip. However, if you're looking for big fish, you can try fishing during late April and early May.

FAQ

What is your favorite bait for freshwater-fishing?

Live shrimp is the best bait for freshwater fishing. Shrimp are affordable, simple to catch, and taste fantastic!

Where can you fish the most?

Fishing near freshwater bodies is the best option. These areas provide fish with plenty of food.

Where can I get good fishing guides?"

Fishing guides offer a wide variety of services. A fishing guide can offer advice on where to catch the most fish, provide tips on how you catch them, and even teach you how they use different types or equipment.

Statistics

It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.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)
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)
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)