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. 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. There is no limit on recreational catch of wahoo. A commercial license is required to catch trophy fish.
Offshore trolling
Offshore trolling for wahoo fishing is best during the fall in North Carolina, particularly late August/early September. Wahoo begin to appear in the waters around Morehead City from mid-to late August. Fishing is best when there is little or no current. A simple ballyhoo rigged in plain shape is an excellent bait for offshore trolling. You can also use cedar plugs or Green Machines as lures.
Whajoo don't fear boats and prefer to fish 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. Wahoos also respond to ocean temperatures rising. The water temperature and conditions for fishing are ideal for wahoo.
In the spring and fall, wahoo are the primary target. The transition from winter into spring will determine when other species will appear. Yellowfin tuna was the most sought-after species in spring in the past, but they have been absent in recent years. Although some are caught occasionally, the number of them is very small. This has made the catch more satisfying. 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 is the best bait to catch wahoo. The bait can be frozen or fresh and is best retrieved with a trolling size J-hook. The hook should be placed so the wire pin is in line of the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos have a great reputation for seafloor and surface 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 can run at incredible speeds and are very aggressive. Ballyhoos are also very effective at luring different types of fish.
Ballyhoos make the best wahoo lures in North Carolina. Ballyhoos come in a variety of colors and textures. A ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its own waters if it is fished properly. Ballyhoos make great 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). 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. Planers come in a variety of sizes and rigging can be crucial to their success. Capt. Weaver also notes that wahoo are a common target. If you're planning to target wahoo you should rig your planer with a harness.
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. 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.
These fish will love trolling lures that are fast and can quickly get to the right spot. Wahoos can reach speeds up to 60 mph while strike lures travel at an average speed of 18 mph. This is the average transiting lure's speed in two to four feet waves. This is why you should use quality drag and heavy lures. For maximum success, two people are recommended to gaff the fish.
The lip plug is a popular type of high-speed lure. These lures are typically rigged with wire or cable. This method can lead to the lure breaking if it is bent. Therefore, multi-strand cables are recommended. 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
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 make the perfect habitat to wahoo because they tend to pile up beneath them. As it is often able to work under these obstacles, floating debris is another excellent place to target this species of fish. Floating debris is also a great way to find these magnificent fish in their schools.
Before locating a school of wahoo, a fisherman must first check the floating debris for dolphins. If there are no baitfish, or dolphins around the area, then he should leave it alone. 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 is recommended with a Mustad 3407 hook. 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 cooler water and areas 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 temperature of the water surface decreases, the fish population is more likely to move to these areas. 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 prefer to move in migratory ways. 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 live in structures that are determined by currents, water temperature, and other factors.
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 infamous for their razor-sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends heavy single strand wire and a strong rod to catch one. Fishing a wahoo requires that the captain bumps the boat in and off of gear to help the angler stay steady.
Whalos are aggressive bottom forms and love to hang around wrecks, ledges, or other weed lines. They like to strike fast moving baits. They are often found near weedlines or debris 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. 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
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. These are the best days to fish for wahoo, such as the days just before and after a Full Moon or the New Moon. During peak times, trolling should be done at either a medium or high speed. 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. This prime time is when you can catch both a large and smaller wahoo.
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. Although May weather can be unpredictable, it is usually the best month for light-tackle fishing. 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
What should I wear while fishing?
Wear clothes that protect you from the elements. It's a good idea to have gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Insect repellent is also a good idea.
Which rod should you choose?
Graphite composite is the best rod for fly-fishing. This material is lightweight and strong with great casting capabilities. To cast better, you must practice with graphite rods.
What is the best time to fish?
It's best to fish early in the morning and late at night. These times are ideal for fish to be feeding and moving about.
Are there any good spots for fishing?
All over the world, there are many places to fish. Many people love fishing in public parks and private ponds.
Statistics
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- 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)
- 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)
External Links
How To
How do I clean my fishing equipment?
There are many types of cleaning techniques that you can use to clean your fishing gear. Some are very simple while others require advanced techniques. The most common method is to use soap and water. After washing the item, rinse it thoroughly. There's a possibility of bacteria growth if the item is not rinsed well. If it is not cleaned properly, it could lead to an unpleasant odor or worse infections. A good way to prevent this is to dry the items completely before storing them. Remember to not touch the item's surface while cleaning. You risk spreading germs to objects if you touch them.
In addition to using soap and water, there are many things that you can do to improve the quality of your fishing gear. You may need to use solvents or detergents that are specific to your gear. There are certain things that you should never use, though, because they could damage your goods. Bleach is one example. Bleach has been known to disintegrate plastic and metal so it shouldn't be used to clean fishing gear. Use warm water and a dishwashing liquid instead. You should only use dishwashing liquids made specifically for cleaning fish. Dishwashing detergents are formulated with enzymes and other chemicals to help dissolve organic materials like blood, slime, scales, and slime. Surfactants help remove dirt and grime from surfaces. A stain remover is recommended if you have concerns about stain removal. Stains are usually caused by oils and fats that remain on the surface of the gear. Applying stain removers directly to the area where the oil or fat came from helps remove the stain without damaging the underlying material.
If you're looking for a cleaner solution for your fishing gear, you'll find plenty of options at your local home improvement store. Most stores carry several kinds of cleaners designed for different purposes. Some can be used to clean small amounts of grease and others for larger amounts. You can choose one that suits your needs best.