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. The following information will help to find the best catch, no matter if you are fishing from an offshore trolling vessel or using high-speed lures. There is no limit on 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, calm water and little current are the best conditions for fishing. For offshore trolling, a ballyhoo rigged plainly is a good choice of bait. Many other lures are also very popular, such as cedar sticks, Green Machines, or Wahoo Whackers.
Whajoo do not fear boats and prefer baits that are fished below the surface. This method is quite popular in the Bahamas, where boats pull artificials at speeds of twenty knots. However, in the Carolinas, Barracuda are not a problem. Wahoo also increases in temperature as the ocean heats up. The temperatures of the water and the conditions for fishing are perfect for wahoo.
In spring and summer, wahoo is the primary target. But, other species can make an appearance depending on when the winter to spring transition occurs. In the spring, yellowfin tuna used to be the main target, but this has changed in recent years. Although some do get caught, there are not many. This has made it more rewarding to catch them. 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 itself should be positioned so that the wire pin is in line with the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos have a great reputation for seafloor and surface 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. Ballyhoos should wear dark colors to attract wahoo. They can run at incredible speeds and are very aggressive. Ballyhoos also work well in luring other types 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. A ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its own waters if it is fished properly. Ballyhoos are a great bait for wahoo. If you own a planer, you should consider purchasing a hard bait, such as a Yozuri Bonita or Braid Marauder. 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. The leader should be equipped with a bridle. There are three to sixteen sizes of planers, so rigging is essential for success. Capt. Weaver also notes that wahoo are a common target. If you plan to target wahoo, you can rig a planer with an aide and a bridle to help you locate the sweet spot.
High-speed lures
For chasing wahoo, a variety of high-speed trolling lures is ideal. These high-speed lures are easily pulled by an inline weight and can be placed on a downrigger, planer, or other support device. If you are targeting large tuna or wahoos, dark colors work best. These lures are strong and durable, so they can keep going even after you catch many fish. MagBay as well as Nomad manufacture high-speed trolling lures.
High-speed trolling baits are ideal for these fish, as they can move quickly enough to reach a good spot. Wahoo can reach speeds of 60mph and strike lures traveling at 18 mph. This is the average transiting lure's speed in two to four feet waves. It is important to use heavy lures and high quality drag. Gaffing the fish should be done by two people for maximum success.
The lip plug is a popular type of high-speed lure. These lures are often rigged in wire or cable. The lure can be bent by this method, which can result in the cable breaking. The wire can also run straighter because it is less likely to bend or kink. To make it easier to change lures, you can use a clip.
Floating debris
This is a great spot to catch this trophy fish. Whajoo prefer aggressive bottom formations, such as wrecks, ledges, and floating debris. These structures are the ideal habitat for wahoo who will often stack up under these items. The best place to target this fish is also floating debris. This material often works under these obstacles. Floating debris is also a great way to find these magnificent fish in their schools.
Before searching for a school, a fisherman should first inspect the floating debris for signs of dolphins. He should not attempt to fish in areas that aren't home to baitfish or dolphins. To reach the wahoo, he should use a fast reel with a 6-to-1 speed ratio. It is recommended to use a 4 to 6 ounce diamond jig and a Mustad 3407 double-strength 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 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 can be used for monitoring the temperature at the surface. This will allow you to see if any small changes could result in a higher number of Wahoo. The fish population will move to these areas as the temperature drops. 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 follow 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 live in structures that are determined by currents, water temperature, and other factors.
Whalos, which are structure-oriented in their fall, frequent inshore drops and lumps in 120 feet or more of water. This large fish is known for their razor-sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends heavy singlestrand wire and an extremely heavy-duty fishing rod in order to catch one. A captain is helpful when fishing for wahoos by helping anglers stay on the water and bumping the boat.
Whalos, which are aggressive bottom formations, like to hang around wrecks, pronounced edges, and other weedlines. They like to strike fast moving baits. They can often be found near weedlines in North Carolina. This means that they are more likely to strike a weedline or an artificial lure. They can be caught at speeds of up 10 knots.
The best times to fish for the wahoo are July through September. 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. To find a few wahoo, trolling offshore wrecks or humps is a good option.
Peak hours feeding
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. You should wahoo-fish on the days immediately preceding and following the Full Moon and 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 time to fish for wahoo. These fish are best caught on the structures and ledges between Jupiter and Stuart Inlets. The average wahoo weighs around 25 pounds, but 50-pounders are not uncommon. This is the best time to catch a large or a small wahoo.
The best time to hunt wahoo is between October and March. 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. Blue-crystal is the best bait to catch wahoo if you plan a trip during this period. You can still fish for big fish in the late April and early mai, though.
FAQ
What should you wear when fishing?
Protect yourself from the elements by wearing clothes. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and gloves are all good choices. Also, bring along insect repellent.
How do I bait my hooks
Attach a piece of meat to your hook to bait it. Attach the meat to the eye of the hook.
Can I fish during daylight?
You can fish at any time of the day. Fishing is only allowed during periods when it is prohibited.
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)
- 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)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
External Links
How To
How do I properly clean my fishing gear?
There are many options when it comes to cleaning your fishing equipment. Some methods are simple while others require more complex techniques. Most people use soap and water. Rinse the item with water after washing. You could end up with bacteria growth if you don't thoroughly rinse the item. If it is not cleaned properly, it could lead to an unpleasant odor or worse infections. To prevent this, dry the items completely before storing. 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 want to use different detergents or solvents, depending on the type and model of your fishing gear. Certain things are best avoided as they can cause damage to your goods. Bleach is a common example. Bleach can dissolve metal and plastic so don't use it for cleaning your fishing gear. Warm water and a dishwashing detergent are better choices. Use only dishwashing fluids specifically made for cleaning fish. Dishwashing solutions contain enzymes and chemicals that aid in the breakdown of organic materials such blood, slime, and scales. They also contain surfactants, which help to remove dirt and grime. 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. Stain removers can be applied directly to the spot where the oil or fat is present. This will remove the stain without causing damage to 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. Many stores stock a variety of cleaners that are suitable for various purposes. Some can be used to clean small amounts of grease and others for larger amounts. The one that best suits your needs is available.