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. You can fish with any of the high-speed lures or an offshore trolling boat to catch the best catch. Remember that recreational wahoo catch is unlimited. And as long as you're holding the appropriate commercial licenses, you'll have no problem landing a trophy fish.
Offshore trolling
Offshore fishing for wahoo is best in the fall, especially in late August or 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, the best bait is a simple ballyhoo. Many other lures are also very popular, such as cedar sticks, Green Machines, or Wahoo Whackers.
Whajoo don't fear boats and prefer to fish just below the surface. This method is extremely popular in the Bahamas where artificials are pulled at speeds of up to twenty knots. Barracuda, however, are not an issue in Carolinas. The ocean temperature increases, which means that the wahoo will also rise. Wahoo can fish in perfect conditions due to the ocean temperature and fishing conditions.
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. 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. The catch has been made even more rewarding by this. However, if you're interested in a high-speed trolling technique, you may want to learn more about the tactics of five accomplished captains.
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 work well for both seafloor and surface fishing.
Wahoos usually prefer the deeper water column but can be found on the sand as well as in the water. To attract wahoo strikes, ballyhoos should have a dark colored body. They are extremely aggressive and can move at lightning speed. Ballyhoos can also be used to lure other species of fish.
Ballyhoos are one of the most effective wahoo luring devices in the waters around North Carolina. Ballyhoos are available in many colors and textures. A ballyhoo is capable of catching wahoo in the waters it inhabits if fished correctly. Ballyhoos are also excellent bait for wahoo. 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 come in many colors, including purple/black and pink/black.
A single-strand stainless steel wire leader in coffee-colored stainless will be a good choice for fishing for wahoo. The leader should be equipped with a bridle. 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're planning to target wahoo you should rig your planer with a harness.
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. Dark colors work especially well when targeting wahoo or big tuna. These lures are strong and durable, so they can keep going even after you catch 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. Wahoos can reach speeds up to 60 mph while strike lures travel at an average speed of 18 mph. That is the speed of an average transiting lure in two to four foot waves. You should therefore use heavy lures that have quality drag. To ensure maximum success, you should gaff the fish with two people.
Lip plugs are one of the most commonly used high-speed lures. These lures are usually rigged with wire and 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. This wire is also less likely be bent or kinked, so it can run straighter. You can also use a clip to make changing lures more simple.
Floating debris
This is a great area to hunt this trophy fish. Whajoo will only eat wrecks, ledges, or floating debris as their preferred bottom habitat. These structures create the perfect habitat environment for wahoos who like to stack up beneath these items. This is a great place to target this fish because it works well underneath 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. If there aren't any baitfish or dolphins in the area, he should just leave it alone. To reach the wahoo, he should use a fast reel with a 6-to-1 speed ratio. A 4 to 6 ounce, diamond jig is recommended with a Mustad 3407 hook. 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.
Water surface temperatures are cooler in cooler months. This increases the chance of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers cooler water and areas with current. Satellite imagery can monitor the temperature surface to determine if any slight changes will cause a higher level of Wahoo. The temperature of the water surface drops, which means that the fish population moves to these areas more often. During this time, the fishing is the best in these areas.
Structure
A few exceptions may exist in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo travel in migratory routes. They can migrate in the Atlantic through several regions such as the Gulf of Mexico (the Caribbean), the Gulf of Mexico (the Western Atlantic), and then the Eastern Atlantic. The structure that these fish inhabit is based on currents and water temperature.
Whalos are structure-oriented in the fall, which means that they frequent inshore lumps and drops in 120 feet 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 are aggressive bottom forms and love to hang around wrecks, ledges, or other weed lines. They prefer to strike fast-moving lures. They will often remain near weedlines and trash 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 temperatures, and North Carolina has a lot of options for wahoo fishermen looking to find them. 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. 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. A boat capable of handling this extra speed will allow you to catch a wahoo.
Summer is the best time of year to go wahoo fishing. The best time to target these fish is on the ledges and structure between the Jupiter and Stuart inlets. The average wahoo weighs around 25 pounds, but 50-pounders are not uncommon. During prime time you will be able catch both a large and a smaller wahoo.
From October to March, wahoo are most at their best. These months are cooler than normal, which makes wahoo more inclined to 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. You can still fish for big fish in the late April and early mai, though.
FAQ
How can I tell if my lures are working?
When you cast your lure into the water, watch for movement. If you observe movement, your lure may be working properly.
What kind of gear do you need for fishing?
A rod, reel line, hooks, line, bait, tackle box and some snacks. You will need to know how to cast, hook up a hook and use a trolling motor to catch fish. The most important thing is patience and waiting for the right moment to strike.
Is fishing safe
Fishing has a lot of safety. Fishing can be an enjoyable way to relax, enjoy nature and have fun. You will not have any problems as long as you observe safety rules.
How much time does it take to catch a fish?
It depends on the size and skill level of your fisherman. It can take anywhere between 30 seconds and 1 hour to catch a fish. The longer you wait, the better chance you have of catching a big fish.
Statistics
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.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)
- 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
Finding the Best Fishing Location
To find the best fishing spots, you must know what kind of fish you want to catch. It's important to decide if deep sea fishing is for you or shallow water. Deep sea fishing is expensive and requires a boat. Shallow water fishing can be done from shore and is therefore free of cost. Shallow water fishing is the best option if you want to catch trout. However, if barracuda is what you're after, you should go to deeper waters.
Depending on your preference, there are many types of fishing spots. Some locations offer only one type while others offer many options. For example, some places are known for their bass fishing while others specialize in fly fishing. Other locations are famous for their shark fishing and crabbing.
How much you can afford, how long you are planning to stay, and what your interests are will determine the best way to choose where to go. Do you enjoy camping? Perhaps you would like to visit a campsite near a water source. Are you more drawn to city life? You might prefer the beach. Perhaps you even like to go canoeing, sailing or scuba diving.
It doesn't matter if you don’t know anything about fishing. You could always ask someone who does. They might be able to tell you all sorts of information, including where to fish.
You could even try searching online for "fishing spots near me." This will give a lot of options. You can narrow down your options by reading customer reviews and rating. Many websites offer this feature.
After you have chosen a location, you should make it a point to visit it before you go. It is not always easy to find the right way, so make sure you have directions. You should also make sure that you have everything you need. Don't forget your tackle box, bait, and sunscreen!
Research the weather conditions at your fishing spot is also an excellent idea. Look at the forecast to determine when is the best time to fish. If the weather is changing, it's a good idea to make changes to your plans.
Once you have a good idea of where you want to go, it's time to start planning your trip. The next step is to decide what kind of fish you will be using.