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. 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 fall is the best time to trot offshore for wahoo fishing, especially in North Carolina. In mid to late August, wahoo start showing up in the waters near Morehead City. Clear water with little to no current is the best for fishing. A simple ballyhoo rigged in plain shape is an excellent bait for offshore trolling. Other lures that are popular include cedar plugs and Green Machines.
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. The ocean temperature rises and so does the wahoo. The water temperature and conditions for fishing are ideal for wahoo.
The primary targets are wahoo in the spring and fall. Other species may appear depending on the time of the winter-spring transition. Historically, yellowfin tuna were the top target in the spring, but in recent years, they have been absent. Although some do get caught, there are not many. This has made the catch more satisfying. 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 you can retrieve it fresh using a trolling-size Jhook. The hook should be placed so that the wire pin is directly in line with the fish’s nostrils. Ballyhoos work well for both seafloor and surface fishing.
Wahoos tend to prefer deeper water, but they are also found in the sand. To attract wahoos, ballsyhoos need to be dark in color. They are fast and aggressive, reaching speeds of up to 125 mph in just seconds. Ballyhoos are also effective in luring other types of fish.
Ballyhoos are the most effective wahoo lures in the waters off 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. You should invest in a hard lure if you have a planer rod such as a Yozuri Bonita, or a 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. A bridle should be attached to the leader. The sizes of planers range from three to sixteen, and the importance of rigging for success is paramount. Capt. Weaver also points out that wahoo is 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
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. When targeting big tuna or wahoo, dark colors are especially effective. These lures are durable and can be used for many fish. MagBay, Nomad and Nomad are other manufacturers of high-speed trolling baits.
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. This is the average transiting luring lure at a speed of two to four feet. 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 most popular types of 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. 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 are attracted to aggressive bottom formations such as wrecks and ledges. These structures offer the perfect habitat for wahoos, who often pile up under 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 can also help you find the schools of these majestic fish.
Before searching for a school, a fisherman should first inspect the floating debris for signs of dolphins. If there are no dolphins or other baitfish in the area, he should leave it alone. To reach the wahoo, he must use a fast-retrieve rod with a 6-to-1 ratio. A 4- to 6-ounce, four- to six-ounce, diamond-tipped jig with a Mustad 3507 hook and double-strength Mustad 3407 line is recommended. A jig should have enough length to hold a 60-pound fluorocarbon lead and a float in case the bait becomes caught in the debris. Jigs should not be Butterfly-style - they have assist hooks at the top.
The water surface temperature in cooler months is lower, increasing the likelihood of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers areas with water that is cooler and more current. 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. This time is when fishing in these areas can be at its best.
Structure
It is possible that the structure of North Carolina's Wahoo fishing fleet may be an anomaly in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo travel in migratory routes. 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 huge fish are famous for their razor-sharp teeth. To catch one, Hagerich recommends heavy single-strand wire and a heavy-duty rod. A captain is helpful when fishing for wahoos by helping anglers stay on the water and bumping the boat.
Whalos are bottom-based aggressive formations that like to hang around wrecks, pronounced ledges, and other types of weeds. They often prefer to strike fast-moving baits. They can often be found near weedlines in North Carolina. This makes them more likely to find a weedline or artificial lure. They can be caught at speeds up to ten miles per hour.
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 catch some wahoo, you might try trolling the offshore humps and wrecks.
Peak hours feeding
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. 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 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 period to fish for wahoo. The best places to catch these fish are on the ledges and structures between Jupiter's and Stuart inlets. A wahoo is about 25 pounds on average, but there are 50-pounders available. You can catch both large and small wahoos during this time.
From October to March, wahoo are most at their best. These months see a cooler water temperature, making wahoo easier to catch. Although May weather can be unpredictable, it is usually the best month for light-tackle fishing. Blue-crystal is the best bait for wahoo fishing if you are planning a trip. You can also fish during the latter part of April and May if you want big fish.
FAQ
How often should I replace my lures?
Every few days, lures should be changed. When left out in direct sunlight for too long, lures tend to lose their effectiveness.
What happens to me if I'm caught fishing illegally?
Fines, jail time and even the loss of your fishing licence could be your options. It is crucial to understand the rules before you fish.
Where can I find quality fishing guides?
Fishing guides offer a wide variety of services. These guides can give advice on the best places to catch fish, offer tips on how to catch specific types of fish, or even show you how different types of fishing equipment works.
What type is the best fishing license?
You must have a fishing licence if you want to fish in state waters (e.g. lakes, rivers, or bays). State laws require anglers to obtain a valid fishing license before fishing. You must have a valid fishing license if you intend to fish in federal waters, such as the Great Lakes and oceans. Fishing licenses are not required if you plan to fish in federal waters. However, you will need to check with the authorities before you take any fish home.
What is the best season to fish?
It is best to fish in the morning or at night. These times are when the fish are active and feeding.
Statistics
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.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)
- 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 Spot
You must decide what type of fish you want. This will help you find the best fishing spots. It is important to decide whether you prefer deep sea fishing or shallow-water fishing. Deep sea fishing will require a boat which is costly. The cost of shallow water fishing is minimal as it's done from shore. If you're interested in catching trout, you'd probably choose shallow water fishing. However, if your goal is to catch barracuda you will have to venture out into deeper waters.
Depending on your preference, there are many types of fishing spots. Some locations offer only one type while others offer many options. One example is that some areas are known for their bass fishing and others specialize in fly-fishing. Others are known for their shark fishing, crabbing, and other activities.
The best way to figure out where to go depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay, and what you like doing. Do you enjoy camping? If so, you might be interested in a spot near a lake. Are you more interested in city life? Perhaps you prefer the beaches. You might also enjoy scuba diving or kayaking.
Even if fishing is not something you are familiar with, it's worth asking someone who does. They can tell you everything, even where to go.
You might also consider searching online for "fishing places near me". This will give you lots of ideas. You can narrow down your options by reading customer reviews and rating. You can do this on many websites.
Once you have selected a location to visit, it is important that you actually go there. It is not always easy to find the right way, so make sure you have directions. Be sure to have all you will need. Make sure to pack your bait, tackle box and sunscreen.
It's a good idea also to check the weather conditions at the spot. The forecast can help you determine the best time to go. You might need to adjust your plans if the weather changes.
Now that you know where to go, you can start planning your trip. Next, decide what fish you want to catch.