Lake Fishing

Wahoo Fishing NC - How to Catch the Big Ones

By Dylan Smith 02/04/2022 7 mins read

Here are some tips to make your trip more enjoyable if you want to try wahoo-fishing in North Carolina. 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. And remember, there's no size limit for recreational catch of wahoo. And as long as you're holding the appropriate commercial licenses, you'll have no problem landing a trophy fish.

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. Wahoo begin to appear in the waters around Morehead City from mid-to late August. The fishing is most productive when the water is clear and has little or no current. For offshore trolling, the best bait is a simple ballyhoo. There are many other lures available, such as cedar plugs, Green Machines and Wahoo Whackers.

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 aren't a problem in the Carolinas. The ocean temperature increases, which means that the wahoo will also rise. 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. The yellowfin and bluefin tuna have historically been the top targets in spring. But they are now absent. 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, the best bait, are ideal for catching wahoo. The bait can be frozen or fresh and is best retrieved with a trolling size J-hook. The hook itself should be positioned so that the wire pin is in line with the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos can be used for both surface and deep-sea fishing.

Wahoos prefer to be in deeper water columns, but they can also be found in the sand or in the water. To attract wahoos, ballsyhoos need to be dark in color. They can run at incredible speeds and are very aggressive. Ballyhoos are also effective in luring other types of fish.

Ballyhoos can be used as wahoo-lure in North Carolina. Ballyhoos come in a variety of colors and textures. A ballyhoo is capable of catching wahoo in the waters it inhabits if fished correctly. Ballyhoos also make excellent wahoo bait. If you own a planer, you should consider purchasing a hard bait, such as a Yozuri Bonita or 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. The sizes of planers range from three to sixteen, and the importance of rigging for success is paramount. Capt. Weaver also notes that wahoo are 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

Many high-speed lures for trolling are available to catch wahoo. These high-speed lures are easily pulled by an inline weight and can be placed on a downrigger, planer, or other support device. When targeting big tuna or wahoo, dark colors are especially effective. 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. Wahoo can hit speeds of 60 mph with strike lures travelling at 18 MPH. That's the speed of an average transiting bait in two- to four-foot waves. Because of this, you need to use heavy lures with quality drag. Gaffing the fish should be done by two people for maximum success.

One of the most common types of high-speed lures is the lip plug. These lures are typically rigged with wire or cable. Unfortunately, this method can break the line when the lure gets bent, so it's best to invest in a multi-strand cable. This wire is also less likely to bend and kink, so it can run straighter. To make it easier to change lures, you can use a clip.

Floating debris

This trophy fish can be found in floatable debris. Whajoo prefer aggressive bottom formations, such as wrecks, ledges, and floating debris. These structures offer the perfect habitat for wahoos, who often pile up under them. 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 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. 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, with a Mustad3407 hook of double strength 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.

During the cooler months, the water surface temperature is cooler, increasing the odds of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers water with current and cooler temperatures. Use satellite imagery to monitor surface temperature to determine whether any small changes in the temperature will bring in a higher concentration of Wahoo. The fish population will move to these areas as the temperature drops. During this time, the fishing is the best in these areas.

Structure

It is possible that the structure of North Carolina's Wahoo fishing fleet may be an anomaly in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo prefer to move in migratory ways. 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. This is determined by the currents and the water temperature.

Whalos, which are structure-oriented in their fall, frequent inshore drops and lumps in 120 feet or more of water. These large fish are well-known for their razor sharp jaws. To catch one, Hagerich recommends heavy single-strand wire and a heavy-duty rod. The captain assists anglers fishing wahoo by moving the boat around and helping them stay in the right gear.

Whalos are aggressive bottom forms and love to hang around wrecks, ledges, or other weed lines. They will often strike fast-moving baits. They will often remain near weedlines and trash in North Carolina. This makes them more likely to find a weedline or artificial lure. They can be caught at speeds as high as ten knots.

The best fishing season for the wahoo can be found from July to 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. You can trolling around wrecks and offshore humps to catch a few wahoo.

Peak times for 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. You should be trolling at a normal or high speed during these peak times. As long as your boat can handle this extra speed, you should be able 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. The average wahoo weighs about 25 pounds. But, 50-pounders are not uncommon. During prime time you will be able catch both a large and a smaller wahoo.

It is best to go after wahoo between October and March. The water temperature remains cool during these months, making wahoo more likely to bite. While the weather in May can be unpredictable, this is generally the best time for light-tackle fishing. Blue-crystal will be the best bait if you go on a fishing trip during this time. You can still fish for big fish in the late April and early mai, though.

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FAQ

How can I get my children to fish?

Absolutely! Children love fishing. The majority of children who are raised fishing will never stop. Encourage your child to learn how to fish. You could show them how to tie knots and build a fishing rod, or teach them about proper fishing manners. You can also show them photos of fish and tell them stories about fishing.

How often should I change my lures?

Every few days, lures should be changed. If left in the sun for too much time, lures can lose their effectiveness.

To fish, you will need a Bobber

Yes! A bobber is used to keep the bait from getting away when fishing. The bobber has two parts: the float and the line. Attach the hook to the line at the end and then let go. A bobber is not necessary to cast a lure. The lure could sink into the waters, making it difficult for the fish bite.

Where is the best place for fishing?

The best place to fish is near freshwater bodies such as lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, etc. These areas are full of fish and provide ample food.

Is it safe to eat fish caught by someone else?

No matter where you buy your fish, always ask the seller if they have a freshness date on their fish. If the fish has no expiration date, then it's probably safe to eat. But, don't eat the fish if it smells or looks old.

How big should my tacklebox be?

Because you will need ample space to store your fishing gear, a large tackle box is essential. The number of items inside a tackle box will determine its size.

How far should I go?

Cast your line as deep as possible. Cast a line with your straight arm so the line doesn’t twist.

Statistics

About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
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)
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)