Here are some tips to make your trip more enjoyable if you want to try wahoo-fishing in North Carolina. 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. The recreational catch limit of wahoo is not set. 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. In mid to late August, wahoo start showing up in the waters near Morehead City. Clear and calm waters with minimal current are best for fishing. A ballyhoo rigged in plain form is a great standard bait for offshore trolling. 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 at the Bahamas, where boats can pull artificials up to twenty knees. Barracuda in the Carolinas are not a problem. The ocean temperature increases, which means that the wahoo will also rise. The temperatures of the water and the conditions for fishing are perfect 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. Historically, yellowfin tuna were the top target in the spring, but in recent years, they have been absent. While there are some caught, they are few. This makes the catch more rewarding. 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 make great surface and seafloor fisherman.
Wahoos tend to prefer deeper water, but they are also found in the sand. To attract wahoo strikes to your ballyhoo, you should choose a dark-colored ballyhoo. They are fast and aggressive, reaching speeds of up to 125 mph in just seconds. Ballyhoos have the ability to lure other species fish.
Ballyhoos, the most effective wahoo baits in North Carolina waters, are best. Ballyhoos are available in many colors and textures. A ballyhoo is capable of catching wahoo in the waters it inhabits if fished correctly. Ballyhoos can also be used as wahoo bait. If you have a planer rod, you will want to invest in a hard lure, such as 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, coffee-colored stainless-steel wire leader is ideal for fishing for wahoo. A bridle should be attached to the leader. Planers come in a variety of sizes and rigging can be crucial to their success. Capt. Weaver also noted 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
Many high-speed lures for trolling are available to catch wahoo. These high speed lures can also be pulled with an inside trolling weight. Dark colors work especially well when targeting wahoo or big tuna. They are also very durable and will continue to run even after they catch a lot of fish. MagBay, Nomad and Nomad are other manufacturers of high-speed trolling baits.
These fish love a high-speed trolling lure because it can be quickly taken to the best fishing spots. Wahoo can hit speeds of 60 mph with strike lures travelling at 18 MPH. This is the average speed of a transiting lure traveling at two to four feet per second. It is important to use heavy lures and high 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. The wire will also be less likely bend and kink so it can run straighter. Clips are also useful for changing lures quickly.
Floating debris
This is a great spot to catch this trophy fish. Whajoo love to hunt on the bottom, especially wrecks, ledges and floating debris. These structures provide the perfect habitat for wahoo, who tend to stack up underneath these items. 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 help you locate 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. He should also use a fast retrieve reel with a 6-to-1 gear to reach the wahoo. A 4 to six-ounce diamond jig with a double-strength Mustad 3407 hook is recommended. 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. They should not be Butterfly-style, as they have help hooks at their top.
The water surface temperature drops in the cooler months, which increases the chances 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. As the water temperature drops, the fish population tends to move to these locations. 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 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. This is determined by the currents and the water temperature.
Whalos are structure-oriented in fall. They like to be inshore and drop in 120 feet of seawater. These large fish are known for their sharp jaws. Hagerich suggests heavy single-strand wire and heavy-duty rods to capture one. A captain is helpful when fishing for wahoos by helping anglers stay on the water and bumping the boat.
Whalos are aggressive bottom formations and like to hang around pronounced ledges, wrecks, and other weed lines. They often prefer to strike fast-moving baits. 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 reach speeds of up to ten knots.
The best fishing season for the wahoo can be found from July to September. They prefer warmer Gulf Stream water, so if you're looking for a great place to fish, North Carolina's wahoo fishing infrastructure will offer you many options. You can trolling around wrecks and offshore humps to catch a few wahoo.
Peak feeding times
Although there are many times of year that wahoo fishing proves to be productive, there is a specific time of the month when it is at its best. Three days before and after the Full Moon as well as the New Moon are prime times to go wahoo fishing. These are the best times to trot at normal or high speeds. You can catch a wahoo as long as your boat is capable of handling the extra speed.
Summer is the best period to fish for wahoo. These fish can be found on the ledges or structures between Jupiter and Stuart inlets. The average wahoo weighs about 25 pounds. But, 50-pounders are not uncommon. You can catch both large and small wahoos during this time.
You can target wahoo from October through March. These months are cooler than normal, which makes wahoo more inclined 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. If you are looking for large fish, however, fishing can be done in late April or early May.
FAQ
Is it safe?
No matter where you buy your fish, always ask the seller if they have a freshness date on their fish. It's safe to eat if the fish doesn't have an expiration date. If the fish smells or looks bad, you should not eat it.
What is the best way to get my kids hooked on fishing?
Absolutely! Kids love to fish. Many children who grow up fishing never stop. There are many things you can do to encourage your child to try fishing. One way to encourage your child to learn how fishing is done is to teach them how you tie knots, how build a pole, and the basics of fishing etiquette. You could also show them pictures of what fish look like and tell them stories about fishing.
Where can you find great fishing guides?
Many services are provided by fishing guides. They can provide advice on which areas are most productive, give tips on catching specific kinds of fish, and even teach you how to use different types of fishing equipment.
What length is the perfect fishing rod length?
The right fishing rod length depends on what kind of fish you want to catch. A 6'6" rod is ideal if you are targeting smallmouth bass. A 7'5" rod is better for largemouth bass fishing.
What kind of fishing gear do I need?
A rod, reel, line, hooks, 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. You must wait for the right moment and be patient.
Are there any restrictions on when I can fish?
You can, but it is important to make sure that artificial light is used. Fishermen use artificial lights to attract fish. They work well when the sun goes down because fish become more active after dark.
Statistics
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- 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)
- 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)
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
External Links
How To
How to Cast a Fishing Rod Perfectly
You must first know how to cast a fish rod. You should hold the rod at a slight angle to ensure the line is parallel with the ground. Keep the rod's tip parallel to the water when you move it forward. Fish won't bite if the rod's tip touches the surface of the water before it reaches the bottom. This technique can be used to increase distance between the tip and water surface.
Here are some tips for casting a rod if you're not confident yet.
Hold the rod as close as you can to your chest. By doing this, the rod will move in the right direction and you won't have to bend.
The tripod may be set up on the shoreline and/or on a rock edge to aid in casting a heavy-duty rod. You'll be able rest your rod securely and still have control of the reel.
Third, you may want to consider buying a small reel instead of an expensive one. A spinning reel that is inexpensive will enable you to cast further distances and improve your hand-eye coordination.
Fourth, you may also want to consider purchasing a fishing pole holder. These holders are designed to hold the rod firmly while keeping it upright. These holders are easy to store and protect your rod from damage.
Fifth, practice casting until it becomes second nature. Casting a fishing line takes practice.
Sixth, patience is key to successful fishing. Wait for the right time to strike, then work hard to catch the fish.