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. These tips will help you get the best catch whether you fish offshore or with high-speed lures. The recreational catch limit of wahoo is not set. You'll be able to land a trophy fish as long as your commercial licenses are valid.
Offshore trolling
Offshore trolling for wahoo fishing is best during the fall in North Carolina, particularly late August/early September. The first signs of wahoo are seen in the waters close to Morehead City around 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. Other lures that are popular include cedar plugs and Green Machines.
Whajoo aren't afraid of boats. They prefer baits just below the water surface. This method is quite popular in the Bahamas, where boats pull artificials at speeds of twenty knots. Barracuda in the Carolinas 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.
Wahoo is the main target in spring and autumn. However, the timing of the winter to spring transition determines when other species will make an appearance. Historically, yellowfin tuna were the top target in the spring, but in recent years, they have been absent. Although some fish are caught, their numbers are very low. This has made the catch even more rewarding. 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 should be placed so that the wire pin is directly 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 wahoo strikes, ballyhoos should have a dark colored body. 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 are one of the most effective wahoo luring devices in the waters around North Carolina. Ballyhoos can be found in a wide range 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 have a planer rod, you will want to invest in a hard lure, such as a Yo-zuri Bonita or a Braid Marauder. These lures are available in several colors, including 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. 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 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 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 durable and keep running straight after catching a lot of fish. MagBay, Nomad and Nomad are other manufacturers of high-speed trolling baits.
These fish will love trolling lures that are fast and can quickly get to the right spot. Wahoo can reach speeds of 60mph and strike lures traveling at 18 mph. That is the speed of an average transiting lure in two to four foot waves. Because of this, you need to use heavy lures with quality drag. Two people are required to gaff fish for maximum success.
The lip-plug is one of most popular types of high speed lures. These lures can be rigged using wire or cable. This can cause the lure to become bent and break the line. It is best to buy a multi-stranded cable. This wire is also less likely be bent or kinked, 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 love to hunt on the bottom, especially wrecks, ledges and floating debris. These structures offer the perfect habitat for wahoos, who often pile up under them. This is a great place to target this fish because it works well underneath these obstacles. You can also use floating debris to locate these magnificent fish schools.
Before trying to locate a school of Wahoo, a fisherman has to check for any floating debris that might contain dolphins. If there are no dolphins or other baitfish in the area, he should leave it alone. He must also use a fast-retrieve reel with a 6-to-1 gear ratio to reach the wahoo. 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. The jigs should be large enough to protect a fluorocarbon leader 60 pounds in weight and a floating if the bait is caught in the debris. Butterfly-style Jigs are not recommended. They have help hooks at the tip.
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 is used to monitor temperature and determine if small temperature fluctuations will result in an increase in Wahoo. As the temperature of the water surface decreases, the fish population is more likely to move to these areas. This is when the fishing in these areas is at its best.
Structure
The structure of North Carolina's wahoo fishing may be unusual in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo follow migratory patterns. They might migrate across the Atlantic via a number of areas: the Caribbean Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf of Mexico, the Western Atlantic and the Eastern 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. This large fish is 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 formations and like to hang around pronounced ledges, wrecks, and other weed lines. They will often strike fast-moving baits. They will often remain near weedlines and trash in North Carolina. They are more likely than others to be caught near weedlines or artificial lures. They can be caught at speeds up to ten miles per hour.
The best time to fish for wahoo is July through September, even though it's a year-round species. These fish prefer warmer Gulf Stream temperatures, and North Carolina has a lot of options for wahoo fishermen looking to find them. To find a few wahoo, trolling offshore wrecks or humps is a good option.
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. 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. These fish can be found on the ledges or structures between Jupiter and Stuart inlets. Wahoos average around 25 pounds in weight, with 50-pounders not uncommon. You can catch both large and small wahoos during this time.
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. For big fish, however you might want to try fishing in late April and/or early May.
FAQ
How much does basic fishing gear cost?
Basic fishing equipment is around $100-$200 for rod/reel combination, bait, tackle box, and so on. You'll need to spend between 500-$1000 to get a bigger boat.
What is the best season to fish?
It's best to fish early in the morning and late at night. These times are when the fish are active and feeding.
How big should my tackle box be?
A large tackle chest is required to keep all your fishing gear. Tackle boxes come in a variety of sizes depending on how many items they hold.
Can I fish throughout the day?
Fishing is allowed at all times of the day. The only time you cannot fish is during times when there is a ban on fishing.
Are there any special licenses required to fish?
If you intend to take fish outside of your state or cross county lines, no. Many states allow anglers fishing without a license. To find out what license is required, check with your local Fish & Wildlife Agency.
Statistics
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
- 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)
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
External Links
How To
How to Cast a Fishing Rod Perfectly
You must first know how to cast a fish rod. To ensure that the rod is parallel to ground, it should be held at an angle. Move the rod forward by keeping the rod's tip perpendicular the water. If the tip hits the water's surface before the line reaches the bottom, the fish won't bite. You can increase the distance between the tip of the rod and the surface of the water by practicing this technique.
Here are some tips to help you cast a rod confidently.
First, hold the rod as close to your chest as possible. This will allow you to control the rod's movement without having to bend.
If you are casting a large rod, it is a good idea to put a tripod on the shoreline. You'll be able rest your rod securely and still have control of the reel.
A third option is to buy a smaller reel than an expensive one. A spinning reel that is inexpensive will enable you to cast further distances and improve your hand-eye coordination.
Fourth, you might also consider buying a fishing pole holder. These holders can hold your rod securely while keeping it upright. These holders are easy to store and protect your rod from damage.
Fifth, practice casting until your muscles get used to it. Casting a fishing pole takes practice.
Sixth, patience will be your key to successful fishing. Wait for the right time to strike, then work hard to catch the fish.