Here are some tips to help you make the most of your wahoo fishing trip to North Carolina. Whether you're fishing from an offshore trolling boat or using one of the many high-speed lures, the following information will help you find the best catch. Remember that recreational wahoo catch is unlimited. It's easy to land a trophy fish if you hold the correct commercial licenses.
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. A standard bait for offshore trolling is a ballyhoo in its plain form. Many other lures are also very popular, such as cedar sticks, Green Machines, or Wahoo Whackers.
Whajoo have no fear of boats and prefer baits caught just below water's surface. This is a very common technique in the Bahamas, which has boats pulling artificials at speeds as high as twenty knots. Barracuda is not an issue in the Carolinas. As the ocean temperature rises, so do the wahoo. The water temperature and conditions for fishing are ideal for wahoo.
In spring and fall, wahoo will be the main target. Other species may appear depending on the time of the winter-spring transition. Yellowfin tuna has been the top target for spring fish in the past. However, in recent years they have been absent. Although some are caught occasionally, the number of them is very small. This has made the catch even more rewarding. If you are interested in high-speed trolling techniques, you might want to read about five successful captains.
Ballyhoos
When it comes to catching wahoo, Ballyhoos are the best bait to use. 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 work well for both seafloor and surface fishing.
Wahoos are most likely to be found in the deeper water column. However, they can also be found on the sand and in water. To attract wahoo strikes, ballyhoos should have a dark colored body. They can be aggressive and reach speeds of up to 30 mph in a matter of seconds. Ballyhoos are also effective in luring other types 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 can catch wahoo in its own waters if it is fished properly. Ballyhoos make great 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 come in many colors such as purple/black or pink/black.
When fishing for wahoo, a single-strand coffee-colored stainless steel wire leader will work well. The leader should have an attached bridle. There are three to sixteen sizes of planers, so rigging is essential for success. 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
A variety of high-speed trolling lures are ideal for targeting wahoo. These high-speed lures may be pulled with an inner trolling weight and put on a downrigger. For big tuna and wahoo, the dark colors work well. These lures can also be durable and continue running even after catching 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. Wahoo can run at speeds of 60 mph and strike lures at 18 miles per hour. That's the speed of an average transiting bait in two- to four-foot waves. Use heavy lures with high-quality drag to achieve this effect. 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 often rigged in wire or cable. The lure can be bent by this method, which can result in the cable breaking. This wire can also be run straighter as it is less likely that it will bend or kink. Also, try using a clip to make changing lures easier.
Floating debris
This is a great spot to catch 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. You can also use floating debris to locate these magnificent fish schools.
Before locating a school of wahoo, a fisherman must first check the floating debris for 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, diamond jig is recommended with a Mustad 3407 hook. 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. 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. These areas are the best for fishing during this time.
Structure
The Gulf of Mexico may have an unusual structure for wahoo fisherman in North Carolina. Wahoo travel in migratory routes. In the Atlantic, they may migrate through a sequence of regions: the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Western Atlantic, followed by the eastern Atlantic. These fish live in a structure determined by currents and water temperatures.
Whalos have a structure-oriented fall. They are attracted to inshore lumps and drops of up to 120 feet. This large fish is known for their razor-sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends using heavy single-stranded wire and a long-handled rod to catch one. Captains help anglers fish a wahoo by shifting the boat into and out of gear.
Whalos, which are aggressive bottom formations, like to hang around wrecks, pronounced edges, and other weedlines. They often prefer to strike fast-moving baits. They are often found near weedlines or debris in North Carolina. This means they are more likely strike a lure or weedline. They can be caught at speeds of up 10 knots.
The best times to fish for the wahoo are July through September. The fish prefer warm Gulf Stream waters and North Carolina's wahoo fishing structure will provide plenty of opportunities to catch them. For example, you can try trolling around offshore humps or wrecks to find 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. These are the best days to fish for wahoo, such as the days just before and after a Full Moon or the New Moon. These peak times are best when you trolling at a high or normal speed. If your boat is capable to handle the additional speed, you will be able 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. The average wahoo weighs about 25 pounds. But, 50-pounders are not uncommon. This prime time is when you can catch both a large and smaller wahoo.
You can target wahoo from October through March. These months are cooler than normal, which makes wahoo more inclined to bite. Although the weather in May is often unpredictable, light-tackle fishing is best during this time. 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
Where can i buy fishing supplies
All of these items are available in most sporting goods stores. Online shopping is a good option if you are searching for something particular. There are many websites that sell everything, including rods and reels as well as tackle boxes and lures.
What length is the perfect fishing rod length?
The type of fish you are trying to catch will determine the length of your fishing rod. A 6'6" rod is ideal if you are targeting smallmouth bass. A 7'5" rod may be better if you are looking for largemouth bass.
How far away from shore should I stand when fishing?
The further you are from the shore the more likely it is that you will catch fish. However, it also increases the chance of getting soaked.
What happens if a person is caught fishing illegally
You could face penalties, jail time, or even losing your fishing license. It's important to know the rules before you go fishing.
What type of fishing permit do I require?
If you plan to fish in state waters (i.e., lakes, rivers, and bays), you must purchase a fishing license. Fishing licenses are required by law in every state. If you plan to fish within federal waters (e.g. Great Lakes, oceans), a license is required. You do not require a fishing licence to fish in federal waters. However, you will need to check with the authorities before you take any fish home.
Statistics
- 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)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
- 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)
External Links
How To
How to cast a fishing rod perfectly
When casting a fishing rod, the first thing to do is use your wrist to pull the handle towards the water. The rod should be held slightly away from the body so that it is parallel to the ground. The rod should be moved forward with the tip perpendicular towards the water surface. If the tip of the rod touches the water's surface, fish won’t bite. This technique can help increase the distance between your rod tip and the water's 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. 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 can rest the rod securely, while also holding the reel.
You might also consider purchasing a small reel rather than an expensive one. A cheap spinning reel can be used to cast longer distances, and it will also help you with your hand-eye coordination.
A fishing pole holder might be another option. These holders can hold your rod securely while keeping it upright. These holders are easy-to-store and prevent rod 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. You must wait for the right moment to strike and then fight hard to bring the fish in.