Ocean Fishing

Wahoo Fishing NC, How to Catch the Big Ones

By Bill Rollins 9 August, 2023 7 mins read

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your wahoo fishing trip to North Carolina. You can fish with any of the high-speed lures or an offshore trolling boat to catch the best catch. Remember that recreational wahoo catch is unlimited. A commercial license is required to catch trophy fish.

Offshore trolling

Offshore fishing for wahoo is best in the fall, especially in late August or early September. The first signs of wahoo are seen in the waters close to Morehead City around mid to late august. Clear water with little to no current is the best for fishing. For offshore trolling, the best bait is a simple ballyhoo. You can also use cedar plugs or Green Machines as lures.

Whajoo do not fear boats and prefer baits that are fished below the surface. This method is extremely popular in the Bahamas where artificials are pulled at speeds of up to twenty knots. Barracuda is not an issue in the Carolinas. Wahoo also increases in temperature as the ocean heats up. The conditions for fishing and the temperatures in the water are perfect for wahoo.

In spring and fall, wahoo will be the main target. However, the timing of the winter to spring transition determines when other species will make an appearance. The yellowfin and bluefin tuna have historically been the top targets in spring. But they are now absent. While there are some caught, they are few. This has made the catch even more rewarding. The tactics of five successful captains may interest you if your interests lie in trolling at high speeds.

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 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 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 to your ballyhoo, you should choose a dark-colored ballyhoo. They can run at incredible speeds and are very aggressive. 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 come with a variety colors and textures. If properly fished, a ballyhoo may catch wahoo right in its natural waters. Ballyhoos can also be used as wahoo bait. A planer rod is a good choice for a hard lure. You can invest in either a Yo-zuri Bonita (or a Braid Marauder). They come in many colors, including purple/black and pink/black.

For fishing for wahoo, a single-strand coffee colored stainless steel wire leader works well. 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 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

For chasing wahoo, a variety of high-speed trolling lures is ideal. These high speed lures can also be pulled with an inside trolling weight. Particularly effective when targeting large tuna or wahoo, dark colors work well. These lures are durable and can be used for many fish. MagBay, Nomad and Nomad are other manufacturers of high-speed trolling baits.

This lure can be used to catch these fish as it is fast enough that you can get to your favorite fishing spot quickly. Wahoo can run at speeds of 60 mph and strike lures at 18 miles per hour. 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. To maximize your chances of success, it is recommended that you gaff the fish two times.

The lip-plug is one of most popular types of high speed lures. These lures are often rigged in wire or cable. This method can lead to the lure breaking if it is bent. Therefore, multi-strand cables are recommended. 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

This fish is great for targeting from floating debris. Whajoo like to be found in bottom formations that are aggressive, such as wrecks or ledges. These structures create the perfect habitat environment for wahoos who like to stack up beneath these items. Floating debris is another great location to target this fish, as it often works well under these obstacles. Floating debris can help you locate schools of these majestic fish.

Before looking for schools of wahoo, the fisherman needs to first examine any floating debris in the area. If there aren't any baitfish or dolphins in the area, he should just 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 six-ounce diamond jig with a double-strength Mustad 3407 hook 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 should not exist - they have assistance hooks at its top.

The water surface temperature in cooler months is lower, increasing the likelihood of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers cool water and places with current. 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. These areas are the best for fishing during this time.

Structure

The structure of North Carolina's wahoo fishing may be unusual in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo are known to migrate in 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. These fish live in structures that are determined by currents, water temperature, and other factors.

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. Hagerich recommends using heavy single-stranded wire and a long-handled rod to catch one. When fishing a wahoo, the captain helps the angler stay tight by bumping the boat in and out of gear.

Whalos are aggressive bottom formations and like to hang around pronounced ledges, wrecks, and other weed lines. They are more likely to take 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 even be caught at speeds exceeding ten knots.

Although the wahoo is a year-round species, the best fishing for it occurs from July through September. These fish prefer warmer Gulf Stream waters, and if you are looking for a good place to target them, the structure of wahoo fishing in North Carolina will give you plenty of options. For example, you can try trolling around offshore humps or wrecks to find a few wahoo.

Peak times for feeding

There are several times of year when wahoo fishing is particularly productive, but there are some specific peak times of the month that you should target for best results. Three days before and after the Full Moon as well as the New Moon are prime times to go wahoo fishing. During these peak times, you should trolling at either a moderate or high speed. A boat capable of handling this extra speed will allow you to catch a wahoo.

Summer is the best season for wahoo fishing. These fish are best caught on the structures and ledges between Jupiter and Stuart Inlets. The average wahoo weights in at 25 to 25 pounds. However, there are often 50-pounders. During prime time you will be able catch both a large and a smaller wahoo.

You can target wahoo from October through March. This is because the water temperature stays cool, making it more likely that wahoo will bite. May is a great time to light-tackle fish, even though the weather can change quickly. Blue-crystal, which is the best bait when fishing for wahoo, is recommended if you're considering a trip in this season. If you are looking for large fish, however, fishing can be done in late April or early May.

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FAQ

Is it safe to consume fish caught by others?

Always ask your seller where you bought your fish. If there is no expiration date on the fish, it is probably safe to eat. But if the fish looks old or smells bad, then you shouldn't eat it.

Which rod should I choose?

Graphite fiberglass composite is the best material for fly fishing. This material is lightweight and strong with great casting capabilities. To learn how to cast better, you will need to practice with graphite rods.

How long does it take for a fisherman to be an expert?

You need to practice for years before you can become a proficient fisherman. Learning new techniques and improving your skills will help you become a more successful fisherman.

How much money can I expect to spend on fishing gear?

Fishing gear does not have to be expensive. There are many cheap options. For example, you could buy a cheap reel, line, and hook. You can also buy a reel and reel set.

Where is the best place for fishing?

Near freshwater bodies like lakes, rivers, streams, and so forth, is where you should fish. These areas offer plenty of food and water for fish.

Statistics

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)
Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)