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. As long as you have the right commercial licenses, it's no problem landing a trophy fish.
Offshore trolling
It is best to go offshore fishing for wahoo in North Carolina during the autumn, particularly late August and early September. The waters near Morehead City start to see wahoo in mid- to late August. The fishing is most productive when the water is clear and has little or no current. A ballyhoo rigged in plain form is a great standard bait for offshore trolling. You can also use cedar plugs or Green Machines as lures.
Whajoo aren't afraid of boats. They prefer baits just below the water surface. This technique is very popular at the Bahamas, where boats can pull artificials up to twenty knees. However, in the Carolinas, Barracuda are not a problem. The ocean temperature increases, which means that the wahoo will also rise. Wahoo can fish in perfect conditions due to the ocean temperature and fishing conditions.
In the spring and fall, wahoo are the primary target. But, other species can make an appearance depending on when the winter to spring transition occurs. Yellowfin tuna was the most sought-after species in spring in the past, but they have been absent in recent years. Although some are caught occasionally, the number of them is very small. This makes the catch 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
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 must be placed in a way that the wire pin touches 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 can be aggressive and reach speeds of up to 30 mph in a matter of seconds. Ballyhoos also work well in luring other types fish.
Ballyhoos are one of the most effective wahoo luring devices in the waters around North Carolina. Ballyhoos comes in many different colors and textures. When fished correctly, a ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its native waters. Ballyhoos make great wahoo bait. You should invest in a hard lure if you have a planer rod such as a Yozuri Bonita, or a Braid Marauder. They come in many colors, including purple/black and pink/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. A bridle can be used to rig a planer and help you find the sweet spot if you want to target wahoo.
High-speed lures
A variety of high-speed trolling lures are ideal for targeting wahoo. These high-speed lures are easily pulled by an inline weight and can be placed on a downrigger, planer, or other support device. Dark colors work especially well when targeting wahoo or big tuna. 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 run at speeds of 60 mph and strike lures at 18 miles per hour. 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. 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 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 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 make the perfect habitat to wahoo because they tend to pile up beneath them. This is a great place to target this fish because it works well underneath these obstacles. Floating debris is also a great way to find these magnificent fish in their schools.
Before fishing for wahoo schools, it is important to inspect any floating debris for dolphins. If there aren't any baitfish or dolphins in the area, he should just leave it alone. He should also use a fast retrieve reel with a 6-to-1 gear 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.
Wahoos are more likely to be found in cooler months when the water surface temperature is lower. This species prefers cool water and places with current. 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. The temperature of the water surface drops, which means that the fish population moves to these areas more often. During this time, the fishing is the best in these areas.
Structure
A few exceptions may exist in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo are known to migrate in migratory patterns. They might travel in the Atlantic through the following regions: the Caribbean Gulf of Mexico; the Western Atlantic; and then on to the eastern Atlantic. This is determined by the currents and the water temperature.
Whalos are structure-oriented during the fall. This means they often drop in 120 feet of water and frequent inshore lumps. 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. When fishing a wahoo, the captain helps the angler stay tight by bumping the boat in and out of gear.
Whalos are bottom-based aggressive formations that like to hang around wrecks, pronounced ledges, and other types of weeds. They will often strike fast-moving baits. They often stay near weedlines and other debris in North Carolina. They are more likely than others to be caught near weedlines or artificial lures. They can even be caught at speeds exceeding ten knots.
The best times to fish for the wahoo are 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. You can trolling around wrecks and offshore humps to catch a few wahoo.
Peak times are for food
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. You should wahoo-fish on the days immediately preceding and following the Full Moon and New Moon. 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.
When it comes to wahoo fishing, the most effective time is summer. The best time to target these fish is on the ledges and structure between the 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.
October to March is the best time to target wahoo. 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. If you're planning a trip during this time, the best bait for wahoo is blue-crystal. You can still fish for big fish in the late April and early mai, though.
FAQ
Where can I look for good fishing guides
Fishing guides offer a wide variety of services. They can advise you on the best areas to fish, give tips on catching particular types of fish, and even teach how to use different types fishing equipment.
Are there special clothes I should wear when fishing?
You will need clothing that is waterproof to protect you from the elements. A waders suit is usually worn while fishing. Waders cover the legs and feet with waterproof pants. Wader suits may have boots attached. Other waders suits are designed to be used without boots.
Is fishing safe?
Fishing is very safe. Fishing can be an enjoyable way to relax, enjoy nature and have fun. You will not have any problems as long as you observe safety rules.
How do I bait my hooks
Tie a piece meat on the hook to bait it. You can then tie the meat around one eye of your hook.
Statistics
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- 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)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
External Links
How To
Why would you need a spinning rod?
Spinning Rods can be used to cast your lure directly into the water, without needing to leave the boat. If you don’t have the time or desire to get back in your boat quickly after each cast, it’s a great choice. A spinning rod will allow you to cast from any position, while maintaining control over your line. There are three components to the rod: handle, butt section and reel seat. The handle holds the rod and allows you to grip the shaft. The butt section is where you attach the rod's tip to the hook. Finally, the reel seat holds your line onto the reel. There are many kinds of rods on the market today. Some rods are made for fishing specific techniques, like trolling or casting. Others can be used for a variety of purposes, such as fly fishing, spin-fishing, and bait fishing.
The type you catch will affect the type rod you choose. If you want to target large predatory species, such as bass and pike, then you will need a heavier-duty rod. For smaller species such as salmon or trout, a lighter rod might be better. You can even buy multiple rod sizes depending on the size of the fish you want to catch.
Spinning Rods can be used for more than just freshwater fishing. They are often used for saltwater fishermanship. Saltwater spinningrods are heavier than their freshwater counterparts. They require stronger materials in order to withstand saltwater. Saltwater spinners tend to have a longer rod, but a larger diameter. This allows them to cast farther distances. A spinning rod is not the best choice for saltwater fishing. First, unlike freshwater spinning rods, saltwater ones do not come with reels. You will need to purchase one on its own. They are also quite costly. A spinning rod is worth your consideration if you enjoy catching larger fish.
A spin fishing method is when a fisherman uses his spinning rod to cast a weighted lure in the water. When the lure is in the water, it will spin around the weighted central point. This causes the lure's motion to be unpredictable in the water and makes it difficult for fishes to see. Fish may also mistakenly eat the lure for food, and begin to feed on it. The lure will therefore attract more fish. The lure will then attract more fish to the angler's reel. After the lure has been recovered, the fisherman will be able to reel in the line until he captures the desired amount of fish.