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. You don't have to catch a wahoo recreationally. You'll be able to land a trophy fish as long as your commercial licenses are valid.
Offshore trolling
Offshore fishing for wahoo is best in the fall, especially in late August or early September. In mid to late August, wahoo start showing up in the waters near Morehead City. 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. Several other lures are also popular, including cedar plugs, Green Machines, and Wahoo Whackers.
Whajoo do not fear boats and prefer baits that are fished below the surface. This method is quite popular in the Bahamas, where boats pull artificials at speeds of twenty knots. Barracuda, however, are not an issue in Carolinas. The ocean temperature rises and so does the wahoo. The temperatures of the water and the conditions for fishing are perfect for wahoo.
In the spring and fall, wahoo are the primary 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 makes the catch more rewarding. The tactics of five successful captains may interest you if your interests lie in trolling at high speeds.
Ballyhoos
Ballyhoos is the best bait to catch wahoo. You can freeze the bait, or you can retrieve it fresh using a trolling-size Jhook. The hook should be placed so the wire pin is in line of the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos make great surface and seafloor fisherman.
Wahoos usually prefer the deeper water column but can be found on the sand as well as in the water. To attract wahoo strikes to your ballyhoo, you should choose a dark-colored ballyhoo. They are aggressive and can reach incredible speeds within seconds. Ballyhoos are also effective in luring other types of fish.
Ballyhoos, the most effective wahoo baits in North Carolina waters, are best. Ballyhoos are available in many colors and textures. When fished correctly, a ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its native waters. 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. You can find them in many colors including pink/black or purple/black.
When fishing for wahoo, a single-strand coffee-colored stainless steel wire leader will work well. The leader should have an attached bridle. 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
Many high-speed lures for trolling are available to catch wahoo. These high-speed lures may be pulled with an inner trolling weight and put on a downrigger. If you are targeting large tuna or wahoos, dark colors work best. These lures can also be durable and continue running even after catching many fish. MagBay and Nomad are also manufacturers of high speed trolling lures.
High-speed trolling baits are ideal for these fish, as they can move quickly enough to reach a good spot. Wahoo can reach speeds of 60mph and strike lures traveling at 18 mph. That's the speed of an average transiting bait in two- to four-foot waves. You should therefore use heavy lures that have quality drag. Two people are required to gaff fish for maximum success.
The lip plug is a popular type of high-speed lure. 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 can also run straighter because it is less likely to bend or kink. A clip can be used to make changing lures simpler.
Floating debris
Floating debris is a great place to target this trophy fish. Whajoo like to be found in bottom formations that are aggressive, such as wrecks or ledges. These structures provide the perfect habitat for wahoo, who tend to stack up underneath these items. The best place to target this fish is also floating debris. This material often works under these obstacles. Floating debris is also a great way to find these magnificent fish in their 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. 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. 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. 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 areas with water that is cooler and more 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. As the temperature of the water surface decreases, the fish population is more likely to move to these areas. This time is when fishing in these areas can be at its best.
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 travel in the Atlantic through the following regions: the Caribbean Gulf of Mexico; the Western Atlantic; and then on to the eastern Atlantic. The structure that these fish inhabit is based on currents and water temperature.
Whalos are structure-oriented during the fall. This means they often drop in 120 feet of water and frequent inshore lumps. These huge fish are famous for their razor-sharp teeth. Hagerich recommends heavy singlestrand wire and an extremely heavy-duty fishing rod in order to catch one. When fishing a wahoo, the captain helps the angler stay tight by bumping the boat in and out of gear.
Whalos can be aggressive bottom formations. They like to hang out around wrecks, ledges and other weedlines. They prefer to strike fast-moving lures. They can often be found near weedlines in North Carolina. This means that they are more likely to strike a weedline or an artificial lure. They can be caught at speeds up to ten miles per hour.
Although the wahoo is a year-round species, the best fishing for it occurs from July through September. These fish prefer warmer Gulf Stream temperatures, and North Carolina has a lot of options for wahoo fishermen looking to find them. To locate a few, you could trot around wrecks or offshore humps.
Peak hours 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. For example, the three days immediately before and after the Full Moon, and the New Moon are prime times for wahoo fishing. These are the best times to trot at normal or high speeds. As long as your boat can handle this extra speed, you should be able to catch a wahoo.
When it comes to wahoo fishing, the most effective time is summer. The best places to catch these fish are on the ledges and structures between Jupiter's 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. This is because the water temperature stays cool, making it more likely that wahoo will 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. You can still fish for big fish in the late April and early mai, though.
FAQ
What happens when I get caught illegally fishing
You may face fines, jail time, and even loss of your fishing license. It is crucial to understand the rules before you fish.
How big should my tacklebox be?
A large tackle box is necessary because you'll need plenty of space to store all of your fishing gear. Tackle boxes range in size depending on the number of items stored inside.
What happens to a fish that is lost while I'm fishing?
Losing a fish is part of the game. Sometimes you will catch a fish only to lose it later. Try again when this happens. You will eventually catch another fish.
How do you bait your hooks?
Bait your hooks by tying a piece of meat onto the end of your hook. Then tie the meat around the eye of your hook.
What should I wear while fishing?
Protect your skin from the elements with clothes. It's a good idea to have gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Also, bring along insect repellent.
How can you tell if your lure is working?
You should watch out for movement in your lure when it is thrown into the water. If you observe movement, your lure may be working properly.
Is it possible for me to fish both at night and during the day?
You can, but it is important to make sure that artificial light is used. Fisherman use artificial light to attract fish. They are most effective after the sun sets, when fish are more active.
Statistics
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
- 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)
- 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 do you clean your fishing gear?
There are many different types of cleaning methods available for your fishing equipment. Some methods are simple while others require more complex techniques. Use soap and water is the most popular method. Rinse the item with water after washing. If the item isn't washed thoroughly enough, dirt and bacteria could remain, leading to infection. Untreated, this can cause bad smells and worse infections. A good way to prevent this is to dry the items completely before storing them. Remember to not touch the item's surface while cleaning. You risk spreading germs to objects if you touch them.
Apart from using soap, water, there are many ways you can improve the quality and performance of your fishing gear. For example, depending on your type of gear, you might want to use special detergents or solvents. There are certain things that you should never use, though, because they could damage your goods. Bleach is one example. Bleach can be used to dissolve plastics and metals, so don't ever use bleach to clean your fishing equipment. Warm water and a dishwashing detergent are better choices. Only use dishwashing products that are made specifically to clean fish. Dishwashing solutions contain enzymes and chemicals that aid in the breakdown of organic materials such blood, slime, and scales. Surfactants help remove dirt and grime from surfaces. A stain remover is recommended if you have concerns about stain removal. Oils and fats can cause stains. Stain removers can be applied directly to the spot where the oil or fat is present. This will remove the stain without causing damage to the underlying material.
You'll find many options in your local home improvement shop if you are looking for cleaner solutions for your fishing gear. There are many types of cleaners you can find in stores. Some of them are meant to deal with small amounts of grease, while others are intended to handle larger quantities. You can choose one that suits your needs best.