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. 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
The best time to go offshore trolling for wahoo fishing in North Carolina is during the fall, especially late August and early September. The waters near Morehead City start to see wahoo in mid- to late August. Fishing is best when there is little or no current. For offshore trolling, the best bait is a simple ballyhoo. You can also use cedar plugs or Green Machines as lures.
Whajoo are not afraid of boats, and they prefer baits fished just below the surface. This technique is very popular at the Bahamas, where boats can pull artificials up to twenty knees. Barracuda aren't a problem in the Carolinas. Wahoos also respond to ocean temperatures rising. Wahoo can fish in perfect conditions due to the ocean temperature and fishing conditions.
In the spring and fall, wahoo are the primary target. 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 do get caught, there are not many. The catch has been made even more rewarding by this. You might be interested in learning more about the techniques of five experienced captains if you are looking for a high-speed trolling method.
Ballyhoos
Ballyhoos, the best bait, are ideal for catching wahoo. The bait can be frozen or fresh and is best retrieved with a trolling size J-hook. The hook must be placed in a way that the wire pin touches the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos work well for both seafloor and surface fishing.
Wahoos typically hang out in the deeper water column, but they can be found even on the sand and in the water. To attract wahoo strikes, ballyhoos should have a dark colored body. They are extremely aggressive and can move at lightning speed. 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. A ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its own waters if it is fished properly. Ballyhoos can also be used as wahoo bait. You will need a hard lure such as a Yozuri Bonita and a Braid Marauder if your planer rod has one. 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. The leader should have a bridle attached to it. The sizes of planers range from three to sixteen, and the importance of rigging for success is paramount. Capt. Weaver notes that wahoo have a tendency to be 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 is another manufacturer of high-speed trolling lures.
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 travel at 60 mph, while strike lures travel 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. To maximize your chances of success, it is recommended that you gaff the fish two times.
One of the most common types of high-speed lures is the lip plug. These lures are typically rigged with 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 to bend and kink, so it can run straighter. To make it easier to change lures, you can use a clip.
Floating debris
This is a great area to hunt this trophy fish. Whajoo will only eat wrecks, ledges, or floating debris as their preferred bottom habitat. These structures provide the perfect habitat for wahoo, who tend to stack up underneath these items. Another great spot to target this fish is floating debris. It often works well beneath these obstacles. Floating debris can help you locate schools of these majestic fish.
Before locating a school of wahoo, a fisherman must first check the floating debris for dolphins. If there are no baitfish, or dolphins around the area, then 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. You should make sure that the Jigs are long enough to protect a 60-pound fluorocarbon Leader and a float from getting entangled in debris. They should not be Butterfly-style, as they have help hooks at their top.
Wahoos are more likely to be found in cooler months when the water surface temperature is lower. This species prefers to live in cooler waters and areas that have 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 water temperature drops, the fish population tends to move to these locations. This is when the fishing in these areas is at its best.
Structure
The Gulf of Mexico may have an unusual structure for wahoo fisherman in North Carolina. Wahoo tend to travel 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, which are structure-oriented in their fall, frequent inshore drops and lumps in 120 feet or more of water. These large fish are known for their sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends heavy singlestrand wire and an extremely heavy-duty fishing rod in order to catch one. A captain is helpful when fishing for wahoos by helping anglers stay on the water and bumping the boat.
Whalos can be aggressive bottom formations. They like to hang out around wrecks, ledges and other weedlines. They are more likely to take fast-moving baits. They often stay near weedlines and other 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.
Although the wahoo is a year-round species, the best fishing for it occurs from July through September. They prefer warmer Gulf Stream water, so if you're looking for a great place to fish, North Carolina's wahoo fishing infrastructure will offer you many options. To locate a few, you could trot around wrecks or offshore humps.
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. The best times to wahoo fish are the days immediately prior and after the Full Moon and the New Moon. During peak times, trolling should be done at either a medium or high speed. You can catch a wahoo as long as your boat is capable of handling the extra speed.
When it comes to wahoo fishing, the most effective time is summer. The best place to fish for these fish is between Jupiter inlets and Stuart islands. A wahoo is about 25 pounds on average, but there are 50-pounders available. This prime time is when you can catch both a large and smaller wahoo.
From October to March, wahoo are most at their best. These months are cooler than normal, which makes wahoo more inclined to bite. Although May weather can be unpredictable, it is usually the best month for light-tackle fishing. Blue-crystal is the best bait for wahoo fishing if you are planning a trip. You can still fish for big fish in the late April and early mai, though.
FAQ
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.
Which is the best time of year to fish?
It's best to fish early in the morning and late at night. These times are ideal for fish to be feeding and moving about.
What type of fishing gear do you require?
A rod and reel, line, hooks (bait), tackle box, and snacks. You will need to know how to cast, hook up a hook and use a trolling motor to catch fish. Be patient and wait until you catch the fish.
Do I need special permits to fish?
No, not unless you plan to take fish out of state or across county lines. Many states allow anglers the freedom to fish without the need of a license. Find out the requirements by contacting your local Fish & Wildlife authority.
How deep can I cast my line of sight?
Cast your line as deep as possible. Keep your arm straight when casting a line. This will ensure that the line doesn’t twist.
How often should I replace my lures?
You should change your lures every few days. Lures tend to lose effectiveness after being left out in the sun too long.
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How To
How to tie a fishing lure like an expert
These steps will allow you to create simple fishing lures using different materials and colors.
Step 1 - Cut two pieces of twine to a length of 3/4 inch.
Step 2 Fold one twine piece in half.
Step 3: Twist both ends together.
Step 4: Wrap the end of the second piece of twine around the first piece of twine so that the knot sits inside the loop.
Step 5: Secure the loop.
Step 6 - Repeat step 4.
Step 7 Use a needle/pin to secure your knot.
Step 8: Trim any excess twine.