Fishing Techniques

Wahoo Fishing NC. How to Catch the Big Ones

By Bob Thomas 8 June, 2023 7 mins read

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. The recreational catch limit of wahoo is not set. 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 waters near Morehead City start to see wahoo in mid- to late August. Clear water with little to no current is the best for fishing. A simple ballyhoo rigged in plain shape is an excellent bait for offshore trolling. There are many other lures available, such as cedar plugs, Green Machines and Wahoo Whackers.

Whajoo are not afraid of boats, and they prefer baits fished just below the surface. This is a very common technique in the Bahamas, which has boats pulling artificials at speeds as high as twenty knots. Barracuda aren't a problem in the Carolinas. The ocean temperature increases, which means that the wahoo will also rise. The temperatures of the water and the conditions for fishing are perfect for wahoo.

In spring and summer, wahoo is the primary target. However, the timing of the winter to spring transition determines when other species will make an appearance. Yellowfin tuna was the most sought-after species in spring in the past, but they have been absent in recent years. While some are caught, the numbers are low. This makes the catch more rewarding. But if you're interested to learn more about high-speed trolling, you might like to see the tactics of five highly skilled captains.

Ballyhoos

Ballyhoos is the best bait to catch 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 should be placed so that the wire pin is directly in line with 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, ballyhoos should have a dark colored body. They are fast and aggressive, reaching speeds of up to 125 mph in just seconds. Ballyhoos are also effective in luring other types of fish.

Ballyhoos, the most effective wahoo baits in North Carolina waters, are best. Ballyhoos comes in many different colors and textures. When fished correctly, a ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its native waters. Ballyhoos can also be used as 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.

One-strand coffee-colored stainless wire wire leaders will work well when fishing for wahoo. The leader should have an attached bridle. There are three to sixteen sizes of planers, so rigging is essential for success. Capt. Weaver notes that wahoo have a tendency to be 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

High-speed trolling lures can be used to target wahoo. These high-speed lures can be pulled with an inline trolling weight and placed on a downrigger or planer. When targeting big tuna or wahoo, dark colors are especially effective. These lures are durable and can be used for many fish. MagBay as well as Nomad manufacture 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. This is the average transiting luring lure at a speed of two to four feet. Use heavy lures with high-quality drag to achieve this effect. For maximum success, two people are recommended to gaff the fish.

One of the most common types of high-speed lures is the lip plug. These lures can be rigged using 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 will also be less likely 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 spot to catch this trophy fish. Whajoo will only eat wrecks, ledges, or floating debris as their preferred bottom habitat. These structures are the ideal habitat for wahoo who will often stack up under these items. Floating debris is another great location to target this fish, as it often works well under these obstacles. You can also use floating debris to locate these magnificent fish schools.

Before trying to locate a school of Wahoo, a fisherman has to check for any floating debris that might contain 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, diamond jig is recommended with a Mustad 3407 hook. Jigs should be long enough to protect a 60-pound fluorocarbon leader and a float if the bait gets entangled in the debris. Butterfly-style jigs do not work - the hooks on the top are for assistance.

Water surface temperatures are cooler in cooler months. This increases the chance of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers cooler water and areas with current. Satellite imagery can be used to monitor the temperature of the surface to determine if there are any temperature changes that could lead to a higher Wahoo concentration. As the water temperature drops, the fish population tends to move to these locations. These areas offer the best fishing conditions.

Structure

It is possible that the structure of North Carolina's Wahoo fishing fleet may be an anomaly in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo tend to travel in migratory patterns. They may travel through the Atlantic in a series of regions, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Then they will move on to the Western Atlantic. These fish are dependent on water temperature and currents to determine the structure they inhabit.

Whalos are structure-oriented in the fall, which means that they frequent inshore lumps and drops in 120 feet of water. 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 are aggressive bottom formations and like to hang around pronounced ledges, wrecks, and other weed lines. They like to strike fast moving baits. They often stay near weedlines and other debris in North Carolina. They are more likely to catch a weedline, or an artificial lure. They can even be caught at speeds exceeding ten knots.

The best time to catch wahoo is 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 are for food

While there are many times of the year when wahoo fishing can be very productive, there are certain peak times in the month you should focus on for the best results. These are the best days to fish for wahoo, such as the days just before and after a Full Moon or the New Moon. 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.

When it comes to wahoo fishing, the most effective time is summer. These fish can be found on the ledges or structures between Jupiter and Stuart inlets. A wahoo is about 25 pounds on average, but there are 50-pounders available. During this prime time, you'll be able to catch both a large wahoo and a smaller one.

From October to March, wahoo are most at their best. These months are cooler than normal, which makes wahoo more inclined to bite. While the weather in May can be unpredictable, this is generally the best time for light-tackle fishing. If you're planning a trip during this time, the best bait for wahoo is blue-crystal. However, if you're looking for big fish, you can try fishing during late April and early May.

FAQ

How do you get started with fishing

You need to learn a few things about fishing before you can go out on the water. First, learn about the different kinds of fish in your area. Knowing where they hang out is a must. After you've identified the best areas to search for fish, practice casting. This involves learning to throw a lure in the air and let it sink back onto the water. Practice makes perfect!

How often should my lures be changed?

Lures should be changed every few days. Lures tend to lose effectiveness after being left out in the sun too long.

Do I require special fishing licenses?

No, unless you are going to fish in another state or county. Many states allow anglers fishing without a license. For more information, contact your local Fish & Wildlife department.

Where can I find good fishing guides?

Fishing guides offer a wide variety of services. You can get advice about the best areas to fish in, tips for catching certain types of fish and even how to use various types of equipment.

What is the best time to fish?

Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to fish. These are the best times to fish because the fish are moving and eating.

Which rod do I choose?

Graphite fiberglass composite is the best material for fly fishing. This material has exceptional casting qualities and is strong. To be able to cast better with graphite, you need to practice.

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)
It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
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)
About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)