Here are some tips to help you make the most of your wahoo fishing trip to 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. 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
The fall is the best time to trot offshore for wahoo fishing, especially in North Carolina. In mid to late August, wahoo start showing up in the waters near Morehead City. Clear, calm water and little current are the best conditions for fishing. A simple ballyhoo rigged in plain shape is an excellent bait for offshore trolling. Many other lures are also very popular, such as cedar sticks, Green Machines, or Wahoo Whackers.
Whajoo have no fear of boats and prefer baits caught just below water's surface. This method is quite popular in the Bahamas, where boats pull artificials at speeds of twenty knots. However, in the Carolinas, Barracuda are not a problem. 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 summer, wahoo is the primary target. The transition from winter into spring will determine when other species will appear. Historically, yellowfin tuna were the top target in the spring, but in recent years, they have been absent. Although some fish are caught, their numbers are very low. This has made it more rewarding to catch them. 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 either freeze or freshen the bait and retrieve it with a trolling J-hook. The hook itself should be in line with fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos are great for surface and seafloor fishing.
Wahoos are most likely to be found in the deeper water column. However, they can also be found on the sand and in water. Ballyhoos should be of a dark color to attract strikes from wahoo. They are extremely aggressive and can move at lightning speed. Ballyhoos have the ability to lure other species fish.
Ballyhoos can be used as wahoo-lure in North Carolina. Ballyhoos are available in many colors and textures. If properly fished, a ballyhoo may catch wahoo right in its natural waters. Ballyhoos also make excellent wahoo bait. If you own a planer, you should consider purchasing a hard bait, such as a Yozuri Bonita or Braid Marauder. You can find them in many colors including pink/black or purple/black.
A single-strand, coffee-colored stainless-steel wire leader is ideal for fishing for wahoo. A bridle should be attached on the leader. There are three to sixteen sizes of planers, so rigging is essential for success. Capt. Weaver also points out that wahoo is a common target. You can target wahoo by rigging a planer using a bridle.
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. For big tuna and wahoo, the dark colors work well. These lures can also be durable and continue running even after catching many fish. MagBay is another manufacturer of high-speed trolling lures.
A high-speed trolling lure is ideal for these fish because it is fast enough to get to a good fishing spot quickly. Wahoo can reach speeds of 60mph and strike lures traveling at 18 mph. This is the average transiting lure's speed in two to four feet waves. It is important to use heavy lures and high 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 usually have wire or cable rigged to them. 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 be bent or kinked, so it can run straighter. Also, try using a clip to make changing lures easier.
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. This is a great place to target this fish because it works well underneath these obstacles. Floating debris may also be a good way to spot these majestic fish schools.
Before looking for schools of wahoo, the fisherman needs to first examine any floating debris in the area. If there is no baitfish or dolphins, the fisherman should let it go. He should also use a fast retrieve reel with a 6-to-1 gear 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. They should not be Butterfly-style, as they have help hooks at their top.
Water surface temperatures are cooler in cooler months. This increases the chance of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers cool water and places 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. The fish population will move to these areas as the temperature drops. This time is when fishing in these areas can be at its best.
Structure
In the Gulf of Mexico, the structure of wahoo fishing in North Carolina may be an anomaly. Wahoo follow 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 live in structures that are determined by currents, water temperature, and other factors.
Whalos, which are structure-oriented in their fall, frequent inshore drops and lumps in 120 feet or more of water. These huge fish are famous for their razor-sharp teeth. Hagerich suggests heavy single-strand wire and heavy-duty rods to capture one. Captains help anglers fish a wahoo by shifting the boat into and out of gear.
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. In North Carolina, they often linger near weedlines and debris. They are more likely to catch a weedline, or an artificial lure. They can be caught at speeds as high as ten knots.
The best times to fish for the wahoo are July through September. These fish prefer warmer Gulf Stream conditions, so if your goal is to find them, North Carolina's wahoo-fishing structure will be an excellent choice. To catch some wahoo, you might try trolling the offshore humps and wrecks.
Feeding peak times
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 peak times are best when you trolling at a high or normal speed. You can catch a wahoo as long as your boat is capable of handling the extra speed.
Summer is the best time to fish for wahoo. 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. These months see a cooler water temperature, making wahoo easier to catch. Although May weather can be unpredictable, it is usually the best month for light-tackle fishing. Blue-crystal, which is the best bait when fishing for wahoo, is recommended if you're considering a trip in this season. You can also fish during the latter part of April and May if you want big fish.
FAQ
Can I fish during the day?
Fishing is allowed at all times of the day. Fishing is only allowed during periods when it is prohibited.
What is the maximum amount I can expect to spend on fishing gear
Fishing gear doesn't need to cost a lot. There are many low-cost options. For example, you could buy a cheap reel, line, and hook. You can also buy a reel and reel set.
Where can I buy my fishing supplies?
These items are available at most sporting good stores. If you're looking for something more specific, you might want to look online. Many websites sell everything from rods and reels to tackle boxes and lures.
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)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
External Links
How To
How to fish in Freshwater
Freshwater fishing involves the capture of fish from freshwater sources like lakes, rivers, streams and ponds. There are many types of fish that can be caught, including bass, carp and crappie, trout as well, walleyes, perch, pike (muskie), eel and many other species. These species can all be caught using several methods. Some popular methods include casting, trolling, jigging, spinnerbaits, flyfishing, baitcasting, and ice fishing.
The first step when trying to catch any type of fish is finding a good location where fish are likely to be found. This usually means choosing a place close to the source of your water supply. Next, you need to decide on the type of equipment that you want.
Live bait should look like food to fish, so that they will eat it. Live bait includes worms, minnows, crickets, frogs, leeches, bloodworms, grasshoppers, and other small insects.
Artificial lures include baits made from plastic, wood, feathers and metal. Artificial lures can come in many different sizes. Artificial lures are designed to mimic natural prey animals such as minnows or crawfish, shiners or grubs, as well other aquatic animals. Lures are popular because they require little skill to throw them in the water. It is easy to set up lures and to retrieve them once they have reached their target.
Casting can be a good option if your preference is not to use live bait. Casting is one way to catch fish. Casting requires little effort and does not require any special skills.
All you need is a rod, reel, line, sinkers, floatant, hooks, and possibly weights. You can cast with just a pole. Simply hold the rod vertically over the water to cast. You then slowly lower your rod's tip to the water. When it touches water, the line begins to unwind from its reel. When the line reaches its full length, you let go of the rod and watch the lure fall back into the water.
Trolling is another way to catch fish. Trolling is a technique that uses a boat to move a lure through the water.
In conclusion, fishing is fun and rewarding. There are many kinds of fishing and each one has its advantages and disadvantages. Some techniques are easier than others. However, they require patience and practice.