Here are some tips to help you make the most of your wahoo fishing trip to North Carolina. These tips will help you get the best catch whether you fish offshore or with high-speed lures. Remember that recreational wahoo catch is unlimited. You'll be able to land a trophy fish as long as your commercial licenses are valid.
Offshore trolling
It is best to go offshore fishing for wahoo in North Carolina during the autumn, particularly late August and early September. Wahoos start appearing in the waters surrounding Morehead City between mid and late August. Clear and calm waters with minimal current are 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 do not fear boats and prefer baits that are fished below the surface. This technique is very popular in the Bahamas, where boats are pulling artificials at speeds up to twenty knots. Barracuda is not an issue in the Carolinas. Wahoo also increases in temperature as the ocean heats up. For wahoo fishing, the waters are ideal and there are great conditions.
In spring and summer, wahoo is the primary target. The transition from winter into spring will determine when other species will appear. In the spring, yellowfin tuna used to be the main target, but this has changed in recent years. While there are some caught, they are few. 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
Ballyhoos is the best bait to catch wahoo. The bait can be frozen or fresh and is best retrieved with a trolling size J-hook. The hook itself should be in line with fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos can be used for both surface and deep-sea fishing.
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 also work well in luring other types fish.
Ballyhoos can be used as wahoo-lure in North Carolina. Ballyhoos can be found in a wide range of colors and textures. When fished correctly, a ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its native 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. These lures come in many colors such as purple/black or pink/black.
One-strand coffee-colored stainless wire wire leaders will work well when 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 also points out that wahoo is 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
You can target wahoo with a variety high-speed trolling baits. These high speed lures can also be pulled with an inside trolling weight. If you are targeting large tuna or wahoos, dark colors work best. 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 love a high-speed trolling lure because it can be quickly taken to the best fishing spots. 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. It is important to use heavy lures and high quality drag. Gaffing the fish should be done by two people for maximum success.
Lip plugs are one of the most commonly used high-speed lures. These lures are typically rigged with wire or cable. The lure can be bent by this method, which can result in the cable breaking. 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 trophy fish can be found in floatable debris. Whajoo prefer aggressive bottom formations, such as wrecks, ledges, and floating debris. These structures provide the perfect habitat for wahoo, who tend to stack up underneath these items. As it is often able to work under these obstacles, floating debris is another excellent place to target this species of fish. 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. He should not attempt to fish in areas that aren't home to baitfish or dolphins. To get to the wahoo he will need a fast-retrieve reel that has a 6-to-1 gear ratio. A 4 to six-ounce diamond jig with a double-strength Mustad 3407 hook 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 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 is used to monitor temperature and determine if small temperature fluctuations will result in an increase in 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
The Gulf of Mexico may have an unusual structure for wahoo fisherman in North Carolina. 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 are dependent on water temperature and currents to determine the structure they inhabit.
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. To catch one, Hagerich recommends heavy single-strand wire and a heavy-duty rod. The captain assists anglers fishing wahoo by moving the boat around and helping them stay in the right gear.
Whalos can be aggressive bottom formations. They like to hang out around wrecks, ledges and other weedlines. They will often strike fast-moving baits. They can often be found near weedlines in North Carolina. This makes them more likely to find a weedline or artificial lure. They can be caught at speeds as high as ten knots.
Although the wahoo is a year-round species, the best fishing for it occurs from 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.
Feeding peak times
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. For example, the three days immediately before and after the Full Moon, and the New Moon are prime times for wahoo fishing. During peak times, trolling should be done at either a medium or high speed. If your boat is capable to handle the additional speed, you will be able catch a wahoo.
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. Wahoos average around 25 pounds in weight, with 50-pounders not uncommon. You can catch both large and small wahoos during this time.
It is best to go after wahoo between October and March. Because the water is cool, wahoo are more likely to bite during these months. 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
How deep should I cast my line?
Cast your line as deep as possible. Cast a line with your straight arm so the line doesn’t twist.
What is the average time it takes to become a professional fisherman?
You will need years of experience to become an expert fisherman. Learn new techniques, improve your skills and become a more skilled fisherman.
What kind of fishing license do I need?
You must have a fishing licence if you want to fish in state waters (e.g. lakes, rivers, or bays). Fishing licenses are required by law in every state. If you plan to fish in federal waters (i.e., oceans, Great Lakes, etc. ), you do not need a fishing license. You will need a fishing license if you plan to take fish home.
Statistics
- 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)
- 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)
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
External Links
How To
Find the Best Fishing Spot
You must decide what type of fish you want. This will help you find the best fishing spots. You should decide whether you want to go deep sea fishing or shallow water fishing. Deep sea fishing requires a boat, which costs money. Shallow water fishing is done from shore, so there's no cost involved. If you are looking to catch trout, shallow water fishing is your best choice. However, if you're looking for barracuda, you'll have to head out to deeper waters.
You can choose from many different kinds of fishing spots depending on your preferences. Some spots offer one type of fishing, while others offer several. For example, some places are known for their bass fishing while others specialize in fly fishing. Other locations are famous for their shark fishing and crabbing.
The best way for you to decide where to go is to consider your budget, what you want to do, and how long it will take. Do you enjoy camping? You might consider a location near a lake. Do you prefer the city? Maybe you prefer the ocean. Maybe you enjoy the beach, kayaking, canoeing or sailing.
It doesn't matter if you don’t know anything about fishing. You could always ask someone who does. They can tell you everything, even where to go.
You can even search online for fishing spots near you. This will give many options. It would be fantastic if you could narrow down the choices by reviewing ratings and reviews. This is possible on a variety of websites.
Once you have decided on a particular location, be sure to go there before you leave. You should always have the directions handy as sometimes it can take longer to get there than you expected. Be sure to have all you will need. Remember to bring your bait, tackle box, sunscreen, and sunblock!
It is also a good idea research the weather conditions at the fishing spot. Seek out the forecast to see the best times of day. You may need to modify your plans if the weather conditions change.
You can now plan your trip once you know where you are going. The next step in planning your trip is to choose what type of fish you are going to use.