Here are some tips for wahoo fishing in North Carolina. These tips will help you get the best catch whether you fish offshore or with high-speed lures. And remember, there's no size limit for recreational catch of wahoo. As long as you have the right commercial licenses, it's no problem landing a trophy fish.
Offshore trolling
Offshore fishing for wahoo is best in the fall, especially in late August or early September. Wahoos start appearing in the waters surrounding Morehead City between mid and late August. Clear water with little to no current is the best for fishing. For offshore trolling, the best bait is a simple ballyhoo. Many other lures are also very popular, such as cedar sticks, Green Machines, or 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 water temperature and conditions for fishing are ideal for wahoo.
In spring and summer, wahoo is the primary target. But, other species can make an appearance depending on when the winter to spring transition occurs. The yellowfin and bluefin tuna have historically been the top targets in spring. But they are now absent. While some are caught, the numbers are low. 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 are the best bait for catching wahoo. The bait can be frozen, fresh or frozen and should be retrieved using 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 work well for both seafloor and surface fishing.
Wahoos tend to prefer deeper water, but they are also found in the sand. To attract wahoo strikes to your ballyhoo, you should choose a dark-colored ballyhoo. They can be aggressive and reach speeds of up to 30 mph in a matter of seconds. Ballyhoos have the ability to lure other species fish.
Ballyhoos are the most effective wahoo lures in the waters off North Carolina. Ballyhoos can be found in a wide range of colors and textures. A ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its own waters if it is fished properly. Ballyhoos make great wahoo bait. A planer rod is a good choice for a hard lure. You can invest in either a Yo-zuri Bonita (or a Braid Marauder). These lures come in many colors such as purple/black or pink/black.
A single-strand, coffee-colored stainless-steel wire leader is ideal for fishing for wahoo. The leader should be equipped with a bridle. Planers come in three to sixteen sizes, and rigging is important for success. Capt. Weaver also points out that wahoo is a common target. If you plan to target wahoo, you can rig a planer with an aide and a bridle to help you locate the sweet spot.
High-speed lures
A variety of high-speed trolling lures are ideal for targeting wahoo. These lures can be pulled using an inline trolling weight, and then placed on a planer or downrigger. When targeting big tuna or wahoo, dark colors are especially effective. These lures are strong and durable, so they can keep going even after you catch many fish. MagBay and Nomad are also manufacturers 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. Wahoos can reach speeds up to 60 mph while strike lures travel at an average speed of 18 mph. That is the speed of an average transiting lure in two to four foot waves. It is important to use heavy lures and high quality drag. Two people are required to gaff fish for maximum success.
The lip-plug is one of most popular types of 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 can also be run straighter as it is less likely that it will bend or kink. 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 like to be found in bottom formations that are aggressive, such as wrecks or ledges. These structures make the perfect habitat to wahoo because they tend to pile up beneath them. 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 aren't any baitfish or dolphins in the area, he should just leave it alone. To get to the wahoo he will need a fast-retrieve reel that has a 6-to-1 gear ratio. It is recommended to use a 4 to 6 ounce diamond jig and a Mustad 3407 double-strength hook. 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. Jigs should not be Butterfly-style - they have assist hooks at the top.
Water surface temperatures are cooler in cooler months. This increases the chance of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers water with current and cooler temperatures. Satellite imagery can monitor the temperature surface to determine if any slight changes will cause a higher level of Wahoo. 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
A few exceptions may exist in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo follow migratory patterns. They might migrate across the Atlantic via a number of areas: the Caribbean Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf of Mexico, the Western Atlantic and the Eastern Atlantic. These fish live in structures that are determined by currents, water temperature, and other factors.
Whalos are structure-oriented in fall. They like to be inshore and drop in 120 feet of seawater. These large fish are well-known for their razor sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends heavy singlestrand wire and an extremely heavy-duty fishing rod in order to catch one. Captains help anglers fish a wahoo by shifting the boat into and out of gear.
Whalos are bottom-based aggressive formations that like to hang around wrecks, pronounced ledges, and other types of weeds. They will often strike fast-moving baits. In North Carolina, they often linger near weedlines and debris. This makes them more likely to find a weedline or artificial lure. They can even be caught at speeds exceeding ten knots.
The best time to fish for wahoo is July through September, even though it's a year-round species. 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. You can trolling around wrecks and offshore humps to catch a few wahoo.
Feeding peak times
Although there are many times of year that wahoo fishing proves to be productive, there is a specific time of the month when it is at its best. 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 peak times, trolling should be done at either a medium or high speed. And as long as you have a boat that can handle the extra speed, you can expect to catch a wahoo.
When it comes to wahoo fishing, the most effective time is summer. These fish are best caught on the structures and ledges between Jupiter and Stuart Inlets. The average wahoo weights in at 25 to 25 pounds. However, there are often 50-pounders. This is the best time to catch a large or a small 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. Even though May's weather is unpredictable, it's generally the best month to light-tackle fish. 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
What kind of fishing license do I need?
You will need a fishing permit if your plan is to fish on state waters (i.e. the lakes, rivers and beaches). A valid fishing license is required by state law for anglers before they can fish. You must have a valid fishing license if you intend to fish in federal waters, such as the Great Lakes and oceans. A fishing license is not required. However, you will need to check with the authorities before you take any fish home.
How long does it take to catch fish?
It depends on the size of the fish and the skill level of the fisherman. The time it takes to catch a fish is anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. The more time you wait to catch a big fish the greater your chances of success.
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 to fish without any type of license. You can check with your local Fish & Wildlife office to find out what licensing is required.
Statistics
- 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)
- 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)
- Orvis, Simms, and Fishpond have been making some of the best packs and vests for a long time, and it seems like 90% of the anglers around the area use these brands. (troutandsteelhead.net)
External Links
How To
How do I clean my fishing equipment?
There are many cleaning options for fishing equipment. Some of these methods are very basic while others require more advanced techniques. The most common method is to use soap and water. After washing the item, rinse it thoroughly. You could end up with bacteria growth if you don't thoroughly rinse the item. If left untreated, this could cause a bad odor and worsening of infections. Drying the items thoroughly before placing them in storage is a good way to avoid this. Avoid touching the item's surface when cleaning. Touching something that is dirty can spread germs.
There are many other things you can do to improve your fishing gear, besides using soap and drinking water. You may need to use solvents or detergents that are specific to your gear. You should avoid certain substances, however, as they could cause damage to your goods. Bleach is one such thing. Bleach is known to dissolve plastic and metal, so you shouldn't ever use it to clean your fishing gear. Instead, you should use warm water and dishwashing liquid. Dishwashing liquids that are specifically designed for cleaning fish should be used only. Dishwashing detergents are formulated with enzymes and other chemicals to help dissolve organic materials like blood, slime, scales, and slime. 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. Many stores stock a variety of cleaners that are suitable for various purposes. Some of them are meant to deal with small amounts of grease, while others are intended to handle larger quantities. The one that best suits your needs is available.