You may be interested in learning more about wahoo fishing and the various lures that you can use to catch these massive fish. In this article, you'll learn about the different habitats and water temperatures, as well as various techniques to use when catching these giants. To maximize your chances of catching a Wahoo trophy-size, the following information will assist you in choosing the right lures and fishing techniques.
Water temperature
The water temperature will be crucial for wahoo when they move offshore to get their food. While structure is vital, water temperature plays an important role. The Gulf Stream temperatures stay constant at 78 degrees in winter. During these months, wahoo are spread throughout coastal waters searching for the warm water of the mid 70s, where they'll find abundant forage. Wahoo are extremely mobile and can travel long distances when looking for food.
The Northeast has the highest water temperatures. Bait fishing is less effective than jigging in unspoilt areas, but it is still a viable option. An A47 diamond jig caught five wahoo in 2008. Other structures worth targeting are offshore buoys. Trolling is another way to reap big rewards in New England waters. But the key to catching a wahoo is to find the right temperature.
On a stretch of half-mile of water, temperatures can range from twenty-two to thirty-two degrees. In ideal conditions, the temperature gradient would be between six to seven degrees. However, wahoo might not be attracted to a temperature change that is less than six to seven degrees. Wahoo can be caught in lower temperatures than the average temperature, but they are still quite common in certain areas. To catch the fish you will need patience.
Wahoo can be found in the northern Atlantic all year, but the ideal water temperature for wahoo fishing is between seventy to eighty degrees. While it's been recorded that wahoo have been caught at water temperatures as low as 68 degrees, they are most likely to feed deeper during cold weather or on rough days. These fish are still available in Georgia blue water all year, despite the fluctuating temperatures.
Habitats
While wahoo have wide ranges, they remain concentrated in the same areas. The fish spend most of their time above the thermocline in the epipelagic zone. This is the uppermost layer of ocean water where the epipelagic zone is constantly interacting with waves, wind and other natural forces. It is home to temperatures ranging from 600 to 860°F. The result is that wahoo can be caught in commercial fisheries frequently as bycatch.
The warmest tropical waters around the world are home to the wahoo. They are typically solitary but can be found in large groups when mating season approaches. To increase fertilization chances, they also broadcast sperm and eggs to the water column. They will spawn several times in a season, producing millions each year. Within the first year, the wahoo attains sexual maturity.
The Bahamas is home to a large population of Wahoo, thanks to its clear waters and deep reefs. November to March are the best months to hunt wahoos in Bahamas. Charters are abundant and there is a great selection of accommodations. Bimini, which is located just 50 miles north of Miami, is very popular with Florida anglers. However, some waters offer more opportunities for wahoo fishing.
Wahoo fish reproduce by broadcast spawning. This means that the male and female simultaneously release eggs, increasing the probability of fertilization. It also reduces the chance that the eggs will be eaten. These fish are capable of reproducing multiple time throughout the year, especially in warm water near the Gulf of Mexico. They can grow up to three to five foot in length, and can produce millions of eggs every year. The longest known specimen was 8 feet 2 inches.
Techniques
There are many methods to troll fish for Wahoo. Live bait is available, including mackerel, ballyhoo and mullet. Although lures can be made from many different materials, you need them to troll quickly. You can use plugs or high-speed Wahoo trolling artificials as lures. You should choose a lure that trolls quickly and is bright.
Try to keep your trolling speed high when trolling for wahoo. This will help attract them. Although a slower trolling motion may catch smaller fish, vertical Jigging is the best method to catch wahoo in offshore water. Also, don't drag the lure to fast when casting it. Always retrieve the fish as soon possible.
When trolling for wahoo, troll at a speed of 12 to 14 knots. Keep the line bent when trolling for wahoo. Do not point the tip directly at the fish. A bent rod tip will absorb the shock of a shaky Wahoo, which will increase your chance of hooking it. To ensure the fish lands on the hook, circle around at least twice after it hits.
Once the boat has settled, pull slowly the line. This is the most serious mistake you can make when trolling. Otherwise, the Wahoo could jump to your boat and shake violently. Keep the boat in gear until the Wahoo reaches your boat. This will allow you to keep your line tight so it doesn't shake the hook. Trolling for wahoo requires you to keep your line tight.
Selection of lures
There are many things to consider when selecting a lure for a trip with wahoo fishermen. The first is to choose the right running depth for the lure. This will depend on the thickness of the fishing line, the speed of the trolling, and the length of the lure. The best colors are dorado, bonito, silver, and hot pink. Make sure to use a heavy-duty lure. It is usually cast over a long rubber skirt with a double hook rig.
A vibration lure is also an option. This type of lure is tough and fairly inexpensive. Vibration lures should be a necessity because wahoo are aggressive, and can bite at different trolling speeds. Because these lures are extremely durable, they are also perfect for fishing in various conditions. In addition to being tough and affordable, they are easy to use and can be used in a variety of fishing situations.
Although wahoo can only be found in solitary environments, some fishermen have encountered schools of these fish that are more cooperative than solitary. They prefer active bait that they follow to the surface regardless of whether they're solitary or group. These species are known to shadow larger floating items and often school up. You should have a kingfish rig with live bait for wahoo fishing. A wire leader should not exceed no. 6, with a length of 2 feet.
When choosing a wahoo fishing lure, another important factor is the color. Soft plastic frogs, while they are more comfortable eating on the surface during the summer, are better suited to spawning. They also prefer darker colors over light colors. The color contrast and water clarity should be considered when choosing wahoo fishing lures. This will prevent you from being discouraged or tempted to throw out a perfectly good wahoo fishing lure.
Identifying a wahoo
It is easy to identify a wahoo while fishing if you understand the basic traits of this species. Wahoos are one of the fastest fish in all the ocean. They are long and slim with a bright, blue body. Their teeth are strong, long and sturdy. Their tail is curly. The head is a deep, brilliant silver color and usually has three stripes - tiger stripes, silver, and blue - that flow down to the belly and sometimes join together. One or both of the stripes might be missing in a wahoo.
Wahoos can be found all over the globe and can live in warm water up to 16 feet (14.6 meters). Wahoos live in the water column and are considered pelagic fish. While wahoos school in schools of up to 100 fish, they are solitary hunters when they reach over 50 pounds. Fishing with wahoos can be done using a variety tools, regardless of their size.
The most common way to identify a wahoo when fishing is to listen for its shriek when you first hook it. The wahoo appears similar to a queen mackerel, however its body is longer than the king mackerel. It is a bright, blue fish with a pointed dorsal tip and a silver belly. Wahoos are among the fastest and most powerful fish in the sea, and they can weigh as much as 75 pounds. Knowing the characteristics of wahoos makes it easy to identify them when fishing. This will also help you avoid mistakingly hooking another fish.
Wahoos can be a valuable sport fishing catch in many areas of the world. Wahoos are small but can reach good size making them popular for recreational fishery. They are very fast fighters on light tackle and are renowned for their impressive speed. The high price of wahoo can lead to recreational fisherman selling their catch. The wahoo, a highly sought-after game fish, is worth learning the differences between various types.
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, you need to learn about the different types of fish in your area. You also need to know where they like to hang out to find them. After you've identified the best areas to search for fish, practice casting. This is when you learn how to cast a lure from the air, and then let it fall onto the surface of water. Practice makes perfect!
To fish, do we need a pole?
Yes. A bobber helps keep the bait in place when you fish. The bobber has two parts: the float and the line. To cast a lure, attach the hook to one end of the line. Then, pull the rod out and release the line. The lure could sink to the bottom if you don't have a bobber. This makes it harder for fish to take the bait.
How do you bait your hooks?
Attach a piece of meat to your hook to bait it. You can then tie the meat around one eye of your hook.
How often should my lures be changed?
Every few days, lures should be changed. After being exposed to the sun for too long, lures lose their effectiveness.
Statistics
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- 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)
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.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)
External Links
How To
Why would you need a spinning rod?
The spinning rod is useful when you need to throw your lure in the water and not have to get out of the boat. It's a great choice if you don't want to lose too much time getting back into the boat after every cast. The spinning rod allows you to cast from any angle and still have control over your line. The rod consists of three main components: the handle and the reel seat. The handle is used to hold the rod, and the shaft. Attach the rod's end to the hook in the butt area. The reel seat holds the line to which it is attached. There are many types of rods today. Some rods are made for fishing specific techniques, like trolling or casting. Others are designed to be used for various purposes, including fly fishing, spin fishing, bait fishing, etc.
The type of fish you intend to catch will determine the type of rod that you choose. If you want to target large predatory species, such as bass and pike, then you will need a heavier-duty rod. A lighter-weight rod might work best if you were targeting smaller species like trout or salmon. You could even get multiple rod sizes to match the size of the fish that you wish to catch.
Spinning Rods are not limited to just freshwater fishing. They can also be used for saltwater fishing. Saltwater spinningrods are heavier than their freshwater counterparts. They require stronger materials in order to withstand saltwater. Saltwater spinners are more likely to use a longer length rod and have a wider diameter. This allows them cast farther distances. You should be aware that saltwater fishing can have its drawbacks. Saltwater spinning reels come without reels, which is a big difference from freshwater rods. Instead, one must be purchased separately. They can also be very expensive. If you are interested in catching larger fish, a spinning rod might be worth looking at.
A method of fishing that involves using a spinning rod and a weighted lure to cast into the water is called spin fishing. The weighted center of the lure turns as the lure moves through water. The lure will move in a erratic manner, making it hard for fish to recognize the lure. The lure could also be mistaken for food by fish and they may begin to eat it. It will then attract more fish to the lure. The line attached the lure can then be reeled by the fisherman. After the lure has been recovered, the fisherman will be able to reel in the line until he captures the desired amount of fish.