If you're interested in trying your hand at wahoo fishing, you may be wondering about the different techniques and lures you can use to catch these huge fish. This article will explain the various habitats and water temperatures that these giants can be caught, as well as the different techniques you can use to catch them. For the best chance of catching a Wahoo-sized trophy, use the following information.
Water temperature
It is vital that the water temperature stays above a certain level when wahoo go offshore to feed. While structure is vital, water temperature plays an important role. In winter, the Gulf Stream temperatures average around 78°F. 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.
Northeasters have the highest water temperatures. Bait fishing may not be as efficient but jigging is an excellent option. I caught five wahoo in 2008 on an A47 diamond jig. The offshore buoys are another structure that is worth targeting. Trolling is another great method to make big money in New England waters. Finding the right temperature is key to catching a Wahoo.
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. Wahoo may not be attracted to temperature changes that are smaller. Wahoo can be caught in lower temperatures than the average temperature, but they are still quite common in certain areas. Be patient to catch the fish.
Although wahoo can be found all year round in the northern Atlantic ocean, the best water temperature to fish for them is between seventy-eighty and eighty degrees. While wahoo can be caught at as low as 68 degrees in the water, they are more likely to consume more food during cold weather and on rough days. Despite the varying temperatures, you can still catch these magnificent fish in Georgia blue water throughout the year.
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. This is why wahoo often get caught as bycatch in commercial fishing.
The warmest tropical waters around the world are home to the wahoo. Although solitary by nature, they do tend to gather in larger schools during mating season, delivering millions of eggs. They also spawn in broadcast mode, broadcasting their sperm and eggs into water to increase fertilization. They will spawn multiple times during the season, producing millions upon millions of gametes every year. Within the first year, the wahoo attains sexual maturity.
The Bahamas has great water clarity and deep reefs that attract huge numbers of Wahoo. November through March are the best times to spot a wahoo on the Bahamas. Charters are plentiful and the destination has a good selection of accommodations. Bimini is a popular destination for anglers in Florida because it is only 50 miles from Miami. You may find wahoo fishing more enjoyable in certain waters.
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 times during the year, especially in warm waters close to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. They can reach three to five feet in length and produce millions of eggs each year. The largest known specimen measured 8 feet 2 inches.
Techniques
There are several techniques to use when troll fishing for wahoo. Live bait is available, including mackerel, ballyhoo and mullet. While lures can be made out of many materials, they must be fast-trolling. Examples of lures include high-speed Wahoo trolling artificials and plugs. Make sure you choose a lure which trolls quickly, and that is bright.
Try to keep your trolling speed high when trolling for wahoo. This will help attract them. A slow trolling motion is good for smaller fish but vertical jigging works best in offshore waters. You should also be careful not to drag the lure too fast when casting it. Be sure to grab the fish as quickly and efficiently as you can.
When trolling for wahoo, troll at a speed of 12 to 14 knots. When trolling for wahoo, keep the line slightly bent and do not point the tip of the hook directly at the fish. The bent tip of the rod will absorb shock from a shakey Wahoo and increase your chances of hooking it. To ensure the fish lands on the hook, circle around at least twice after it hits.
Once the boat is calm, you can slowly pull the line. As this is the worst mistake, trolling should not allow the boat to drift out of its place. Otherwise, the Wahoo could jump to your boat and shake violently. Once it has reached the boat, keep it in gear. You want to make sure your line is tight so that the hook doesn't move. Trolling for wahoo is easier with a tighter line.
Lure selection
When choosing a lure to use on a wahoo fishing trip, there are many things you should consider. First, make sure you choose the right depth for your lure. This will depend upon the thickness of fishing line, trolling speed, as well the length and depth of the lure. The best colors to use include hot pink and bonito as well dorado and silver. Also, choose a heavy-duty lure such as the Iland Ilander, which is a 4.5-ounce lure. It is usually cast on a long rubber skirt using a double hook.
Vibration lures are also available. This type is both tough and inexpensive. Vibration lures are essential because wahoo can be aggressive and will bite at any speed. These lures are strong and durable so they can be used to fish in all conditions. In addition to being tough and affordable, they are easy to use and can be used in a variety of fishing situations.
While wahoo are usually solitary, some fishermen have encountered schooling schools of these fish, which can be challenging to work. Whaio prefer active baits that they can follow up to the surface, regardless of whether they are alone or in groups. These species are known to shadow larger floating items and often school up. A live baitkingfish rig is essential for wahoo-fishing. No. 6, with a length of 2 feet.
The bait's color is another important aspect to consider when choosing a wahoo fishing lure. While the fish prefer to feed on the surface during summer, soft plastic frogs are best suited for spawning. They also prefer darker colours to those of lighter hues. The color contrast and water clarity should be considered when choosing wahoo fishing lures. This will help you avoid being discouraged and tempted to throw away a perfectly good wahoo fishing lure.
Identifying a wahoo
Once you are familiar with the basic characteristics of the species, it is easy to identify a wahoo while fishing. Wahoos are among the fastest fish in the ocean. They are long and slim with a bright, blue body. Their teeth have a strong structure and are larger than those of a barracuda. Their tail is straight. 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.
Wahoo can be found around the world, and live in water as warm as 16 yards (14.6 meters) deep. Wahoos live in the water column and are considered pelagic fish. When they reach 50 pounds, wahoos are considered solitary hunters. They can school in groups of up to 100 fish. Regardless of size, you can use a variety of tools to identify a wahoo when fishing.
You can identify a wahoo by its sound when it is hooked. Although the wahoo is similar to a king mackerel in appearance, its body is much longer and narrower. It is a bright blue fish with a silver belly and a long, pointed dorsal fin. 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 make a great sport fishing catch and are highly prized in many parts. Wahoos are small but can reach good size making them popular for recreational fishery. They can take on light tackle with ease and are well-known for being fast fighters. Recreational fishermen often sell their wahoo catch due to their high price. Wahoo is a sought-after game fish. It is therefore important to understand the differences between different kinds of wahoo.
FAQ
What length is the perfect fishing rod length?
The type of fish you are trying to catch will determine the length of your fishing rod. If you're going for smallmouth bass, a 6'6" rod would be ideal. A 7'5" rod may be better if you are looking for largemouth bass.
What should you wear when fishing?
Wear clothes that protect you from the elements. Sunscreen, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen are all great options. Make sure to bring insect repellent.
What is the time it takes to catch a fish.
It all depends on the fish size and the skill 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.
How far should I be from the shore when fishing?
The further you are from the shore the more likely it is that you will catch fish. But, you also have a higher chance of getting wet.
What happens if I am caught illegally fishing?
You could face fines or jail time as well as losing your fishing permit. It is crucial to understand the rules before you fish.
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)
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
External Links
How To
Finding the Best Fishing Location
You must decide what type of fish you want. This will help you find the best fishing spots. You need to decide if you want deep sea fishing, or shallow water fishing. Deep sea fishing requires a boat. This is expensive. Shallow water fishing requires no boat and can be done from shore. You should choose shallow water fishing if you are interested in trout fishing. If you want to catch barracuda however, you will need to go deeper.
There are many fishing spots to choose from, depending on which type you prefer. Some spots offer one type of fishing, while others offer several. For example, certain places are famous for their bass fishing, while others have a specialization in fly fishing. Other locations are famous for their shark fishing and crabbing.
It all depends on what you enjoy doing, your budget and how long you plan to stay. Do you enjoy camping? If so, you might be interested in a spot near a lake. Are you more drawn to city life? Maybe you prefer the ocean. Maybe you enjoy the beach, kayaking, canoeing or sailing.
Even if fishing is not something you are familiar with, it's worth asking someone who does. They might be able to tell you all sorts of information, including where to fish.
You might also consider searching online for "fishing places near me". This will give you lots of ideas. You can narrow down your options by reading customer reviews and rating. Many websites allow you to do so.
Once you have selected a location to visit, it is important that you actually go there. 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. Don't forget your tackle box, bait, and sunscreen!
Research the weather conditions at your fishing spot is also an excellent idea. Seek out the forecast to see the best times of day. You may need to modify your plans if the weather conditions change.
Once you've decided where to go, you can begin planning your trip. The next step is to decide what kind of fish you will be using.