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. There is no limit on recreational catch of wahoo. And as long as you're holding the appropriate commercial licenses, you'll have no problem landing a trophy fish.
Offshore trolling
Offshore trolling for wahoo fishing is best during the fall in North Carolina, particularly late August/early September. In mid to late August, wahoo start showing up in the waters near Morehead City. Fishing is best when there is little or no current. For offshore trolling, the best bait is a simple ballyhoo. You can also use cedar plugs or Green Machines as lures.
Whajoo are not afraid of boats, and they prefer baits fished just below the surface. This is a very common technique in the Bahamas, which has boats pulling artificials at speeds as high as twenty knots. Barracuda aren't a problem in the Carolinas. The ocean temperature rises and so does the wahoo. The conditions for fishing and the temperatures in the water are perfect for wahoo.
In the spring and fall, wahoo are the primary target. Other species may appear depending on the time of the winter-spring transition. Yellowfin tuna was the most sought-after species in spring in the past, but they have been absent in recent years. While some are caught, the numbers are low. The catch has been made even more rewarding by this. But if you're interested to learn more about high-speed trolling, you might like to see the tactics of five highly skilled captains.
Ballyhoos
Ballyhoos, the best bait, are ideal for catching wahoo. You can freeze the bait or use it fresh. The best way to retrieve the bait is with 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 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. Ballyhoos should be of a dark color to attract strikes from wahoo. They are extremely aggressive and can move at lightning speed. Ballyhoos can also be used to lure other species of fish.
Ballyhoos are the most effective wahoo lures in the waters off North Carolina. Ballyhoos come with a variety colors and textures. A ballyhoo is capable of catching wahoo in the waters it inhabits if fished correctly. Ballyhoos are a great bait for wahoo. A planer rod is a good choice for a hard lure. You can invest in either a Yo-zuri Bonita (or a Braid Marauder). They are available in many different colors, such as pink/black and purple/black.
A single-strand stainless steel wire leader in coffee-colored stainless will be a good choice for fishing for wahoo. The leader should be equipped with a bridle. The sizes of planers range from three to sixteen, and the importance of rigging for success is paramount. Capt. Weaver also noted that wahoo are a common target. You can target wahoo by rigging a planer using a bridle.
High-speed lures
For chasing wahoo, a variety of high-speed trolling lures is ideal. These high-speed lures may be pulled with an inner trolling weight and put on a downrigger. For big tuna and wahoo, the dark colors work well. They are also very durable and will continue to run even after they catch a lot of fish. MagBay is another manufacturer of high-speed trolling lures.
These fish love a high-speed trolling lure because it can be quickly taken to the best fishing spots. Wahoo can run at speeds of 60 mph and strike lures at 18 miles per hour. This is the average speed of a transiting lure traveling at two to four feet per second. You should therefore use heavy lures that have quality drag. For maximum success, two people are recommended to gaff the fish.
The lip plug is a popular type of high-speed lure. These lures usually have wire or cable rigged to them. Unfortunately, this method can break the line when the lure gets bent, so it's best to invest in a multi-strand cable. This wire can also be run straighter as it is less likely that it will bend or kink. Clips are also useful for changing lures quickly.
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. Another great spot to target this fish is floating debris. It often works well beneath these obstacles. Floating debris is also a great way to find these magnificent fish in their 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.
The water surface temperature drops in the cooler months, which increases the chances of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers cooler water and areas with current. Use satellite imagery to monitor surface temperature to determine whether any small changes in the temperature will bring in a higher concentration of Wahoo. As the water temperature decreases, fish populations are more likely to migrate to these areas. These areas offer the best fishing conditions.
Structure
It is possible that the structure of North Carolina's Wahoo fishing fleet may be an anomaly in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo tend to travel in 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 a structure determined by currents and water temperatures.
Whalos have a structure-oriented fall. They are attracted to inshore lumps and drops of up to 120 feet. 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. The captain assists anglers fishing wahoo by moving the boat around and helping them stay in the right gear.
Whalos, which are aggressive bottom formations, like to hang around wrecks, pronounced edges, and other weedlines. They will often strike fast-moving baits. They can often be found near weedlines in North Carolina. This means that they are more likely to strike a weedline or an artificial lure. They can be caught at speeds of up 10 knots.
The best fishing season for the wahoo can be found from July to September. These fish prefer warmer Gulf Stream temperatures, and North Carolina has a lot of options for wahoo fishermen looking to find them. To locate a few, you could trot around wrecks or offshore humps.
Feeding peak times
Although there are many times throughout the year when wahoo-fishing is most productive, there are a few peak times during the month that are particularly productive. Three days before and after the Full Moon as well as the New Moon are prime times to go wahoo fishing. These are the best times to trot at normal or high speeds. A boat capable of handling this extra speed will allow you to catch a wahoo.
Summer is the best period to fish for wahoo. The best time to target these fish is on the ledges and structure between the Jupiter and Stuart inlets. The average wahoo weighs about 25 pounds. But, 50-pounders are not uncommon. During prime time you will be able catch both a large and a smaller wahoo.
From October to March, wahoo are most at their best. These months are cooler than normal, which makes wahoo more inclined to bite. May is a great time to light-tackle fish, even though the weather can change quickly. If you're planning a trip during this time, the best bait for wahoo is blue-crystal. You can still fish for big fish in the late April and early mai, though.
FAQ
Can I fish during the day or night?
You can, but it is important to make sure that artificial light is used. Artificial lights are used by fishermen to attract fish. They are most effective after the sun sets, when fish are more active.
What is your favorite bait for freshwater-fishing?
Live shrimp is the best bait available for freshwater fisherman. Shrimp are inexpensive, easy to catch, and taste great!
What size should my tackle box be
You will need ample storage space for all your fishing gear so a large tacklebox is important. The number of items inside a tackle box will determine its size.
Statistics
- 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)
- 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)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
External Links
How To
How to perfectly cast a fishing rod
First, you need to know how to cast a fishing line. To ensure that the rod is parallel to ground, it should be held at an angle. As you move the rod forward, ensure that the rod tip is perpendicular with the water's surface. If the tip hits the water's surface before the line reaches the bottom, the fish won't bite. This technique can be used to increase distance between the tip and water surface.
Here are some tips to help you cast a rod confidently.
Begin by holding the rod close to your chest. This will allow you to control the rod's movement without having to bend.
If you are casting a large rod, it is a good idea to put a tripod on the shoreline. This will allow you secure your rod and reel while keeping it in place.
You might also consider purchasing a small reel rather than an expensive one. A cheap spinning reel will allow you to cast longer distances and will help you develop good hand-eye coordination.
A fishing pole holder might be another option. These holders are made to securely hold the rod while maintaining its upright position. They are easy to store after use and protect the rod against damage.
Fifth, practice your casting technique until you feel comfortable with the motion. Casting a fishing line takes practice.
Sixth, patience will be your key to successful fishing. Waiting for the right moment to strike is key to successful fishing. Then, work hard to get the fish in.