Here are some tips to help you make the most of your wahoo fishing trip to North Carolina. Whether you're fishing from an offshore trolling boat or using one of the many high-speed lures, the following information will help you find the best catch. The recreational catch limit of wahoo is not set. And as long as you're holding the appropriate commercial licenses, you'll have no problem landing a trophy fish.
Offshore trolling
The best time to go offshore trolling for wahoo fishing in North Carolina is during the fall, especially 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. For offshore trolling, a ballyhoo rigged plainly is a good choice of bait. There are many other lures available, such as cedar plugs, Green Machines and Wahoo Whackers.
Whajoo are not afraid of boats, and they prefer baits fished just below the surface. This technique is very popular in the Bahamas, where boats are pulling artificials at speeds up to twenty knots. Barracuda aren't a problem in the Carolinas. As the ocean temperature rises, so do 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. The timing of the transition from winter to spring determines when other species are likely to make an appearance. Yellowfin tuna has been the top target for spring fish in the past. However, in recent years they have been absent. Although some fish are caught, their numbers are very low. This has made the catch more satisfying. 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, the best bait, are ideal for catching wahoo. You can freeze the bait, or you can retrieve it fresh using a trolling-size Jhook. The hook itself should be positioned so that the wire pin is in line with the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos make great surface and seafloor fisherman.
Wahoos usually prefer the deeper water column but can be found on the sand as well as in the water. To attract wahoo strikes, ballyhoos should have a dark colored body. They are aggressive and can reach incredible speeds within seconds. Ballyhoos also work well in luring other types fish.
Ballyhoos, the most effective wahoo baits in North Carolina waters, are best. Ballyhoos comes in many different colors and textures. If properly fished, a ballyhoo may catch wahoo right in its natural waters. Ballyhoos can also be used as wahoo bait. If you have a planer rod, you will want to invest in a hard lure, such as a Yo-zuri Bonita or a Braid Marauder. They come in many colors, including purple/black and pink/black.
A single-strand, coffee-colored stainless-steel wire leader is ideal for fishing for wahoo. A bridle should be attached on the leader. The sizes of planers range from three to sixteen, and the importance of rigging for success is paramount. Capt. Weaver also mentions that wahoo can be 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 may be pulled with an inner trolling weight and put on a downrigger. When targeting big tuna or wahoo, dark colors are especially effective. These lures can also be durable and continue running even after catching many 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 hit speeds of 60 mph with strike lures travelling at 18 MPH. 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. Gaffing the fish should be done by two people for maximum success.
One of the most common types of high-speed lures is the lip plug. These lures are typically rigged with wire or cable. This can cause the lure to become bent and break the line. It is best to buy a multi-stranded cable. This wire is also less likely be bent or kinked, so it can run straighter. To make it easier to change lures, you can use a clip.
Floating debris
This is a great area to hunt this trophy fish. Whajoo will only eat wrecks, ledges, or floating debris as their preferred bottom habitat. These structures provide the perfect habitat for wahoo, who tend to stack up underneath these items. 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 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 reach the wahoo, he should use a fast reel with a 6-to-1 speed ratio. A 4 to 6 ounce, diamond jig is recommended with a Mustad 3407 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. Butterfly-style Jigs are not recommended. They have help hooks at the tip.
Water surface temperatures are cooler in cooler months. This increases the chance of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers to live in cooler waters and areas that have current. Satellite imagery can be used to monitor the temperature of the surface to determine if there are any temperature changes that could lead to a higher Wahoo concentration. As the water temperature decreases, fish populations are more likely to migrate to these areas. This time is when fishing in these areas can be at its best.
Structure
It is possible that the structure of North Carolina's Wahoo fishing fleet may be an anomaly in the Gulf of Mexico. 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. The structure that these fish inhabit is based on currents and water temperature.
Whalos have a structure-oriented fall. They are attracted to inshore lumps and drops of up to 120 feet. This large fish is known for their razor-sharp jaws. Hagerich suggests heavy single-strand wire and heavy-duty rods to capture 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 prefer to strike fast-moving lures. They will often remain near weedlines and trash in North Carolina. They are more likely than others to be caught near weedlines or artificial lures. They can even be caught at speeds exceeding ten knots.
The best times to fish for the wahoo are July through September. The fish prefer warm Gulf Stream waters and North Carolina's wahoo fishing structure will provide plenty of opportunities to catch them. To find a few wahoo, trolling offshore wrecks or humps is a good option.
Peak hours feeding
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. 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 of year to go wahoo fishing. 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. 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. This is because the water temperature stays cool, making it more likely that wahoo will bite. May is a great time to light-tackle fish, even though the weather can change quickly. 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 do I bait my hooks
Attach a piece of meat to your hook to bait it. You can then tie the meat around one eye of your hook.
What kind of fishing gear do I need?
A rod, reel line, hooks, line, bait, tackle box and some snacks. If you want to catch fish, you should know how to cast, rig up a hook, and use a bobber. The most important thing is patience and waiting for the right moment to strike.
Are there different types?
Yes, there are many kinds of lures. Some lures are designed specifically for certain species of fish. Others mimic insects, grasshoppers and frogs. Lures come in many sizes and shapes. Some lures look like real bugs.
Statistics
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.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
How to Cast a Fishing Rod Easily
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. When you start moving the rod forward, keep the tip of the rod perpendicular to the surface of the water. The fish will not bite if the tip touches the water's surface prior to the line reaching the bottom. This technique will increase the distance between the rod's tip and the water surface.
If you don't feel comfortable casting a rod yet, here are some tips to make it easier.
The first thing you should do is to hold the rod at your chest. This way, you can easily control the rod's direction without bending down.
A tripod can be placed on the shoreline, or on a rock ledge, to cast a heavy rod. You can rest the rod securely, while also holding the reel.
You might also consider purchasing a small reel rather than an expensive one. A spinning reel that is inexpensive will enable you to cast further distances and improve your hand-eye coordination.
Fourth, you might also consider buying a fishing pole holder. These holders are made to securely hold the rod while maintaining its upright position. These holders are easy to store and protect your rod from damage.
Fifth, practice casting until the motion becomes natural. Casting a fishing rod takes practice.
Sixth, patience is the key to successful fishing. Waiting for the right moment to strike is key to successful fishing. Then, work hard to get the fish in.